Understanding the Discovery Process in Litigation
Litigation can be complex, and one of the most important—but often least understood—phases of a lawsuit is discovery. Whether you’re involved in a business dispute, a real estate lawsuit, or another civil matter, understanding the discovery process can help you feel more informed and prepared as your case progresses.
Explaining The Different Tax Implications Between Business Structures
One of the most important decisions that a California business owner can make is which legal form it should take. From sole proprietorships to corporations, there are various entities to choose from. The choice you make will have an impact on your and your organization’s taxes.
Knowing the tax...
Violating Non-Disclosure Agreements: Consequences and Remedies
Non-disclosure agreements are designed to help businesses protect an array of ideas and information from being stolen. Without one of these agreements, also called an NDA, a company could be at the mercy of employees, contractors, and others who might exploit their business relationship for their own personal and financial gain. But...
How a Lawyer Can Help in Commercial Leases
Commercial leases in California set the framework for the relationship between landlords and tenants, impacting everything from the day-to-day operations of a business to long-term growth. These agreements address critical details like rent, property maintenance, and tenant improvements. The terms are often complex, and how they’re structured can significantly affect the future...
Common Contractor Disputes That Lead To Litigation
Contractor disputes are an unfortunate reality in many business and construction projects. Misunderstandings, unmet expectations, and legal noncompliance can escalate into costly litigation if not addressed promptly. At Schneiders & Associates, LLP, we have a proven track record of helping businesses navigate and resolve contractor disputes effectively. Below, we delve into the...
Characteristics (and Red Flags) to Look for When Buying a Business
Buying a business can be an exciting opportunity, but it’s also a decision that requires careful consideration. Beyond the sales pitch, every business has details that can reveal its true health and potential. Knowing what to look for—both positive characteristics and possible red flags—can help you make a well-informed decision. By recognizing...
When Should I Amend an Existing Trust?
As life evolves, so do your financial and family circumstances. Events like the birth of a child, acquiring new assets, or changes in relationships can impact the plans you’ve set for the future. While trusts are meant to provide security and clarity, they should be reviewed and updated when significant shifts occur....
Irrevocable vs. Revocable Trusts in California: Which Is Right For You?
Deciding how to manage and protect your assets often comes down to choosing the right trust. In California, irrevocable and revocable trusts are the most popular options, each with unique features. Revocable trusts allow you to make changes as needed, while irrevocable trusts may offer stronger protection from creditors and tax benefits...
Why You Should Make Gifts Well Before the Expiration of the TCJA in 2025 — Preserving Your $14 Million Lifetime Gift and Estate Tax Exemption
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed by Congress in 2017, introduced a number of sweeping changes to tax laws, one of the most significant being the substantial increase in the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption. Currently, this exemption allows individuals to transfer significant amounts of wealth—either during their lifetime...
How California’s Proposition 19 Interferes with Gift-Giving of Real Estate from Parents to Children
California’s Proposition 19, which took effect on February 16, 2021, has drastically altered the landscape of real estate inheritance and property transfers within families. For years, California families could pass down homes from parents to children while retaining the same low property tax assessments, allowing heirs to enjoy the benefits of relatively...