- Divorce
- Child SupportMost types of debts can be discharged. But as with most legal rules, there are exceptions. Some of the most common are recently charged credit cards, child support payments and spouse's debts where the spouse did not file bankruptcy with you. You cannot get rid of secured debts, such as mortgages and car loans unless you give up that item.
- GuardianshipConservatorship or Guardianship: Depending on the level of disability, a conservatorship or guardianship may be in the person's best interest. A conservator manages a person's financial affairs, while a guardian is responsible for making decisions for the person and their care.
- Spousal SupportWhen you file a creditor’s claim, you may not have the first priority when it comes to distributing the estate to pay off debts. There are many forms of debts that will be paid first before the probate court looks to individual debts owed to friends, family members, or individual loan offices. Child support, spousal support, and tax debts owed to the United States Internal Revenue Services are nearly-almost guaranteed to be paid before any other debts. It is possible for a creditor to receive no money whatsoever from a decedent’s estate if the estate is not large enough to satisfy all outstanding debts.
- Theft
- Identity TheftOur firm knows that by putting a plan in place for your online presence, you can avoid serious problems like identity theft and protect your loved ones from unfortunate legal trouble. We have the expertise to help you package your digital assets up nicely and go forth into the future with confidence. As estate planning lawyers, there is no more qualified team to handle your concerns.
- Workers Compensation
- Estate PlanningHard-working people dedicate their lives to supporting their families and understandably wish to pass down what they own to future generations for their care and benefit. Most people are aware that the government taxes estates upon death, but few understand the details of the complicated and ever-changing tax laws. A qualified Torrance estate planning attorney at the Law Offices of James C. Shields will review your total financial picture and work to ensure your spouse and children inherit the most from your hard work and dedication.
- WillsLiving wills provide specific information about a person's wishes in the event that person becomes incapacitated. This will aid doctors and families when faced with major medical decisions.
- TrustsWe urge you to get in touch with our legal team to assist you through this difficult time, and to get all of the legal matters addressed fully and correctly. We also assist individuals and couples in Carson to put an estate plan in place to protect the ones they love from unnecessary stress and financial losses due to a failure to arrange the estate correctly. Whether you need a simple estate plan with a living trust, or have a number of business interests and assets, we can help you craft a plan that matches your individual needs and wishes.
- Power of AttorneyThis document grants the agent the right to make and control the principal's finances at his or her direction or if the principal becomes ill or incapacitated. The powers granted by a principal can be narrow or broad, depending on the circumstances. Having a durable power of attorney for finances is essential if a person owns a closely held or family business.
- ProbateAt the Law Offices of James C. Shields, we our experienced attorneys in Gardena can help you take control of your future. We create tailor-made solutions for our clients when it comes to probate law, planning your estate, or finding debt relief.
- BankruptcyAre you facing litigation in a bankruptcy case? If you have filed for bankruptcy and find yourself dealing with more legal complications than you bargained for, then be sure to call on the Law Offices of James C. Shields. Our bankruptcy litigators have handled serious bankruptcy litigation cases in the past. We know how to handle a variety of issues that can arise from bankruptcy cases and can use our experience to help.
- ForeclosureThere are cases in which action must be taken immediately, such as when foreclosure or repossession is imminent. We can act quickly in these cases. Once your property has been foreclosed upon, or your vehicle repossessed, it becomes far more complicated to solve, legally. We urge you to get in touch with us and discuss the options, including filing for bankruptcy, whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, based upon your income and assets. We are not a legal mill that just provides the same service for each person – we carefully review the individual situation so that we can determine the best possible way to solve a serious financial problem. You can be confident that we take your situation seriously, that we care about our clients, and that everything possible will be done to get you the relief from financial stress that you need.
- Tax LawA buy-sell agreement (BSA), is essential for any good business model and guarantees a set price and a willing buyer in the event of a death or retirement. A buy-sell agreement will lock-in the value of the business at a conservative price, which is essential for good estate tax planning. It will name the future buyers and ensure that there is funding available to immediately purchase the business interest and ensure continuity of production. It is necessary to plan to fund the buy-sell agreement so that there are liquid assets available; purchasing life insurance is the most common way to accomplish this goal.
- Debt CollectionThe Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was put in place to protect debtors from harassment on the part of creditors or third party debt collectors. If you are in debt, you do not need to be subjected to threats or constant phone calls! Call a Torrance bankruptcy lawyer if you are being hounded by debt collectors and need someone to protect your rights.