One of the most important steps to take before you file for divorce is to create a full inventory of all your personal and joint accounts. This includes accounts with banks, credit unions, credit cards, brokerages and lending institutions. Included with this list should be the following
Putting together this list of accounts can help prevent your spouse from getting away with concealing assets from you once you actually file the divorce paperwork. It is also a good idea to open a new bank account during your divorce, especially if your spouse has been irresponsible with your marital assets. You should inform your spouse and the court about the new account, but be aware that any income you earn until the divorce is finalized is still considered marital property. Be very careful about closing out accounts during your divorce. You may close out credit card accounts that do not have a balance, but accounts that are being actively used should remain open. You do not want to give the appearance to the court that you are sabotaging your spouse’s finances. Your best option is to keep track of your balances and your spouse’s spending, and to report any strange withdrawals, charges or purchases to your attorney as soon as possible. What Can’t You Do with a Prenuptial Agreement?A prenuptial agreement is an effective tool to help you keep your finances separate, protect yourself from potential debt, keep your property in your family, clarify who is responsible for what during your marriage and planning what happens to your property in the event of a divorce. However, there are limits to what prenuptial agreements can accomplish. The general rule is that anything illegal or “unconscionable” is off limits with a prenup. Here are some examples:
In some cases, courts may strike certain elements of a prenup, but keep the rest of the agreement intact. In others, the court might void the entire document and ask you to create a new version. Free Consultation with Divorce Lawyer in UtahIf you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will fight for you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Don’t Make These Advertising Mistakes Common Misconceptions Regarding the Divorce Process in Utah Overview of Family Law and Divorce Cases in Utah Divorce vs. Legal Separation in Utah Divorce Lawyer in Salt Lake City Utah Michael R. Anderson, Utah Divorce Lawyer via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/opening-and-closing-accounts-during-your-divorce/
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Before you air that first advertisement, you’ll want to make sure you’re both in compliance with the law and consistent with your company’s vision. Once you’ve run a print ad, television commercial, or Internet advertisement, you can’t take it back. You can’t predict the future or control for every possible mishap, but you can learn from the mistakes of those who have come before you. The following advertising mistakes provide valuable lessons for the entrepreneur embarking on an advertising campaign. See the Marketing and Advertising Laws section for additional articles and resources. FTC PenalitiesSellers of BluBlocker sunglasses were penalized $50,000 by the FTC in the recent past for violating the Mail and Telephone Order Rule which requires companies accepting mail and telephone orders to ship the product within a specified time period, or notify the buyer of their option to either cancel the order (and receive a refund) or consent to the delay. When J S & A Group, Inc., sellers of BluBlockers, failed to ship sunglasses in compliance with the Rule a complaint was made, and the FTC took action. Lawsuits over Pizza AdvertisingIn March 1998, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus determined, in disagreement with challenger Pizza Hut, that Papa John’s International’s use of the trademarked phrase “Better ingredients. Better pizza.” was not a false superiority claim. Papa John’s argued that the phrase did not make a superiority claim but instead communicated the fact that better ingredients will result in a better pizza. Furthermore, Papa John’s argued that even if the trademark contained a competitive message, it had substantiation that its pizza was in fact better because of the use of fresher ingredients. Although the NAD agreed with Papa John’s, it did ask that the company narrow the context of its advertising to focus upon the specific type of pizza which was tested (thin and traditional crusts, in this case, as opposed to pan pizza). Pizza Hut, unhappy with the determination of the NAD, took the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The trial judge agreed with Pizza Hut that when engaging in comparative advertising, such as through use of the trademark “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.,” it is unlawful to make false comparisons or engage in misleading advertising. The trial judge ruled that Papa John’s had to immediately stop using the phrase on all pizza boxes and delivery vehicles. False Advertising Can Lead to Legal TroubleIn May 2000, the NAD announced that it recommended that Kal Kan Foods, Inc. modify its advertising to avoid conveying the message that Whiskas Homestyle Favorites in Flavor-Lock pouches “tastes better” than canned cat food. The accuracy of Kal Kan’s Whiskas advertisements was brought to the attention of the NAD by Friskies Pet Care Division of Nestle USA, Inc., who is a competitor of Kal Kan. Upon review, the NAD, while cognizant of Kal Kan’s reluctance to submit highly confidential documents for examination, found that the evidence which was provided by Kal Kan was not sufficient to support the superior taste message conveyed by its advertising. Kal Kan disagreed with the NAD and has appealed the matter to the National Advertising Review Board. Hair Regrowth Law FirmIn September 1999, the NAD announced that the advertising claims for Adam Lewenberg, MD’s