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The Investigation and Disciplinary Process of the Professional Conduct Program

man looking at stats on ipad

Well-run capital markets pair capital investors with those seeking to invest assets in profitable ventures. Highly efficient capital markets, in turn, give numerous benefits to those providing the investment capital, opening the floodgates for a variety of ethical decisions. The choice between right and wrong is not always crystal clear. Financial complexities can stump even … Read moreThe Investigation and Disciplinary Process of the Professional Conduct Program

Types of Elderly Financial Abuse

Elder financial abuse is a very real situation that can cause immense problems for both the elder being abused and for an entire family in general. The behaviors of the perpetrators can be extremely damaging and may often require the abused to seek legal assistance. If family members contribute to the abuse of an elder, it is suggested that an attorney step in and assist in stopping the abuse and finding compensation. Who the perpetrators might be, their behaviors and which types of elderly individuals that may be at risk are all aspects of elderly financial abuse that should be addressed.

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6 Tips For Estate Planning Over The Holidays

family during Christmas

For many people, the holidays are some of the few times a year that the entire family is together. Your family members are more relaxed and not as distracted by everyday obligations. It’s a great time to catch up, make memories, and discuss some important matters like estate planning. While it may feel awkward to initiate this kind of conversation, it is important to discuss what you intend for your estate during a time when adjustments can be made in a good frame of mind.

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Personal Injuries During the Summertime

Summertime is definitely a fun time for everyone. But with the added fun comes dangerous situations. Swimming, hiking and bike riding are just a few of the activities that we love to participate in during the summer, but certainly, there are many more things that we enjoy doing outside in the summertime.

Unfortunately, just one incident is all it takes to turn our world upside down. And when we suffer personal injuries, it can be difficult to recover.

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Using 1031 Exchange Property as a Vacation Home

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code allows taxpayers to exchange property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment (hereinafter referred to as “qualified use”) for like-kind property on a tax-deferred basis. Deferred taxes means more funds to put toward replacement property(ies). You may even be able to afford to buy a replacement property in a desirable vacation area—and may be tempted to convert the property to personal use. A pure vacation home or personal residence will not meet the qualified use requirements, however, the IRS does allow some limited personal use of 1031 exchange property.

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What is Probate in California?

Sitting down and having a discussion about what will happen to your assets and finances after you pass away is certainly not an easy thing to do, but it’s something that should be done. You should start your estate planning as early as your graduation from college, and especially once you’re married with children.

When you pass away, most likely your estate will pass through the probate process. This process is the official way your estate is settled through the supervision of probate in California. The estate is frozen until the court determines the Will is valid, all relatives have been notified and that all of the property in the estate is identified. The court will also ensure that creditors and taxes are paid. Once that is all done, an Order is issued by the court for the distribution of the remaining assets. If you die without a will, the court will determine who is appointed as the administrator of the estate and will determine who receives your assets based on a “family tree” of surviving relatives.

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Beware of These Pitfalls When Selling Property in a 1031 Exchange

Looking to trade in an old investment property for something new? Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code allows taxpayers to defer the recognition of gain on business or investment property exchanged for like-kind property. Although this seems simple on its face, below are several common pitfalls.

  • Failure to properly use a qualified intermediary (also referred to as an exchange facilitator)

The word “exchange” is applied quite literally in Section 1031. You must exchange the old property directly for the new property, without receipt of any sale proceeds. Because the odds of finding someone who is willing to swap properties is incredibly low, most people must use a qualified intermediary to comply with the “exchange” requirement of Section 1031. The funds from the sale of the relinquished property are paid directly to the qualified intermediary, who uses the funds to acquire the replacement property. The qualified intermediary also handles the exchange of title with the buyer of the relinquished property and the seller of the replacement property. You may need to come up with separate liquid funds or financing if the replacement property is more expensive than the net proceeds from the sale of the relinquished property.

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Baby Boomers Looking at Retirement – Business Succession Plans Crucial

It has been commented that working for oneself is great because you get to work half-days. You even get to choose which half – the first 12 hours or the second. Funny as that may seem, Baby Boomer generation business owners smile knowingly, and the thought of retirement is alluring. Logistically, however, said Boomers might find themselves in a pickle when it comes to business succession, unless they focus now on some forward-thinking.

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10 Things You Should Know About Probate

1. Death of a Loved One

Following the death of a loved one, such as a parent, the first and foremost priority is “family.” Nothing should precede that. The business of the estate comes after devoting full attention to remembering your dearly departed, being with friends and family, and allowing friends and family to pay their final respects. Everything else is on hold. The liabilities of the estate will wait for now. If there is a mortgage on the house, it can go late for now. Fortunately, credit scores for the decedent, are now meaningless. Just collect and organize the mail, but focus for now on family. In fact, the business of administering the estate can remain on hold until you receive the certificate of death from the funeral service or office of vital records. Your receipt of the death certificate will prompt you to begin administering the estate.

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