Commercial leases in California set the framework for the relationship between landlords and tenants, impacting everything from the day-to-day operations of a business to long-term growth. These agreements address critical details like rent, property maintenance, and tenant improvements. The terms are often complex, and how they’re structured can significantly affect the future of your business. Whether you’re a tenant looking…

As life evolves, so do your financial and family circumstances. Events like the birth of a child, acquiring new assets, or changes in relationships can impact the plans you’ve set for the future. While trusts are meant to provide security and clarity, they should be reviewed and updated when significant shifts occur. Amending a trust allows you to ensure that…

Deciding how to manage and protect your assets often comes down to choosing the right trust. In California, irrevocable and revocable trusts are the most popular options, each with unique features. Revocable trusts allow you to make changes as needed, while irrevocable trusts may offer stronger protection from creditors and tax benefits in certain special situations. Choosing between them depends…

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed by Congress in 2017, introduced a number of sweeping changes to tax laws, one of the most significant being the substantial increase in the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption. Currently, this exemption allows individuals to transfer significant amounts of wealth—either during their lifetime or at death—without facing federal estate or gift…

California’s Proposition 19, which took effect on February 16, 2021, has drastically altered the landscape of real estate inheritance and property transfers within families. For years, California families could pass down homes from parents to children while retaining the same low property tax assessments, allowing heirs to enjoy the benefits of relatively low taxes on valuable real estate. However, Proposition…

To set up a brick-and-mortar storefront in California, you need to take several legal and practical steps that can significantly impact your business’s success. From choosing the right business structure to following local regulations, each decision is vital for getting your storefront ready for operation. Understanding California’s specific requirements, like zoning laws, commercial leases, and employment regulations, will help you…

Starting a new business is an exciting and challenging journey requiring careful planning and strategic decision-making. However, new businesses sometimes overlook one crucial aspect of starting a business: consulting an attorney.

Speaking to a lawyer early on can help start-ups avoid potential pitfalls and put them on the right path. But when exactly is the best time to seek legal…