Formula for Hair Regrowth were not properly substantiated. Advertisements for Dr. Lewenberg’s hair formula stated that the product was “clinically proven” to regrow hair on nearly 90 percent of patients, that it worked within a three-month period, that it was permanent, that it was safe, and that it was “superior” to all other medications whether prescription or over-the-counter. As support for his claims, Dr. Lewenberg provided the NAD with an article published in Advances in Therapy which was, in essence, an anecdotal reflection of Dr. Lewenberg’s own experience with use of his product on over 1,000 of his patients. Dr. Lewenberg argued that this “study” substantiated the various claims made in his advertisements. The NAD disagreed with Dr. Lewenberg and noted that claims that are based on “scientific evidence” must be supported by adequate and well-controlled clinical studies, not anecdotal reflections. In addition, evidence that provides substantiation for “establishment” claims is generally held to a higher standard than that required for other claims. The NAD determined that Dr. Lewenberg’s study contained serious flaws and that all claims in his advertisements were unsubstantiated. The NAD disagreed with Dr. Lewenberg and noted that claims that are based on “scientific evidence” must be supported by adequate and well-controlled clinical studies, not anecdotal reflections. In addition, evidence that provides substantiation for “establishment” claims is generally held to a higher standard than that required for other claims. The NAD determined that Dr. Lewenberg’s study contained serious flaws and that all claims in his advertisements were unsubstantiated. Free Consultation with a Utah Business LawyerIf you are here, you probably have a business law issue you need help with, call Ascent Law for your free business law consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
What Happens if My Bankruptcy Case is Audited? via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/dont-make-these-advertising-mistakes/ Contrary to popular belief, only a few states recognize common law marriages. Many people still assume that by living together for a period and holding themselves out as man and wife, they attain the rights of being married. Often people think the magic number of years is seven. The reality is that Utah does not recognize common law marriage. To have a valid marriage in Utah, you need to marry formally under the eyes of the law. Parties who cohabit or live together without a church or civil ceremony cannot generally attain the rights that a married couple does upon divorce. Children born out of wedlock have the right to support by both parents, but spousal support will not be awarded, nor does either party have a clear claim to equitable distribution of assets. Without a marriage license, you are not legally entitled to inherit if your partner dies. One way to have a common law marriage recognized is via the full faith and credit clause of the United States Constitution. If a couple lives in a non-common law state such as Utah, but visits a common law state and follows the requirements for a common law marriage in that state, and then returns to Utah, a claim of validity of the marriage may hold up in certain circumstances. What is a Common Law Marriage?Marriage is a legal union of two consenting people, and once married, their responsibilities and rights regarding property and support are outlined per state law. There are many people who believe that cohabitation for a certain length of time leads to you being automatically considered married in the eyes of the state — a term known as “common law” marriage. However, there are only a few states that actually recognize common law marriages:
Some other states recognize common law marriages that were established before state laws abolished them, such as Georgia (before 1997), Idaho (before 1996), Ohio (before 1991) and Pennsylvania (before 2005). Kentucky recognizes common law marriages for workers’ compensation benefits only, and New Hampshire recognizes them for inheritance purposes only. In all other states, including Utah, you must have had a ceremony and have a valid marriage license to be considered legally married. If you have had a common law marriage in one of the above states, but move to a state that does not recognize this type of marriage, the new state will still recognize it as a legal common law marriage as long as it was properly formed in the previous state. The specific standards for what constitutes a common law marriage vary from state to state. Usually, the amount of time necessary for such a marriage to be considered legal is seven to 10 years. What Type of Property Should Stay Separate After You Get Married?After you get married, all of your property gets classified either as marital property (also known as community property) and non-marital property (also known as separate property). Marital property is any property gained after the marriage, while separate property is property that you owned before the start of the marriage. There are certain types of property that you should take care to keep separate even after you are married. These include the following:
Keep in mind that the classification of your property can change. If, for example, you use separate property for marital reasons during the course of your marriage, this property may become shared in the eyes of the law. Free Initial Consultation with LawyerIt’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Legal problems come to everyone. Whether it’s your son who gets in a car wreck, your uncle who loses his job and needs to file for bankruptcy, your sister’s brother who’s getting divorced, or a grandparent that passes away without a will -all of us have legal issues and questions that arise. So when you have a law question, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you!
