Primary vs Contingent Beneficiary
When it comes to estate planning, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is designating your beneficiaries. By identifying who will receive your assets and property after your passing, you can provide for your loved ones and ensure your legacy lives on. Within the realm of beneficiary
What’s the Difference Between an Heir and a Beneficiary?
When it comes to real estate and estate planning, it’s important to know the difference between heirs and beneficiaries. Although these terms may seem similar, they have distinct roles and rights that can greatly affect how property is divided and inherited. Understanding the dissimilarity between heirs and beneficiaries
Los Angeles Rent Control Laws
As a landlord in Los Angeles, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the rent control laws that went into effect in 2023. These laws have been put in place to strike a balance between the interests of tenants and landlords, aiming to ensure housing affordability
Understanding Prescriptive Easement In California
Have you ever wondered how someone can gain the right to use another person’s property without permission? Well, in California, it’s all about prescriptive easements. But what exactly is a prescriptive easement? Simply put, it’s a legal concept that allows individuals to acquire certain rights over someone else’s
What to Do When a Tenant Breaks the Lease Agreement
Lease agreements are the backbone of property management, and it is vital that they are drafted and enforced correctly. When a tenant broke a lease agreement, it is necessary to take prompt action to best mitigate losses. Whether you are a seasoned property manager learning California tenant law
Legal Considerations Every Small Business Owner Should Know
Many legal considerations must be taken into account when starting or growing a business. Whether you are starting a new venture or growing a side gig into a thriving business, the decisions you make now determine the future of your business. Business structures, licensing, taxes, and employees are
California Foreclosure Process
As a homeowner in California, understanding the foreclosure process can be vital to protect your homeownership. Unfortunately, life can be unpredictable, and unexpected financial setbacks can cause homeowners to fall behind on their mortgage payments. When that happens, the bank or lender can initiate the foreclosure process to
Do I Need a Merger and Acquisition Lawyer in California?
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) is a complex process that involves combining two or more companies to form a new entity or the acquisition of one company by another. It is a major business strategy for companies looking to expand their operations and increase their market share. However, the
How Does Business Escrow Work in California?
In a purchase transaction, an escrow arrangement is usually used to protect both the buyer and seller. The escrow agent’s responsibility is to ensure that the funds and property involved in a transaction are being exchanged as agreed, based on certain pre-agreed conditions. The escrow agreement’s main objective
Breach of Fiduciary Duty California
A breach of fiduciary duty in California happens when an individual or entity is in a position of trust and fails to act in their client’s best interests. In California, the responsibility for proving a breach of fiduciary duty falls on the plaintiff (i.e. beneficiary, ward, advisee, client).
Construction Defect Claims in California: Understanding Your Options
Construction defect laws in California can be somewhat confusing, especially to homeowners new to the process. The original California New Home Warranty law that was added to the state code is there to protect homeowners. However, another law commonly referred to as SB800 requires a specific pre-litigation process
Joint Property Ownership Disputes in California
Joint property ownership in California is when two or more people own a property together. Each joint owner holds an equal stake in the property. This stake comes with both rights and responsibilities. Unfortunately, joint property ownership outside of marriage often results in disputes, even when joint owners
Statute of Frauds in California: Examples of Breach of Contract
The Statute of Frauds in California is a section of the state civil code that details when a contract must be in writing, as well as what a written agreement must include. This statute requires most contracts to be in writing to be valid, with only a few
Tenancy in Common in California: Types of Co-Ownership
Many people confuse joint tenancy with tenancy in common in California. These are sometimes referred to as joint interest or interest in common in relation to real property. A tenancy in common agreement can be an important estate planning tool. Here are the differences between joint interest and
Lis Pendens in California: Critical Do’s & Don’ts
Lis Pendens under California law is a Notice of Pendency Action that is filed with the county recorder when there is a lawsuit affecting the title of real property. While not all litigation involving real property claims require lis pendens to be filed, it is accepted as long
Intestate Succession in California: Everything You Need to Know
Intestate Succession is a probate process used to distribute property and assets when there is no will on record in California, or when assets and property have not been assigned in the will on file. When you die without a will, some or all of your assets will
