The Sexton Law Firm

Living Trusts

2010-02-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

A living trust is a popular way to avoid probate, which can be a very expensive and time consuming process. A living trust is created while a person is still alive who names a trustee to the assets of the trust. By setting up a living trust, probate is not needed for the trustees to inherit the assets of the trust. Anything that is transferred into the living trust before death doesn’t go through probate and can avoid any lawyer and court fees. The beneficiary simply transfers the named assets and once the assets are transferred, the living trust ceases to exist.

It is still a smart decision to have a will in addition to a living trust for any property that is acquired shortly before death or any property that is mistakenly forgotten to be included in the living trust. By setting up a will in addition to a trust, you can simply name a person to inherit any assets and property that is not already left to a different specific beneficiary. This will ensure that all of your assets are dispersed in a manner that you approve of rather than it being determined by the state.

Ways to Avoid Divorce

2010-01-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

Divorce seems to be all around us these days. Currently, the divorce rate is at an estimated 50%. I am sure most of us have parents that have gone through divorce, or been impacted by it from relatives or friends that have gone through divorce. The divorcing process is not an easy one, and many parties become affected by this life altering experience. So here are few suggestions to help you know what you are getting into, before you are in too deep:

1. Is it love or lust?
Many people jump into relationships and get caught up with the romance, butterflies, and instant attractions. To know if those feelings will really last all come with time. Relationships take time and experience to truly understand the other person and learn if their values, morals, and beliefs correlate with yours. Before you make the big jump into marriage, you need to ask yourself if you are willing to stay with this person when the luster dies out.

2. Independence vs. Dependence?
Are you looking to your partner to fulfill with you with happiness, security, and comfort? If you are, then you need to take a much needed vacation for yourself. Before a marriage can ever work, you need to look to yourself for happiness and fulfillment. To appreciate each other, you need to be able to take care of yourself and your needs first.

3. Everybody else is doing it
Are all your friends getting married? Do you feel like you are at the age that you should be married by now? Well, it is not the 1950's anymore. All the rules that pertained to marriage 60 years ago are out the window. It is up to the individual now to decide when the right time to be married is. For instance, take into consideration life expectancy. We are living much longer, healthier lives than our ancestors did who were married at young ages. Time is on our side these days, so really make an active effort to make sure you are taking the leap into marriage for yourself.

Marriage is hard, and it is comparable to a second job. You have to be devoted and willing to work. However, if divorce is in your future, do not do it alone. Having a third party present can make the transition easier and help keep biases out of the equation.

Family Businesses and Divorce

2009-11-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

One of the most overwhelming issues in a family business is divorce between couples. Even without a family business, divorce can be devastating. When the two are tied together simple issues can turn into serious complications.

Marriage in the United States fails 50% of the time and the statistics on second marriages are worse. As for family businesses, only 30% are passed on successfully from the first generation to the second, 12% from to the third generation and 3% to the fourth generation. Divorce is a strong influence to these statistics. There are several strategies and legal processes that can be done to alleviate these complex dilemmas.

Pre-nuptial agreements will not prevent families from divorce but they can help minimize the financial affects. Very few marriages use these agreements not because it’s a bad divorce strategy but because they are afraid and hesitant about having the conversation before getting married.

The family business is regularly the largest asset owned by the family. When there is a divorce the business is usually sold because it’s almost impossible for the business to survive in a hostile environment. There a numerous options but the proceeding being divided between the two couples is what usually occurs.

It us also important to consider that family is not the only party affected, but employees as well. This is common in small medium sized family businesses. These employees are treated as extended family who tend to participate and voice their opinion without hesitation. Family business and divorce is such a large threat that having representation and strategies to these threats is something every family should consider.

Divorce Affects Everyone

2009-10-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

Are you dealing with a messy divorce and in need of a San Diego Attorney? One out of every two marriages ends up with divorce in America today. Divorce not only affects the adults, but the children as well. Kids take divorces personally and believe that it was something that they did to cause it. As a parent you must be sure to tell your children what is really happening, so they have a better understanding why this devastating event is happening to them.