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
How Long Does It Take To Fill Out Bankruptcy Paperwork How OFten Are Convictions on Appeal Overturned Eviction Lawyers for Landlords via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/common-law-marriage-in-utah/ Any business that extends credit to customers or business partners must also master the art of debt collection. Debt collection for a business is a part of Business Law. This involves complying with various rules and regulations governing debt collection as well as maintaining business relationships. FindLaw’s Debt Collection section includes articles on creditors’ rights and collection options, a comparison of different debt collection methods, an overview of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and how to collect debts owed by a customer who is bankrupt. In this section you can also find a collection of accounts checklist, sample debt collection and billing dispute letters, and a primer on how to take a delinquent customer to small claims court. What Happens if a Customer is Bankrupt?Collecting debts is never a pleasant task – it takes time, energy, and sometimes money. It’s even harder to collect on a debt if the customer that owes you money has filed for bankruptcy. First, you must decide if taking the time to collect the debt is worth it. If you decide that it is worth your time and energy, there are some routine steps you can follow to try and collect a debt from a bankrupt customer. First and foremost, you must stop your collection efforts and comply with the bankruptcy order. Usually, bankruptcy courts will issue an automatic stay stopping all debt collection while the case is under review. You should also read the debtor’s bankruptcy papers as it will list the creditors that are owed money and which creditors are secured and unsecured. Reviewing this list can help you determine the likelihood that your debt will be paid. If you decide to proceed, you should also file a proof of claim, which states your desire to be a part of the bankruptcy proceeding. Finally, be sure to comply with the decision of the bankruptcy court. The Fair Debt Collection Practices ActThe Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that provides debtors with protection from abusive debt collection practices. The FDCPA considers any person who regularly collects debts owed to others as debt collectors. This definition includes attorneys who regularly collect debts, but it does not include creditors that collect their own debts. The types of debts covered by the FDCPA are any family, household, and personal debts, which includes medical care. People who are subject to the FDCPA are prohibited from acting in certain ways during the process of collecting a debt. As is to be expected, a collection agency is not permitted to harass or abuse debtors, which includes a prohibition against publishing the name of a debtor on a blacklist or other posting that is public. Debt collection agents are also not allowed to provide false or misleading information in order to collect a debt, nor can they engage in shocking or unfair methods to collect. A debt collection agent is not permitted to contact a debtor before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., and is not permitted to directly contact a debtor who is represented by an attorney. Free Consultation with a Utah Debt Collection LawyerIf you are here, you probably have a business law issue you need help with, call Ascent Law for your free business law consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
What To Do When Your Custody Plan No Longer Works Can You Make The Doctor See Me Again After Bankruptcy? via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/business-debt-collection/ Although financial issues are part of many divorces, money troubles don’t usually end when couples choose to dissolve a marriage. In fact, many individuals are highly tempted to try hide assets from the other party, especially when a significant level of money and investments are at stake. Some actions to shield these resources may be deemed acceptable under an asset protection plan. But people often run afoul of the law, or risk seriously damaging their credibility before a judge who may rule unfavorably when he or she discovers attempts to cover the money trail. Still, the temptation to do so may be particularly strong when one party owns a cash business. Experts warn that through the process of discovery these secret stashes are often discovered. Legal teams will actively look for unusual indicators, such as title transfers or uncommon transactions. They will also assign value to non-liquid assets. The value of the family fortune is also likely to be contested, but parties will have to provide testimony under oath about their assets and property. If someone lies about assets to hide them, they will be guilty of perjury or may face severe sanctions including monetary fines. Failure to report assets — such as information about where accounts are held — can result in the court ordering a person to do so. Refusal means that a person may be held in contempt of court, and face possible jail time. In any event, if a judge deems an asset protection strategy to be inappropriate, it may damage the reputation of that party and harm their case. What to Know About Uncontested Divorce in UtahAn uncontested divorce is the simplest, most pain-free divorce process available. Essentially, it means that both parties are able to agree on all the major issues in their divorce, including how they will share parental responsibilities, child support and custody arrangements, alimony payments and the division of shared property and debts. If the parties are able to agree on these important elements, they will be able to file their papers in court without having to make any formal court appearances. Then, once the minimum time period has elapsed, their divorce will be final and legally binding. The following are a few things to keep in mind about uncontested divorce:
