Resources
Tax Returns – The Innocent Spouse
Disclaimer: The tips and materials provided on this page are for informational purposes only, offered as public service. No information on this website should be considered legal advice or used as a substitute for legal advice. For legal...
Child Custody and Visitation – Spring Custodial Schedule
Spring is right around the corner and summer is not far behind that. It's not too late to think about who will have the kids during these vacation periods. Avoiding conflict in front of the children is very important, so you need to plan...
Mendes Weed, LLP successfully argues a case in front of the Office of Tax Appeals
The tax litigation and family law firm Mendes Weed, LLP successfully argued a case in front of California's Office of Tax Appeals, one of the 1st 12 cases heard by the court. There is a complete write up about it on JDSupra titled "California's Changing Approach to...
When Do I Need a Tax Lawyer? Why?
As a tax lawyer, I’m commonly asked the questions, “When Do I Need a Tax Lawyer?” or “Why Do I Need a Tax Lawyer?” Here are the answers. You need a tax lawyer: Anytime you are audited by the IRS or State Taxing Agency Anytime you dispute the amount of tax asserted...
Option 4 – CONTESTED DIVORCE – You and your spouse do not agree on everything
This situation is called “contested” because: Your spouse or domestic partner filed a response, AND The 2 of you do NOT have a written agreement about your divorce or legal separation, dividing your property and debt, child custody and visitation, and support issues....
Option 3 – UNCONTESTED DIVORCE – You and your spouse agree on everything
This situation is called “uncontested” because: Your spouse or domestic partner filed a response to your summons and petition; AND The 2 of you have a written agreement about your divorce or separation, dividing your property and debt, child custody and visitation,...
Option 2 – DEFAULT CASE – Your spouse did not respond but you have a written agreement on all issues
This situation is called a “default with agreement” because more than 30 days have passed since you served the petition and summons, and: Your spouse or domestic partner did NOT file a response (so he or she “defaulted”); AND The 2 of you have a written agreement...
Option 1 – TRUE DEFAULT – Your spouse didn’t respond to your filing
Option 1 – TRUE DEFAULT – Your spouse didn’t respond to your filing at all Your spouse has 30 days to respond to service of your Petition for Dissolution If s/he does not respond in a timely manner, you are eligible to request the Court enter a default. Again, 30...
Divorce Preparation – Part 3: Download these forms, file them with the court, and have them served to your spouse
Download these forms, file them with the court, and have them served to your spouse Forms to begin the process in California Petition – Marriage/Domestic Partnership (Form FL-100) Summons (Form FL-110) If you have children – Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody...
Divorce Preparation – Part 2: Collect these documents
Collect these documents to prepare your forms These documents are the basis for the financial disclosure divorce filings: Individual income tax returns from the past three to five years (federal and state) Any business income tax returns from the past three to five...
Divorce Preparation – Part 1: Can you get divorced in California
What’s your situation? Can you get divorced in California? > Residency Requirement In order to get divorced in Contra Costa County: You must have lived in California for at least 6 months, and You must have lived in Contra Costa County for at least 3 months. If you...
Attention Business Owners – IRS Issues 199A Proposed Regulations
On August 8, 2018, the IRS issued proposed regulations for the new Section 199A. 199A allows many sole proprietorships, partnerships, trusts, and S corporations to deduct 20% of their qualified business income. Qualified business income includes domestic income from...