Children are frightened and have a lost sense of security, so you need to let them know what your next steps are. Make sure they do not take it out on themselves, and tell them to not to bring the parents back together. Whatever you do as a parent, do not ask your child to takes sides or depend on your child to give comfort.

There are many Divorce lawyers in California who have years of experience dealing with family dilemmas. Therefore it is crucial to research and choose a suitable representative who caters to the family as well. There are many reactions that kids have after a divorce: guilt, depression, fear, withdrawal even insecurity.

If your child experiences any signs it might be best to have them talk to a counselor. Sometimes it is good if the whole family goes in so the psychologist can asses the situation in depth. Just remember to tell your kids that it is not their fault and there will be change, but you will be there with them through it all. Choosing the right Divorce lawyer can help alleviate pressure by allowing us to take care of your case and allowing you to deal with family issues.

Ways to Avoid Bankruptcy

2009-09-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Bankruptcy is more common than ever, and statistics show that last year bankruptcies rose over 31% and is continually growing. In hard economic times there are several ways you can reduce the bills and cut unnecessary expenses to save yourself from declaring bankruptcy. Here are several ways to put a little extra cash in your wallet.

1. First off, if you are making car payments to a dealership you need to stop! Sell the new car and buy something that is older, affordable, and within your price range. Many people today are living beyond their means and need to realize what they can really afford.

2. Eat in, and stop going out to restaurants as much. Making your own food is going to save you tons of money and may be even healthier for you. Make it a family activity where you can teach either yourself or your kids to cook.

3. Stop using your credit card and if you have several reduce it to only one. It only racks up more interest on things that you cannot afford in the first place. This will cost more if you were to file bankruptcy because of the legal services you will need to hire.

4. Lastly you can carpool or use public transportation. When you carpool it not only splits the cost of gas in half, it is also helpful for the environment. Riding the bus, trolley, or biking will save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Times are tough. It is important to keep your eye on the horizon because signs of improvement have been trickling in. If you’re still facing hardship, you have options. Debt reduction and consolidation programs are everywhere. And when bankruptcy filings are at an all time high, know that you’re not alone. It is important to seek proper help if you’re feeling the economic pinch. Debt is not something you should to try to fix alone, especially if you’re considering Bankruptcy.

Were You Injured at Work? Here is Workers Compensation Information for You.

2009-08-25T12:11:00.001-07:00

Workers Compensation is one of the oldest social insurance programs in the Nation. It was adopted to protect workers who were injured at work and to protect employers from lawsuits. In workers compensation, you do not need to prove that your injury was someone else’s fault in order to receive benefits from the program. You are entitled to receive prompt medical attention for on-the-job injuries, despite who was at fault. In return for these insurance benefits, this program prevents you from suing your employer.
Usually, the process in receiving medical attention and benefits is a smooth one, but there are cases when there is a disagreement between you and your employer regarding the amount you receive from workers compensation benefits or whether or not your injury was sustained on the job. In cases like these, it is important to seek legal advice and help from an experienced law firm like James Sexton Law Firm.
Here at the James Sexton Law Firm, we have helped many people just like you receive the prompt medical attention and benefits that they deserve. California employers pay the highest costs of workers compensation in the nation and many employers will try to prolong the benefits if they believe that there is a chance that you were not injured on the job to avoid these high costs. Don’t wait; call us today for your free consultation to help get you on the path to recovery. We are on your side.

Inexpensive Activities for Your Family to Enjoy

2009-07-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

During today's economic conditions, everyone's looking for a way to avoid spending money and save. During this time families find it harder to go on family outings and find activities that are both fun and not costly. We here at James Sexton Law Firm have compiled a list of cost efficient activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy during this time of economic hardship.

Check Out the Local Library-Local libraries are often holding different events throughout the week for the community to enjoy. These activities range from different skills classes to movie nights. Getting little ones involved in library reading programs means a whole family can partake in reading nights.

Look for Donation Museums-Large museums can often be very costly, especially for a large family. Many smaller museums however, are donation based and therefore very affordable for you and your family. Look around for a donation based museum located near you.

