Category Archives: Legal

What Is A Tort? (Hint: Definitely Not As Sweet As A Torte!)

Boyd Law Business torts are best described as wrongful actions. However, to be more specific, they are actions performed against either a large or small business that causes harm to that company. According to Franklin-based business lawyer Brian T. Boyd, a business tort is dangerous because it can create everything from a damaged reputation to profit losses. These types of actions can also cause an enterprise their rightful piece of the market share.

According to Boyd, business owners in Franklin that have been a victim of a tort can benefit from the help of a business lawyer. An attorney can act as legal counsel to help guide the business toward lawful retaliation. Further, having a business lawyer on retainer may help pad against economic losses directly resulting from the tort.

Legal recourse

Boyd explains that the most logical recourse to a tort is a civil lawsuit. The plaintiff – the harmed party – must then accept the burden of proof. They must prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that that harm was caused by the defendant – the offender. The plaintiff must also illustrate that the defendant had a responsibility to behave a certain way toward the business. This responsibility must have been unquestionably neglected.

In addition to negligence, the plaintiff may need to prove that the defendant’s actions were reckless and/or intentional. A business lawyer can help a plaintiff identify contractual responsibilities and, if applicable, any breached state or local laws.

At the conclusion of a civil trial, a judge may award a plaintiff financial damages up to and exceeding the amount of their lost profits. If found guilty, the defendant may also be issued a restraining order, which will prohibit them from continuing to cause harm to the plaintiff. A court of law may further rule that any defamatory or disparaging statements are publicly retracted.

Types of misconduct

There are many situations that may be considered a business tort. Boyd explains these include everything from business disparagement and malpractice to misrepresentation and the mishandling of trade secrets. When a business attorney looks at the case, they will also look for losses incurred by their client based on improper interference by the defendant.

Six types of business torts

Trade libel

Trade libel is a type of deformation where false statements are publicly published. This information might relate to the business itself or its products or services. As a business lawyer, Boyd explains these are usually some of the costliest cases since it involves the perception of Franklin’s residents, not just local corporate leaders.

Theft of trade secrets

Trade secrets are proprietary processes that give a business a competitive advantage. They are not published and, typically, only a select few have access. A tort involving trade secrets happens when an offending party comes into possession of the secrets and uses them against the business that rightfully owns them.

Tortious interference

This essentially refers to causing complications in business relationships. A business lawyer may claim tortious interference on behalf of their clients if the defendant unlawfully meddled with contractual agreements between the plaintiff and other parties.

Fraudulent misrepresentation

A breach of good faith is a fraudulent misrepresentation created to convince parties to join into a contractual agreement.

Commercial disparagement

This is the act of intentionally making a business or its products, services, or property look bad so that it loses business.

Restraint of trade

Restraint of trade is the act of creating unlawful barriers to production. For example, if a group of businesses band together and refuse to sell, distribute, or ship raw materials only to certain businesses. As a local business lawyer, Boyd can help Franklin-based owners and executives determine if their firm has been the victim of restraint of trade or if the actions against them were taken as part of a lawful non-compete.

If you believe that your business has been a victim of a tort, contact the Law Offices of Boyd & Wills for expert legal assistance. Our experts can help identify illegal behaviors and will represent your best interests in a court of law.

Margaret Suanne Bone Shares Her Love of Cooking

Margaret Suanne Bone first grew to love cooking while she was attending law school. Encouraged by her friend and fellow law school student Allison, she gradually got hooked on the hobby in her spare time. It’s been an enjoyable activity ever since, says Margaret Suanne Bone. In Allison’s words, if one can read, one can cook.

Margaret Suanne Bone began by grilling meats such as pork, chicken and beef, as well as fresh vegetables. Her best advice for beginners is to first rely on recipes that contain simple instructions. Newbies should choose recipes without a long list of ingredients, to keep the process easy and the grocery bill down. Starting with traditional cookbooks and sticking with well-known foods will also boost a new cook’s chances of success. In the early stages, meals can focus on typical staples of an American diet such as beans, pasta, eggs and lean meats. Rice and stir-fry dishes, which feature whole grains and vegetables, have become increasingly popular as well.