Free Consultation with Divorce LawyerIf you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Downtown Development Brings Lawsuit How to Probate an Estate in Utah What to Do When Your Custody Plan No Longer Works via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/shield-assets-during-divorce/ Most business owners enter into contracts more frequently than they may realize. Any time you or your company agree to take some action or make a payment in exchange for anything of value, a legal contract has been created — even if the agreement doesn’t seem like a formal contract. For example, most bills of sale, purchase orders, employment agreements, and other common business transactions are legally enforceable contracts. The following is a discussion to help you understand the basics of contracts. What is a contract?A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties that creates an obligation to do or not do particular things. The term “party” can mean an individual person, company, or other legal entity. No matter who the parties are, contracts almost always contain the following essential elements:
Why should I use a written contract?To be enforceable, some agreements must be in writing. The situations in which an agreement must be in writing can differ from state to state, but usually include transfers of real estate, sales of goods valued at over $500, and contracts that require more than a year to perform. Whether or not it’s required, a written agreement becomes your proof of what was agreed upon and prevents someone from forgetting or changing the story later. Writing the contract down also makes the parties focus on the essential points, and come to a definite agreement. Can and should I write my own business contracts?Yes, you can write your own business contracts. If there is much at stake or if the matter is complex, you may want to use a lawyer. Your best money may be spent up front in preventing any potential legal problems, rather than battling it out in a lawsuit later. If the amount at stake in your business contract is moderate or the terms simple, you may use a legal form that both sides understand. What laws govern contracts?Contracts are usually governed and enforced by the laws of the state where the agreement was made. Depending upon the subject matter of the agreement (i.e. sale of goods, property lease), a contract may be governed by one of two types of state law. The majority of contracts (i.e. employment agreements, leases, general business agreements) are controlled by the state’s common law -- a tradition-based but constantly evolving set of laws that is mostly judge-made, from court decisions over the years. The common law does not control contracts that are primarily for the sale of goods, however. Such contracts are instead governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a standardized collection of guidelines governing the law of commerce. Most states have adopted the UCC in whole or in part, making the UCC’s provisions part of the state’s codified laws pertaining to the sale of goods. If the contact is international; then, you’re looking at the CISG. More information about that is found here. What is “breaching” a contract?In the business world, disputes can arise over contracts, and one party (or both) may accuse the other of breaking his or her obligations under the agreement. In legal terms, a party’s failure to fulfill an end of the bargain under a contract is known as “breaching” the contract. When a breach of contract happens (or at least when a breach is alleged) one or both of the parties may wish to have the contract “enforced” on its terms, or may try to recover for any financial harm caused by the alleged breach. How are contracts enforced?The most common method used to resolve business contract disputes and enforce contracts (if informal resolution methods fail) is through lawsuits and the court system. If the amount at issue is below a certain dollar figure (usually $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the state), the parties may be able to use “small claims” court to resolve the issue. But formal lawsuits are not the only option. The parties also may agree to have a mediator review a contract dispute. The parties are not bound by a mediator’s decision, but may be convinced to avoid a costly court battle by how the mediator rules. The parties can also agree to binding arbitration of a contract dispute, whereby a neutral party listens to the arguments from both sides and issues a binding decision. When attempting to enforce a contract, an individual or business should always consider the effect any dispute will have on any long-term business relationship between the parties involved. Free Consultation with a Utah Contract AttorneyIf you are here, you probably have a contract issue you need help with. If you do, call Ascent Law for your free contract law consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.7 stars – based on 45 reviews
