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Inflation. Yeah, we all feel it. From the gas station to the grocery store, everywhere we go, everything we pay for, rising costs hit us over and over like a school yard bully. Not all industries are affected the same, but all feel the weight of inflation in cash flow, supply-chains, profitability, and most importantly, purchasing power. But how much does inflation affect us? Inflation — or the rate at which prices increase over time in relation to the amount of currency in circulation — affects everyone differently depending on the industry and our buying habits. To put it in its most basic terms: if a dollar could buy one dollar worth of goods and services yesterday, today it only buys ninety cents worth of goods and services. So, what happens when the rate of Inflation rises? Businesses raise costs or reduce the size of its products Businesses need to make profits to survive. As the cost of raw materials, import and export rates, and overhead rise, businesses must offset this cost to maintain that profitability. One way they do this is pass the cost on to us (also called “cost-push” inflation). That’s why we see prices go up, either directly through price points or indirectly through reduction of the amount of product sold. Businesses reduce staff or close. Other ways businesses maintain profits is by removing poorly selling goods or reducing staff. When high inflation first begins, workers may see a rise in wages. However, if the inflation rate continues to rise, paying employees becomes a burden, leading to reduced hours and layoffs. When prices get too high, and profits dwindle or become non-existent, there is no other recourse than to close their doors. Interest rates rise The main tool to fight inflation is higher interest rates because it makes borrowing money more expensive. Though this helps in reducing the value of old debt, we are less willing to use credit or make big ticket purchases when interest rates are too high. This leads to — Buying less goods and services We all prioritize our essential needs over what we want. As our purchasing power dwindles, purchasing that new car, buying that new couch, or spending the same amount on Christmas gifts may not be in the cards. We also look harder for sales and buy in smaller quantities to make ends meet. We choose to do it ourselves Non-essential services, such as hiring a housecleaner or paying for an attorney, are set aside in favor of doing it ourselves. The extra expense just isn’t necessary in most cases. Overall behavior changes In the end, as the rate of inflation rises, all of us change or habits and behavior. Though loyalty plays a big part, most of us would rather spend $50 on three days of meals than one meal at a restaurant; businesses would rather diversify their vendors than rely on just one; and restructuring priorities and processes becomes a priority.

Hollywood has been at a near standstill since July 13 when the Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG/AFTRA) union joined the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on the picket lines. You may recall that members of the WGA originally went on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on May 2, when negotiations over working conditions on streaming productions, compensation, better insurance coverage and residuals for union members, and protections against the use of A.I. failed. Most recently, the AMPTP brought forth a compromise, one they believed was fair but which the WGA felt had far too many loopholes, omissions, and limitations. They believed the meeting was not setup in good faith and was only conducted to push the union to cave. It’s nearly four months in, and neither side is willing to compromise. This is the perfect time for mediation. Why meditation? Mediation is effective in its ability to resolve disputes. By merging ideas through an independent third party, both sides can be heard and work together to find a respectable resolution. Benefits of mediation Save time. Mediation can often be handled in hours, if not days. Many people and businesses that are not part of these unions, such as food services, equipment rentals, artists, hair stylists, lighting technicians, and camera operators to name a few, are also being adversely affected by these strikes. Mediation could help bring a swift end to a strike that has no end in sight. Improve communication. Mediators are not there to decide right from wrong. They are trained to find a solution that benefits both sides. With the WGA and the AMPTP, one side seems to be looking to gain all benefits without giving any to the other side. Choosing mediation would allow a mediator to facilitate an honest discussion and weed through all the noise, avoiding a win-lose or lose-lose situation. Agreements that close legal loopholes. A mediator can help guarantee there are no legal loopholes or omissions during negotiations, helping both parties feel they are being protected. Preserve working relationships. Negotiations can lead to sour grapes between people and businesses that were once cordial and friendly. Mediation helps both parties come away from a contentious negotiation with renewed respect for one another. In the case of the WGA, SAG/AFTRA, and the AMPTP, this could help create a path forward for good faith contract negotiations moving forward. Why haven’t they already tried mediation? If one side isn’t willing to reach a compromise, there really is no point. And no person or business can be forced into mediation. So, unless the WGA and AMPTP both agree to find a compromise, mediation wouldn’t work properly. However, with a near 75% success rate, the WGA, SAG/AFTRA, and the AMPTP would gain substantial ground in their negotiations by agreeing that mediation was the best path forward to getting everyone, union and otherwise, back to work.

