Most pets are like family. What happens when a person dies and there is a pet left behind? It is important to make provisions for your pet; they cannot take care of themselves after you are gone. The following are helpful hints to make sure your trusted furry friend is safe, cared for and loved.
· Make sure you give your house keys to family members or friends
· Give them a copy of feeding instructions, your pet’s veterinarian and everything pertaining to your pet
· Carry a pet alert card next to your emergency information card (names of emergency caregivers)
· Provide for your pet in your will – name a beneficiary after discussing with that person
· Set up a trust for your pet
According to the law, a pet owner cannot leave his or her estate outright to an animal. You can leave money to the person designated to care for your pet. It is important to leave your pet to someone you can trust, someone who will love your pet almost as much as you did.
written by Author
\\ tags: attorney, beneficiary, Estate Planning, family members or friends, lawyer, pet, Will
It never ceases to amaze me when a murder occurs in our pretty, little community. Today, jurors convicted a man of first-degree murder in the shooting of a Cathedral City man during a robbery back in 2006. The man was found guilty on the special circumstances of being a gang member at the time of the murder. The jury was not able to reach agreement on “murder during a robbery” so the judge declared a mistrial on that particular charge. However, they found him guilty of “robbery in the course of the murder” and “felony with a firearm.”
During closing arguments, the Deputy District Attorney, said he admitted to investigators he shot the victim, in the head. He also denied that he was under the influence of methamphetamines, even though, his attorney said he was. All this was done to show what a big man he was to his gang members. The accused attorney claimed he was looking for methamphetamines and not someone to kill. He said the shooting was an accident.
Whether or not the accused was under the influence of methamphetamines is something we will never know. They can do bad things to an individual and if caught with it, the individual will go to jail. Being caught with drugs is a criminal offense and needs the experience of a Criminal Law attorney.
written by Author
\\ tags: accused, attorney, Cathedral City, community, Criminal Law Attorney, Deputy District Attorney, first-degree murder, gang member, jurors, law firm, lawyer, methamphetamines, murder trial, robbery, under the influence, victim
A juvenile delinquency case involves a child that is under the age of 18 committing a violation. If the child were over 18, it would be considered a crime. The Juvenile court handles delinquency, child abuse/neglect and status offenses. Status offenses are non-criminal behavior, such as truancy from school or running away from home. In an abuse or neglect case, the court steps in to protect the child’s interests.
Children have rights when they violate the law or are abused or neglected. The court always looks at the best interests of the child. The court will remove him or her from the home if there is a dangerous situation.
The United States Supreme Court has made several landmark decisions concerning juvenile law and the court system. Children are offered the same protection that adults receive. They are entitled to the right to notice and hearing, witness confrontation, being free from self-incrimination and the right to an attorney. The juvenile court system offers rehabilitation to the child instead of the punishment that an adult would be given. For more information contact a Criminal Law Attorney.
written by Author
\\ tags: attorney, children, Criminal Law Attorney, Juvenile court, Juvenile delinquency, Juvenile rights, law firm, lawyer, Status offenses, Supreme Court, United States, violation
The majority of car accidents are caused due to someone’s negligence or carelessness. This behavior normally results in an injury to another person. Examples include running a red light, speeding, not stopping at a stop sign or just not paying attention to the road.
Drivers need to use reasonable care when behind the wheel. If they cannot, they should not drive. Careless behavior can result in someone getting hurt or worse, death!
If you or anyone you know are in a car accident contact a Personal Injury Attorney to stand up for your rights.
written by Author
\\ tags: attorney, Auto Accidents, California, car accident, carelessness, Drivers, law firm, lawyer, motorist, negligence, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Personal Injury, road, Speeding
A client of mine recently asked me to explain what a settlement calculator is. A personal injury settlement calculator determines the amount an individual can claim from damages or loss caused by another person. It helps the individual reach a reasonable and fair settlement. It will allow you to see the lump sum you can receive.
The calculator includes present and future medical expenses, rehabilitation involved, lost wages, pain, suffering, disability, impairment and loss of consortium. All of these factors are used to determine a fair settlement.
A Personal Injury attorney can advise what the California law is and if the settlement calculator arrived at a good settlement for recovery of legal damages.
written by Author
\\ tags: attorney, Auto Accidents, California Law, car accident, damages, law firm, lawsuit, lawyer, loss, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Personal Injury, personal injury settlement calculator
Did you know that public intoxication is also known as drunk and disorderly conduct? In many countries, it is a petty crime or a criminal act. Article One of the Constitution of the United States does not give Congress the power to control public intoxication under federal law. Each state has its own alcohol laws.
