Trusts and Estates in the name commonly used to describe the branch of civil law that covers decedents’ estates, wills, trusts, and intestacy; estates and future interests in property; trusts, gifts and powers; annuities; and charitable bequests. Probate covers admission of a will to probate and the subsequent proceedings, including the appointment and duties of a personal representative, procedures in probate, and ancillary proceedings. Intestacy, on the other hand, refers to the general rules governing the disposition of the property of someone who dies intestate, i.e., without a will, or who leaves a will that fails to dispose of all assets.

Of all the legal issues our clients present, few are more personal, or require a higher level of confidence in an attorney’s work, than developing an estate plan. Time and again, we have earned the confidence of, and effectively served the best interests of individuals and families, of substantial to very substantial wealth. Our clients include corporate executives, closely-held business owners, real estate investors, retired persons, charitable institutions and philanthropists, as well as families of all sizes.

Trusts and Estates practice ranges from routine wills to complex plans for large estates to special comprehensive estate planning for young professionals and executives. Areas of emphasis include gift, estate and generation-skipping tax planning; preparation of wills and trusts; administration of probate and trust estates; estate planning for business owners; charitable and deferred giving (including private foundations); and representation of executors and trustees.

We encourage our clients to ask questions and offer comments throughout the planning process, and we are committed to taking the time to provide useful, understandable answers and explanations. We handle both routine and complex projects in all three areas of our practice: estate planning, estate and trust administration, and estate and trust litigation.

Our real estate lawyers have experience in all facets of real estate litigation and property disputes. Disputes can arise over boundary lines, easements, rights-of-way, land use, and with home improvement contractors. While mediation and negotiation are valid and effective options, if settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to diligently litigate your property dispute in court. We also resolve lien, tax lien, and mechanics’ lien matters.

Conveyances Gone Bad Real estate transactions can go bad in many ways, including nondisclosure of defects or other important issues related to the property and financing. Contingencies can be put into a purchase and sale agreement (buy and sell agreement), but if they are not satisfied in good faith, the transaction can be terminated prior to closing. If structural deficiencies are discovered during a property inspection, repairs may be needed or the contract could be cancelled. Massachusetts law mandates that properties with septic systems pass inspection before sales completion (Title V Certification). If you want to buy a home, building, or land, you need knowledgeable representation before formally entering into that agreement.

Lease Disputes Many times, a dispute over a rental property lease can be resolved before going to court. Security deposits and your rights can be an issue. At Group One Legal, Professional Corporation, we have assisted in mediating these disputes before costly and time-consuming litigation is filed. We will attempt to resolve any issues of residential or commercial rental before they get to trial.

For all real estate law matters, including condo conversions and condo management, contact our experienced lawyers, who can help you resolve or litigate your problem. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.

Group One Legal assists clients throughout Southern California in commercial transactions and other business matters. Whether you are just starting a business, building or acquiring facilities or equipment, contemplating business mergers or acquisitions, contracting for the purchase or sale of goods and services, developing policies, procedures, plans and agreements concerning employees and independent contractors, or simply attempting to comply with the constantly-growing array of rules, regulations, codes, ordinances. statutes and laws affecting California businesses, we deliver solutions for our business and corporate clients.

In addition to commercial transactions, our attorneys have experience in a wide range of corporate, commercial, and other business dispute matters, including: Trademark and Servicemark creation, infringement and enforcement, Homeowners Associations, Covenants not to Compete, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Trade Secrets, Consumer Protection, Franchising Regulations and Transactions, Licensing and more.

Landlord-tenant laws affect both the person who leases and the person who rents property. Usually landlord-tenant disputes revolve around state and federal contract and property laws. Sometimes a simple misinterpretation could lead to court-imposed fines for landlords, or to bad marks on a credit report or extra fees and charges for a tenant. Its always a good idea to hire a lawyer to represent you in these matters or even just to explain your rights.

The typical dispute between a landlord and a tenant revolves around the lease or rental agreement. A typical lease has the names of the parties (the landlord and the tenant), the term of the lease, the rent amount, what the conditions are for “default of either party and what happens in the event of a default, and what happens at the end of the lease term. Further provisions in a lease agreement may include clauses that explain who must pay lawyer fees in a lawsuit and what happens if the building is sold during the lease term.

In many leases, the landlord is responsible for maintenance of the rental property. He must fix any defects or problems. According to California and other local laws, landlords must deliver a rental property that complies building and/or housing codes, and may be required to maintain compliance with the codes. If the landlord does not comply with such requirements, the tenant may in some circumstances, be entitled to some remedy against the landlord.

When a landlord is extremely derelict in such duties and obligations, a constructive eviction situation may be created. A constructive eviction situation occurs only in extreme situations of dereliction of the duties of a landlord, when a landlord has created an effectively unlivable situation. Such a situation may allow a tenant to break the lease.

Issues between landlords and tenants can be oomplex, and have serious ramifications when the entire situation and applicable laws are not understood. Consulting with an attomey prior to taking any major action can save a lot of time and money in the end.