What are Entirety and Severability Provisions? via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/contract-basics/ To foster stability for children, courts favor custody plans that are designed to be fairly permanent. But the law also recognizes that things change. Circumstances beyond the control of the parents can render a plan unworkable. In the worst cases, a vindictive parent actively undermines the child custody plan, forcing the other parent to seek relief from the court. After your custody plan is in place, there are two common scenarios in which you could end up back in court:
Relocating Your Child Out of State After a DivorceWhen divorces occur, it’s somewhat common for one parent to relocate out of the state. However, it’s also important to consider how such a relocation could affect the children in the relationship. Moving out of state with children after a divorce has an impact on more than just the parent who wants to relocate. The children and the non-custodial parent are also affected. Sometimes a decision can be reached amicably, but other times one of the parents will not consent to this move and the parents will seek intervention from the court to decide. As always, Utah law favors the best interests of the children above all else. Following the best interest standard, a court will consider how the move might impact the child to determine whether it should grant the custodial parent permission to relocate. The court may look at the relationship the child has with each of his or her parents and how the move might affect that. If the child does not regularly see the other parent, this might weigh in favor of the relocation. However, apart from the respective parent’s relationship with the child, courts also look to other effects of the move. A court may consider how the relocation will impact schoolwork, social relationships and other elements of a child’s life. If a custodial parent can show that the move will have a positive impact on the life of the child, this may weigh in that parent’s favor. ‘Birdnesting’ Gains Popularity Among Divorced CouplesA recent feature story in the Utah Post outlines a practice that is gaining popularity among some divorced couples in Utah and New Jersey — and is likely to spread to other areas in the country. It’s called “birdnesting” or “nesting” and it’s an arrangement in which the children stay in one home and it’s the adults who move around. The idea behind such an arrangement is that it reduces the amount of turbulence the kids would otherwise experience by moving from house to house every few days. According to the article, lawyers throughout Utah City say more couples are asking for more information on the concept and whether it could actually be a legitimate option. A concept with drawbacksAlthough the primary benefit is that it makes the transition into divorced life easier for the children than a typical arrangement, it can make things a lot harder on the parents. If the arrangement has not been planned well, the parents could each end up feeling “homeless” in a sense, as they never spend more than a few days at a time in each location and do not truly get to settle into a place of their own. Parents must also determine how they will split costs. They will likely have to be able to pay for an apartment or studio of their own, in addition to their share of the home they already own together. This means the concept is likely not an option for people who are not fairly well off financially. Still, it is at least an interesting take on divorce that could make co-parenting easier if the two parents have at least somewhat of an amicable relationship. It will be interesting to see if the trend remains in vogue for long — or if it’s more of a passing fad. Free Consultation with Child Custody LawyerIf you have a question about child custody question or if you need to collect back child support, please call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will fight for you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Can I List My Speeding Ticket in Bankruptcy? via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/what-to-do-when-your-custody-plan-no-longer-works/ If you own a small business, you probably already know about how your small business gets taxed at the end of the year. Just how much you are able to deduct as a “cost of doing business” is part of how much you will get taxed. Remember that whatever you are left with (your profit) after making your small business tax deductions is what you will get taxed on. So, in order to minimize your taxes on your small business, it is always best to maximize your small business tax deductions. By doing so, you will lower your small business profit and minimize your taxes. In addition, by maximizing your tax deductions, you could get some personal benefits as well — perhaps a new business car, a business trip/vacation, or even a retirement plan. However, you must always be careful to play by the rules that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set out. You could land in hot water if you don’t! Internal Revenue Code Section 162 – The “Ordinary and Necessary” Expenses of Doing BusinessIn general, it is painful to read the actual tax code. However, section 162 is so important when it comes to figuring out a small business’ tax deductions that