Go to the beach-If its what San Diego's known for, why not take advantage of it? Take your family to the beach for a picnic where everyone can enjoy a meal in the sun followed by splashing in the cool ocean waves.

Visit the park-Take your family for an evening stroll through the park in the neighborhood. Kids can take advantage of the playground while you and your spouse enjoy time to yourselves on the grass nearby.

Schedule a movie night-Having fun as a family, doesn't mean you have to go out. Schedule a movie night for your whole family to enjoy together. The fun begins at the movie rental store when everyone's trying to decide what they want to watch. Rental rates have gone way down, making movie nights a very affordable fun family activity.

Don't let dollar signs stop you and your family from having fun. Look for other free activities near you that your family can participate in.

A Dent in Your Car Made More than Just a Dent in Your Savings?

2009-06-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

Being hit by another vehicle is scary. But the main thing you should worry about after you get hit by another driver is your safety and health. Take a moment to assess your injuries. Even if you feel alright, write down the other driver’s information in case you acquire further injuries or stresses a few days after the crash. Experiencing a car crash is painful in and of itself, so don’t let your finances crumble as well. The last thing you would need is a stack of medical bills for injuries that you received from someone else’s reckless driving.

So, many people wonder, what do I do after if another car hits me and I feel I might be injured enough to sue for the payments of my medical bills? First, make sure you find a way to take down the other driver’s information. It would be in your best interest to call the police to ensure that all legalities are carried out. If you feel any neck, back, or head pain go to the hospital immediately. Your health is your number one priority and you can deal with the lawyers later.

When it’s time to choose a lawyer research, research, research! It is important to pick an attorney with a lot of experience and one who specializes in personal injury claims. Make sure he/she is very knowledgeable and explains to you all your legal options. Ask as many questions that you need to in order to fully understand what kind of compensation you can receive from the offending driver.

Don’t add to the stress of recovering from your injuries by worrying over your bills. The time you lose from work, the cost of your car repair, and the cost of medical bills may be overwhelming, but an experienced lawyer will explain to you what you qualify for. Find a lawyer who will fight tooth and nail to get the compensation you are entitled to.

If a car accident was not your fault, it is not your responsibility to pay for the costs. Educate yourself on your rights and find a great lawyer that will fight for them. And stay safe on the road!

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For more information on Personal Injury Law and for legal advice on what to do after another driver hits and injures you visit James Sexton Law.

Is Declaring Bankruptcy Right For You?

2009-05-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Sexton Law Firm knows that California bankruptcy is a huge problem in today’s market. Finances are tight, and jobs are hard to come by. It is unfortunate, but good hardworking people sometimes fall behind on their bills due to unforeseen circumstances like divorce, illness, loss of employment, or various other reasons outside of their control.

If you’re in financial distress, you’re probably confused and worried about what steps you can take to quickly put your life back on track. You’ve probably been asking:

What should I do? Should I tell my friends and family? How do I protect my assets? What are my options? Do I need a bankruptcy lawyer?

Don’t be misinformed about your rights as a consumer. There are many options for you. But beware – there are many companies that are just looking to make a quick buck. Do your research; ask about free consultations with debt consolidation companies and local attorneys. Consulting an attorney is important before making any decisions. They can explain the pros and cons of filing and can walk you through the process.

Before filing for a bankruptcy it is important that you know what is involved. Bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years which can make it difficult for you to get a loan, a new car, or buy a home. But, what sets bankruptcy apart from the other debt solutions is the potential to get rid of 100% of your debt. There's no risk of losing your belongings, and creditors cannot harass you.

Make sure you weigh the pros and cons, and don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. These days, there are many options available, and many people in similar situations. It’s never too late; there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

2009-04-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

There are many different situations in which you might need a personal injury lawyer. If you or someone you know has been injured, or suffered a loss of any kind due to someone else’s intentions or careless acts and you feel you are entitled to some form of compensation, you probably need the advice of a personal injury lawyer. Such situations could be: a car accident, a workplace injury, a dog bite, mental distress, sexual harassment, etc. All of these require a careful and professional approach in order to receive maximum compensation.

