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  • Four tips for finding the best divorce attorney

    Facing a divorce is a hard time and it can be difficult to figure out where to turn. The current divorce rate in the country is unfortunately about 40 percent. There are the legal ins and outs that make the process of divorce even more difficult. There are various reasons why marriages don’t work out and some of the common ones are infidelity, financial issues, fights, lack of communication, and loss of personal identity. In such difficult times, one needs to be around people who care and also needs to ensure to hire the best divorce attorney. Below are some of the tips that can help one to find the best divorce attorney-

    Be realistic
    One needs to keep in mind that divorce is a legal process and the sole purpose of the same is resolving the custody issues and dissolving assets. The best divorce attorneys ensure that the client is represented to the best of his or her abilities while conducting the process. While one may want to share the emotional aspects of their case like anger, pain, frustration, sadness, etc, a divorce lawyer is primarily there to handle the legal aspects. One needs to be realistic about this fact and know that a divorce lawyer is not a therapist or a coach. The emotional aspects that may seem extremely severe and of immense importance to the client may barely register for the lawyer within the legal scope. Hence, it is important that one doesn’t misuse the time by spending hours over the emotional aspects as the time is limited and also the best divorce attorneys have high rates.

    Know and be focused on the goal
    Remembering that the ultimate goal of this whole legal process is to get divorced is what one should always remember. The other goal might be not having any major depreciation in the lifestyle. When it comes to negotiating over material things, it is important to not get caught up in emotions and keep the big picture in mind with the end goal. It is necessary for one to ensure that the divorce attorney constantly reminds the client of the end goal and is on the same page as the client. Also, before rushing to search for the best divorce attorneys, one needs to exactly know what they want. Hiring a mediator helps to negotiate the terms of the divorce and is a great option if the client is not completely entangled with children and finances. This is because mediation is the cheapest and the fastest way to get a divorce. However, in any other situation, one will need the best divorce attorneys by their side to ensure that they get what they want. All the best divorce attorneys have a certain direction and way to lead their level of expertise. To ensure that the client and the divorce attorney are going hand-in-hand, the client needs to know what they exactly want.

    Conduct extensive research
    One of the simplest ways one can find the best divorce attorney is by asking friends and family. If any known person has had a positive experience with a divorce attorney, one can simply opt for the same. One can also search online to get all the information about the best divorce attorneys near their area. There are reviews available online as well which can make it easier to choose. Even yellow pages and classifieds are great for finding the best divorce attorney firms nearby. One can even simply visit local law firms or get referrals from the client’s insurance firm to find the best divorce attorneys.

    Consider the budget
    The best divorce attorney can be highly expensive as the fee of a simple divorce lawyer in the middle of the country is around $500. The fees increase in areas like New York, Los Angeles, etc. One should be upfront while asking about the fees of the divorce attorney they have chosen and also keep a check on the overall costs.

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  • Find the best bankruptcy lawyer near you

    Each year thousands of people file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, which can be a rather confusing process. At the moment, if you are in a similar situation, then your first job is to find a good bankruptcy lawyer near you who offers the right counseling and direction. Unfortunately, numerous individuals have to bear the brunt of inferior legal services as bankruptcy filings are considered as a volume business by firms. Therefore, before you settle on an attorney, you should scrutinize their services well in advance.

    Following are some factors that you should pay attention to for hiring the best bankruptcy lawyer near you.

    Expertise and experience
    For a favorable outcome, it is essential for your lawyer to have a profound knowledge of the bankruptcy code as well as relevant experience in handling cases of such nature. A missed deadline or misfiled paperwork could easily damage your case. Hence, it is imperative that you hire a person who exclusively practices this discipline of the law. Choosing an attorney who has limited or zero experience in bankruptcy can inflict serious damage to your financial health in the long run.

    When you are browsing for lawyers, inquire about their educational background and specialization. Ideally, a person handling bankruptcy cases should possess a bankruptcy certification from the American Board of Certification. Association with NACBA (National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys) is also a good sign, indicating that the person has a proven expertise of the bankruptcy code.

    Compatibility
    As a client dealing with bankruptcy it is crucial for you to have a lawyer that is not just experienced and intelligent but also approachable. If the quality of your communication is poor, then it could cause grave repercussions to the case. It is natural if your attorney criticizes some of your past actions or gives you hard advice, although they still have to be amicable enough for you to have open and honest discussions. In your first meeting, if you sense that your prospective lawyer is indifferent and can’t offer special attention to your case, then you should seek other options. Similarly, ensure that you steer clear of law firms that handle an unacceptably high number of bankruptcy cases all at once.

