RECENT POSTS
Lessons in Commercial Lease Charges: Incorrect Estimates Could Lead to Fraud Claims
Real Estate Litigation Attorney by Nicholas Kanter 818-907-3289 A recent decision from the California Court of Appeals should give commercial landlords pause before providing estimated common area maintenance charges (CAM) and other lease expenses to prospective tenants.
Bad Pennies: Financial Arguments Top Predictor of Divorce
Spousal Support Attorney by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 Money. According to a recent study at Kansas State University (KSU), arguments about finance are top ranking predictors of divorce. The actual causes of divorce are a
Creating a Living Trust Makes (Dollars and) Sense
“How much will it cost?” For estate planning attorneys, this is usually the follow-up question we’re asked after “Do I need a Trust or Will?” After discussing a prospective client’s estate planning needs, some are
Mmmmm…Donuts – Slam Dunkin’ a Sweet Opportunity for Franchisees?
State Bar Certified Specialist, Franchise & Distribution Lawby Tal Grinblat 818.907.3284 Some say it’s the coffee. Others say it’s a fresh, hip menu and new look to go with the old favorites. Whatever the case,
Maximizing Annual Gifts
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 Individuals with estates that are valued over the Federal estate tax exemption ($5,250,000 in 2013) should consider making annual gifts to their family now so
How Does the DOMA Ruling Affect Estate Planning?
Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney by Kira S. Masteller 818.907.3244 The United States Supreme Court’s ruling on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on June 26, declaring the definition of marriage as
Wacky Employee Claims: Reasonable Accommodations for Unreasonable Requests?
As an employment defense attorney, I often think I’ve heard it all: every conceivable employee complaint, late-to-work excuse, and “reasonable” accommodation request. Still, from time to time, I come across an employee claim that surprises
Tony Soprano’s Run In With the Tax Man
Many of us who were fans of the HBO show about a fictional New Jersey mafia family, The Sopranos, and actor James Gandolfini in particular (who played mob boss Tony Soprano), were shocked and
Post-DOMA for Employers
With the dust just settling on Wednesday’s ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, and Proposition 8 federal court opinions, now is the time for employers to consider the potential impact on their
Prop 8 and DOMA: Where Do We Stand Now?
Divorce Attorney by Vanessa Soto Nellis 818.907.3274 In two 5-4 decisions this morning, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a Proposition 8 appeal that denied same-sex couples the right to marry in California, as well as