Frequently Asked Questions

A partition refers to the legal process of dividing property among co-owners. This often comes into play when multiple parties own a property together and want to divide their interests or sell the property to distribute the proceeds.

The timeline for an eviction can vary based on several factors. Overall, from the start of the eviction process to the tenant’s final move-out, it can take anywhere from about 6 to 12 weeks, though it can be longer if there are complications or delays.

The term "quieting a title" refers to a legal action used to resolve disputes over property ownership and to "quiet" any claims or disputes that may exist regarding the title to a property. This process essentially seeks to establish a clear and uncontested ownership of the property, providing certainty to the property owner.

Your trust is official once it is properly executed and funded. Ensuring all assets are transferred into the trust and that the necessary documentation is recorded and updated is crucial for the trust to function as intended. If you have any doubts or need further clarification, consulting with your attorney can help confirm that all legal and procedural requirements have been met.

Reimbursement for work performed on a rental property in California is possible but depends on the lease agreement, prior approval from the landlord, and proper documentation. Following the correct procedures and seeking legal advice if needed will help you pursue reimbursement effectively.

While your attorney is responsible for managing the case and keeping track of important dates, proactive communication and organization on your part can help ensure a smooth legal process.

You may need to pay additional fees if your attorney is billing by the hour for court appearances or if there are travel and administrative costs associated with their attendance. Always review your attorney-client agreement and discuss any potential extra charges with the billing department upfront to ensure transparency and avoid unexpected costs.

If your credit card declines and you have an upcoming court date, promptly address the payment issue with the billing department and explore alternative payment methods or arrangements. Ensuring that financial and representation issues are resolved quickly will help mitigate any impact on your case and court appearance.

The cost of a trial in California can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the amount of preparation required, the attorney’s fees, and other associated costs.

After sending a demand letter, the case does not automatically go to trial. The demand letter typically serves as a starting point for settlement discussions, negotiation, or alternative dispute resolution. If these efforts do not resolve the issue, you may then proceed with filing a lawsuit and eventually go to trial if necessary. It is advisable to work closely with your attorney to navigate these steps effectively and determine the best approach.

A mediation and trial are two distinct methods for resolving disputes. Mediation aims to facilitate a voluntary, confidential, and mutually acceptable resolution with the help of a mediator, whereas a trial involves a formal, public, and adversarial process where a judge or jury makes a binding decision based on the evidence and arguments presented.

While an attorney can prepare legal notices and provide guidance, the landlord is generally responsible for serving the notices to the tenant. However, landlords often work with their attorneys to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the notices are properly drafted. 

You may be reimbursed for any unused funds from a retainer or legal fees if the terms of your agreement with the attorney provide for such refunds. It’s important to review your retainer agreement, communicate with your attorney about unused funds, and keep detailed records of all payments and agreements.

Dealing with property abandoned by a tenant involves several legal steps and requirements. Always follow legal procedures and consider consulting with an attorney to avoid potential issues or claims from the former tenant.

Collecting money awarded to you by the courts in California can be a complex process, especially if the judgment debtor (the person who owes you money) is unwilling or unable to pay. Collecting a judgment often requires persistence and proper legal procedures, so working with a legal professional can improve your chances of successfully recovering the awarded money.

We find that a setting a higher retainer amount makes access to legal representation impossible for many of our clients.  Taking a lower retainer and advising our clients to prepare for additional payments is the best manner in which to provide accessible legal representation. 

A retainer is a deposit towards the fees and costs that will be incurred in your case.  It is not an estimate of the entire fees that will be incurred in your case.  In many cases, the cost of the action will exceed the initial retainer amount which requires that a minimum balance be maintained in order to keep the funds available to pay for the costs of the case. 

The reason is because our time and skill are all we have to earn our living.  In other words, if we spend our day not charging for the time spent on cases, we will soon not be able to meet the ever-increasing expenses associated with a law firm.  An attorney must charge for the time he or she spends on the telephone just as he or she would charge for research, document drafting and court appearances.