Margaret Suanne Bone was fortunate to have a family that enjoyed cooking a variety of different cuisines. To further influence her culinary pursuits, her mother gave her a treasure trove of dessert and casserole recipes. Margaret Suanne Bone gushes that both of her grandmothers were excellent cooks. Her paternal grandmother, Margaret Bone, had a reputation for creating delicious desserts with chocolate, most notably her Presbyterian sheet cakes. Margaret Suanne Bone also notes that her maternal grandmother, Susie Bond, had a special knack for tasty sweets. Another treat at Sunday dinners was creamed corn.

After learning the basic steps of cooking, Margaret Suanne Bone continues the tradition while experimenting with many tastes and textures. Some invaluable lessons have prevented her from a major kitchen catastrophe. When adding herbs and spices, she errs on the side of caution. When adjusting a recipe, she makes minor changes instead of completely straying from the instructions. Most importantly for Margaret Suanne Bone, her kitchen is a place for both fun and imagination. Inexperienced cooks should not stress out about mistakes.

Margaret Suanne Bone believes that cooking should be high on quality and flavor with as many healthy ingredients as possible. A homemade garden is a terrific way to grow food that contains none of the pesticides found in supermarket items. This summer Margaret Suanne Bone and her friend Melanie have decided to can okra grown in Melanie’s garden.

Instant Tax Solutions’ Ratings Offers Unparalleled Service

There are several reasons why Instant Tax Solutions’ ratings are so high; in this brief interview Zrylw Blog discusses their services with the Instant tax Solutions Ratings Team.

Zrylw: Thank you for joining us today. With tax season in full swing, we are lucky to have caught you.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We are always glad to speak about taxes; it’s what we do!

Zrylw: We understand that Instant Tax Solutions’ ratings with the BBB have remained consistently an A+ – that is quite an achievement. We want to congratulate you for that honor.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We thank you for that. We definitely couldn’t have done it without our service team.

Zrylw: What type of agents does your firm employ?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Only the best former IRS Auditors, Certified Public Accountants, Federally Licensed Enrolled Agents, and Legal Counsel.

Zrylw: Please tell our readers what services you provide.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We offer Tax Resolution services; basically, when a taxpayer is behind with Uncle Sam, we help them understand why and sort through options they have for repayment.

Zrylw: There are options?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Yes, actually, the IRS has many programs available for those who cannot file on time, cannot pay on time, or who are already behind – even if they are years past due.

Zrylw: Very interesting. We didn’t know that.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Many good hard-working Americans don’t. The IRS isn’t just going to call everyone who is late and say, “We’ll catch you next year, when you are caught up on your personal obligations…”

Zrylw: So, what kinds of reductions are available?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: There are programs that allow for monthly payments and even reduced penalties.

Zrylw: Are all taxpayers eligible and guaranteed reduced taxes?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: No, that is a topic of discussion now among agencies like us. There have been a number of TV ads placed over the last few years that promise results – to everyone. The fact of the matter is, it isn’t possible to make those claims. The IRS has very specific guidelines, policies and safeguards in place to ensure proper use of the system.

Zrylw: That sounds very confusing. How does Instant tax Solutions keep up with it all?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Our staff is trained and re-trained constantly. We monitor the IRS’s regulations and ensure that our representatives are up-to-date on even the smallest changes.

Zrylw: Looking at your website, we can see you are different. It says that you offer direct support, flat fees, and that you are licensed in all 50 states. Is that right?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Yes, that is all correct. Also, as a value-added service to our clients, we offer a comprehensive evaluation of their tax situation before we accept their case or their payment. Our staff will advise if there does not appear to be an IRS program that can help, and why.

Zrylw: No wonder Instant Tax Solutions has earned such high marks from the Better Business Bureau.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We take pride in each and every case that we present to the IRS and we are certainly honored to have the recognition of an A+ rated firm.

