Everything But The Kitchen Sink

Posted by: Patrick Donovan Posted on: January 18, 2021 , , , ,

Divorce can be a ruinous life event without the proper preparation and representation in the court system. The internet is abound with story after story of men and women who use every trick in the book to get as much money and custody time for the children of the previous relationship as possible.

A recent Business Insider story ran recently with a number of different examples of divorce horror stories, most involving police action taken in order to prevent the other party from receiving custody of their children or to get a leg up during proceedings. This story, however, gives you a glimpse at how unscrupulous lawyers can get involved in the couple’s schemes in order to get a better result in court:

“I came home from work not knowing there was a restraining order against me — the lock had been changed and I was trying to get into my house. My then-wife had called the police in advance: I was arrested within minutes and charged with the felony of violating a restraining order.

Her lawyer had told her to do that because if she were going against a felon, she would be guaranteed to get full custody of the kids, as well as the child support money that went along with it. Shortly after I lost in court because of the felony, the law in Tennessee (and other places) was changed so that a restraining order requires proof of danger and can’t just be sprung on someone as a trap.”

Using attorneys lacking in moral fiber or willing to use any means necessary to win in court may work out in the short term but will almost always come back to haunt you on a later date. That’s why we recommend finding solid divorce attorneys that use research and hard work to achieve results that last.

One such firm that we will always recommend for our southern California readers is Shuff Law Firm, a local law office that has been operating for almost half a century. Started in 1974 by Joseph Shuff, the firm is now managed by his daughter, Tamara, who has represented hundreds of clients throughout the year with conscientiousness and integrity.

These two characteristics has lead to a loyal list of clients, who have provided a number of sterling testimonials to the firm’s abilities:

Read Megan R.‘s review of Shuff Law Firm on Yelp

After 6 years of having one disappointment after another with a different attorney I decided to find someone else that would hopefully do a better job. From the very first phone call Shuff Law Firm handled my unique case with respect and care. Tamara was simply amazing. I was kept apprised of everything that was happening as it happened. The job she did was so well done that the ex actually backed down and reversed her decision to go to court for more support. I can finally take the last step in moving forward with my life thanks to the hard work of Tamara and the team at Shuff Law Firm.

If you have to go through a divorce, then you have to use them. (Michael G., Yelp Review)

If you’re in danger of losing your shirt because of your previous partner’s unscrupulous lawyers, get on the phone and dial up Shuff Law Firm’s number. They’ll get you results without the morally dubious tactics.

Shuff Law Firm

+17148340175

2634, 2107 N Broadway STE 301, Santa Ana, CA 92706

Future Planning

Posted by: Patrick Donovan Posted on: December 21, 2020 , , , , ,

For those of us worried about leaving loved ones afflicted with a disability an appropriate inheritance that will allow for appropriate, life-long care, careful planning is needed. Disabled persons who are qualified to receive necessary government assistance, such as supplemental security income and Medicaid benefits, may find themselves suddenly disqualified in the event they get an improperly planned inheritance, meaning they’ll be deprived of life-saving financial assistance.

Even modest monetary gifts can disqualify a disabled person from receiving state assistance – inheritances of $10,000 in cash will immediately bump them above the qualification standard. In order to leave them money, you will need to set up a specific kind of inheritance package called a ‘special needs trust’ or supplemental needs trust, which allows you to get around qualification standards by leaving property to the trust rather than the person directly.

The trust acts as a separate legal entity whose funds and property can be allocated to a singular person – the beneficiary – and is managed by an appointed trustee who will be spending the money on their behalf. Since the money is not in control of the beneficiary, it won’t be considered when determining eligibility for SSI and Medicaid.

The money in the trust can’t be given directly to the beneficiary, since that would once again play a role in determining eligibility, but the trustee can allocate funds for buying both essential goods and services and those that would enhance their quality of life. Caregivers, vacations, vehicles, and necessary out-of-pocket medical fees are all items the trustee can purchase for the beneficiary.

Special Needs Trusts can take the form of either individual or ‘pooled’ trusts. Pooled trusts involve an independent third party (usually a nonprofit organization) setting up a trust in which a number of different people can donate their money to be invested and allocated to their beneficiaries in the event of their death or incapacitation. These pooled trusts are usually used by people who can’t find a suitable trustee or are leaving a modest sum and either can’t afford or don’t see the need in creating their own separate trust.