Celebrity status is likely to be the first choice pick. Spears, Jobs, and Manson are household names recognized across the United States, and even internationally. Somewhere on the list of commonalities, these infamous beings also share the experience of being involved in California court proceedings; more specifically cases involving the control of their person. #FreeBrittany Brittany was the subject of a California conservatorship case for over 13 years where her father, Jamie Spears, was granted the legal authority to make decisions over Brittany’s every move including who she dated and what her text messages said. Jamie’s decisions were controversial at best and more likely an abuse of power, resulting in the #FreeBrittany movement. In 2021 Spears was finally granted her freedom. #Apple Steve is best known for #Apple. But far before changing the trajectory of technology, Jobs ended up going through California court dependency proceedings when his mother gave him up at birth. Fortunately for Steve, his foster experience sent him to live with his soon-to-be adoptive parents. #MansonFamilyCult Charles, may not be liked nearly as much as Spears and Jobs, but his California court experience received more notoriety than both of them combined. Manson is best known as the mastermind behind the #MansonFamilyCult; a cult responsible for numerous murders and deaths. Interestingly, after his death, family members and potential heirs went to battle over his remains and his stuff. Fighting For Your Rights Most of us are not going to become founders of the next #imac, or #superstar, and hopefully, we won’t have another #deathcult developing. Celebrity or not, one thing we all have in common: we know someone suffering from dementia, a child without parents, or a family member battling for their inheritance. We know someone fighting to protect their rights in the California probate system. Brittany Spears, Steve Jobs, and Charles Manson didn’t plan on being the subject of California court proceedings. I venture to say, that none of them thought control of their person would be in the hands of a judge. Your Best Advocate I may not have much in common with Manson, ideas as innovative as Jobs, or the ability to entertain like Spears, but I know that if I end up being the subject of a California probate court proceeding, I want an advocate on my side that will fight for me, and ensure that my voice is heard. © Rachel King 2022

California law, legal system and justice concept with a 3d render of a gavel on a wooden desktop and the Californian flag on background. With the arrival of the new year, Californians saw 770 new California laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom go into effect on January 1, 2022. Of the hundreds of new bills, Newsom is proud of making, “…meaningful progress on an array of issues… in advancing historic measures to improve the lives of Californians, including new tools to boost our housing supply, improve workplace conditions and build a stronger state.” So, which of the nation-leading new California laws will affect your health and way of life the most? You be the judge. (AB = Assembly Bill; SB = Senate Bill) Public Safety AB 43 provides cities more control over their speed limits (new speeds which cannot be fully enforced until 2024). AB 48 prohibits the use of rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds during a protest or be used if someone has violated a curfew or is non-compliant with an enforcement directive. AB 1171 removes the section in the California penal code that differentiates spousal rape from all other cases of rape. Ghost guns (guns ordered in parts and assembled at home) may now be seized upon a judge’s order should a concerned citizen believe someone is at risk. Health SB 380 shortens the amount of time someone is required to wait between filing a request for end-of-life drugs from 15 days to two and eliminates the requirement of a written statement from the patient. SB 1383 requires all excess food waste to be separated into its own organic recycling waste bin. Beginning in the fall, public schools (grades six and above) must stock all restrooms with free tampons and other menstrual products. Education AB 101 requires all students to take at least one ethnic studies class to graduate starting in the 2029-2030 school year. Beginning July 1 (and for the school year beginning in August), SB 328, signed back in 2019, goes into effect, restricting middle schools from starting classes before 8 a.m. and high schools before 8:30 a.m. Food and Restaurants SB 314 makes outdoor dining space in parking lots permanent, and AB 61 allows for easier access to temporary liquor licenses for restaurant pop-ups. SB 389 makes permanent the temporary emergency order from March 2020, which allowed restaurants and bars to sell wine, beer and cocktails as a to-go item. Housing SB 9 allows property owners to add up to three additional housing units and SB 10 allows for the building of up to 10 units per parcel in transit-dense areas. Employment SB 62 requires all factory workers in the garment industry to convert piece-rate compensation to an hourly wage. SB 331 prohibits employers from including non-disclosure clauses as part of settlement agreements in relation to discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Any business with over 25 employees must now pay all employees a minimum of $15 an hour, and those under 25 employees must pay $14 per hour. Elections AB 37 akes permanent the emergency mail-in ballot provision, and expands it to include all local elections.

