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What Is a Series LLC? A Series LLC is a special type of limited liability company that allows one parent LLC to create multiple legally distinct series (or “cells”) under a single structure. Each series can: Own its own assets Run a separate business Enter into contracts Have its own liabilities At the…
Blended families are increasingly common throughout the United States, and with that comes a complex web of financial, emotional, and legal considerations. When two people marry later in life or after a divorce—with children from previous relationships—the question of who inherits what becomes more than just a minor detail. It becomes…
A revocable living trust is not just a tool that holds property. It’s the glue that holds your family together! The only question is do you want that glue to be the cheap nonadhesive stuff you buy at the dollar store OR the NASA grade stuff that will hold anything…
Avoid probate. Protect your family. Stay in control. Owning a home is a major milestone. It’s often the cornerstone of a family’s financial life, and in many cases, it’s the single largest asset a person will ever own. But surprisingly, most homeowners never take the step that truly protects that…
Read More Why a Revocable Living Trust Is Essential—Especially If You Own a Home
Most business owners spend their energy building, expanding, and optimizing their companies. They fine-tune marketing strategies, negotiate supplier contracts, and hire the right teams. But there’s another side to entrepreneurship — one that doesn’t show up on the highlight reels; and that’s protecting what you’ve built, so that when the…
Most people don’t understand the simple truth about entrepreneurship and property ownership: The law doesn’t care about your intentions — it cares about structure. And when you own property in your personal name or you operate “as yourself” under a sole proprietorship……you are essentially loading a bullet into the chamber,…
Have you ever imagined what your worst-case trademark scenario would be? Maybe you’ve heard of horrors stories; or perhaps you have had the actual misfortune of experiencing it yourself: the shock, gut-punch, tangy realization that all your hard work, may have been in vain. Hopefully, this is just an over-dramatization;…
Read More Trademark Nightmare: A True Story About Not Protecting Your Business Name
When most rental property owners talk about “asset protection,” they start with entities: “Should I use an LLC?”“Should I use series LLCs?”“Should I put my properties in trusts?” This all matters, but here’s the real truth that nobody dares to say out loud: The first battle is never fought in…
Read More Why Your First Line of Defense Isn’t an LLC… It’s Your Lease + Liability Release
When most people think about asset protection, they picture LLCs, insurance policies, or complicated offshore structures. Lawyers and financial planners talk endlessly about trusts, layered entities, and legal ‘walls’ designed to keep creditors or plaintiffs at bay. But here’s the reality: the strongest form of protection isn’t always legal—it’s psychological.…
Protect your assets in California with LLCs, Wyoming holding companies, and trusts. Learn how to stay anonymous, avoid lawsuits, and secure your wealth. Why Asset Protection Matters in California California is one of the most litigious states in the country. If you own property, operate a business, or invest in…
Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, the truth of the matter is, EVICTIONS suck! UNLAWFUL DETAINER ACTION In California, the eviction process is referred to as an unlawful detainer action, or UDA for short. This is the process a landlord must take in order to lawfully retake possession of…
NOW, you might be too young, work too much, or just haven’t had time to think about it, but there is something out there called “beneficiary designations” that you can use in lieu of a trust or will, and that will literally cost you nothing, other than half an hour…
Read More BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS: The LEAST EXPENSIVE Type of Estate Planning
If you asked me 20-YEARS AGO about Estate Planning, I would have looked at you with a BLANK FACE. Fast-forward twenty-years, and I’m an estate planning attorney. Contrary to popular opinion, Estate Planning is not just a fancy word lawyers made up to add to their infinite lexicon of fancy…
Read More ESTATE PLANNING 101: What is it, and is it right for you?
Have you ever been told that there is “more than one way to skin a cat?” Well, it turns out that this saying is actually true, as least when it comes to probate, and more specifically, how to avoid it. Probate is when your loved one dies without a trust…
PROBATE is long, costly, and sometimes, contentious. Further, and in certain circumstances, it cannot be avoided. But this article isn’t about the horrors of probate, but instead, about the silver-lining that lives within the realm of probate, that most people are unaware of. The Spousal Property Petition: The spousal property…
Read More The California Spousal Property Petition: A shortcut to FULL BLOWN Probate
Before I begin, I know I’m going to get FLAK for this blog. But that’s alright, as an attorney, getting flak comes with the job, and I’m good with that. Because at the end of the day, if some of you walk away from this blog a little more informed…
“Life can feel like going up shit creek without a PADDLE!” -My younger self. Contrary to the foregoing, filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is not the worst thing in the world. In fact, it’s not even that bad. “But wait,” “Ruben-Have you lost your mind!? -Bankruptcy, not that bad, “What’s the…
“5-THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING” READER WARNING: IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED, OPEN-MINDED BUT ONLY WHEN IT ALIGNS WITH YOUR OPINION, AN IDEOLOGUE BUT NOT A GOOD ONE, OR THINK BAMBI’S MOM (SPOILER ALERT) SHOULDN’T HAVE BEEN KILLED IN DISNEY’S CULT CLASSIC MOVIE ABOUT LOSS AND…
Is court a necessary evil? Maybe. But does that mean we have to like it?–Absolutely not! INTRO I have yet to meet someone that absolutely revels in the idea of a contentious no-holds-barred court battle! But Ruben, you’re probably muttering, I’ve watched live court TV, read newspapers, and have even…
Read More 3-WAYS TO AVOID COURT: Small Claims, Demand Letter, etc
Before we jump into the confusing and sometimes convoluted world of taxes, gains, and trusts; let’s start with something easy, you know, like introducing ourselves. I’ll start! My name is Ruben J. Martinez, and as many of you know I am RJM Lawyer. Practice wise, I do a lot of…
DISCLAIMER: As always, my blogs are aimed at providing general information, not legal advice. Always consult an attorney when making a decision as to legal matters. Enjoy! You just stamped, sealed, and dropped your letter off into the mailbox. Truth be told, you’re feeling pretty good about the fact that…
The power of perception plays a vital role in our society, both personally and professionally. Just think, in the first few seconds of meeting someone, you’ve already formulated an opinion about them. Crazy, right? And no, it’s not based on empirical evidence. But on factors like how he or she…