A vast majority of the times, insurance companies do not pay proper compensation to victims of personal injury cases, as the victims do not know how to properly represent themselves. It is almost always necessary to have a good lawyer to argue your case to the insurance companies and, if need be, take the case to court. Sometimes, the threat alone of having a lawyer is enough to get proper compensation from an insurance company. If your case is strong enough, many lawyers will even work on a contingency basis, meaning that they only get paid if you win a case or get a settlement. They would then only take a percentage of the compensation and usually still leave you with more money than you would have had with no lawyer at all.

If you do decide that you need a lawyer, many (including us at the Sexton Law Firm) offer free consultations. Call to set up your appointment and we’ll see how we can help. It can never hurt to see what your options are.

Medical Malpractice in Personal Injury Cases

2009-03-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

Medical Malpractice is defined as “professional negligence by act or omission by a health care provider in which care provided deviates from accepted standards of practice in the medical community and causes injury to the patient” (Wikipedia.org). In a medical malpractice case, the plaintiff must prove that there was a breach of duty by the health care provider and that damages were suffered. Doctors are human and they do make mistakes from time to time, which is why they must carry professional liability insurance to offset the risk of these types of lawsuits.

If you or someone you know has suffered a loss due to a health care provider’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. However, before filing for a medical malpractice lawsuit, you should first consider reading through some medical malpractice cases. Simply Google searching for “medical malpractice stories” can provide you with some helpful information in deciding whether filing for a lawsuit is right for your situation.

So, I took the work out of it and found a couple good stories regarding medical malpractice cases:

1. DeKalb County, IL: (May-20-08) Vanessa Jenkins, an Aurora woman, brought a medical malpractice lawsuit against Valley West Community Hospital in Sandwich, and DeKalb County, after her son sustained a brain injury at birth. The suit claimed that Jenkins was admitted to Valley West Community Hospital in Sandwich on Oct. 19, 2001 for the delivery of her son, Cody Smithey.

Sources familiar with the negotiations stated that as part of a settlement reached, DeKalb County agreed to a $15.35 million medical malpractice settlement with Jenkins, resolving the claims. County officials stated that the payout, approved by Judge Kurt Klein, was the largest ever in DeKalb County. [THE BEACON NEWS: AURORA WOMAN AWARDED $15.5 MILLION IN LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT]

2. Here’s another story with a different ending:

This story involves Morton Scheinbaum, a 59-year-old Las Vegas man who suffered a fatal heart attack in a hospital's emergency department on Nov. 4, 2005. The attorney claimed 41 minutes passed from the time Scheinbaum arrived with complaints of chest pain until he received any hands-on treatment. However, the jury ruled in favor of the defendant.

Statistics show that juries tend to rule in favor of doctors and hospitals about 70% of the time. This is because if they know they we negligent, then there is usually an out-of-court settlement before the case goes to trial. Keep this in mind if you find yourself or someone you know in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and don’t forget to do your homework before filing. Once you’ve done some reading, schedule a free consultation with a James Sexton Law Firm near you.

Dealing with Divorce

2009-03-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

Going through a divorce and having to deal with the difficulties that pertain to this specific situation can constitute for an emotional roller coaster. No one wants to go through this process, but when faced with a divorce there are many things that come to mind. Should I represent myself or hire a lawyer? How will my children handle their parents no longer being together? How am I going to support myself on solely one income? Who will receive what household items?

Trying to figure all the answers out at once can be stressful and an overload. That is why it is important to have someone walk you through the steps and provide support along the way. Here at Sexton Law Firm, we emphasize our client’s needs and wants, and ensure that we protect all of their rights. With the help of an outside source, you can get the relief that all your questions will be answered.

Having someone, such as a lawyer, that is not emotionally involved will assist you and offer clarity throughout this process, rather than a biased opinion from a friend or family member. It can be difficult to choose an outside source that obtains the qualities of being reliable, trustworthy, caring, and friendly. However, it is worth it to search for someone that you know will represent you to their fullest potential. With the aid of a professional, clients can be assured that there will be less of a headache and more of a break when dealing with the obligations of the divorce.

