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New and Noteworthy

Proposition 19 & Entities

Prop 19 & Entities: Legal Update and Estate Planning Strategy

One of the major exclusions from property reassessment is the exclusion of real property that is owned by a legal entity, such as a corporation, partnership, or LLC, as provided in Revenue & Taxation Code section 64. In a nutshell, it provides that when realty is owned by a legal entity, certain changes in the ownership of the entity do not constate sale of the realty itself, unless a new person or entity gains control of the entity. For example, if real property is owned by a corporation, shares of … Read More

Firm Announcement

SLP Partner Tony Valluzzo Named to 2021 “Lawyers of Distinction” List by Sonoma Magazine

Sonoma Law Partners PC is pleased to announce that Sonoma Magazine has named partner Anthony R. Valluzzo for inclusion in its list of 2021 “Lawyers of Distinction” in the category of business law.

Sonoma Magazine’s inaugural “Lawyers of Distinction” list recognizes the county’s top legal practitioners. Candidates who live or work in the greater Sonoma five-county region were peer-recommended. A third-party research firm conducted the peer nominating and vetting process, ensuring its independence and authenticity. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding … Read More

SLP’s Tom Haeuser Steps Up to FISH Board of Directors and Sonoma County Library Commission

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SONOMA, CA – July 26, 2021 – Prominent business and estate planning law firm Sonoma Law Partners PC is pleased to announce that Tom Haeuser (retired), name partner and Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, has stepped up his roles in two vital community service organizations, Friends Helping Friends (FISH) and the Sonoma County Library Commission. Tom was recently selected President of the FISH Board of Directors, continuing his longstanding affiliation with an organization that has been lending a helping hand to neighbors in need for 50 years. Tom also accepted an appointment to serve a 3-year … Read More

Sonoma Law Firm Sonoma Law Partners PC in Growth Mode – Adds Staff for Concierge Services

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SONOMA, Calif. – May, 2021 – Reinventing the law firm business model, SLP lawyers return to the basics of legal services with an emphasis on lawyers and staff working together to offer a concierge service experience. The addition of staffers Lori Beth Merrill and Penny Martin underscores SLP’s long-standing reputation for working seamlessly with clients. Committed to providing the ‘white glove’ treatment . Penny’s adept management of client-attorney interactions and communications and Lori Beth’s background as a real estate appraiser complement the legal services offered by SLP’s two partners, Anthony R. Valluzzo, and Mary Piasta.

The firm focuses on estate … Read More

Virtual Fiduciary Presentation

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Fiduciary originates from Latin fidere, which means “to trust.”

Youtube Join the discussion between lawyer Mary Piasta and Lori Beth Merrill of Sonoma Law Partners PC as they discuss the things you want to know about fiduciaries, what they are, how they are regulated, and how they can help loved ones.

In case you missed it…

Click here to view the video courtesy of Vintage House Sonoma… Read More

How California Law Helps Seniors Avoid the Scenario in the Netflix movie, I Care A Lot

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An upcoming Seminar on April 16 at Vintage House.

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, outlining the estate planning tools that can ensure your welfare stays out of the hands of the courts. He will discuss how to empower those you trust to make decisions on … Read More

Three Cheers for PPP

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The December relief package created a second draw for businesses that have exhausted their PPP. This PPP list includes an Expanded List of Expenses Qualifying for Forgiveness. The list of expenses that PPP funds can be used for that qualify for loan forgiveness has been expanded to include:

“operations expenses” defined as payments for business software and cloud computing services and other human resources and accounting needs that facilitate business operations;
“supplier costs” defined as payments to a supplier for goods that are essential to the operations of the borrower pursuant to a contract or purchase order in effect before

Securing Your Digital Property and Passing it Along

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In this day and age of websites, blogs, coaching programs and such, if you own a business that has these things, if something were to happen to you, what would happen to these things?

These sort of things are what is referred to as ‘intellectual properties’ and if you have a will or estate plan that includes directives for your business you might think more about protecting these aspects to your business or endeavor.

Under the law, in the broadest sense an intellectual property is an abstract item such a concept, ideas or formula and so on. To protect things … Read More

Name Changes & Legality

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Recently as marriage equality and identity classifications have been critiqued more closely by the LGBTQ community, here’s some info about name changes.

Basically it’s not that difficult.

Anybody can change their name legally. Just make sure it is not to commit fraud or make a false identity.

The simplest and most common is when people marry.

Today’s customs and attitudes about marriage lets women keep a “maiden name” or allows for a hyphenated name.

Hyphenated names are used in England. Historically, it has been part of the class or caste-system in English society. Hyphenated names were passed down as a … Read More

Beginner’s Guide to Bankruptcy

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by Mary Piasta

When we talk of asset protection, many think of bankruptcy. But there is a social norm with this type of word preventing many from considering it seriously. The truth is that many very wealthy individuals in our country are not so dissuaded and utilize filing for bankruptcy as a means to preserve wealth.

For example, one entrepreneur went through bankruptcy four times in his life and left a legacy including a private foundation. For others it means wiping the slate clean to rebuild their wealth.

Historically speaking bankruptcy was a way to depart from the English precedent … Read More