Author Archives: Mary Piasta

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Fresh Out of the Courts – Corporate Transparency Act

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Last year signaled a major shift in corporate reporting in California.  In short, the Corporate Transparency Act (Act) came into effect January 1, 2024 requiring certain companies to report on beneficial ownership.  While business lawyers at SLP have been preparing for the new reporting requirements under the Act, there have been legal challenges to the Act making its implementation uncertain.  Most recently, a federal district court in Alabama has ruled on a case which attacked the constitutionality of the Act. Last week the federal district court ruled that the Act is unconstitutional because it was not within Congress’ enumerated powers. … Read More

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2024, el Año de las Nuevas Reglas Comerciales y Cómo Cumplirlas

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En Sonoma Law Partners PC nos enfocamos en atender a propietarios de empresas pequeñas y regionales. Como parte de nuestro compromiso con nuestra comunidad de Sonoma, queremos crear conciencia entre nuestros compañeros propietarios de negocios sobre los cambios en la ley que pueden afectar el negocio.

Hay varias leyes nuevas que pueden afectar su negocio si tiene empleados. Nos complace compartir que nuestra oficina ha crecido hasta incluir una práctica especializada en derecho laboral. Hay varias leyes nuevas que afectan a los empleadores y ahora, a través de nuestra filial, tenemos la experiencia para asesorarlo sobre estas nuevas leyes y … Read More

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2024 the Year of New Business Rules and How to Comply

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At Sonoma Law Partners PC we focus on serving small and regional business owners. As part of our commitment to our Sonoma community we want to raise awareness among our fellow business owners of changes in the law that may impact the business.

There are several new laws that may impact your business if you have employees. We are pleased to share that the firm has grown to include a specialized employment law practice. There are several new laws that impact employers and now, through our affiliate, we have the expertise to advise and counsel you on these new laws … Read More

trust puzzle

First―What is a living trust?

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A living trust lets you manage your assets such as money, property, and business interests, with you as the one in charge as trustee. It also provides for how you want your assets managed if you are unable to do so. In those situations, a successor trustee named by you will manage your assets to your benefit during your lifetime and then distribute those assets to your beneficiaries as named in your trust without going through and paying a court.

Trusts can be set up to be revocable in case you want to change your mind at a future date. … Read More

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Introducing SLP Trust Series

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We want to help every family to have an estate plan. Our new Trust series will explore the basics of estate planning, show you how to navigate the trust process, determine if and when you need legal help, and assist you as needed.

When you know, you know. Everyone has an estate. And no matter how modest, almost everyone can benefit from setting up a living trust. As estate planners, we create living trusts for our clients all the time. From modest to sophisticated, we know the ropes. As part of our ‘law for everyone’ concept, we want to give … Read More

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Robots on the Plaza

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A very cool robot graced our Halloween open house this year. We are lucky enough to work with a start-up company focused on robotics, hence the visit. Their robots use artificial intelligence to interact with humans or other robots. While not frequent visitors to the Plaza, these robots provide emotional support in healthcare, learning, and other environments, including a special Halloween visit to Sonoma.… Read More

Gratitude

Gratitude, Service, and the Quest for Excellence

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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

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Strategies to Lower Your Property Tax Bill

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neon_tax_signThe back-to-school special and the property tax blog post are part of our law for everyone initiative.

It’s that time of year when property owners look towards paying that tax bill. Your property tax bill includes payments for various things, other than property tax. In addition to property tax, the bill includes charges for voter-approved taxes and direct charges from taxing agencies. These charges are all specifically identified on one’s bill for property taxes.

A little-known fact is that these additional amounts sometimes will include various exemptions. The most common is for senior citizens, defined as age sixty-five (65) or … Read More

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Back-to-School-Special—a package deal

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Legal documents you need when your kid goes off to college

Parents of college-bound children need to have critical legal documents in place before their kids leave the nest. These legal considerations, like having kids in the first place, are a package deal. Don’t make the mistake of being unprepared in the face of a situation that could affect your child’s health and well-being.

Even though your child is legally considered to be an adult, there may be times when you will want to step in to help. You will not be able to do so unless you have the … Read More