Category: Consumer Columnists

QUESTION: I owe a lot in back taxes. I’m constantly getting threatening letters from the IRS. This has become a big problem that I have no idea how to solve….

LIFE happens. Sometimes even the best laid plans can go wrong. How do you respond when this happens to you?  Do you easily give up when you’re overwhelmed?  Remaining calm…

Generally, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under family code section 770 while those acquired after marriage are considered community assets under…

The high cost of living in California and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state.  The most common states that people move…

Life happens. Sometimes even the best laid plans can go wrong. How do you respond when this happens to you?  Do you easily give up when you’re overwhelmed?  Remaining calm…

The high cost of living in California and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state.  The most common states that people move…

A NOTICE of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) is a public record filed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with the County Recorder where you live. When the IRS wants to…

INDIVIDUALS who have accumulated excessive debt are often left to ponder whether they should file bankruptcy to get out of debt.  Sometimes, these people feel that somehow, they’ve lost, failed,…

YOU and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life.  Finally, time heals all pain. …

BEING in debt and doing nothing about it can have more serious consequences than you think. First, it can impact your financial future. Uncontrolled debt can deprive you the opportunity…

THE purpose of spousal support is not defined by the legislature in that its purpose varies according to the facts and circumstances of each case.  The facts and circumstances of…

THE purpose of spousal support is not defined by the legislature in that its purpose varies according to the facts and circumstances of each case.  The facts and circumstances of…

A recent $20 million award reflects a jury’s clear displeasure with an employer’s refusal to  allow a disabled employee a simple accommodation: to sit during his work shift to alleviate…

A lot of attention has been focused on so-called “junk fees,” hidden fees that often  take consumers by surprise in the final stages of a transaction. A new law from…

ARE you sick and tired of being in debt and having bad credit? Do you want to start over but simply don’t know where to begin? Is filing bankruptcy an…

Couples that are going through the divorce process in California should understand that the Family Code and the Family Courts requires that they provide complete and accurate disclosure to the…

IRS problems have a way of ruining all aspects of your life. They can take a toll on you financially, emotionally, and physically. When you owe the IRS, you’re always…

IT is a good idea to review your existing revocable trust if the terms and provisions are still current. A revocable living trust is a cornerstone of a comprehensive estate…

ARE you sick and tired of being in debt and having bad credit? Do you want to start over but simply don’t know where to begin? Is filing bankruptcy an…

IT is a good idea to review your existing revocable trust if the terms and provisions are still current. A revocable living trust is a cornerstone of a comprehensive estate…

A lot of attention has been focused on so-called “junk fees,” hidden fees that often  take consumers by surprise in the final stages of a transaction. A new law from…

IS the government after you for unpaid IRS taxes that you cannot afford to pay? Do you get sick to your stomach not knowing what the government will do next to…

IF the divorcing parties are both reasonable in their expectations in resolving their family law case and if they don’t think involving lawyers in their divorce case early on would be…

IS the government after you for unpaid IRS taxes that you cannot afford to pay?  Do you get sick to your stomach not knowing what the government will do next…

THIS coming year offers new legislation that are beneficial to working men and women in California. Minimum wage increase Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in California will increase…

IF the divorcing parties are both reasonable in their expectations in resolving their family law case and if they don’t think involving lawyers in their divorce case early on would be…

AS the year end comes near, divorcing parties begin to plan for how they will file their taxes for this year. Consider the common divorce scenario where the divorce judgment…

AS the year end comes near, divorcing parties begin to plan for how they will file their taxes for this year. Consider the common divorce scenario where the divorce judgment…

Q: I AM a marketing executive with decades of experience. I am very good at my job and was  promoted almost 2 years ago to a director position at my…

IF the divorcing parties are both reasonable in their expectations in resolving their family law case and if they don’t think involving lawyers in their divorce case early on would be…