King Law Firm Attorneys at Law, Inc. is excited to officially announce their newest venture: The Lawyer Kings Podcast! Earlier this year, attorney Rachel King, owner of the California-based King Law Firm Attorneys at Law, Inc., wanted to build confidant relationships with those seeking answers to their burning legal questions by expanding the dissemination of her ever-growing knowledge of legal processes beyond Facebook and other social media platforms. Thus came the idea to speak to her audience in length in a weekly podcast. To accomplish this feat, Rachel enlisted her father, Patrick O King, Esq., a Nevada-based lawyer with King and Russo, Ltd., to join her on her new venture. Patrick has been practicing law since 1982 and specializes in estate planning, business and family law, and personal injury cases. Together, the duo seeks to bridge the gap between old-school law practices and 21 st century techniques while helping the laymen navigate the sometimes confusing and stressful world of law. The ultimate goal is to succinctly cover a bevy of topics from civil litigation and criminal justice to estate planning and family law. And they are certainly on their way. Since their debut podcast in August, weekly topics have included discussions on the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, domestic violence, medical malpractice, expungement, and the discovery phase of law cases. The podcast has welcomed several guests as well, including Marc Wasserman, one-half of the Pot Brothers at Law, and Justin Brooks, Director and co-founder of the California Innocence Project. If you have a question or a topic you would like Rachel and Patrick to discuss in a future episode of The Lawyer Kings Podcast, email podcast@thelawyerkings.com. And head to https://thelawyerkings.com now to get caught up on all past podcasts. You may also listen on your favorite podcast sites, including Anchor, Spotify, Apple podcast, Breaker, Google, and Radio Public. Rachel has always been committed to the legal success of her clients, and The Lawyer Kings podcast is just one more bow in the quiver of bringing truth to justice. To learn more about why the podcast was started, check out our previous blog post. And stay tuned over the next year for even more big news from Rachel King and her team at King Law Firm Attorneys at Law, Inc.