    Fees
    The fees charged will depend on the complexity of the case. Also, for filing Chapter 7, you are not expected to spend much money, whereas, a Chapter 13 filing will relatively cost more. To make sure it’s worth the investment, ask the lawyer about their pricing structure and the types of services covered. Moreover, your asset worth also decides the quality of services you need. For instance, if you only have a few assets, clearly there isn’t much to lose, therefore a decent bankruptcy lawyer will work. Conversely, if you’re gotten assets such as real estate in the mess or are involved in a problematic legal spat, then look for the best bankruptcy lawyers near you, even if they charge expensive fees.

    If you’re wondering, “How can I find the best bankruptcy lawyers near me?” Then don’t fret. Here’s what you can do.

    • Contact the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys or American Bar Association that lists down the best bankruptcy lawyers near you.
    • Check the online directories that can help you boil down to the best bankruptcy lawyers.
    • Ask your family, friends or colleagues for reliable references for best bankruptcy lawyers near you.

    Expenses involved in filing for bankruptcy
    It’s obvious that you must be contemplating about the fees that you have to manage, assuming that you have been dealing with monetary concerns for quite a while and might not have much left to spare. So, you need to be acquainted with the types of costs involved before filing a bankruptcy case. At the moment, your bankruptcy case will demand three separate expenses.

    • Payment for court filing
      Currently one requires approximately $340 for filing Chapter 7 and $310 for Chapter 13.
    • Fee for credit counseling
      Usually, your attorney will provide with names of independent organizations that offer the pre-filing credit counseling sessions and post-filing monetary management course. They can charge anywhere between $25 and $50.
    • Fee for lawyer’s services
      As mentioned before, it is tough to estimate your lawyer’s compensation. The fee is determined using various parameters such as qualifications, experience, reputation, and services. Usually, for a Chapter 7 case, the attorneys can charge a flat fee anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. On the other hand, for filing a Chapter 13 case, your lawyer might have to be paid around $3,500. However, these fees are subject to change depending on how difficult the case is.
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  • Vital information about bail bonds services in Los Angeles

    The process of getting an emergency bail bond can seem extremely overwhelming. An unexpected event in the form of one’s or a loved one’s arrest is unfortunate and a dark spot to be in. The first thing to do is to make provisions to get out of police custody and bail may be the only way to do so. Whether one is eligible for a bail depends upon the offense and the amount, set by the court, to be paid. One may not be prepared to raise funds for the bail bond process and this is where a bail bonds service steps in.
    A bail bonds service plays a pivotal role in helping the suspect get out of jail while dealing with the large sum of money that must be paid to the court. The service must be professional and trust-worthy. For those looking to pick a Los Angeles bail bonds service company, it must hold a good reputation while being highly experienced. Here are some factors to consider that will aid in gathering a basic understanding of how the service works in Los Angeles and what can be expected:

    The process of employing a bail bonds service in Los Angeles
    Upon selecting the right bail bonds service in Los Angeles, the client must handover all the essential documents of the case to the handler. The bonds service will record essential information pertaining to the personal details of the defendant. These factors help the bail bonds service provider ascertain if he/she would want to undertake the case.
    In case if the bail bonds service is being rendered and the agreement is signed, the bond is posted, and the defendant is released. The process of hiring a bail bonds service company and having the defendant released can take up several hours or a day or two.

    The types of bail bonds that a company provides
    The court issues three types of bail bonds and the same are serviced by bail bonds service companies in Los Angeles. The three important ones include:

    • Cash bonds that require one to pay an upfront cost and are commonly used to ensure that the suspect is present during court sessions.
    • Surety bonds are one in which the bail bonds service company or agent provides a surety that the payment will be made in the case the accused flees.
    • A property bond is no different from a surety bond. However, in this kind of bond, a lien is put on the property by the court.

    One must be sure to contact a bail bonds service that provides an all-round service in Los Angeles. This will aid with the need for help during emergency situations. In terms of cost, the general cost will depend upon the regulations and statuses of the area. The key lies in finding one that is adequate and not unfairly discriminatory.