10 Tips to Secure Your Future and Avoid Bankruptcy

2009-02-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

1. Know your retirement needs.
Understand your financial future by calculating how much money you will need to make to maintain your current lifestyle or a lifestyle that you wish to start living once you are retired. Standard of living is important to maintain and you don’t want to have to lower your standard of living from when you were at work just because of poor planning.

2. Know Your Alternatives
If you are contemplating filing bankruptcy, try some alternatives first before heading down that road, as it can be a long, expensive process that you hurt your credit for a lengthy period of time. Some of these options are debt consolidation and contacting your creditors and credit card companies to lower the interest and/or the balance. Often, if you have a significant potion of your bill that you can pay, the debtors will be willing to write the rest off as a loss. Talk to them about your options.

3. Find out about your Social Security payments ahead of time.
Most of the time, social security pays up to 40% of what your earnings are before you reach retirement. It is also good to check into any profit sharing or pension plans that your employer may offer. Request a statement if such a program is offered to help you better plan your retirement.

4. Contribute to a 401(k) or like programs.
If your employer offers a retirement plan such as this one, contribute all that you can afford to contribute from each paycheck for as many years as you can. You taxes will be lower, and if your company has a matching program, they will contribute a certain percentage of what you contribute, and possibly up to 100% of what you put in. If your employer doesn’t offer a program like this, ask them to begin. They may tell you that they will not begin to offer one, but that is the worst that can happen.

5. Work more hours at work or a second job
As undesirable this option is, as it takes away from your free time and time with loved ones, it may be a necessary choice for a temporary period of time in order to pay down enough of your debt. When you debt becomes affordable again and you can make payments with your primary job’s salary, then you can quit. Remember, financial hardship is one of the top reasons why families divorce and relationships suffer so the sooner you can relieve you and your family of some financial stress, the better your family and their happiness will be. Do not let financial issues get between you and the ones you love.

6. Being an IRA
Even if you already have a 401(k) or another type of retirement planning program, you can still put aside money into an IRA. It is tax deferred until retirement and you will still earn interest on your investment. It is another way that you can better prepare yourself to sustain your standard of living for retirement.

7. Create a budget and stick to it.
Creating a budget each month for each estimated paycheck will help reduce impulse spending and spontaneous purchasing decisions that could put you in the hole. Whether you are making a budget as a married couple, or a single person, sit down and do it once a month and hold yourself accountable for your purchases.

8. Don’t dip in to your savings.
If you are enrolled in any of the above programs, do not touch the money that you have invested into these programs before retirement. Not only will there be severe penalties for doing so, but you will be moving backwards instead of forwards. Instead, try to keep a certain level of money in a savings account that you have with your bank that you can use for emergencies such as medical emergencies, a loss of job, etc and be sure that there is enough in your savings to sustain you and your family for six months and do not touch it.

9. Know Your Plans
It is important that if you are investing in any of these programs that you know how your money is being invested and that you are comfortable with it. If you are not comfortable with investing your money in the stock market, given the economic circumstances, make sure that you specify that and know where it is going. Do not be afraid to ask questions, no one is expecting you to be an expert in financial planning.

10. Sell assets that you can afford to lose.
If you have several cars, a boat, an RV, or any other excess “toys” that you many not use often or may not necessarily need, these are your first things that you should look into selling. If one person stays at home while the other works, have the stay at home person drop the other off and pick them up from work in order to sell the other car. This will save you money in car payments, insurance, and other undue expenses like automotive work and can help you reduce your debt. Do this until you can get on your feet again and buy another car. You can also sell both cars and get a more economical car that is much less expensive. This will also dramatically reduce your reoccurring bills.

The Need-to-Knows of Workers Compensation

2009-02-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Workers Compensation is the oldest social insurance program in the nation. It is a no-fault system, which means that you do not have to prove whose fault your injury was in order to receive the benefits of workers compensation. In the event that you are injured on the job, your employer must provide you with prompt medical attention to include medical care, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, supplemental job displacement benefits or vocational rehabilitation and/or death benefits.

