Law Offices of Edwin A. Barnum

Can you really count on the assistance of people who are "like us"? A potential client called and inquired if I speak Thai (not the actual language they inquired about) I told her 'I do not'. Curious about the inquiry I asked her why she asked and what if any I can do to help her. She ended up coming to see us at our office with her husband a couple of days later. During the consultation both disclosed that they are worried about their finances because the husband r...eceived court papers and handed the same to me. It turned out that the husband was served a Wage Garnishment Order. The couple told me that they hired someone who told them that he will "take care" of their problem. Although they paid little, this person promised that he can do "a lot" for them. They believed him because he speaks their language. They were told he can make the lawsuit (the previous documents they received that they give to this so-called attorney) go away and not to worry about it because the creditor is "not going to bother them again". They followed his advice because they came from the same region, speak their "language" and even "looked like them". Don't be deceived! Please be leery of someone who uses the words; "trust me", "no problem", "I'll fight for you" or some other words that seem to downplay the severity of your problem. Those that promised more than he/she can or intend to deliver. Before giving anybody any money, ask for a contract that spells out what they will do for you in exchange for the money you pay them-however "little". If in doubt if you're dealing with serious and reputable companies, check with government agencies such as; 1) Secretary of State, Attorney General, or Consumer Affairs. If you're still not satisfied, access Better Business Bureau or call us for assistance and we'll help you verify if you're dealing with legitimate company or individual. Better yet, schedule a consultation with us before you hire someone who pretend to be "working for" or "connected with" an Attorney or a "Notario Publico" so we can verify them in your behalf. "Don't hire anyone that add to your problem but rather someone who solves your problem". Here at the Law Offices of Edwin A. Barnum, we do not pass judgment-just solutions to your problem! Stay safe. God bless. See more

I often get asked, why do you try to convince people (young or old) to create their estate plans (revocable living trust and DPA)? My answer is "not everyone needs these documents: only the ones who own property (real and personal) that needs to be probated if something were to happen to them (die). Assets owned by a person in his/her name are subject to probate unless exempt, such as; life insurance, annuities, community property, mobile homes, or unemployment benefits.... Probate should be avoided because the process is Expensive, Lengthy, Publicly accessible, and Personally and Emotionally taxing. Then if the person has medical bills paid by the State of California before passing away, his/her estate has to reimburse the State. Conversely, if an estate plan is properly prepared; distribution or titling of real property is Simplified, Administration is relatively inexpensive and done without the Court’s involvement therefore Private and if the person owed medical expenses because California paid for medical expenses before he/she passed, his/her estate need not pay back the state (no Reimbursement necessary) for the medicals (see CA SB833). My recommendation is to have your estate plan done and forget about it until major life changes happen. See more

Can you really count on the assistance of people who are "like us"? A potential client called and inquired if I speak Thai (not the actual language they inquired about) I told her 'I do not'. Curious about the inquiry I asked her why she asked and what if any I can do to help her. She ended up coming to see us at our office with her husband a couple of days later. During the consultation both disclosed that they are worried about their finances because the husband r...eceived court papers and handed the same to me. It turned out that the husband was served a Wage Garnishment Order. The couple told me that they hired someone who told them that he will "take care" of their problem. Although they paid little, this person promised that he can do "a lot" for them. They believed him because he speaks their language. They were told he can make the lawsuit (the previous documents they received that they give to this so-called attorney) go away and not to worry about it because the creditor is "not going to bother them again". They followed his advice because they came from the same region, speak their "language" and even "looked like them". Don't be deceived! Please be leery of someone who uses the words; "trust me", "no problem", "I'll fight for you" or some other words that seem to downplay the severity of your problem. Those that promised more than he/she can or intend to deliver. Before giving anybody any money, ask for a contract that spells out what they will do for you in exchange for the money you pay them-however "little". If in doubt if you're dealing with serious and reputable companies, check with government agencies such as; 1) Secretary of State, Attorney General, or Consumer Affairs. If you're still not satisfied, access Better Business Bureau or call us for assistance and we'll help you verify if you're dealing with legitimate company or individual. Better yet, schedule a consultation with us before you hire someone who pretend to be "working for" or "connected with" an Attorney or a "Notario Publico" so we can verify them in your behalf. "Don't hire anyone that add to your problem but rather someone who solves your problem". Here at the Law Offices of Edwin A. Barnum, we do not pass judgment-just solutions to your problem! Stay safe. God bless. See more

Bankruptcy. Is it really as bad as the rap that it's getting? Why not go through Debt Counseling or Consolidating instead of bankruptcy? Some people have more tolerance for pain others don't. When you chose the "other" route instead of bankruptcy, make sure that the company you hired spells out everything they promised to do and inspect what they gave you in writing. Some debt counseling companies are better, honest and more effective than others. Others are not any better. F...or people who have endured bad credit for sometime already, served a lawsuit for their credit obligations or have a bank levy or wage garnishment, bankruptcy maybe the best way to go. Chapter 7 or 13 affords a debtor federal law protections and as long as they qualify, can begin the "fresh start" process and rebuild their credit rating sooner. If done properly, after getting a discharge you can begin the rebuilding of your credit. With a little tenacity and luck your credit score could be better in a few years, even months. You have a choice, as always. Ask questions and don't rely on what you can read in the internet only. Here at our law firm, we offer free consultation for you financial questions. And for us there is no such thing as "stupid" questions but you could commit stupid "mistakes"! God bless!

Just filed a probate case for an out of town client and the clock starts today. We're asking a full authority meaning the personal representative can manage the estate assets without going back and asking the court for permission each time he needs to act.

Great month! The holidays seem to be the best season for my profession. When the temperature gets cooler, the need for warm relationship with a compassionate attorney seem to rise up. Our firm was hired by a businessman who a need corporate attorney to protect his "intellectual property" from unfounded claims by another business. Then there is another businessman whose business went up in smoke-literally. This person's business burned down now he is asking for assistance in c...laiming liability (compensation) from the offending party. And then there is this person whose hospital bills and repossessed car loan are hunting him, we helped him get his bills discharged through bankruptcy. Whoever said that people don't need attorneys during the holidays was grossly mistaken. In every season in these United Sates where we have "government of laws" rather than "government of men", it pays to know a good attorney whom you can call and ask legal questions without being charged on per-minute-increments. If you have any question, any question at all just call the law office of "Attorney With a Heart" and schedule a free consultation (310)213-9097. See more

This post look familiar. Oh it must be the ones where they assist people solve their legal problems. They're great! Ask someone who dealt with them!

Atty. Edwin A. Barnum. Esq. "Attorney with heart"