it is worth putting in here (at least a portion of it). Internal Revenue Code Section 162 – In general – There shall be allowed as a deduction all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business… Section 162 goes on for quite some time listing examples (and exceptions) of what are considered “ordinary and necessary” business expenses. However, what you should take away from this is that any expenses you deduct from your small business profits must be ordinary and necessary. What exactly is ordinary and necessary, though? Many of the best legal minds often struggle with this question. What is important for you is that many of the things that you would call ordinary and necessary (such as a business computer, or a desk) are also defined as ordinary and necessary by the IRS. Publications and Regulations— There are other expenses that are in a grey area, however. For example, travel expenses may not always be “ordinary and necessary.” However, in many such grey areas, the IRS provides some guidance through publications (“pubs”) and regulations (“regs”). Courts Have Made Decisions on Tax Deductions— In addition to the guidance that the IRS provides through publications and regulations, courts also sometimes weigh in on what is considered an ordinary and necessary business expense. Generally, courts apply the notion that “ordinary and necessary” refers to the purpose for which the expense was made. As an example, renting office space for your business is an ordinary and necessary business for a business that actually uses the office as an office. However, if a business rents an office just for the purpose of spending money and it does not use the office in its business, then it is not an ordinary and necessary business expense and cannot be deducted. The courts have generally found that “ordinary” means “normal, common, accepted under the circumstances by the business community,” and “necessary” means “appropriate and helpful to the business.” As you can clearly see, the courts have left a lot of wiggle room for businesses to try to sneak in “ordinary and necessary” business expense deductions. On the other side, the IRS pushes to try to contain what is “ordinary and necessary.” When something falls outside of what the IRS has defined, it often finds its way into court. For example, suppose that John is a self-employed accountant. One year, the IRS notices that Frank has a big deduction listed on his taxes. Taking a closer look, the IRS sees that John has decided to deduct his speed boat as an ordinary and necessary business expense. John says that the boat is ordinary and necessary because he places his business cards on other boats and cars when he takes the boat out for a ride. If this situation were to go to court, the court would probably find that the speed boat was not an ordinary and necessary business expense for an accountant. Right?!? The “laugh” test— One way that you can weed out many expenses as not being ordinary and necessary to your business is to employ the laugh test. Basically, if you can put down the expense as an ordinary and necessary deduction on you tax return without laughing, then it passes the laugh test. The hot air balloon above would not pass the laugh test. Enlarged Expenses Can Hurt YouThe people that work at the IRS are pretty smart, despite what you may mutter under your breath when filling out your tax return. They know that, by and large, people try their best not to overpay for anything. Because of this, the amount of a business expense is not generally questioned. However, there are occasions when the IRS will look more closely into very large business expenses (ones that are deemed unreasonably large). Although the tax code itself does not contain any term relating to a business expense that is “too large,” the courts have generally ruled that Section 162 contains an inherent size exception. For example, while it may be ordinary and necessary for an executive of a multi-national company to rent a private jet to fly to meetings, it is ordinary and necessary for the owner of a start-up homemade crouton business to rent the same jet. Personal Expenses are a No-NoOut of all of the concerns that the IRS has when it comes to Section 162 business expense deductions, there are none larger than the IRS’s concerns over personal expenses that are claimed as business expenses. As an example, you cannot deduct the cost of commuting to and from work as a business expense (the tax code specifically defines this as a personal expense). The same rules apply to situations where a business credit card is used on a personal vacation. Trying to claim personal expenses as business deductions happens more that you may think. Because of this, the IRS auditors are always checking. However, there are certain arrangements that can be put in place that allows you to get personal benefits from your business expenses. You should ask your accountant about this if you are interested. Stay Away From RelativesYou should always be careful when your business deals directly with your family. There have been many situations in the past where a small business owner would “pay” a family member, or a business that a family member has an ownership interest in. Although these transactions could be honest, there are other times when the payments are being made to hide business profits and use them for personal use. As an example, if you have your father-in-law on your business’ payroll at $20,000 a year as a consultant, it would be fine if he was your actual consultant. However, if your father-in-law has been in a coma for the past 10 years, the IRS is going to come down on you hard. Free Consultation with a Utah Small Business LawyerIf you are here, you probably have a business law issue you need help with, call Ascent Law for your free small business law consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