The calendar has changed once again. Although a new administration has entered the White House and there’s hope that the 2020 chaos is officially in the rear-view mirror, there is still uncertainty in what 2021 has to offer. One thing we can count on, though, is the annual enactment of new California laws. Due to the pandemic, the number of new laws going into effect on January 1 (372 in all) is the lowest amount since 1967. Here are some highlights of the new California laws that may most effect you, your family and your business. Safety AB47 –Beginning July 2021, two convictions for texting or talking on the phone while driving will now add a point to your record. AB1196 - Police officers are no longer allowed to use chokeholds or other restraints that may suffocate a suspect. AB2717 – A person is now protected from civil or criminal liability If they break a car window to rescue a child. Youth football leagues can no longer have more than two half-hour full-contact practices per week and medical personnel must be present at all games. Business AB979 – By the end of 2021, any publicly-owned company with at least five members on their board must include at least two women, and any board with over six members must have at least three; boards with at least four members must also have two or more directors from underrepresented communities. AB2017 – Employees may now use sick leave for whatever reason they deem necessary. SB 973 - Businesses with one hundred or more employees must submit annual pay data based on race, ethnicity and gender. SB1159 – Employees who contract COVID-19 on the job now have expanded worker’s compensation assistance. SB1383 – Companies with five or more employees (down from fifty employees) must now allow up to twelve weeks of family leave. The minimum wage rises $1 to $14 per hour for companies with over twenty-five employees and $13 at companies with twenty-five or less employees. COVID-19 and Health AB685 – Businesses will be required to notify employees (and the general public) within a day of any exposure to COVID-19 until 2023. AB 2537 - Hospitals may be fined up to $25,000 per violation if they fail to maintain at least a three-month stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE). SB855 – Private insurance companies must cover all medically necessary mental health and substance abuse disorder treatments in full. Home Proposition 19 requires inherited property to be used as a primary residence or have its tax value reassessed. Education AB376 - Student loan service regulations now require companies to inform borrowers if there are any programs to lower their monthly payments or forgive the debt. Students who enroll in the fall semester of any California State University will be required to take an ethnic studies course to graduate. Misc. Pet stores may display dogs, cats and rabbits from shelters or rescue groups, but can no longer sell these animals. Proposition 17 allows felons who have served their time the ability to vote.

Businessmen and women must constantly walk a fine line when using transparency in long-term decisions that affect their vendors, partners, shareholders, clients and customers. On December 3, WarnerMedia officially announced that they would be debuting their entire slate of 2021 film releases, including Dune, Matrix 4, Godzilla vs. Kong, and The Suicide Squad, on their fledgling HBO Max streaming service day-and-date with their theatrical release — without first informing any of their strategic partners. Good Strategy or Bad for Business? The deal presented by WarnerMedia states that movies will only be streamed for the first 30 days of release, at which point theaters will have exclusive rights for a specified amount of time before the film goes to video-on-demand and DVD, as well as the eventual return to HBO Max. This is a good, strategic business decision on Warner’s part, as it will allow fans a choice as to how they wish to view the film — whether in the safety of their home or as a communal experience in the theater — limit the losses of films that might not have made blockbuster-levels of money, and bolster a new revenue stream and the reputation of their streaming service. However, the studio did a disservice to everyone involved in the productions, and the theater chains who are still struggling to survive, by unilaterally making this decision without first consulting any of their strategic partners. This has caused a firestorm of negativity from directors, theater chains and the Director’s Guild of America (DGA). Denis Villeneuve, director of the upcoming Dune, said in Variety that “with this decision, AT&T has hijacked one of the most respectable and important studios in film history…. Economic impact to stakeholders is only one aspect of corporate social responsibility. Finding ways to enhance culture is another. The moviegoing experience is like no other. In those darkened theaters films capture our history, educate us, fuel our imagination and lift and inspire our collective spirit. It is our legacy. Long live theatrical cinema!” DGA national executive director Russell Hollander said the decision was “unacceptable” and “contrary to both the long-standing relationship between the DGA and Warner Bros. and explicit representations made by senior executives to the DGA on this very issue.” He went on to state that, “The unilateral decision to release the entire 2021 slate day-and-date on HBO Max, without any prior discussion or even basic information provided in advance to the Guild, is inconsistent with our dealings over the years. While we certainly realize the industry is not immune to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, changing release patterns in the way WarnerMedia has announced will deeply impact our members.” AMC Theaters stated that “ have been exacerbated by the announcement by Warner Bros. that its entire studio film slate for 2021 will move to simultaneous release, which may result in other studios adopting a similar strategy.” COVID-19 Effect The decision was made in most part because of the uncertainty that still plagues COVID-19. No one thought that movie theaters and studios would be closed for as long as they have been, and, although the vaccines show promise for a better tomorrow, when and if things ever get back to “normal” is still a mystery. Regardless, WarnerMedia’s decision to push all of Warner Bros.’s movies to the streaming service is undoubtably premature. “Warner Bros. had an incredible machine for getting a filmmaker’s work out everywhere, both in theaters and in the home, and they are dismantling it as we speak," says Christopher Nolan, director of Warner. Bros.’ most recent Batman trilogy. "They don’t even understand what they’re losing. Their decision makes no economic sense and even the most casual Wall Street investor can see the difference between disruption and dysfunction.” Ultimate Takeaway It’s okay to make decisions for the benefit of the business and your shareholders, but you have to remember you have business partners, clients, employees, vendors and others that need to be informed of decisions that will affect them prior to any big announcement. WarnerMedia may have had the right intentions, but their execution was inherently flawed. If you plan to make a major change in your business, please consult an attorney who can help guide you through the most effective way to announce this change to everyone involved.

