Resources
California Restraining Orders and Your Safety
No one has the right to make you feel unsafe; A Restraining Order can help protect you. If you or someone you know is being abused or harassed by a friend, co-worker, family member, spouse, or other, it’s important to get legal help from a free resource or a...
Family Guide to the Amazing Christmas Lights of Contra Costa 2019
Gather the family into the car with a map, mittens, and cocoa to drive around town looking at neighborhood Christmas light decorations! What a fun way for the entire family to spend a cold December evening together. Here at the family/tax/estate law firm of Mendes...
Justice for the Abused: Busting the Epstein Trust
Did Jeffery Epstein try to thwart justice from beyond the grave? Last week all criminal charges were dropped against accused child trafficker and rapist Jeffery Epstein. His deliberate death moots the criminal prosecution against him. You cannot convict a dead man. In...
Free Coloring Pages Inspired by Inspiring Women
by Lisa Mendes, Family and Divorce Attorney These coloring pages promote women and their achievements in a fun and interactive way. That is to say, art, history, creativity, and civics come together to grow minds. Enjoy sharing and discussing with your kids, OR just...
The Taxman Cometh for Cryptocurrency
The currency might be virtual, but the tax bills due the IRS for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are very tangible. Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent letters to taxpayers engaged in virtual currency transactions. The notifications advise that...
Here’s “The Situation”: GTL means Gonna Tax Litigate
What Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino Can Teach Us About Tax Fraud His mantra was GTL for "Gym, Tan, Laundry.", but it just as well could summarize his tax fraud indictment and mean "Gonna Tax Litigate". Mike Sorrentino starred on MTV's Jersey Shore, and his...
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,...