The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team, a group of the firm’s employees who specialize in rating and accessing taxpayer information, offers a no obligation, no cost consultation. The group specializes in solutions and offers services without delay, without hidden charges, and without false promises. For more information, visit them online at www.InstantTaxSolutions.com or call 888.387.4071

Byron Pederson Discusses Meeting of Coalition to Promote Fairness in Tax Debt Resolution Industry

According to Byron Pederson, in May of 2012 the recently formed National Association of Tax Debt Resolution Companies will meet in Washington, DC to discuss issues affecting the industry. The meeting is a unique opportunity for industry professionals to collect specific information about new issues the industry will face, reports Byron Pederson.

The conference is a two-day program. Byron Pederson says that on the first day group participants will be introduced to the potential Board of Directors and officers, and have an opportunity to vote on these nominations. Additionally, Byron Pederson notes that the group’s budget preparation, legislative development, and membership development programs will be discussed. Also on the agenda will be the development of standardized contracts in uniform disclosures.

Many industry leaders are scheduled to speak at the conference, including Karen Hawkins, the Director of the IRS’s Office of Professional Responsibility, says Byron Pederson. Ms. Hawkins is expected to address the IRS’s concerns and will stress the continued professionalism of industry agents who are authorized to appear before the Agency. Larry Lawler is also scheduled to discuss policies and procedures in place that will help tax debt resolution companies consistently remain compliant with IRS regulations, says Byron Pederson. As well, Byron Pederson notes that the group’s lobbyist, Mark Guimond, will offer a briefing as to the most recent status of proposals, including California’s Bill 708 and the Telemarketing Sales Rule, which is currently on hold.

Byron Pederson points out that participants will be offered a view of the tax resolution industry from the U.S. Senate. Also, says Byron Pederson, the issue of Internet Marketing and lead generation will be addressed. Most–if not all–forms of advertisement will be spoken about and include a discussion regarding how some firms intentionally mislead consumers, and how that has a negative impact on the industry as a whole, notes Byron Pederson.

Byron Pederson explains that the National Association of Tax Debt Resolution Companies was founded to help ensure fairness to both consumers as well as those serving in the industry. According to Byron Pederson, the American public needs to be aware of what services are available and how a reputable and honest firm can positively impact the lives of those afflicted with tax issues. Byron Pederson believes that the Association can offer both legislators and consumers information on why tax debt resolution firms are important to the economy. Additionally, the group will help educate people on how to differentiate the legitimate agencies from the scammers, concludes Byron Pederson.

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Hear What Clients Are Saying about the Team at ITS

Instant Tax Solutions is a tax debt resolution firm with a knack for offering immediate piece of mind. By educating their clients and keeping them involved in every decision, the Instant Tax Solutions reviews team has earned a reputation as the best place to go when Uncle Sam comes calling. Founded in 2009 by Byron Pederson and Ian Woodman, Instant Tax Solutions combines the experience of more than 40 tax professionals, including Federally Enrolled Agents, former IRS Revenue Officers, and Certified Public Accountants.

Instant Tax Solutions provides reviews, free of charge, during an initial consultation where the client is given an honest evaluation of their circumstance. If the Instant Tax Solutions reviews team does not believe the debt can be settled, they speak up and inform the consumer as to why. Education is a top priority of the ITS founders, that’s why their staff is trained continually on new tax laws and tax relief programs.

The Instant Tax Solutions reviews team will waste no time getting started on your project, as they respect the value of your time and know that peace of mind can never come soon enough. As well, the Instant Tax Solutions reviews team provides live customer support with direct access to the client’s personal case manager. ITS believes that education is a key element in their process and offers insight in to each step so that the client may remain informed and involved.  With an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, Instant Tax Solutions is the right choice when it comes to IRS problem and back taxes.

