- Divorce
- GuardianshipProbate cases often arise because of a legal dispute between family members of the deceased. They might fight over accounts, assets, property, and guardianship of children or pets. These issues can become very tense for all parties involved, and result in litigation in court. Our attorneys understand how you must be feeling at this difficult time in your life, and we will work with you closely to establish your case and advocate for you until a positive outcome is reached.
- Fraud
- EmbezzlementThe firm settled a case in which an employee in a professional industry was accused of embezzlement and fraud. The firm represented the employer and obtained a pre-litigation confidential settlement.
- Corporate LawOur attorneys are intelligent, highly skilled individuals who have spent their legal careers practicing business, employment and corporate law. Please click on the links below to learn more about the lawyers of Mayfield Bustarde, LLP.
- Business FormationWe begin each business formation discussion by asking our clients what their goals are and what they want to accomplish. With this in mind, we can determine what will work best for your company. We also take a long-term view of each situation, looking ahead to what may help your business grow in the future.
- Business DisputesOne thing we almost always tell small to medium-sized businesses is that disputes can be very costly. At Mayfield Bustarde, LLP, our goal is to resolve lease and business disputes quickly to minimize the expense and disruption to the company. Talk to our business lawyers and you will see how we can help your business move forward.
- Limited Liability CompaniesDisputes within limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships and general partnerships often involve a governing document such as an operating agreement or a partnership agreement. Sometimes there is no written agreement, so we must determine the terms of the oral agreement — this is understandably tricky as people often have very different interpretations of oral agreements. We have the experience to help you work through this problem.
- Trade Secrets
- Intellectual Property
- Wrongful TerminationThe primary type of wrongful termination case is based on either a physical or mental disability. Generally, an employer may not terminate an employee because of a disability, although there are some exceptions.
- Employment DiscriminationIn general, an employer in California cannot discriminate against an employee by terminating, refusing to promote or refusing to hire someone due to their age or due to a disability, whether physical or mental. Both state and federal laws provide protection for such protected classes. Under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), employees or potential employees are protected against age discrimination. Persons with a disability are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”).
- Employment ContractThere are essentially two ways to document the employment relationship. The first is through a written Employment Agreement, which details the duties and obligations of both parties, the compensation of the employee and the benefits the employee will receive. This can be useful if there are only a few employees, or if the employee is a Senior Executive who has different benefits or methods of compensation than the typical employee.
- Employment LitigationBusiness attorneys help guide businesses through the myriad of state and federal laws that affect its business. They help with all aspects of entity issues (such as forming a corporation or other entity, corporate maintenance, selling additional shares, stock option plans, and dissolution), contracts (drafting, review and negotiation), disputes with third parties, and other issues that affect your business, such as employment issues, protecting intellectual property and regulatory compliance.
- Non-compete AgreementNon-Compete Agreements are a very hot topic right now and are the source of many employment disputes. Although post-termination non-compete agreements are generally not valid in California, a Non-Compete Agreement may be valid during the employment relationship. In addition, a company is permitted to protect and maintain the confidentiality of the company’s trade secrets.
- Sexual HarassmentWhen an employee makes a harassment complaint, whether it is sexual harassment or harassment based on another type of protected class, such as religion, age, or disability, the employer should immediately and thoroughly investigate the claims. Oftentimes, the employer needs an outside investigator to ensure that the claims are fully understood and documented.
- Real Estate LitigationHere at Mayfield Bustarde, LLP, we have years of experience in real estate law and are the perfect advocate when you are faced with a failure to disclose case. If you have recently bought a property and are facing unexpected issues, we are here to get you justice. Sellers and brokers are required by law to disclose known defects, safety hazards, pollution, and hidden costs. You shouldn’t have to finance costly repairs, simply because you were unaware that they existed.
- Construction LitigationMr. Bustarde began practicing law in 2005 after graduating from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California. His clients have included design and construction professionals in complex construction defect actions, commercial and residential landlords and property developers, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, and people simply interested in protecting their assets and property. Mr. Bustarde’s experience includes business start-up legal services, business entity formations, transactional services (document drafting/review), dispute resolution through litigation and/or negotiation, and general risk management.
- Real Estate TransactionsWhile everyone hopes that their real estate transaction will go smoothly, there are often disputes or drawbacks which can cause the opposite. Some common property disputes include arguments about boundary lines of a property, workmanship on the structure itself, or disagreements about property value. Thankfully, the law offices of Mayfield Bustarde are here to help. Whether you have recently purchased a residential or commercial property, we will work closely with you to settle your dispute.
- Land Use and Zoning
- Disability DiscriminationIf you have questions about a situation at work that you believe is age or disability discrimination, we encourage you to reach out to our law firm today. Mayfield Bustarde, LLP provides dedicated employment law counsel in the Southern California area. Call 858.793.8090 or contact us online for a free consultation.
- Estate PlanningPlanning for your retirement is an important part of life, particularly in light of the uncertain times we live in. In addition, planning for the distribution of your property after you pass is equally important for both you and your loved ones. Our estate planning attorneys in Solana Beach will help you make the arrangements you need for your peace of mind.
- WillsTo start planning for the future, contact us online, or call 858.793.8090 for a free initial phone consultation with one of our experienced will and trust lawyers in Solana Beach.
- TrustsHere at Mayfield Bustarde, LLP, we have years of experience helping clients establish wills and living trusts in the San Diego area. We will work with you closely to determine who should act as trustee of your assets after you are gone, and determine a reasonable timeline for your beneficiaries to receive their assets. We can also help you formulate detailed instructions to ensure everything is carried out according to your terms, following your passing.
- Power of AttorneyThe person you select for your durable power of attorney is known as your agent. Your agent must be an adult, aged 18-years or older who has sound mental capacity to make decisions on your behalf. It is important to select someone you trust who will always have your best interests in mind. You always have the option of changing or revoking your durable power of attorney before you become incapacitated, and it is only effective while you are alive. Once you pass away, a durable power of attorney will become void, so it is critical to have a will or trust to establish your wishes.
- ProbateAfter a person passes away, the legal process that closes out his/her estate is known as probate. A probate case typically develops when the deceased did not have a will or living trust in place, which clearly established their wishes for their estate upon their death. Probate law is complex and can be difficult for people to understand, especially while they are grieving the loss of a loved one. To save time and reduce stress, it is helpful to work with an experienced San Diego probate attorney from Mayfield Bustarde, LLP.
- ForeclosureThe real estate industry is always evolving and developing in both the residential and commercial sectors. To ensure successful transactions and handle disputes, it is critical to have legal representation by an experienced real estate attorney in the San Diego area. At Mayfield Bustarde, LLP we have extensive knowledge of both real estate and business law, so we can assist you with a variety of legal issues including HOA and property disputes, foreclosure, construction defects, and property management contracts.