As a citizen of the United States, we all feel as if we know how laws should be enforced simply because “that’s how it’s done in my state.” What we all fail to understand (or don’t want to understand) is that each state has the constitutional right to create laws for the benefit of their residents, so long as they do not infringe on federal law. This means that there are a multitude of differences in state law when it comes to families, estates and business. Divorce When filing for a divorce in California, you are guaranteed at least six months before the divorce is finalized, as well as an equal distribution of property. However, many states, such as Oregon, do not have a required length of time to finalize a divorce, and some rely on equitable distribution of assets, which means all assets are divided fairly, if not equally. Child Support California is one of thirty-five states that utilizes the Income Shares Model, basing child support on the combination of both parents as if they were still living together. Twelve states, on the other hand, implement a version of the Percentage of Income Model, which is based solely on the noncustodial parent’s income, while three others use a more complicated model known as the Melson Formula, which takes the parents needs into consideration as well as the child’s. Estate Law Many estate planning laws differ between states. These include: Holographic Wills California accepts holographic wills while others do not, or in the case of Florida, only do so if they meet all the requirements of a standard will. Simple Templates If you have a small or simple estate in California, you can fill out a basic template that doesn’t get too technical. In other states, all statutory requirements must be met regardless of the size of the estate. Probate Costs At upwards of $500, California tends to be one of the more expensive states to open probate. In other states, the cost can be less than $250 and attorney’s fees are based on a sliding scale in relation to the size of the estate. Business Whether it be protections for minority shareholders or differing Intrastate laws, you must understand the differences in state laws to run a successful business. For example, in order to merge with or acquire another company in California, a majority share of each class of stock is required, whereas in other states, such as Delaware, all classes can vote together, making it more preferable for investors. Also be prepared to pay the California franchise tax fee if you plan to conduct business in California as an LLC, regardless of where your business is licensed. As you can see, consistency among laws across states is nearly non-existent, which is why you always want to have a great lawyer by your side to help navigate these laws so you’re never caught unaware at the most inopportune time.