Here’s what clients have posted on Instant Tax Solutions Reviews:

I received an IRS notice of levy on my wages and I was scared to death. Within 48 hours, ITS had the levy released and now they are helping me get caught up on unfiled returns. What a relief it will be to have this settled!  [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Mary G. on 11/21/2011]

Instant Tax Solutions is a professional organization that does what it says. Just be ready with all your information because they do not mess around.  [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Eric S. on 12/1/2011]

So far so good! They do what they say to do and that is great!!! In situations like this you need a company that will deliver, they really stand behind their company’s name…. INSTANT TAX SOLUTIONS… The solution is really instant. The people working in this company, they don’t waste time, they work on it right away……. so far I’m happy with their services, no doubt about it, they are very recommendable.  [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: A.L.R. III on 11/30/2011]

Instant Tax Solutions provided me with the exceptional service and far exceeded my expectations and turned a $75,000 headache into (and I am not exaggerating) a $0 liability. I would highly recommend them for all your tax needs  [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Tracy on 11/28/2011]

I highly recommend working with the very experienced staff at ITS. From my first intake call I felt like I was in competent hands, and was so relieved to have someone with your level of expertise on my side. All of the professionals at ITS are first -rate, and I couldn’t have achieved the results I did without their exceptional support. [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: David on 11/21/2011]

Instant Tax Solutions did a great job. They answered all of our questions and made a stressful situation into something that was easier to handle.  [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Amy on 11/18/2011]

All of the interactions have been very professional at Instant Tax Solutions. I have no problem recommending them because they were straight forward and were able to make me feel comfortable to the point that they made dealing with the IRS comfortable. I cannot thank them enough. [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Gabriel on 11/15/2011]

I was very stressed about my situation but found relief from using Instant Tax Solutions. They stayed on top of things and took care of my IRS problem. [Instant Tax Solutions Reviews: Sharon on 11/11/2011]

NAR Arbitration Riddled with Issues, Says Arthur van der Vant

Illinois Receiver and Assignee Arthur van der Vant has published several articles about issues with the NAR arbitration process. Here, he offers additional supporting reasoning behind his outspoken criticism of the Association’s policy.

The Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of NAR Part 08, Section 39, says Arthur van der Vant, outlines the process for selection/appointment of arbitrators. Before an individual goes to REALTOR arbitration, he or she would be provided with a list of arbitrators to choose from, and/or to challenge. Arbitrators are REALTORS who happened to serve on the Professional Standards Committee at any given time, explains Arthur van der Vant.

1. Issue number one in selecting arbitrators is that the party in arbitration would only be given the individual REALTOR’s name and the name of the brokerage company he/she works for. No other information as to their qualifications would be provided. According to Arthur van der Vant, the NAR’s arbitration guidelines allow a party in arbitration to challenge any arbitrator on the list, based on qualifications but, asks Arthur van der Vant, how is it possible to determine their qualifications to begin with, if you do not know anything about them?

2. One of the qualifications based on which arbitrators are chosen is the familiarity with state(s) laws and regulations. Here, Arthur van der Vant outlines Part 08, Section 39 of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual of the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

Section 39. Selection and Appointment of the Professional Standards Committee
There shall be a Professional Standards Committee of at least ______ Board Members, in good standing, of whom at least a majority shall be REALTORS®, appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Board of Directors. Members of the Professional Standards Committee shall be selected to serve on Hearing Panels as required to hear matters of alleged unethical conduct by Board Members or to provide arbitration as requested. The committee shall annually select its own Chairperson and Vice Chairperson (or, alternatively, the President shall annually designate the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the committee).

In selecting members of the Professional Standards Committee, the President should consider the following recommended criteria:

number of years as a REALTOR®
• number of years in the real estate business
• primary and secondary fields of real estate endeavor/expertise
• participation in post-licensing real estate education
• training in the Code of Ethics
• position in firm (principal, nonprincipal)
• size of firm
• common sense
• open-mindedness
familiarity with state(s) laws and regulations
• receptiveness to instruction/training
• other relevant professional or procedural training

3. Some may argue that the REALTOR arbitration is an insult, says Arthur van der Vant, partially for the reason that judgments are passed and awards are entered by unqualified individuals who have no knowledge of the state laws and regulations. Their decisions are often misguided by favoritism and the only recourse to the arbitration verdict is an appeal to the Board of Directors of the REALTOR Association which must be filed within 10 days of issuing the Arbitration Award Notice.