If you live in Orange County and are looking to form a special needs trust for a loved one, we recommend looking into Burris Law. As one of the rising stars in the O.C. law scene, Burris Law emerged from one of the most prestigious real estate law firms in the county to provide representation for a quickly growing client base whose needs were reaching outside the bounds of the firm.

Burris Law has helped dozens of clients set up wills, trusts, and inheritances that ensure their beneficiaries receive the maximum of what their loved ones left to them. Clients have noted the efficiency of their service, as well as the helpfulness, responsiveness, and the general good will they have for their client base.

None of us want to leave our children or loved ones with nothing once we pass on, and that goes double if they happen to have life-altering disabilities. A well-planned trust may make the difference between their lives proceeding smoothly without us and a life already filled with hardship becoming that much more difficult.

Burris Law

+17149418122

200 N Tustin Ave #110, Santa Ana, CA 92705

The Best In Mediation

Posted by: Patrick Donovan Posted on: November 16, 2020 , , , ,

Mediation represents the second path couples seeking to legally end their marriage can take and is widely considered to be the preferable option. When an independent third party can mediate the dispute, it removes the incentives for both parties to destroy any semblance of normalcy and amicability in the relationship so that they can come out on top once the divorce is finalized.
In Orange County, a mediation firm has recently been recognized as being a cut above the rest for the quality of their service. McNamee Mediations, the mediation and family law firm headed by Colleen McNamee, has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who Registry, which promotes a select few chosen for their accomplishments and achievements.
Colleen was selected for her abilities as a mediator through her 14 years in Family Law practice and her 9+ years as a Family Law Mediation Specialist, all of which have been spent running her own firm. She has seen the successful conclusion of many high-end divorce and paternity cases, where clients are guided through property, custody, child and spousal support, and modifications of existing judgments.

The firm has successfully navigated the turbulent waters of Family Law for almost a decade, and as a result has garnered many ardent supporters in the ranks of her previous and current clients. A quick perusal through her Yelp reviews reveals how high these clients hold in her regard:

Colleen McNamee is the absolute best[!!] When we started out on our journey of going through a divorce, I felt overwhelmed from every direction and had no idea where to begin or what to expect. I’ve heard all the horror stories of things turning ugly and costs rising as the process drags on and on. BUT, I am SO thankful we went with Colleen!! She made the whole process clear, concise, & cost effective. She helped us communicate peacefully and reach an agreement that worked for both parties. She is very professional and yet the kindest human being! [Thank you Colleen from the bottom of my heart for everything!!] (Jess B., Yelp Review)

Read Andrea P.‘s review of McNamee Mediations on Yelp

As much as I wish I didn’t have to write a review for these services… Colleen has been nothing short of a miracle worker. I have been going through a painful and messy divorce but I am so thankful for Colleen’s understanding, kind nature and expertise to make a difficult situation at least tolerable. She is completely fair and I appreciate that she will call me out when I’m being unreasonable and can get me to look at things from another perspective while also feeling like she’s on my side. I had doubts that we could come to any agreement without having to go through lawyers and an ugly court battle but she was able to do just that. I highly recommend her services – don’t go anywhere else! (Christina C., Yelp Review)

If you are in need of a Family Law firm that specializes in not only mediating a more amicable split, but in settling even the most complex and intricate legal disputes between parties, give Colleen a call. Both Cambridge and her previous clients have recognized her abilities, so the decision can only be a good one:
McNamee Mediations
+19492233836
4590 MacArthur Blvd Suite 500, Newport Beach, CA 92660

A Night To Remember

Posted by: Patrick Donovan Posted on: August 31, 2020 , , , ,

As a young man, it’s easy to forget how dangerous riding a motorcycle can be, especially when you consider how poorly most people drive. I still remember the night I got into my crash vividly.
It was around 10 PM, and I had just gotten out of my late weekday class. I suited up, put on my jacket, my gloves, and my helmet, hopped on my bike and raced off into the night.
My college was close by to home, so the ride home involved taking city streets up a few blocks to my house. Right at the corner of my neighborhood, I stopped at a light and looked on as a few cops cleaned up the last few pieces of jagged metal from an accident that had occurred earlier in the day.
This would, unfortunately, prove to be a portent for what happened to me a few scant minutes later. As the light changed, I looked ahead and shifted into first, cruising into the intersection and shifting to second once I hit about 20 miles per hour.
Fatefully, I took one last glance over to the accident being cleared up as the red and blue lights created a glare over my visor. As I turned my attention back to the road, I noticed the car that had turned right before the light had gone green had made a sudden and complete stop in the middle of my lane.