How Imputed Income Factors Into a Divorce Civil Attorney in Salt Lake City Utah via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/small-business-tax-deductions/ When the presumed father of a child denies parentage, the mother may choose to file a paternity suit. The filing of the suit typically compels the individual to submit to a DNA test in order to make that determination and also lays the groundwork for child support and, depending on the circumstances, visitation rights. The presumptive father also may file suit if he would like to establish paternity that has been denied by the mother, as can a child, although these are much less common. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about paternity suits. How is the father of a child legally determined?Assuming that there is no agreement between the parents, either the mother, alleged father, or even in some cases the child, can bring a paternity suit to identify the father of the child. Most paternity suits are filed to establish financial or moral responsibility, gain visitation rights or settle other issues in controversy between the parents. If the circumstances warrant, a judge in a paternity suit will order a blood test from which DNA testing can conclusively determine whether the alleged father is the biological father of the child. After a determination is made, the judge can make a ruling on the issues outlined above or the parties can come to a private agreement. Is the biological father the only person who can be legally recognized as the father?The short answer is no, a man other than the biological father may be legally designated as the father of the child. But determining legal paternity can be a complicated problem which attempts to find clarity in circumstances which range from the straightforward to byzantine. Making this determination in a paternity suit often involves heated arguments on both sides and the legal standard for paternity varies from state to state. While we’ll cover the basics below, you should investigate your state’s laws in order to make an informed determination about your situation. There are several legal classifications of fathers, and once established, paternity is difficult to change and unless there is a private agreement between the father and mother to the contrary, fathers are obligated to pay child support. Acknowledged FatherThe most straight forward of the bunch, it’s exactly what it sounds like. An acknowledged father is the biological father of a child born to unmarried parents who admits that he is the father. Acknowledged fathers are obligated to pay child support. Presumed FatherGenerally the most contested categorization of fathers, there are four circumstances in which a man is presumed to be the father of the child:
Equitable FatherA father who is not the biological or adoptive father, but who has a close relationship with the child or where the relationship is encouraged by the biological parents. This legal claim is generally made by non-biological fathers during divorce proceedings. The doctrine of the equitable parent derives from the understanding that a child and a non-biological parent may have such a close parent/child relationship that the court will grant the equitable parent custody rights. It seeks to take into account the love and support of a man serving as the true, day-to-day father of a minor child. The three requirements to be recognized as an equitable father are:
Not all states recognize equitable fathers, so be sure to investigate your state’s laws and/or contact an attorney in your state. Unwed FatherA man who impregnates a woman but does not marry her. Historically, unwed fathers have enjoyed fewer rights with respect to their children. If an unwed father wishes to retain rights with a minimum of court intervention, he should acknowledge his paternity and if possible come to an agreement with the mother confirming his status. If another man becomes the presumed father, retaining full rights for the unwed father becomes difficult. Assuming that there is not another man who seeks to be named the child’s father, the unwed father can retain visitation rights and seek custody of the child. If I legally establish that a man is my child’s father, is he responsible for child support and how do I get it from him?If paternity is established by one of the methods above, the father is required to provide child support for the child. The father also gets visitation rights and can seek custody of the child. Once paternity is established, if the father refuses to pay child support, or does not provide enough, he will be subject to enforcement measures. All states have child support or child welfare agencies which can track down “deadbeat dads” through a variety of methods, including social security numbers, employment records, DMV searches, etc. Courts can place liens on property, garnish wages and even imprison fathers who don’t pay child support. You should explore all options through state and city agencies, or by contacting an attorney in your state who can do this as well as file a motion in court to compel the father to pay. What if I can’t afford to file a paternity suit?Fees required to bring a paternity suit can be costly, although there is generally a small fee for the paternity test itself. In almost all states there are mechanisms which allow paternity suits to be filed by the state at no cost to the mother seeking to establish paternity. State child support agencies will file the paternity suit on your behalf. Many of these agencies are funded by the federal Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) program. Free Initial Consultation with a Paternity LawyerWhen you need a Paternity Lawyer, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
