I go out for lunch a lot. I need to network, both to keep my name in front of other professionals who may hear of people needing my help, but also to get out of my office and have social interactions with someone other than Sebastian, my Feline Paralegal! Because I lunch so often, I feel qualified to share my list of the best restaurants for a business lunch in and around Westlake Village. Read more>>
February 28, 2023
Author: John Faucher
What Happens After A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Is Filed?
You decided to declare personal bankruptcy. You’ve given the information about your debts, assets and finances to your bankruptcy attorney. S/he just filed your petition with the Bankruptcy Court. Now what? What happens after a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is filed? Read more>>
February 21, 2023
Top Five Reasons to Hire a Tax Lawyer in Alameda County
You received an audit notice from the IRS. Or maybe you’ve already been audited and hate the result. Or you ignored audit notices, and now the IRS has put a lien on your house and levied your accounts. Here’s the top five reasons to hire a tax attorney, rather than handle a tax problem on your own. Read more>>
February 10, 2023
Cost of Eggs in Ventura County
Anyone who’s shopped for eggs in the past few months has no doubt been shocked by the cost of eggs doubling or even tripling, at least in Ventura County, where I live. Why am I buying eggs, especially since I have a flock of hens who give me eggs? Read more>>
February 3, 2023
How to Request IRS Uncollectible Status in Ventura County
You owe taxes. But you can’t pay. You’re barely making ends meet with basic living expenses. Especially in high cost-of-living places like Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard and Ventura. You don’t want to file for bankruptcy, or you don’t qualify (some taxes can be discharged in bankruptcy). If you have few assets and modest income, then ask the IRS for Uncollectible Status. Read more>>
February 1, 2023
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Planning in Los Angeles County
When it’s time for bankruptcy planning, my clients in LA, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties often go “Huh?” It’s not obvious that filing bankruptcy should involve timing and strategy. But a good bankruptcy does. Why? To minimize assets the Bankruptcy Trustee may take. Here’s why pre-bankruptcy filing planning matters. Read more>>
January 27, 2023
IRS Presidential Audits Not a Mandate, Only a Norm
As I sit in my Westlake Village tax law office, I’m contemplating the remarkable story that broke this week about the IRS failing to audit former President Trump during the first two years of his Presidency, despite the fact that the agency has routinely audited all other, past Presidents and current President Biden. Read more>>
December 23, 2022
Thanksgiving Food for Thought: Economics of Costco Chickens
Thanksgiving has me thinking about turkey, of course. And other poultry. Like my hens at Faucher Family Farms. My hens won’t ever end up on our table because I value them for their eggs, but Karen brought a Costco chicken home the other night. Read more »
November 23, 2022
It’s Unlikely Trump Triggered Comey’s IRS Audit
Did former President Trump unleash the IRS on political foes Jim Comey and Andrew McCabe? The question is back in the news. Trump’s former Chief of Staff, General John Kelly, says Trump demanded the FBI Commissioners be punished with audits. Read more>>
November 16, 2022
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Basics
For individuals (rather than businesses), there are two types of bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows debtors to wipe out most existing debt, but there are strict income thresholds to qualify. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a debt repayment agreement for higher-income people, that may or may not result in some of their debt being discharged at the end of the five year repayment plan. This blog overviews the basics of Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy. Read more>>
November 11, 2022