If you are injured at work, your employer makes the initial choice of your medical physician for your injuries. Many companies have a network of medical professionals that you have the choice between. After a 30-day period, you are able to choose your own physician. In the event that your employer does not post notice of workers compensation rights, which is required, you have the right to receive medical care from your physician of choice from the time of injury.

Injured workers who are able to return to work as quickly as possible have the best outcomes and do not suffer significant income decreases. When you go back to work is decided by your doctor, your employer and your claims administrator. If you doctor prohibits you from going back to work, you cannot be required by your employer to return to work. If you are allowed to return to work with restrictions, your employer must be willing to work with those restrictions in order for you to return to work. If you are allowed to return to work with restrictions and your employer is not willing or able to make accommodations for those restrictions, you cannot return to work.

When returning to work, if you are no longer able to perform your prior job duties due to your injuries, your employer is encouraged to give you alternative work which you are able to perform instead of giving you supplemental job displacement benefits. The alternative work must last at least 12 months and must pay at least 85% of what you were paid at the time of injury. The alternative work must also be within a reasonable commuting distance. In some cases, a position change is not necessary since the employer can make special accommodations for the injured worker to continue their job.

In some cases there are disagreements and conflicts that arise between the injured employee and the insurance company and employer. These disagreements are usually when the injury is severe and long lasting, and therefore costly to the insurance company and employer, or if the insurance company and/or the employer do not believe that you were injured at work. These situations usually do not arise, but if they do, it is necessary to find a lawyer that you can trust who specializes in workers compensation to help you receive the medical and monetary benefits of workers compensation. If you find yourself in this situation, please feel free to give us a call at the Sexton Law Firm for a free consultation. We specialize in workers compensation cases and can answer any of your questions that you may have regarding your claim.

Living Trusts from A to Z

2009-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

A living trust is a legal document that a person creates while he or she is still alive. They transfer all of their assets into this living trust and often name themselves as the “trustee” in order to maintain control over their assets while they are still alive. This person usually also names a “successor trustee” to take over control if they become incapable of managing their assets on their own. As long as the person is still alive, they can amend or revoke the trust. Once they pass on, the assets go to a named beneficiary. Any property or assets that are not named in the living trust after they pass on would go into probate. It is possible to avoid this process by having a will in addition to a living trust that would cover any additional assets or property that was not listed in the living trust.

A living trust ensures that all of your assets are used and distributed as you have instructed without the involvement of the courts. However, a living trust is not for everyone. Young couples with no or little assets and no children do not need a living trust. Others with little or simple assets do not need a living trust. Lastly, those who wish to have court supervision should not get a living trust.

If you suddenly become incapacitated and have a living trust, the trustee would manage your assets for you. If you did not have a living trust, your assets and property would be separated into community property, in which your spouse could manage, or separate property, in which an agent under a power of attorney would manage who is usually appointed by the court. This could lead your separate assets into probate, which could be very costly and time consuming to your family. This can be avoided by ensuring that everything that you own and all of your assets are transferred to the living trust, which can distinguish the community assets from the separate assets within the trust. It is also important to issue a durable power of attorney for property management in the event that you become incapacitated and will need someone to manage your assets. It is good to also consider doing a durable power of attorney for health care. This person can make health care decisions based on prior wishes and instructions that you set when you issue this type of power of attorney.

If you own real estate in another state, you can have a lawyer from that state transfer the property to your living trust. It is important to seek advice from a qualified attorney before naming a beneficiary for items such as a 401(k) or an IRA since there are serious tax income issues. Before getting ready to have your living trust and will prepared, be sure to have a qualified estate planning lawyer help you since it is a legal document. Be sure to ask the person you chose their qualifications and think about whether or not they have a financial gain by selling you an annuity or any other policy that might make their advice biased. Lastly, be aware of people who call themselves “trust specialists”, “promoters”, “certified planners” or any other titles that might insinuate that the person has had advanced training in this area. California is facing problems currently with these types of people who are only seeking to obtain your financial information to sell insurance-based products to you.

Here at the James Sexton Law Firm, we are qualified and experienced lawyers in estate planning and can help answer any questions that you may have. We have helped many people just like you set up wills and trusts. Call us today to for a free consultation or to set up an appointment.

