At its core, gratitude lets us appreciate the here and now instead of always looking for something new to make us feel happier or more fulfilled. As a recent Harvard study notes “Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack.” Here at SLP, we are grateful for the rewards of lawyering north of the bustling SF Bay Area. Here we get to practice law, raise our families, and provide civic engagement and service. Our lives are enriched because we get to offer legal advice and services to our friends and neighbors throughout the Wine Country Read more…

Introduction to Elder Abuse, Capacity and Undue Influence In a recent presentation to realtors, Real Estate and Elders, SLP partner Mary Piasta provided a introduction to elder abuse, capacity and undue influence. Offering a roadmap for understanding and navigating issues of elder abuse in real estate, Mary focused her presentation on the applicable laws, rules and concerns for real estate professionals concerning capacity, financial exposure, warning signs, and resources. For more information, please email mary@sonomalawpartners.com or call 707.996.2131.

Described as a critical piece of housing legislation, SB 9 which was signed into law by Governor Newsom this September will no doubt change the future of housing investments and opportunities.  The ripples will also extend into property tax issues at a local level. According to U.S. Census records there are over 6 million detached single-family dwellings in the State of California. Allowing units to be built adjacent to or within existing single family homes might resolve the housing crisis. “The intent of SB 9 is clear – to streamline the process so homeowners can create a duplex or subdivide Read more…

California Cares A Lot How California Law Helps Seniors Avoid the Scenario in the Netflix movie, I Care A Lot April 16th 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PT In case you missed it… View Presentation courtesy of Vintage House Sonoma This complimentary seminar features Anthony Valluzzo, a partner at the Sonoma law firm of Sonoma Law Partners PC. Tony draws on a wealth of estate planning experience to craft solid legal strategies that provide peace of mind for life and after. While not as chilling as the movie version, Tony will provide an overview of California law addressing court-appointed conservatorships, Read more…

In 2020, AB 5 was a big topic of discussion as it narrowed the appropriate use of independent contractors.  This year there are two legal actions that loosen the corset of AB5.  AB2257 and PROP 22 exempted app-based delivery and transport companies if certain things are met.  AB 2257 recasts and clarifies various exemptions including but not limited to:  Business to business referral agency Professional services music  Journalists Copyeditors All sorts of creatives Appraisers, insurance underwriters Landscape architects Consulting  International exchange programs Animal services Something I need desperately – salon services. . .  “specialized consulting services” The above are all Read more…

Under the new law, AB 685 if an employer receives notice of a “potential exposure to COVID-19” the employer must provide various notices.  There is a three-step process for doing so.  Step One – Within one business day, an employer must provide notice to employees, employers of subcontracted employees, and representatives of them that includes all of the following.   The notice must be given to all of those who were on the premises at the same “worksite” as the “qualifying individual” within the infectious period.  the Notice must comply with Cal OSHA Form 300 Injury & Illness Log Notice to Read more…

SLP Law has more and more clients looking to transition their businesses whether they are new or even legacy businesses. Other times circumstances dictate the need for a business transition like death, divorce, or bankruptcy. In either case as it may be understanding the circumstances for the sale is an important driver to dictate various terms. Of course, clarity in dealings of this nature can add to peace of mind. A short list of considerations is as follows: Goals – consider the end goals of the sale. Is it tax minimization, liability transfer, a life change? Keeping an eye on Read more…

The current 2020 unified federal estate and gift tax lifetime exemption amount is $11.58 million.  This amount is scheduled to increase with inflation through December of 2025, at which point it reverts back to the 2017 level of $5 million. The Biden team is just beginning to look into ways to capture some of the stratospheric increases in wealth during the last few years.  As of today they include the elimination of step-up in basis for inherited assets and being even more aggressive than the sun set provisions, lowering the exemption amounts to 2009 of $3.5 million for estates and Read more…

California is facing some interesting hurdles right now, even outside of the recent wave of COVID-19 and threat of forest fires. Rising commercial office space vacancies, small businesses closing down, and record unemployment and poverty numbers are, however, facing every state in the Union. The uniqueness of California comes from its position to recover from the economic fallout. As one of the largest economies in the world, California has the tools, population and culture to rebound quickly and thoroughly. Property values have remained high, even continuing to increase in suburbs and areas outside of the city centers. California’s state government Read more…

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has released the fee schedule for 2021, available on its website available at https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/fees-and-payment/uspto-fee-schedule.

As we enter the new year, it’s a good time to do what HVP Law calls a legal checkup. This is a yearly review of your needs for your life, businesses and estate. For the estate planning side of things, we like to review the status of things through the year to ensure your wishes are properly recorded in your documents. Have there been any changes in your holdings? Did you move? Are there new family members? Are there any new desires for decision makers? Are your beneficiaries current? For the business side of things, it is prudent to do Read more…