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  • 4 tips for choosing a bail bonds service in Los Angeles

    The arrest of oneself or a close acquaintance can lead to an event of dreadful uncertainties whilst being extremely traumatizing. The first thought that crosses everyone’s mind is to find a way to get out of the police custody. Typically, one will need to get a bail to get out of jail. Depending upon the offense, the court enables the individual to seek bail through the payment of a fee. The financial arrangement of bail allows the suspect to stay out of police custody prior to the trial, however, it is also considered as an assurance that the hearings in court will be attended regularly by the defendant. In most cases, a person or his/her family may be unprepared with the bail amount and this is where a bail bonds service proves to be a great solution.
    There are several bail bonds services in Los Angeles and the number continues to proliferate. These companies promise to be liable for the debt obligation of a suspect. In simple terms, it is a form of a surety that is presented before the court assuring that the defendant will comply to the trial process. For those looking to hire a bail bonds service in Los Angeles, there is no lack of options to pick from. However, there are certain factors to consider when choosing the right bail bonds service, they are:

    Reputed and licensed service– It is important for the bail bonds service to have a reputed standing in the market. The services offered by the team must have a good track record while being trustworthy. The law also requires the bail bonds service company to have a valid license and the same can conveniently be verified online.

    Transparency in fees– The bail bonds service must maintain a transparency of fees in all its dealings. One must ensure that the payment structure is clear, with the company being upfront regarding the charges. A lack of understanding about the fee details can leave one in a great financial ditch.

    Customer service– Irrespective of the type of service, every customer deserves to receive an impeccable service. The service must be known for delivering prompt and essential advice regarding the process and capable of handling any unforeseen complications. A client seeking this service is typically in despair; thus, the company must be sensitive and considerate about the same.

    Good reviews– It is great to get a hand on the reviews of the bail bonds companies in Los Angeles before choosing. Reviews can enlighten one about the service received by customers and their take on their experience. There are several websites that will aid in offering reviews of the service specifically around Los Angeles.

    One must evaluate all the above factors before taking the final call. A hasty decision can lead to more damage than good.

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  • Here’s what mobile patrol app is all about

    Mobile patrol app is a great solution to connect with communities and find crucial safety information, news alerts, and critical information about the communities. The application is free and helps law enforcement agencies to receive prompt updates of relevant safety information. The app lets law enforcement agencies to stay in touch with the citizens of the community.

    The mobile patrol application has been made to help law agencies to communicate essential safety information conveniently. A public safety officer can very conveniently get access to the application suite by registering their agency practically at no cost.

    The application is known to perform several impressive functions through some interactive features including mobile patrol inmate search. By connecting with the local community on the app, users get to see latest bookings, send the most wanted list, search for sex offenders in the area and get access to sensitive news and information. The Mobile patrol inmate search app is also instrumental in soliciting crime tips from citizens. This can be done by submitting tips straight from the user’s cell phone. The app effectively makes reporting a sighting placed on the wants list extremely easy.

    The users and citizens also get to receive regular public safety notifications regarding traffic conditions, missing individuals, most wanted criminals, school alerts, community updates, and more. Another crime reporting feature on the application helps citizens conveniently report a crime, most wanted criminals, missing inmates, lost children, and the like. A ‘report it’ feature helps citizens to report criminal cases of harassment, bullying, nuisance, traffic, lost pets, lost items, and more. Users of the mobile patrol inmate search app also get smart newsfeeds on high priority sensitive alerts.

    Mobile patrol app also provides detailed information of the most wanted criminals along with an elaborate list of the name, photo, last known address, personal information, reported charges, and more. Mobile patrol inmate search option also allows you to check detailed inmate view, release date, time, charges, and more.

    The public report feature in the app is a type of mobile patrol inmate search feature that gives citizens and law enforcement agencies the access to recent records and critical information about the inmates, issued warrants, missing children cases, sex offender information, and most wanted list. The application can be integrated with other social media platforms to publish news all at once.

    The application is available for free downloads for Android and iOS mobile device users. By simply downloading the Mobile Patrol app, you can begin receiving safety updates. The application has many updated versions that help you stay safe and informed.

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  • Popular agencies that use mobile patrol app

    The mobile patrol application is a handy application that is set up primarily for use by law enforcement agencies to keep citizens informed about their community’s crucial criminal information, real-time safety news, offender notifications, alerts and crime updates, and more. The app also helps citizens report crimes or criminal instances promptly.