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Ten Ways to Fund Your Business How Imputed Income Factors Into a Divorce via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/paternity-lawsuit-faqs/ Every successful business needs a business plan, which maps out your company’s goals and plan of execution. The business plan not only helps keep everyone in the organization on the same page, but also serves as your company’s resume and can help with funding efforts. This section covers the reasons for writing a business plan and how to write one, including sample plans and related resources. Breakeven AnalysisA person starting a new business often asks, “At what level of sales will my company make a profit?” Breakeven analysis is used to determine when your business will be able to cover all its expenses and begin to make a profit. It is important to identify your startup costs, which will help you determine your sales revenue needed to pay ongoing business expenses. Writing a Business PlanBusiness planning is essential for the success of any business. A business plan provides direction, keeps you on track and is usually a requirement when you seek finance. Before writing a plan, always do your research. You will need to make quite a few decisions about your business including structure, marketing strategies and finances before you can complete your plan. By having the right information to hand you also can be more accurate in your forecasts and analysis. Effective Marketing Strategy for Your BusinessWhile developing an effective content marketing strategy isn’t easy, becoming familiar with its core components is the first step for moving in the right direction. For instance, the key to effective content marketing is to be sharply focused. It’s virtually impossible to successfully market to everyone all at once, so instead you may find it easier if you concentrate your efforts where you think you can move the needle most. Using Your Business PlanA business plan does not guarantee the success of your venture, but it does increase the odds of success–if you properly use the plan as a comprehensive strategic tool. You can employ your business plan to sell your business idea to potential investors. Include in your business plan all the marketing, financial, background, and strategic information an investor would need to become as excited about your business venture as you are. Including Logistics in Your Business PlanNo matter how finely tuned your business plan may be, over the lifetime of any business, things will go wrong. From natural disasters to worker strikes, the best way to survive a business disaster is with a logistics contingency plan. Logistics is all about details, and the long-term success of any business has a great deal to do with well-planned logistics. Focusing on these details continuously in your business plan will increase your company’s chance of success from the get-go and for the long run. Hiring a Business AttorneyA business lawyer at Ascent Law can help in many business scenarios, from helping with the incorporation process, drawing up contracts and, if necessary, representing you in litigation. Each business is unique, and a free initial consultation with a lawyer from our office can help you determine the complexity of your own needs and how to proceed on many of these issues. While you can often take care of the formation of a legal business entity such as an LLC or business partnership without legal help, forming a corporation with shareholders and a board is a more complex process. Articles of incorporation can be filed without lawyers, but the administrative side of managing the complex tax and legal requirements often requires the services of a corporate attorney from Ascent Law. Free Consultation with a Utah Business LawyerIf you are here, you probably have a business law issue you need help with, call Ascent Law for your free business law consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Ten Ways to Fund Your Business What is the Time Frame for Filing an Appeal in Utah? Child Support Garnishment in Bankruptcy Utah Securities Lawyer on Omnicare How Imputed Income Factors Into a Divorce via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/creating-a-business-plan/ |
About MeIn 2009 I was creating marketing channels for barbie dolls in Nigeria. Spent a weekend implementing dogmas in Naples, FL. Won several awards for writing about toy trucks in Mexico. Spent 2001-2007 analyzing deodorant in Pensacola, FL. Spent 2001-2004 researching heroin in Miami, FL. Enthusiastic about writing about clip-on ties in Naples, FL. Archives
June 2019
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