Recent content by jvogel

What is the name of your state? California. My father, age 87, owns his house worth $700,000 and it's free and clear. He also has about $150,000 in mutual funds and no other assets. If he goes into a nursing home can they attach his house? Can they attach the mutual funds? If so, what should he...

What is the name of your state? Calif. My sister says I'll get more in benefits because I'm married compared to being single. I say marital status doesn't matter and my benefits are based solely on my earnings history (and when I choose to begin receiving benefits). Who is right?

What is the name of your state? California My stepson, age 20, has his own insurance and a vehicle in his name. He lives with us. If he is at fault in an accident, can they try to collect from his mother and me because he lives with us?

What is the name of your state? California I agreed in writing to a $3,000 early termination fee on a 1 year lease. My rent is $1,000 a month. A friend says this penalty is unenforcable because the landlord is only entitled to a reasonable vacancy period and must use due diligence to find a new...

What is the name of your state? California I own a landlocked parcel. I get no response to certified mail to the owner from whom I need an easement. He may be out of the country from what I've heard. What can I do? Is small claims court a remedy?

What is the name of your state? California I broke a lease and had to pay a 3 month ($3,000) penalty. Is the penalty tax deductible?

What is the name of your state? California I turn 59 1/2 on 9/1/06. Does the 10% early withdrawal penalty from my SEP apply until that date, or can I withdraw without penalty any time during 2006 because that's the year I turn 59 1/2?

What is the name of your state? California My gardener cut my neighbor's trees without my permission, to improve my view. Now the neighbor threatens to sue me for loss of tree value and loss of privacy. I am selling my house. Can he place a lien on my house or is my house immune because the...

What is the name of your state?California I am getting divorced and will be giving my wife $100,000 more than she is legally entitled. Is this amount subject to gift tax?

What is the name of your state? California I am married with no children. We want to avoid probate. We own our house in joint tenancy. I also have a rental house which is my separate property. I currently want my wife to receive the separate property if I die, but I also want to reserve the...

What is the name of your state? California. I'm not sure if this is the right category. Please forward this question to the appropriate category if necessary. My wife and I are going to help my 20 year old stepson to move into his own apartment. His history has been quite troubled. Because...

What is the name of your state? California I'm not sure if I'm in the right category. Please forward this to the appropriate category if necessary. My wife and I are going to help my 20 year old stepson to move into his own apartment. His history has been quite troubled. Because neither he nor...

What is the name of your state? Calif. I signed a one year lease referring to rules and regulations, which I also signed, requiring a 3 month rent penalty for early termination. Is this legal and/or enforceable? My understanding is that if I break the lease I am only responsible for rerenting...

What is the name of your state? California Must an advance healthcare directive be witnessed, or notarized, or both, to be effective? Thanks

What is the name of your state? California My yearly SS statment says I had no income in 1975 but I did. I have no records to prove it and when I called the IRS they said they don't go back that far. I am 58 and have been in the work force since 1971, paying the maximum SS tax each year since...