01.29.10
Posted in Family Law at 15:47 by Administrator
Earle Law Offices believes strongly in the sanctity of marriage. However, because we also understand that divorce is sometimes the best of available options, Earle Law Offices provides economical attorney assistance with the preparation of legal documents required by California law and courts in uncontested dissolution of marriage (divorce) cases.
Clients who use our Attorney-Assisted, California Uncontested Divorce Service (CA-UDS) are self-represented, and are able to complete the divorce process without ever having to visit a courtroom or our law office. To use the CA-UDS, clients simply provide Earle Law Offices with necessary supporting documents and data. Earle Law Offices then prepares all required court papers, which are reviewed by an attorney for technical sufficiency. Completed documents are then forwarded to the client, who files or submits the documents to the court.
In order to take advantage of the CA-UDS, clients must possess the ability to communicate with our law office by telephone and by electronic mail, and must also have the ability to view and print documents which have been prepared in the Adobe portable document format (pdf).
Prospective cases, to be suitable for the CA-UDS, must meet two requirements: (1) At least one spouse must be a California resident (any California county) and (2) both spouses must be in agreement on all issues which are legally relevant to the divorce case. As described in the following table, two CA-UDS plans are available: Plan One: Services are provided to only one spouse. Plan Two: Services are provided jointly to both spouses.
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Services
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Plan One
$2,699*1
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Plan Two
$3,399*2
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Attorney-Client Privileged Communications
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X
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|
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Attorney representation available if dispute arises (selected San Francisco Bay Area counties only; additional fees apply)
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X
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|
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One hour initial telephone consultation with attorney
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X
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X
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Binding arbitration services available for issues which unexpectedly become contested/disputed (additional fees apply)
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X
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* Court filing fees and other third party fees not included.
1. Fees for Plan One UDS cases include a 5 percent discount for payment made by cash or check. The standard (non-discounted) fee of $2,841.05 applies where payment is made by credit card or debit card.
2. Fees for Plan Two UDS cases include a 5 percent discount for payment made by cash or check. The standard (non-discounted) fee of $3,577.89 applies where payment is made by credit card or debit card.
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Forms Prepared
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Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
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X
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X
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Summons – Family Law
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X
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X
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Proof of Service of Summons/Notice of Acknowledgment and Receipt
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X
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X
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Declaration of Preliminary Disclosure
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Petitioner
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Petitioner
Respondent
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Income and Expense Declaration
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Petitioner
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Petitioner
Respondent
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Schedule of Assets and Debts
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Petitioner
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Petitioner
Respondent
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Declaration re: Service of Declaration of Disclosure and Income and Expense Declaration
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Petitioner
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Petitioner
Respondent
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Marital Settlement Agreement
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X
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X
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Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
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X
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X
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Notice of Entry of Judgment
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X
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X
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In Plan Two cases which unexpectedly become contested (disputed) as to one or more issues, Earle Law Offices offers clients binding arbitration services – for an additional fee – the focus of which is to resolve contested issues fairly, expeditiously, and at substantially less expense than otherwise would likely be incurred through traditional litigation. Arbitration services are not offered in Plan One cases for reasons relating to client confidentiality and conflict-of-interest.
Traditional, full-service legal representation is available for most cases which are not suitable for the CA-UDS, provided venue will be, or is, in a court located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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01.20.10
Posted in Taxation Law at 20:24 by Administrator
If you were married or divorced recently, there are a couple of things you’ll want to do to ensure the name on your tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Here are five facts from the IRS for recently married or divorced taxpayers. Following these steps will help avoid problems when you file your tax return.
If you took your spouse’s last name or if both spouses hyphenate their last names, you may run into complications if you don’t notify the SSA. When newlyweds file a tax return using their new last names, IRS computers can’t match the new name with their Social Security Number.
If you were recently divorced and changed back to your previous last name, you’ll also need to notify the SSA of this name change.
Informing the SSA of a name change is a snap; you’ll just need to file a Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card at your local SSA office.
Form SS-5 is available on SSA’s Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov, by calling 800-772-1213 or at local offices. It usually takes about two weeks to have the change verified.
If you adopted your spouse’s children after getting married, you’ll want to make sure the children have an SSN. Taxpayers must provide an SSN for each dependent claimed on a tax return. For adopted children without SSNs, the parents can apply for an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number – or ATIN – by filing Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions with the IRS. The ATIN is a temporary number used in place of an SSN on the tax return. The W-7A is available on IRS.gov, or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
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Special Offer
Representation by an attorney is included in the fee for every federal and California state tax return prepared by Earle Law Offices (Subject to certain conditions, limitations, and restrictions). Attorney representation of taxpayer clients includes representation at audit, administrative appeal, and in civil litigation.
Tax controversy services are also available in cases where the disputed return was prepared by the taxpayer or a third party.
Further information on tax preparation and tax controversy services offered by Earle Law Offices is available at: www.EarleLaw.com/tax.
Please call Earle Law Offices today to schedule an appointment to have your 2009 tax returns prepared.
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01.15.10
Posted in Taxation Law at 19:43 by Administrator
It is important to exercise due diligence when selecting and retaining a tax professional. Remember, you are legally responsible for what’s on your tax return even if it was prepared by an another person or firm.
Most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients. However, unscrupulous tax return preparers do exist and can cause considerable financial and legal problems for their clients. Therefore, it’s important to find a qualified tax professional.
The following tips will help you choose a preparer who will offer the best service for your tax preparation needs.
1. Check qualifications. Ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics.
2. Check professional record. Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the licensing authorities such as the IRS, the state’s board of accountancy for CPAs, or the state’s bar association for attorneys.
3. Ask about fees. Avoid preparers that base their fee on a percentage of the amount of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
4. Determine accessibility. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after April 15, in case questions arise.
5. Provide all records and receipts. Most reputable preparers will ask to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items.
6. Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.
7. Review your return before signing it. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.
8. Make sure the preparer signs your return. A paid preparer must sign the return as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.
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Special Offer
Representation by an attorney is included in the fee for every federal and California state tax return prepared by Earle Law Offices (Subject to certain conditions, limitations, and restrictions). Attorney representation of taxpayer clients includes representation at audit, administrative appeal, and in civil litigation.
Tax controversy services are also available in cases where the disputed return was prepared by the taxpayer or a third party.
Further information on tax preparation and tax controversy services offered by Earle Law Offices is available at: www.EarleLaw.com/tax.
Please call Earle Law Offices today to schedule an appointment to have your 2009 tax returns prepared.
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