    The application comes handy if you wish to get access to most wanted offenders, sex offenders, missing children, reported issues, warrants, mobile patrol inmate search, and the like. Many law enforcement agencies are active users of the application and furnish citizens with all the crucial information regarding their neighborhood, community, and vicinity. Some of the organizations that are proud users of the mobile patrol inmate search application have been listed below.

    Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
    This is the first law enforcement agency in Maryland that utilizes the mobile patrol technology. The agency is known to efficiently reach out to the community through this popular smartphone technology. Through the application, the county publishes mobile patrol inmate search, victim information notification program, and the like that allows victims to track their offender’s status.

    Oakland County Sherriff’s office
    This law enforcement body dedicated to the safety and protection of the citizens within their boundary The agency has a website that declares its participation in the mobile patrol application. The body provides citizens a brief rundown of the app’s functions along with its striking features like crime notifications, mobile patrol inmate search, inmate status changes, information regarding most wanted convicts, sex offenders, and more. In addition to the mobile patrol app, Oakland County Sherriff’s office makes use of several technologies to ensure increased safety and destruction of crime. The sheriff’s office provides critical information on inmate locator, records unit, OCSO’s most wanted fugitives, sex offenders, Osco news, and more.

    Broome County Sheriff’s Office
    This Sheriff’s office is an active participant of the mobile patrol app since 2013 and periodically posts relevant criminal news, alerts, and updates on the app and other social media platforms. The law enforcement body is prompt in posting actual crime and charges on the mobile patrol inmate search option on the application. The county believes in the application’s goal of public protection and safety and endorses its ideology of connecting with the community by making use of the mobile patrol application and all its features. The county also actively works on resolving issues related to the app.

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  • What should a car accident report mainly include

    Automobile accidents happen more often than you might be knowing, with so many vehicles out on the road. Normally a report has to be filed with the authorities after being involved in a car accident, which would include the particulars of the accident.

    Very often due to lack of knowledge, certain things might get overlooked in the accident report which might lead to delays in claims or even verdicts in case you want to press charges on the accused.

    The legal authorities will require proof to prove your innocence, which is where the car accident reports come in handy. The particulars of the accident can be determined through the report to analyze the extent of the damage, with enough information to press charges against the person at fault.

    Here are four important points that should be noted in the car accident report:

    Description of the incident: It is imperative on your part to note down every possible detail you can remember about the accident, which will further help you in determining who is at fault. The accident in some cases might be nobody’s fault and could have been just a combination of bad luck and timing. However, details of the accident to be mentioned in car accident reports will come in handy anyway. Speculation will not help your case which is why only the relevant information pertaining to the incident should be mentioned in car accident reports.

    Witness accounts: Witness accounts will go a long way when it comes to proving that the accident was in fact caused due to the fault of the person behind the other steering wheel. If you can manage to get witness accounts in writing or better yet can manage to record their accounts, the same can be used in the court of law to prove your innocence and help process your insurance claims faster.

    Photos of the accident: Pictures of the accident scene and the vehicles will help predetermine the extent of damages suffered by the vehicle which can be added to car accident reports. Details which should be captured in the picture should include the extent of damage to self and the vehicle, skid marks on the road due to the incident, damage to the other vehicle among other noticeable indicators.

    Include driver and police details: It is imperative for you to include the details of the driver and the investigation officer in your report so that the same can be looked into by relevant authorities while filing a claim or pressing charges against the person responsible.

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  • How can you obtain a copy of your car accident report

    Car accident reports will include all the particulars of the mishap. However, a complete report can only be prepared when all factors which might affect your claim or verdict in case you want to press charges against the person responsible.

    Details of both the vehicles, drivers, third party witnesses, a police officer investigating the case should be included in the report for your hired representative to make a strong case in your favor. Even details like the type of accident and extent of damage will make or break your case.

    The most common car crashes include rear end collisions, vehicle accidents caused due to extreme or unpredictable weather conditions, T-bone and cross traffic accidents, clipping other vehicles while switching lanes, even your day to day fender bender are all included in the list.

    There are a few steps you need to follow to get a car accident report from the relevant authorities, in this case the department of motor vehicles. A database of all the accident cases is maintained by the DMV which you can avail for your reference.