4. It must be also noted, insists Arthur van der Vant, that to calculate the 10 days for a timely filing of an appeal request the REALTOR Association does not go by the date of party’s receipt of the Arbitration Award Notice, but by their date of mailing it. If the Arbitration Award Notice by any chance would be lost in mail, you would lose your opportunity to appeal. According to Arthur van der Vant, Realtor Boards typically mail Arbitration Award Notice via US Certified Mail with the Return Receipt Requested, but that is a slow process and you may receive the Arbitration Award Notice 5-8 days after it was mailed to you, leaving you only few days to respond, at best.

5. In the event you would have enough time to file an appeal, points out Arthur van der Vant, the Procedural Review would only be available and granted to you if the original arbitration panel made procedural error, not because they issued a wrong verdict that was not in compliance with the state law or regulation.

6. The Procedural Review Panel would be made of members of the Board of Directors of the REALTOR Association. Says Arthur van der Vant, Realtors who are elected Association’s Directors are elected from its REALTOR members and often for “political reasons” and not for their qualifications or knowledge of the state laws and regulations.

7. It must be noted, says Arthur van der Vant, that in the event your request for a Procedural Review is granted you would again receive a list of arbitrators to choose from. However, you would only be given a REALTOR’s (board member) name and the name of the brokerage company she/he works for. No other information as to their qualifications would be available. As Arthur van der Vant has already, stated NAR’s arbitration guidelines allow you to challenge any arbitrator on the list, but he points out that this might do little good, if there was no specific information to go by.

8. If you make to the Procedural Review, says Arthur van der Vant, you must know that those reviews are conducted covertly in full secrecy. NAR does NOT allow Court Reporters or any other type of recording during the Procedural Review, he claims. So if you later intended to bring a lawsuit in the court of law, you would have no proof of what has transpired during the Procedural Review proceedings. Such secrecy allows REALTOR Associations to protect the status quo, and to escape the scrutiny of the law, cites Arthur van der Vant.

OTHER OPTIONS

All arbitration proceedings are ruled by federal laws and state laws, notes Arthur van der Vant. In Illinois, this is the 710 ILCS Illinois Uniform Arbitration Act. Arthur van der Vant states that Illinois regulates arbitration through the variety of laws that govern issues pertaining to arbitration: (a) The law governing the arbitration agreement; (b) The law governing the arbitral tribunal and its proceedings (lex arbitri – procedural law); (c) The law governing the substance of the dispute; and (d) The law governing recognition and enforcement of the award. The Illinois Courts exercise jurisdiction over the seat of arbitration and have a supervisory role over the conduct of the arbitration. All arbitrations must be conducted in strict conformity with the Illinois Law (710 ILCS Illinois Uniform Arbitration Act).

(710 ILCS 5/3) (from Ch. 10, par. 103)
Sec. 3. Appointment of arbitrators.
If the arbitration agreement provides a method of appointment of arbitrators, this method shall be followed, reports Arthur van der Vant. In the absence thereof, any method of appointment of arbitrators agreed upon by the parties to the contract shall be followed. An arbitrator so appointed has all the powers of one specifically named in the agreement. When an arbitrator appointed fails or is unable to act, notes Arthur van der Vant, his successor shall be appointed in the same manner as the original appointment. If the method of appointment of arbitrators is not specified in the agreement and cannot be agreed upon by the parties, the entire arbitration agreement shall terminate.

1. Without an Arbitration Agreement you would NOT be able to bring action into arbitration, but you could in the court of law.

2. On the other hand, if you willingly participate in an arbitration – even if it is improperly conducted and the arbitration award is not issued in conformity with the law, you might have waived your legal rights because you voluntarily submitted yourself to NAR’s jurisdiction.

3. Arthur van der Vant says that another alternative may be having an arbitration agreement by and between parties to a transaction, which designates other arbitration venue, for example American Arbitration Association (AAA). With AAA you would have a transparent system where retired Judges and/or other highly qualified attorneys are making decisions. They have spent their lives on the law and its application and they are familiar with state(s) laws and regulations.

