In California, property owners can pass certain real property to their children without increasing property taxes. However, few people incorporate property tax considerations into their succession planning. In this article, we discuss the potential techniques...
The new 2016 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys (“2016 Standards”) went into effect on February 23, 2016 replacing the prior 2011 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys (“2011 Standards”). Many of the changes provide further clarification of the surveyor’s ...
On Thursday, October 8, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill No. 802 (“AB 802”), which repeals and replaces Assembly Bill No. 1103 (“AB 1103”) effective as of....
The enforcement of Assembly Bill No. 1103 (“AB 1103”), which requires owners of certain commercial buildings to make disclosures regarding a building’s energy usage in connection with certain commercial real estate transactions, has been further postponed..
After sometimes weeks or even months of negotiating a contract, everyone is overjoyed to circulate the signature sets – – with the signature lines left blank to be filled in by each party. The scribbled signatures are circulated, and everyone is happy that the “deal is done”. We often overlook, though, the basic question of whether those signing on behalf of a party in fact have the authority to bind that ....
The enforcement of Assembly Bill No. 1103 (“AB 1103”), which requires owners of commercial buildings to make disclosures regarding a building’s energy usage in connection with certain commercial real estate transactions, has been further postponed to January 1, 2014.
On January 1, 2014, a new limited liability company act becomes law in California. The new act, the California Revised Uniform Limited Liability Act (the “new law”), replaces the current law known as the Beverly-Killea Act (the “prior law”). While the new law leaves most of the prior law substantially intact..
Known to lawyers as the “Parole Evidence Rule”, parties to an “integrated” written contract are generally prohibited from introducing evidence outside of a contract to alter or add to the terms of that contract.....
In an effort to curb the high number of predatory ADA lawsuits being brought against property and small business owners in California, on September 19, 2012, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Senate Bill 1186....
When a commercial tenant vacates a leased premises, it is obligated to remove its personal property, but does not always do so. This article examines a commercial landlord’s statutory obligations to store and dispose of such abandoned and lost property....
Guaranties are agreements in which a person or entity, commonly known as a “surety” or “guarantor,” promises to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of another person or entity....
As of July 1, 2013, additional disclosures may be required before your next commercial real estate transaction. Recent legislation enacted by the State of California....
Under California law, persons with disabilities are protected under (i) the California Public Accommodations Law, which entitles individuals with disabilities and other medical conditions to full and free access to buildings....
California recently joined a number of other states by enacting legislation limiting the permissible scope of indemnities in commercial construction contracts....
When raising debt or equity, companies commonly engage finders to assist them in accessing qualified investors. However, if they are not careful, these finders....
Most mediations are handled by a single mediator. A single mediator, properly trained and engaged with the parties, is usually very effective and can help to guide the parties....
Commercial transactions can arise through a series of form offers, counteroffers and acceptances – sometimes culminating in a letter of intent (an “LOI”)....
In fall of 2010, Governor Brown signed into law SB 189, which instituted a comprehensive revision of California mechanic’s lien laws. The law takes effect July 1, 2012, and....
Mediators come in all shapes and sizes. How to choose the best one? Remember, mediation is a tool to help the parties resolve a dispute on their terms. The best mediator for a particular dispute....