    Here is how you can get a copy of your car accident report:

    • Log in to the official website of the DMV and search for the tab named “Order and access motor vehicle accident reports.” A search fee of $7 is charged to access your report which can be searched using the accident case number or vehicle plate number or the driver’s license number.
    • It takes 14 to 30 days from the date of the accident for the report to be available in the database. It will take 14 days if the car accident report was filed electronically and 30 days in case a physical copy of the same was submitted to the DMV. In general, car accident reports might at least take 60 days for the same to be available in the database.
    • Apart from the search fee of $7, you will need to pay an additional $15 to order a copy of the report. The search fee will be charged irrespective of whether the report is available to order and the search fee is nonrefundable.
    • If you do not wish to access and order your car accident report online, a copy of the same can be ordered via postal service for which a search fee of $10 is charged with the standard $15 to order a physical copy.
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  • What can a tax attorney do for you?

    Tax attorneys are experts who provide services to deal with tax related problems faced by individuals, estates and businesses. Apart from this, tax attorneys also provide assistance in estate planning and legalities related to finances and taxes.

    The most basic service provided by tax attorneys is filing income tax returns. Your attorney will help you figure out the deductions that are applicable for you. The IRS has a very complex process of filing returns. If any form is missed out or any due date is missed or there are errors in the forms, the tax return will be rejected by the IRS. This is why it is best to consult a tax attorney to help out. The attorney is well versed in the legalities of the process. You will not face any hassles while filing your returns in consultation of your attorney.

    Your tax attorney can also help you in your estate planning. Suppose you have a large estate whose value is estimated to appreciate over the years. You or your heirs will be liable to pay huge taxes in proportion to your estate’s value. A tax attorney can help you plan your estate and come up with ways to reduce the amount of tax you may have to pay.

    Tax attorneys are also consulted when starting a new business. You will probably require advice regarding the structure of ownership of your business and how to deal with potential taxes. Your tax attorney will also give consultation regarding various non-taxable aspects of your business, which you might not be aware of. In case of international business, a tax attorney can provide assistance for various legal contracts and international tax matters.

    A tax attorney can help you stay out of legal hassles related to your finances. Basically, a tax attorney will help you stay out of IRS-related problems. In case you get entangled in cases related to tax fraud or tax evasion, a tax attorney will represent you in the US Tax Court and deal with disputes with the IRS on your behalf. You might not have the time to deal with deadlines and mandatory processes set by the IRS. A tax attorney will provide the necessary assistance to you.

    Since a tax attorney will have an intimate knowledge of your finances and assets, ensure that you hire an attorney whose background checks out. Ensure that your attorney is highly experienced in tax-related matters and has a good reputation of maintaining client-attorney confidentiality.

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  • Who needs a tax attorney?

    Although matters related to taxes and IIRS are important, they can be full of hassles. Issues related to taxes start cropping up during the tax season. You will be in a dilemma whether you should focus of your wok or take care of your taxes. You will be also worried about incurring any penalties and legal actions from the IRS, in case you miss out on some conditions or due date while filing your returns.

    The various processes of IRS are quite complicated and are full of legalese. Not everyone has the time or energy to rack their brains to understand the legal procedures and numerous forms of the IRS. In such cases, it is best to consult a professional who know the intricacies of taxes and IRS inside out; a tax attorney is the person to go to handle tax-related cases.

    Tax attorneys not only handle taxes and IRS related issues, but also deal with domestic and international business cases, and estate planning. They also provide assistance for settlement negotiations and litigation cases. Tax attorneys are the experts to go to when you have cases and legal problems related to real estate management, finance, estate planning, asset management as well as tax problems. Tax attorneys help in disentangling technical and legal problems related to your finances.

    Tax attorneys should be consulted by people who need to do the following:

    • Estate planning for a complex and large estate
    • Plea a case in US Tax Court
    • File an audit appeal
    • Need tax advice for a new business
    • Need advice for an ongoing IRS audit on an owned business
    • Need to do negotiations for payment of taxes
    • File against wrong disclosure or wrong levy of taxes
    • Require advice regarding contracts, taxes and legalities related to international business
    • Fight against tax fraud or tax evasion charges
    • Deal with IRS tax disputes
    • Need to communicate with the IRS to clear tax-related legal hassles.

    The tax attorney will give advice, break down the legal procedure for you and appear in the court on your behalf. Generally, people tend to consult tax attorneys after a problem crops up: they have been handed a penalty or notice from the IRS or they are facing conflicts in their estate management. This is not only an individual problem, but businesses and estates face these problems too. It is recommended that tax attorneys be consulted in advance to avoid future legal hassles related to tax management.

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