Arthur van der Vant is a Receiver and Assignee located in Cook County, Illinois. He is an expert in commercial real estate and corporate turnaround management with over 10,000 projects to his credit. As a member of several professional organizations, including the Turnaround Management Association and the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, Arthur van der Vant is up to date on every aspect of his profession. He is one of only a handful of Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM), and has trained at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC. Currently, Arthur van der Vant serves Illinois State and Federal Courts as a Receiver, and as an Assignee in Assignments for Benefit of Creditors (ABC).

For more information or to contact Arthur van der Vant, please call 800-496-9107.

The data contained in this publication is for information purpose only. The accuracy of the data contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. The author and/or publisher do not engage in rendering legal, accounting, or any other professional advice, and suggests that the services of a professional in those fields should be sought. Any liability, loss, or risk, personal, or otherwise incurred as a result of using any of the information herein stated is not the responsibility of the author and/or publisher.


Liberty Settlements | Provides Assistance When Needed | Liberty Settlements

Liberty Settlements Provides Assistance When You Need It – By Liberty Settlements

Do you feel pinched by your credit card company even after years of consistent payments?  You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.  The good news is that there is help out there.  My assistance came in the form of Liberty Settlements of Houston, TX.

When this financial crisis struck the country, people nationwide were caught in a position of unemployment after years of consistent work.  I was one of the lucky ones.  I didn’t get laid off, but I got laid back.  My hours and my pay were cut about 25%.  At first my wife and I worried about making ends meet. I was still paying our basic monthly bills like rent and utilities.  I could still buy groceries.  Then the unthinkable happened.

My credit card company, to address my lost wages – get this – actually hiked my interest rate up!  Next thing I knew my minimum payment was nearly twice what I was used to.  It was only a matter of time before I ended up broke; there was no way to keep up.  I was at the end of my rope.  My phone was ringing off the hook from insistent creditors.  After a few low weeks, I decided I wasn’t going to live like this.

I did some research on the Internet and discovered Liberty Settlements.  Liberty Settlements is a debt negotiation firm that is helping me pull out of the pit of debt my credit card company has placed me in.  Liberty Settlements also relieved me of a lot of stress.  You see, they do the calling and haggling with the credit card companies.  I stop getting hounded.  And while I follow a savings plan, Liberty is negotiating a settlement with my creditors.

Soon the credit card company will accept my offer through Liberty Settlements, at a much lower payoff than what I initially owed.  I will pay that settled amount from my savings plan.  My credit rating will survive, and I will be debt free.  I don’t think my wife and I could have accomplished this whole process without Liberty Settlements.

Liberty Settlements | Provides Critical Solutions | Liberty Settlements

Liberty Settlements Continues to Provide Critical Solutions – By Liberty Settlements

Credit card companies depend on consumers who struggle to pay off  debt.  They actively look for consumers who submit minimum payments each month.  Those of us who survive this way are familiar with the feelings of stress, discomfort, and even shame that this type of usury creates.  Liberty Settlements knows this and they can help stop it.

The market crashed.  Jobs evaporated.  Consumers have less money now than ever.  At this critical moment, credit card companies have chosen to cut throats – our throats.  The throats of the same customers they’ve been generating income from, for years.  They’ve mercilessly raised interest rates and the required minimum payments are now much higher. Unless we know about companies like Liberty Settlements, we will never get the pressure off our lives.

Who can we turn to, the government?  The government bailout may be aiding the banks that run the credit card companies, but it’s not helping the little guy.  The government is not doing a thing that eliminates the pressure of the average consumer.  What about credit counselors?  Credit counselors are going to tell us what we already know, maybe give us some free therapy while we moan about our debt problems, but offer no critical solutions.

It’s time to look into debt settlement.  Debt settlement firms, like Liberty Settlements, provide the same services to individual consumers that have been available to companies for decades – clearing debts.

Liberty Settlements knocks heads with the credit card powerhouses, negotiating a settlement with them on our behalf.  The folks at Liberty Settlements run interference for us, confronting predatory credit card companies.  In turn, this gives consumers elbow room to save some money to satisfy creditors.  By the time Liberty Settlements is done negotiating, their clients will usually pay half or less of what they initially owed the credit card companies.  Voila!  Liberty Settlements provides a real solution.