Many businesses have had to find new and inventive ways to serve their clients and customers over the past few months. This includes employees working from home, an expansion in teleconferencing, and conducting customer relations via phone and online video. King Law Firm Attorneys at Law, Inc. transitioned through the pandemic maze with great efficiency. However, law firms were particularly hit with one major issue that couldn’t be immediately rectified — the closing of court houses, which inevitably furloughed thousands of cases nationwide. With the pandemic waning and businesses and courthouses once again opening, King Law Firm Attorneys at Law, Inc. is making a concerted effort to follow ever-changing state mandates to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Here are some of what we are doing to keep our employees and clients protected and healthy as we begin the process of reopening. Our offices are once again open to the public. Those who would like a return to face-to-face meetings are welcome to do so, but, in accordance with state mandates, we must ask everyone to wear a mask and continue social distancing practices while inside the office. If you cannot wear a mask due to health conditions or disabilities, we are happy to offer safe alternatives. Some of our lawyers, paralegals and staff are still working remotely as permitted by their workloads and will be available for phone and video conferences for anyone who would prefer those methods of communication. Courts are opening with restrictions that may affect our clients in different ways. Along with mandatory face mask and social distancing requirements, only clients, attorneys and witnesses may enter the court room (no family or friends will be allowed) and service hours are being limited, which means less cases throughout the day. We will make sure to inform each of our clients of the restrictions prior to any court hearing and offer any safe alternatives if needed or requested. There are many alternative filing options, such as outdoor service windows and drop box locations, and documents may be filed by mail or online when available. There is a new project for online courts in the works that may give the justice system a new, robust and remote alternative in the near future. This would include a virtual, self-help forum for clients to better understand their rights and obligations. Until this system is operational, more information will be offered online for you to make a clear, well-thought out decision before moving forward with your case. No matter how long the COVID-19 pandemic may last, one thing is certain: almost all of the above modifications will be long-lasting changes within the industry. Lucky for us, these changes will allow for more relaxed interactions with our clients, more efficiency in how cases are handled, more collaboration between colleagues, and a much better balance between work and family for all involved. Check out or YouTube Channel for more information and updates.

In these uncertain times, a lot of people are stressing over how to keep their businesses afloat until we as a nation can get back to some semblance of normal. Luckily, we live in an age that gives us easy access to the public. Entertainment as far as the eye can see One industry that’s been hit hard by the current pandemic is the entertainment industry. Hollywood, Broadway, concert venues and sporting events have all been shuttered. Has this stopped them from producing new content? Absolutely not. Production studios and entertainers alike are restructuring their business models by moving their focus online. Streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Apple TV have seen a rise in viewership since the quarantines went into effect. Because of this, many studios quickly shifted movies that had been in theaters, such as The Invisible Man and Onward, to on-demand services. Dreamworks Animation made one of the biggest decisions thus far by keeping the release date of Trolls: World Tour the same but moving the premiere from theaters to Amazon Prime. Live Shows Are Still A Go In other parts of the industry, several musicians and singers have gone live on Facebook and other social media platforms to provide free concerts to their fans. At the same time, performance shows that were set to go live, such as American Idol, have setup avenues to continue to produce their shows, even as the contestants (and audiences) are stuck at home. Saturday Night Live has now broadcast two shows wherein the cast create videos that the producers compile together to keep new product on the airwaves. Most of these choices have been a success, so expect it to continue as production studios and entertainers continue to find new ways to keep us entertained. How does this relate to my business? As a business owner, you are limited only by your imagination in restructuring your business. If you have a storefront that’s been closed due to the Coronavirus, setup an online store and use social media to keep your business and products in the public consciousness. If you are a hairdresser, start releasing videos with tips and tricks on how to create the best look at home. If you’re a realtor or insurance company, learn how to use zoom or some other online meeting app to stay in contact with your customers. These are just a small sample of how we can all continue to provide our services to the masses until the quarantine has lifted. Whatever you do, don’t sit at home and wallow. If Denny’s can setup a drive-through market, you have the ability to find a way to make the circumstances work for you and your business. King Law Firm Attorneys at Law, Inc. has recently started a new YouTube Channel where we provide tips and other information relevant to business owners and family law concerns. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Every year, King Law Firm Attorneys at Law takes a quick look at some of the new 2020 California laws that have taken effect on the first of January and are most likely to affect your business, your personal life and your health. Work and Business Minimum wage has risen to $13 dollars per hour for companies with over 25 employees and $12 for companies with less than 25 ( SB 3); also, some independent contractors may have to be classified as employees if you control and direct their work as part of your core business ( AB 5). Businesses may no longer discriminate against someone’s natural hairstyle or texture ( SB 188), and they must provide adequate, intrusion-free accommodations for lactation that includes electrical outlets, refrigeration and sinks ( SB 142). If your business has at least five employees, you must provide sexual harassment training every  two years ( SB 1343), and employees now have up to three years to file a claim of discrimination or harassment ( AB 9). Marriage Heterosexual couples of any adult age may now register as domestic partners instead of choosing marriage ( SB 30). Health Adults living in California illegally are now eligible for government-subsidized health insurance benefits ( SB 104), and transgender youth currently in the foster care system now have access to gender-affirming medical services, mental health counseling and hormone therapy ( AB 2119). All California residents will be required to have some type of health insurance ( SB 78). Public Safety and Privacy The statute of limitation on reporting domestic violence to law enforcement is now five years ( SB 273) and the statute of limitations for reporting a childhood sexual crime has been changed to the age of 40 ( AB 218). Anyone who is banned from buying a firearm in another state will no longer be able to purchase one in California ( AB 164), and you must be 21 years of age to purchase a semi-automatic rifle ( SB 61). If a firearm is removed from the home by a child or unauthorized user, the owner of the firearm may be charged with a crime and be banned from owning a firearm for up to 10 years ( SB 172). Children under the age of 12 who commit a non-violent crime will be reminded to their parent or legal guardian instead of being sent to juvenile hall ( SB 439). Education Public and charter school students in grades four through eight may no longer be suspended for defying teachers or administrators ( SB 419), and students will no longer be denied lunch even if their bills are unpaid ( SB 265). Housing Homeowners Associations and landlords may no longer prohibit anyone from displaying religious items on entry doors and frames ( AB 652), nor can they increase their rents more than 5% plus inflation each year ( AB 1482). Please feel free to contact King Law Firm Attorneys at Law if you have questions or need clarification on any of these and other 2020 California laws that may affect your future.

The holidays can be either a relaxing get-away from your busy schedule or an extremely stressful proposition. Regardless of how you may feel, being around family is a great time to discuss major decisions with those that care about your future, as well as assess any potential issues that may have gone unnoticed during the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. Wills and Trusts It’s never too early to make sure members of your family have a will or living trust in place. It may seem simple, but there is quite a lot that goes into creating a will or trust that may not have immediately been considered. To begin, there are various types of wills and trusts, so figuring out which one is best suited for your needs is an important step. Then an executor or trustee must be designated, beneficiaries and heirs must be named, a list of assets must be drafted, and custody arrangements must be made, not to mention the possibility for charity contributions, business transfers and other legal matters that need to be addressed. Divorce Options Is one of your in-laws missing at the family Christmas party? Does one of your siblings continually complain about there spouse? Perhaps it’s time to discuss the possibility of divorce. It may be a difficult conversation to have, but if someone is unhappy, it may be time to break free of that negative energy. Discussing matters such as contestation, mediation, court proceedings, custody plans, asset distribution, and how to deliver the news to any children involved prior to filing any paperwork is a strong start in understanding what toll this process might take. Adoption Considerations The announcement of a pregnancy can occasionally trigger others to contemplate raising a child. Discussing these thoughts with family can help curb any fleeting decisions, but once it’s clear they are serious, it’s time to discuss the rewards and challenges of each age group and race or culture, whether or not there are strong financial and support systems in place, and how a child may affect the parent’s everyday lifestyle. Business Needs and Contracts One New Year’s resolution many people have is starting their own business or reevaluating current business plans and contracts. Either way, this is no easy feat. There are many things to consider when starting a new business: understanding the industry; figuring out your target market; choosing the business entity; building a business plan; working out the financial burdens; finding investors or business partners; and purchasing the right insurances to cover potential risks to the business. Most of all, you want to make sure you’re absolutely ready; and talking everything out with family is a good place to start. King Law Firm Attorneys at Law, Inc. is ready to discuss any of these issues with you over the holiday season and help give you peace of mind as we head into the new year. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!