CalPers Could Hold Up Your Retirement Distribution For Up To 4 Years

CalPERS Could Hold Your Retirement Distribution For Up To 4 Years.
Are you one of the over 1.6 million people who are a part of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)? Is a portion of the CalPERS benefits being awarded to an ex-spouse? If you answered yes to both questions, you’re presently looking at an average wait time of up to 4 years before  benefits will be awarded.  You might not want to wait to file your QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) to have CalPERS benefits divided. If you wait until retirement, the process could take longer. If you’re expecting […]

4 Things to Consider Before You Litigate Your Divorce

1. Litigation in a courtroom usually drags on (and on). If you’re lucky, it will take only months, sometimes it will take about a year, but it could go on for years. Sometimes it never actually finalizes because the negotiations come to a halt when the money runs out.
2. Litigation brings out the worst in people. There’s a reason they call it a divorce war. When it’s over, there’s a winner and there’s a loser. If you’re angry, it can fuel the anger. If you’re depressed, it can fuel the depression. If you’re bitter, well you know. It will take […]

Low Cost Legal Altternatives

As legal fees continue to skyrocket, more and more consumers are seeking low cost, but lawful alternatives for their simple legal matters that do not require the use of an attorney.
By doing a lot of the paperwork themselves, consumers are finding that they can save thousands of dollars in legal fees. But, navigating through the mountain of paperwork required by the legal system can be daunting for many people.
Fortunately, a profession known as Legal Document Assistants offer a safe and lawful alternative to simple legal matters, including living trusts, divorce and other family law issues, probate, unlawful detainers, name changes, […]

Homeowners Beware

These so-called “foreclosure rescue companies”; claim they will help save your home, but in reality are out to make a profit — at your expense. If you are at risk of or in foreclosure, you should be on the lookout for foreclosure scams.
Red Flags for Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Asks for money upfront before providing any service
Instructs you not to contact your lender, lawyer, housing counselor, family, friends or others.
Asks for mortgage payments to be made directly to his or her company or a bank account set up by that person, rather than your lender.
Requires payment only in the form of cash, […]

California Takes Steps to Equalizing Access to the Justice System

AB 590 became law on October 11, 2009 which will appoint free attorneys to represent low income parties in civil cases concerning matters of basic human needs. Now over 2/3 of low income litigants do not receive any type of free legal service. Our civil courts are overburdened by more people who do not know how the courts work or how cases are handled. Giving better access means that cases will be resolved faster, reducing costs and everyone’s frustration level.
Judge’s decisions will be made with all the needed information. Funding will come from court fees, which have already been increased […]