Coronavirus and My Office
Coronavirus and My Office The Law Offices of Trent C. Marcus is committed to health and safety for all. Here are some of the steps we are taking: – The entire office staff is monitoring our health daily…we are not symptomatic of any illness. – We are respecting personal space and not shaking hands or […]
California Revocable Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed
Starting in 2016, California Law (Probate Code Section 5600, et seq.) allows an individual to transfer real property at death, without using a Revocable Living Trust and without the time and expense of a probate proceeding. A TOD Deed is revocable and must be recorded within 60 days of signing. The TOD Deed does not […]
Pass the Turkey and I’ll tell you about my Estate Plan
During this holiday season, you will probably be surrounded by your family and relatives. And there is a better than average chance that you will all be present together for a meal, or two. During these times, why don’t you get the conversation ball rolling by throwing out information about your estate plan? While it […]
18…the big one-eight
I used to joke that when someone turned 18, the best privilege was that they were able to buy lottery tickets. Now, I realize there is much more going on. If you are 18, or if you have a family member or friend who is turning 18, check out this great resource from the California […]
Starting a Business?
One of the greatest tools I’ve found for the Small Business Entrepreneur is CalGOLD. After a few clicks, a user can figure out every permit and license that is needed to start a business in California.
Why I am not a Litigator
How long does a lawsuit take? Consider the March 1989 crash of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker, which sent 11 million gallons of crude oil into the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska. The outrage was immediate, and five years later, a federal jury hit Exxon with an unprecedented $5 billion in punitive damages. […]
Intellectual Property
Lately, a few of my start up clients have encountered hang-ups related to intellectual property. Intellectual Property is the bundle of rights and privileges associated with trademarks (names and logos), copyrights (works of art, music, literature) or patents (inventions and secret formulas). Whenever a business is deciding to choose a trade name, it is imperative […]
Wise Estate Planning
Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business. When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his fortune. One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most […]
The Public Trust
When it rains, it pours. I don’t remember ever learning about, discussing, or understanding the Public Trust. However, this week it has been referenced three times. The Public Trust is the notion that the public has a certain confidence in the powers and decisions that reside with government officials…a trust that “they” will do what […]
‘Tis the Season
While I was putting up some Christmas lights today (we’re going with the “less is more” approach), I was wondering if there were any laws regulating the use or abuse of lights during the Holiday season. Apparently, in California, there are no restrictions against Christmas lights, as long as you don’t live in San Diego […]