Information for Your Personal Injury

2009-01-14T13:57:00.002-08:00

A common myth about personal injuries is that they are only limited to car accidents. Personal injuries can occur for many reasons that range from tripping over a step on someone’s property to a tragic fatal car accident. If you experience a personal injury, it is imperative to seek medical attention and legal advice as soon as possible. Many personal injuries can incur long-term effects to your body and could inflict pain for years from only one incident.

Personal injuries can account for a significant amount of financial loss. Starting the process for your personal injury claim as soon as possible can help you minimize your financial losses by being proactive with your situation. An experienced attorney in the personal injury field can help you ensure that you are receiving maximum medical coverage that will enable you to attend to the injuries and their after-effects for their duration.

In the event that such a unfortunate event occurs, you will quickly find that there are many overwhelming requirements for your claim, terminology that is difficult to understand, and processes that can be long and draining without the proper legal guidance and aide. Here at the Sexton Law Firm, we have helped many clients just like you get through, what could have been an overly long process, to resolve their personal injury claims and issues. We have years of experience in the field of personal injuries and are familiar with all of the legal procedures and processes. We can save you the headache and stress of doing this process yourself by working together with law and insurance agencies to ensure that you are getting the best treatment and outcome possible for your case so you don’t have to. We can answer all of your questions. Call the Sexton Law Firm for a free consultation of your circumstance today.

Bankruptcy Information in these Troubled Times

2008-11-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

Here at the Sexton Law Firm, we have assisted numerous clients with the unfortunate dilemma of bankruptcy. In such an economically tumultuous time, it may seem that you are alone in your financial troubles. You may also be unaware of the scope of your economic troubles; when paying your credit card debt is no longer feasible, you need professional assistance. The associated problems of bankruptcy, the multitude of questions you face, and the inability to find someone out there that can sincerely care for you can be resolved. The aggressive and experienced attorneys at the Sexton Law Firm are eager to help.

Most of those who fall into bankruptcy are decent, hard working Americans that were simply unlucky. Whether it is an unforeseen accident, divorce, layoff, or another unfortunate event, bankruptcy can affect anyone. Those that acknowledge this situation are probably confused and unaware of what steps must be taken to get themselves out of their financial distress.

Many people don't understand the rights they have when it comes to bankruptcy. Do I need to forfeit my home? How do I protect my assets? What can I do about these sky rocketing credit card bills? These are just a few of the numerous questions posed by everyday people who are going through the hassles of bankruptcy. The staff at The Sexton Law Firm make it a priority to ensure the protection of its clients and all that is dear to them.

The only way to ensure a smooth transition and rescue from bankruptcy is with the help of an experienced attorney. James Sexton and his team fit the part and are ready to serve your bankruptcy needs. If you or someone you know is in jeopardy of becoming bankrupt, a quick, easy, and free consultation with James Sexton will save you the long and grueling hassle of dealing with bankruptcy.

Avoiding Probate

2008-07-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

We are the Sexton Law Firm, and we have helped many clients with their estate planning needs. In doing so, we’ve gotten many, many questions and have helped to educate our clients. People always ask, what is probate and how can my estate be structured to avoid it?

Estate planning is essential if you want to say where your property goes after you die. Estate planning and the documents covered by it transfer property as well as a variety of other personal matters upon death of an individual. The core documents associated with this process are your will and trust.

A will provides for the distribution of property owned by you at the time of your death. If you only have a will, your estate will go through probate (a very long and costly court proceeding in which your assets will be frozen). Probate is necessary when an individual dies without the proper estate planning documents and his/her assets exceeds $100,000. The cost for probating an estate is based on the estate’s gross asset value, which generally means including all that you own, but nothing that you owe.

The only way to avoid probate is to have a trust. It is best to speak with an attorney who will be able to consult you on what kind of trust to prepare. It is critical to prepare the proper estate planning documents to save your family thousands of dollars in probate fees, as well as provide quick, easy distribution of your assets the way you want them distributed, not the way the State of California wants them distributed.