Matt Mullhofer | Financial Privacy Steps | Matt C Mullhofer

Twelve Steps to Financial Privacy – By Matt Mullhofer

  1. Never release your social security number.  Only release your social security number when it is absolutely necessary says Matt Mullhofer.
  2. Use a corporation or another entity for major transactions.
  3. Avoid writing checks because they leave an extensive paper trail.
  4. According to Matt Mullhofer when investing offshore, ensure that you are in compliance with all laws and reporting requirements.
  5. Only disclose what is necessary to financial institutions.
  6. Maximize the bearer transactions that are not reported under your name.
  7. Use financial professionals that will keep your financial information confidential.  Attorneys are bound to keep all of your information confidential.
  8. Always have your accountant work through your lawyer to insure confidentiality told Matt Mullhofer.
  9. Use a post office box or drop box for mail correspondence.
  10. Avoid using safety deposit boxes, use private vaults instead.
  11. Prepare a living trust to bequeath your property.  This will avoid the high cost associated with probate as well as any loss of privacy.
  12. Arrange your investments so that you can provide the least possible amount of financial information.

About Matt Mullhofer

Matt Mullhofer has been practicing law since 1999, and has owned and operated the Law Office of Matt Mullhofer, PC since 2000. The goal of Matt Mullhofer is to provide professional legal services to the clients of ProtectMyAssets.

Matthew Mullhofer | Estate Planning | Matthew Mullhofer

A two minute drill on estate planningBy Matthew Mullhofer

While volumes can be written about the needs of estate planning, sometimes it is easiest to have a short simple check list. To that end, here is a two minute check list that may help facilitate a more comprehensive discussion. Every estate needs the following:

A Will:

This legal document tells who will manage your estate. A will is a document containing your instructions and wishes as to how your property and assets are to be distributed after your death says Matthew Mullhofer. Any person, of any age, should seriously consider a will at the earliest possible time. It is the expression of your wishes concerning how your property will be distributed. It is a written statement, signed in compliance with you state guidelines. It is a legal document containing the names of the people you want to benefit, as well as details of your possessions at the date of your death. Matthew Mullhofer knows that your property and possessions include everything you own; your home, land, vehicles, bank accounts, benefits of insurance policies, furniture, boat, investments such as shares of stock, personal jewellery, artwork, and so on. A will is the only way you can ensure your assets will be distributed according to your wishes.

A Letter of instruction:

This document addresses financial and personal issues that must be attended to after your death. It is generally less formal then your will and can be much more to the point.  One of the most important features of a letter of instruction reflects Matthew Mullhofer, is it provides specific information regarding personal preferences in medical or funeral care and details concerning dispersion or care of your personal assets that your legal documents may not outline. Letters of instruction can be used for many different things, but one of their main uses is simply to lead the person who must settle your estate through the process step by step in plain language that he or she can easily understand says Matthew Mullhofer.

Advance directive:

While this document may be referred to by different names, its intent is straight forward. These documents refer to health care directives, living wills, health care (medical) powers of attorney, and other personalized directives. It is a legal document that you as the signor defines your desire to be kept alive by extraordinary medical efforts. Matthew Mullhofer has utilized this type of document for many of his clients. This is particularly important if you suffer from a terminal illness or are severely disabled and can no longer make decisions for yourself. This document eliminates the distress that your loved ones might other wise be faced with.

Power Of Attorney:

This is the document that gives another person legal authority to act on your behalf. When you create this document, you are acting as the principal and the person you giving the power to is called your attorney in fact. Matthew Mullhofer acts as an attorney in fact for many of his clients. If you create a durable power of attorney, that document will continue in effect even if you become incapacitated. While this document can serve as a directive for many things, it is core needs for every estate. There are many details involved in each one of these documents. As you review your current situation these brief definitions may help. Being prepared for such a discussion is half of the process.

Matthew Mullhofer is a practicing attorney In Orange County, California. Matthew Mullhofer specializes in the protection of client property by providing estate planning; living trust preparation and asset protection. The Matthew Mullhofer firm may be reached at 877-246-2770.8877-246-77.246.2770.