Now accelerating to around 30 miles per hour and climbing quickly, the fingers of both hands shot towards the levers on the handles, the clutch on the left and the front brakes on the right, and throttled down, as my foot leapt towards the rear brakes next to the right foot pedal. On the crowded city street, I had no way of knowing if there was a car in either lane around me, making a veer to either lane dangerous.
As clutch, front, and rear brakes hit simultaneously, the rear end of the bike suddenly decided it was through with its lot in life and tried switching positions with the front, throwing me off in the process. Landing with a smack to the pavement, face first, I looked up to watch the bike slide towards the stopped car in a shower of spikes, with me following in no doubt a shower of shredded leather and skin.
As I and the bike came to a halt, the car decided now was the time to make its move – it veered into the right lane and then into the adjacent parking lot, its operator apparently realizing too late that he had missed his turn and needed to get in there to pick up his dinner, but not before stopping to make sure this turn was as awkward as possible.

The result of the crash was the destruction of a $4000 bike and nearly $1000 in safety equipment, a busted wrist and knee, and a few weeks of aches and pains. I never got on a bike again, as each time the thought of that same accident happening but at 60 or 70 miles per hour rather than 35.
For many riders, that very worst case scenario has happened due to poor decisions made by people protected by the skeletons of their vehicles. Injuries much worse than mine and even deaths are commonly the result of people making a poor split-second decision.
In those instances, a great friend to have is an excellent personal injury attorney who is well-steeped in the affairs of both the courthouse and the inner workings of the insurance companies. In southern California, Villasenor Law Offices are the best friends you can make as a rider who’s been injured due to the negligence of another driver.
The office is proficient in getting their clients the payouts they deserve, and they have the testimonials to prove it:
Read Lynn O.‘s review of Villasenor Law Offices on Yelp
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you owe it to yourself to get the best possible representation to get the payout you’re entitled to. Give Villasenor Law Offices a call:
Villasenor Law Offices
(858) 707-7771
12396 World Trade Dr, San Diego, CA 92128

Hire The Best Lawyer You Can Find

Posted by: Heidi West Posted on: May 25, 2020 , , , , , , , , ,

There are many reasons why a couple will choose to end their marriage in divorce. Sometimes, it can be due to irreconcilable differences; in other cases, it can be due to infidelity. Divorce can happen to anyone—even celebrities.

Movie star Brad Pitt has had his fair share coverage in the news regarding his relationships. In his two high-profile divorces, he needed to hire some of the best lawyers in the country in order to handle them adequately. His first divorce was in 2005 with Jennifer Aniston. Unfortunately, this came at a time that shortly followed his filming in a movie where he had a starring role alongside Angelina Jolie; rumors swirled around that they had developed a love affair on set. It was speculated that Aniston wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but that in hindsight, Aniston felt that Pitt had a “missing sensitivity chip”. Fast-forwarding to 2017, Angelina Jolie decided to file for divorce from Pitt. History seemed to repeat itself, however this time, in a gut-wrenching contrast to their first onscreen romance. The couple’s divorce came shortly after the two starred in a movie about a couple in a troubled marriage. As far as the Jolie and Pitt love story goes, it seems that fact was never too far from fiction.

Woman Leaning on Table

How can a divorce lawyer help in a situation like this?

While not everyone who goes through a divorce is a high-profile celebrity, everyone who goes through a divorce deserves to be treated like VIPs by their attorneys.

If you decide to proceed with a divorce, it will be of utmost importance for you to find a reliable professional to represent you in litigation. A great divorce lawyer will navigate through the complicated legal system, reduce friction and hassle, and focus on fighting for your best outcomes. For those looking to hire a family law attorney in Santa Ana, we recommend Shuff Law Firm. Their team of attorneys and paralegals is highly equipped to give you the guidance and counsel you need in this highly challenging and demanding time in your life. More often than not, divorce will require a ton of paperwork—that alone is frighteningly overwhelming for most people. Instead of filing the paperwork yourself, a divorce lawyer can help process it for you; taking care of such matters will lower your stress levels, giving you peace of mind that your documents will be properly filed and submitted on time.

