Category: Consumer Columnists

There is never the perfect time to think about who you would like to inherit from your estate in case you pass away or at least who among your closest…

This is a common question among people contemplating divorce in California when the other spouse does not live in the state.  The California Courts has the power to grant a…

Dear Attorney Tan, I was driving home and was at a complete stop when another driver rear ended my car.  I was not feeling well after the accident, as my…

Unlawful actions committed by separate business entities that perform  employment-related tasks on behalf of an employer can be held equally liable for  discrimination. This rule was made clear in a…

When a married couple decides to divorce in California, one of the most significant issues they will face is dividing their assets and debts. If the couple owns a business…

IN a recently-concluded federal case an employer’s retaliatory conduct in Georgia, turned an  unpaid wage bill of $915 into approximately $40,000 in liability, illustrating precisely what an  employer should not…

When a married couple decides to divorce in California, one of the most significant issues they will face is dividing their assets and debts. If the couple owns a business…

California Family Code section 4504 allows a noncustodial parent to be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of federal government payments they are receiving on behalf of…

Pablo, a hardworking Filipino mechanic and naturalized U.S. citizen,, worked in Los Angeles  for 23 years and earned enough to retire. However, he was persuaded by an insurance agent to …

Establishing parentage rights for Moms is a lot easier than establishing one for unmarried Dads.  Moms can establish this by simply showing proof of her having given birth to the…

IF you’ve watched the news lately, you’ve probably seen the shocking videos of  smash-and-grab mobs stealing merchandise from some high-end stores. The news media  have been playing these eye-catching videos…

IF you have an existing child support or spousal support obligation (court order) and your income decreases or even worst if you are laid off from your job causing a…

You may not be paid wages for all hours worked  You may not notice, but some employers round down work hours and pay lesser  wages for hours other than those…

Many reading this may be surprised to learn that domestic workers are not  protected by the important workplace health and safety laws applicable to other California employees. A new law…

There is never the perfect time to think about who you would like to inherit from your estate in case you pass away or at least who among your closest…

This is what I call a borderline Chapter 7 case with asset. Therefore, it is the better part of caution not to file Chapter 7 because the asset may be…

Q: I WAS recently diagnosed with an illness that will require surgery and weeks of  recovery. I’m worried about my job and someone suggested I should inform my employer and…

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…

IN the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “ ….all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired…

Recent decisions from California courts remind us that California’s employee  protections apply in this work-from-home era we’ve found ourselves in since Covid. When California issued its March 19, 2020 stay-at-home…

I just finished attending the telephonic bankruptcy hearing with my client recently and am reminded of his bankruptcy saga over the last 12 years. Client is married and 82 years…

Q: I AM a trained electrician from the Philippines but I do not have a license here in  California. I have worked on projects for my company for almost 5…

When a married couple decides to divorce in California, one of the most significant issues they will face is dividing their assets and debts. If the couple owns a business…

The honest debtor is the only debtor who can get a discharge in bankruptcy. But who is an honest debtor? If we go by layman’s definition just to get an…

Courts protect identity of undocumented employee A recent decision from the California Supreme Court reminds us that employee protections found in California law apply to ALL employees, without regard for…

Client owns a restaurant that survived the pandemic with take-outs. The commercial lease for the restaurant is in the name of client. Client is the sole proprietor of the restaurant. Client…

Thinking about one’s demise is not something people want to spend time thinking about.  However reality is that we all have to face this one day.  It is just a…

Q: I work part-time as a caregiver for a family, taking care of a senior in their house  overnight. I start work Tuesday nights at 10:30 p.m. and stay until…

Client is a young senior. At 65, in my book, she’s a young senior. She has been living by herself since she divorced 20 years ago. Her adult children have…

IN a recently-concluded federal case an employer’s retaliatory conduct in Georgia, turned an  unpaid wage bill of $915 into approximately $40,000 in liability, illustrating precisely what an  employer should not…