The California Penal Code 647(f) “considers public intoxication a misdemeanor”. It also states, “Public intoxication is someone who displays intoxication to liquor, drugs, controlled substances or toluene and demonstrates an inability to care for themselves or others, or interferes or obstructs the free use of streets, sidewalks or other public way”.
In addition, local and county laws can restrict hours of alcohol sales. Currently, an individual can purchase alcohol between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. However, in 2009, all states have a minimum purchase age of 21. Since public intoxication is a criminal act, I would suggest anyone arrested for this should contact a Criminal Law attorney immediately.
written by Author
\\ tags: alochol, attorney, California Penal Code 647(f), Congress, Criminal Law Attorney, drugs, drunk and disorderly conduct, Federal Law, law firm, lawyer, misdemeanor, Public intoxication, United States
Twenty years ago, no one ever heard of cyber chats or cybersex. Today those words are common; there are millions of web pages devoted to cyber crime topics. There are websites that show how to commit an Internet crime.
Since the early 2000’s, the FBI has operated a Cyber Crime Task Force. They are cracking down on cyber fraud and Internet identity theft crimes. Most of these types of crimes originate in India while cybersex sites originate in the Philippines, Greece, Germany and Australia.
Statistics show that many sexual predators who entice children on the Internet are 30+ white males with an average income of over $70,000 per year. A defendant in an Internet crime must prove that he would never have committed this crime if the police had not trapped him. All I have to add is that I would suggest anyone involved in this type of crime should definitely consult a Criminal attorney, one that specializes in Internet crimes.
written by Author
\\ tags: attorney, Criminal Attorney, Criminal Defense, Cyber Crime Task Force, FBI, identity theft, Internet crime, Internet predators, law firm, lawyer, websites
Are you aware that not having a Will or Trust when you die can cost your loved ones money? If your Will does not waive bond, the court will require your personal representative to apply for a probate bond to cover the value of your estate - unless the heirs agree to waive it. Bond premiums can run as high as $2,000 a year after the estate is opened. A probate bond protects the estate against fraudulent activities by the personal representative. In order to qualify for a bond, the personal representative’s net worth and credit are looked into.
California probate bonds are an insurance policy to protect against a personal estate representative that breaches a trust. It is a security required to make sure the representative faithfully carries out his or her fiduciary duties. Probate bonds issues to think about include 1) does the Will waive bond, 2) will the heirs sign a written waiver of bond, 3) when is it required, etc. A California Estate Planning attorney can advise you on all probate bond issues.
Many attorneys obtain bonds through Bond Services of California at www.bondservices.com. If you need help or advice on estate planning, contact an Estate Planning attorney who can prepare all estate planning documents.
written by Author
\\ tags: California, Estate Planning, law firm, lawyer, Personal representative, Probate bond, Trust, Will
Most individuals, especially young ones, never think of estate planning or making a will or preparing for what could happen to them. Estate planning consists of your family, friends, charities along with your property, assets, money. It takes care of your future needs in case something happens to you and you are incapable of doing it yourself.
When you create an estate plan, you determine who will manage your assets if you are unable to do so, who will provide for your children, who will take care of you and make your health care decisions. It does not only involve writing a will, but includes financial taxes, medical and business planning.
When ready to plan your estate, a Estate Planning attorney can be of substantial help to you.
written by Author
\\ tags: assets, attorney, Estate Planning, lawyer, Palm Desert, Palm Springs
Even though no one likes to think of death, it is equally difficult to imagine the potential pain and chaos that one could leave loved ones, especially without a well thought out estate plan. It’s wise to sit down with an experienced Estate Planning attorney to explore the many options you have. It can be a little confusing to sort through the different choices, but I find that by just defining the different documents, it helps my clients to understand.
A will is a legal document that details the distribution of an individual’s property and assets after death. It usually names who the executor of the estate should be. If children are involved, it will name who the guardian should be. Guardianship should be discussed early on with the proposed individual. An individual must execute their will according to California law in order to be legally valid and enforceable. Changes to an existing will are by codicil (document that complies with California law). A living will states whether the individual wants machines to extend his or her life if recovery is doubtful.
A revocable living trust (also known as inter vivos trust) is a legal document putting assets into a trust. The individual will have access to it during his or her lifetime. After death, the assets are transferred (by a trustee named beforehand) to the chosen beneficiaries – there is no court involved. A living trust is not in lieu of a will.
An irrevocable trust can transfer assets without power to amend, revoke or revise the original terms. Any income generated by this trust is the responsibility of the beneficiary. I honestly believe that everyone whether young or old, should sit down and plan what is to become of their assets once they die. An experienced California Estate Planning attorney is knowledgeable of all the California laws.
written by Author
\\ tags: attorney, Estate Planning, lawyer, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Trust, Will
|
|