When it comes to Divorce & Family Law in Orange County, Attorney Joseph A. Shuff, III, and Attorney Tamara Shuff Mortensen, Certified Family Law Specialist, have an excellent reputation for being efficient and objective. They aim to provide you with realistic estimates on the most likely result of your divorce. Their team is highly communicative, accessible, and transparent; they provide their clients with copies of all records throughout the entire process. 

The firm is highly reviewed on Yelp, with one reviewer stating: “Tamara is the first lawyer that actually understood the complexity of my situation AND took action.”

Read Kelly G.‘s review of Shuff Law Firm on Yelp

You can give Shuff Law Firm a call today:

Shuff Law Firm, a Professional Law Corporation
2634, 2107 N Broadway STE 301, Santa Ana, CA 92706, United States

How To Find Happiness After Divorce

Posted by: Heidi West Posted on: May 25, 2020 , , , , , , , , , ,

Dealing with a divorce can be very challenging. It is one of those incredibly heavy decisions in life where you end up questioning yourself and your entire life very quickly. Perhaps you believe that nothing can make you happy, which is why you want to move on as fast as possible.

Although painful, at the end of the day, divorce is a decision that pushes your life in a better direction where you can choose yourself first, in order to enjoy living life as much as possible.

How can you achieve happiness after a divorce?

Practice gratitude. Be thankful for all of your blessings and achievements in life. Trust yourself and your instincts. Yes, this will be quite an adjustment—it is indeed a major change—but this will bring great opportunities for new and fulfilling ways to be yourself. Take time to grieve, and then do your best to focus on developing a positive attitude in your mind.

Appreciate the past; do not regret the past. Every moment–no matter how ugly or beautiful—is a part of your life; it is better to just accept every moment as it comes, and then move on. Life is too short and exciting to resist change.

After your divorce, it will be important to keep your mind busy, especially in your newfound singlehood. You can engage in many different kinds of activities. You can start this new chapter in your life with a new hobby—perhaps finally getting to that sci-fi novel you’ve always wanted to write, but never had the time to sit down for.

Photo Of Woman Sitting On Couch

How can a mediator help?

When it comes to divorce, most people’s first thought is to find a family attorney. Of course, it is well-advised that you not only think about yourself and your well-being but to also think about securing legal representation. However, mediation is a great alternative to traditional litigation. If you want to proceed with your divorce and reach a settlement without being in court, then it makes sense to hire a divorce mediator. A mediator is a neutral third-party whose goal is to help both parties reach mutual agreements as amicably as possible. This can significantly reduce any hostility, helping both parties achieve desired outcomes without causing additional emotional harm and stress. Colleen McNamee, a Divorce Mediator for couples based in Orange County, says that some of her clients have even rekindled their love through mediation! Hiring a mediator for divorce is also typically less expensive than the average cost of litigation.

Conclusion

It’s very important to focus on moving forward with your life after a divorce. It will not necessarily be easy, but appreciating the lessons and leaving behind the heartbreak will allow you to confidently and vivaciously embark on all possibilities that the future has to offer you. If you find it hard to communicate with your former spouse, consider hiring a mediator to help you find common ground. For those in Orange County who are are looking for a divorce mediator instead of an Irvine Family Attorney, Colleen McNamee is known as the “divorce whisperer” for having a stellar reputation. A mediator’s priority is to help both parties discuss issues, resolve disputes, reach settlements…and move on with life!

You can give McNamee Mediations a call today:

McNamee Mediations
4590 MacArthur Blvd Suite 500, Newport Beach, CA 92660, United States

Essential Representation For Your Business

Posted by: Patrick Donovan Posted on: May 4, 2020

In the United States, the legal system can be described as analogous to the Labyrinth of Crete in Greek mythology, complete with a dangerous minotaur lurking in its midst to gobble up the unwary who traverse its twists unguided. At every step, a new turn emerges that takes you further into its inscrutable midst, and to extricate yourself without some piece of you missing, expert help is needed.

Even for businesses and their owners, the law is unwieldy and esoteric, with each state in the union and their subsidiary counties and cities having their own particularities that would take decades to unravel. If you own a business, it is absolutely necessary for you to take the proper precautions in your every day dealings and hire commercial attorneys to make sure your bases are all covered, lest the government or an unscrupulous customer decide to utilize its power against you. If you’re in southern California and need specific help from business lawyers who specialize deciphering the Orange County laws, Freedom Law recommends one of our partners in the area: Burris Law Offices.

The firm, established in 2015, has received near perfect reviews since its inception, with a rare 5-star rating on its Yelp page. With some sterling testimonials, you can come to see why we hold the law offices with such high regard. Jen J., for instance, has this to say about the firm:

Just got off a phone consultation

with Jason and I am absolutely impressed with his professionalism, honesty, and thoroughness!
Although my review is based only on one phone consultation, I wholeheartedly believe Jason and his team could properly represent me.
1. He was clear and concise about my options, left out unnecessary legal jargon so that I could really understand what my next steps were.
2. Provided options that were economically efficient and even some that would not require the use of his firm, yet would provide me with some level of protection against unwanted lawsuits.
3. Extremely personable and empathetic. I truly believe that good representation can only come from an attorney who desires to build a client relationship. And within a limited 30 minute consultation, he was able to do that (or at least begin the foundation for one) as well as giving me the proper guidance on how to move forward.
Would definitely recommend! And planning to use his firm to proceed with legal action.

In a similar vein, Louis D. further expounds upon the firm’s dedication to professionalism and thoroughness in its practice here:

I was compelled to write this review after returning to this law firm for additional services I was looking to request. TOP NOTCH professionalism the whole way through. Most importantly, an HONEST perspective and assessment given to me regarding my request. I am truly grateful to all the staff and to Ariana for all the work they’ve done to help me. I will continue to work with this f

irm, God-willing, for a very long time! Thank you all!

If you’re in need of professional assistance in navigating the overly complex legal system we have here in the United States (let’s face it, we all do), then please give Burris Law Offices a call. You’ll get grade-A service with none of the predatory hustling you’d find at other practices.

Burris Law Offices
(714) 941-8122
200 N Tustin Ave Ste 110, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Restitution In San Diego

Posted by: Patrick Donovan Posted on: April 20, 2020 , , , ,

Personal injuries resulting from negligence, whether at the work place or on the road, are some of the most tragic and costly random events that can happen to an individual and their families. With the amount of time we spend on the road here in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, and southern California in general, we hear stories every day of how so and so was killed or injured in a car accident and they or their families were now in desperate need of an attorney.

Despite this, there’s a paucity of resources for people to find quality lawyers to help them in their dire situations – lawyers that can win their cases and show them the basic human decency they require in some of the worst times of their lives. The most exposure most people ever have are the rather untrustworthy looking advertisements on billboards they pass on the freeway, with the phrase ‘ambulance chaser’ regularly crossing their minds.

Thankfully, for us here in the greater San Diego area, there is an excellent resource for both consultation and representation in our personal injury cases – Villasenor Law Offices. Villasenor and his team have been helping people settle their disputes and navigate the purposefully treacherous insurance landscape for over 25 years, and they have the results to prove it.

Here are what some of the firm’s clients have to say about working with the law office:

Over the last 10 years, Chris Villasenor has created several contracts for my company that protect me in case a dispute with a client or contractor crops up. He has also reviewed contracts from my potential clients or partners and made recommendations on ways they needed to be revised in order to protect my best interest. Chris was also very helpful and informative when my husband & I were faced with a real estate dispute while purchasing our current home. Chris is trustworthy, professional and a great legal resource in times of need AND he’s become my attorney of choice!

I am grateful Chris and Vicky for all the hard work they did in helping with my case. I appreciated the professionalism ,the honesty and integrity this law office represented from beginning to end. Chris is very knowledgeable in the field and comes w years of experience that shows in the way he handled my case. He was patient and kind in his communications of the process I would have to navigate. I am happy w the outcome and the process. trusting someone you don’t know isn’t always easy . If I needed this type of help in the future I would seek the help of Chris and Vicky again. Thank you both!!!

Chris is an excellent attorney… Pragmatic in his approach, but also very personable. I feel I was given wise counsel in negotiating a partnership exit strategy that protected my interests in a fair and measured way. His involvement brought me a sense of confidence. He listened to what I needed, explained my obligations, and suggested a clear path to resolution. I recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation.

If you are in Poway, Encinitas, Carlsbad, or anywhere else in the greater San Diego area and are in need of a personal injury attorney, please give Villasenor Law Offices a call. They’re the best resource for information about your case and representation we have available.

Villasenor Law Offices

(858) 707-7771

12396 World Trade Dr Ste 211 San Diego, CA 92128