What is the Adoption Process in California?

By Sandra McCarthy|April 25th, 2020|Adoption|

Adoption legally establishes a parent-child relationship between two people who are at least 10 years apart in age. Adoptive parents have a legal responsibility to support their adopted children financially and provide care for them until they reach adulthood. Adopted children have the right to inherit from their adoptive parents even if the parents do not leave a will. For this reason, California law makes it possible to adopt a child or an adult. With this in mind, you are probably searching for more information about the adoption process in California. Here's what you need to know.

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LegalZoom vs. Nolo vs. Rocket Lawyer & A People’s Choice – Compare Legal Document Services

By Sandra McCarthy|March 28th, 2020|California Courts|

If you're looking for a legal document preparation service, a simple Google search will present a plethora of a results - but how can you know which service is best? In this post we'll compare LegalZoom, Nolo, and Rocket Lawyer, three of the most popular legal document services, and also alert you of some of their dangers. Read on to learn more!

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How to Find Divorce Records in California

By Sandra McCarthy|March 3rd, 2021|Divorce|

We’ve all heard of the statistic “50% of all marriages end in divorce.” It perfectly illustrates just how common divorce is in America. The good news is that that statistic is from the 80s, and things have gotten much better since then. Divorce rates for most age groups have dropped over the past 30 years, [...]

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How to File for Divorce in Ventura County, CA

By Sandra McCarthy|September 12th, 2022|California Courts, Divorce, Family Law|

We have created this article to give you the best, easiest, and most reliable way you can file for divorce in Ventura county, California.

How to Register a Trademark Without a Lawyer

By Sandra McCarthy|July 23rd, 2020|Business|

Registering a trademark is an important part of protecting your intellectual property and establishing a recognizable brand. Therefore, if you're starting a business, be sure to register your symbol, logo, or brand name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. If you're looking for more information on how to register your trademark, or require assistance completing the online application, contact A People's Choice today!

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The Best Way to Get a California DBA

By Sandra McCarthy|May 16th, 2022|Business, California Courts|

Have you ever met someone who goes by both a nickname and their actual name? Just think of Dwayne Johnson/The Rock, for example. The nickname adds brand power and a unique factor that a regular name just can't muster. Likewise, if you run a profit-oriented business or trade within California, you may want to file [...]

Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate: What’s the Difference?

By Sandra McCarthy|November 1st, 2021|Divorce|

No one really likes paperwork, but it's part of a lot of the important processes of life. This includes divorce. Once you make up your mind to file for divorce, you’ll encounter different types of documents before, during, and after the completion of the divorce process. Arguably the most important of such documents is [...]

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The Top Reasons for Divorce in California

By Sandra McCarthy|June 21st, 2021|Divorce|

It's no secret that divorce is not a fun process. However, sometimes it's the best course of action. If one or both parties are miserable and marriage isn't working, it can be a relief to file for divorce and move on with your life. There are lots of personal reasons for divorce in California [...]

8 Steps to Divorce in California [2022]

By Sandra McCarthy|June 28th, 2021|Divorce|

Filing for divorce in California needs some due diligence and proper planning. To ensure you follow the right steps to divorce in the Golden State, you need to know what the applicable law (divorce law). The divorce process entails some legal procedures (steps) that lead to a default judgment. As a divorcing spouse, you [...]

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Can I Get a Free Divorce Lawyer in California?

By Sandra McCarthy|July 12th, 2021|Divorce|

The legal process of going through a divorce is never easy, especially when dealing with complicated issues and related expenses. Taking divorce action in California can be a difficult time with all the different types of paperwork to consider, and options to take with the court. This usually raises the question of whether those [...]

What Is My Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in California?

By Sandra McCarthy|August 17th, 2022|California Courts, Divorce, Family Law|

If you're thinking about (or are in the process of) divorcing your wife in California, you know navigating a divorce can be a demanding and perplexing time in your life. Establishing who obtains what assets and child support go to whom is stressful, to say the least, but recognizing what you are entitled to [...]

California Adoption Blog And News

By Sandra McCarthy|February 26th, 2018|

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Blog

By Sandra McCarthy|April 7th, 2014|

Blog

“Real Housewives” Star Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi: A Case Study in Divorce Asset Division

By Sandra McCarthy|January 23rd, 2021|Divorce|

Erika Jayne, a star of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, stunned her fans on November 3, 2020, by announcing the end of her 21-year marriage to attorney Tom Girardi, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Jayne made the announcement as news of a barrage of lawsuits filed against Girardi and his law firm, Girardi Keese, [...]

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The Pre-Divorce Checklist: How to Prepare for Divorce in California

By Sandra McCarthy|January 21st, 2021|Divorce|

You never thought the dire divorce statistics in the US would ever include you, right? Even if it seems like a nightmare, don’t wait too long to get started on your divorce planning. Your soon-to-be-ex is likely already laying a plan to get the most they can from a settlement, and you don’t want [...]

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Ventura Legal Assistance

By Sandra McCarthy|May 27th, 2014|

Affordable Legal Assistance Ventura County | A People's Choice Don't let the legal system scare you! A People's Choice in Ventura County, California has been a leading provider for affordable California legal assistance in Ventura County since 1980. Don't spend needless money on attorneys on matters that you can do yourself with [...]

Video Blog And News

By Sandra McCarthy|February 26th, 2018|

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Real Property Blog And News

By Sandra McCarthy|February 26th, 2018|

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What You Should Know about Mental Incapacity Divorce in California

By Sandra McCarthy|April 11th, 2022|California Courts, Divorce, Family Law|

Divorce isn’t easy. You have to agree on difficult topics like custody of children and division of property, all while dealing with painful emotions. A mental incapacity divorce in California complicates things even further. It's not enough to show that your spouse acts erratically or irrationally; they have to fit very specific criteria for [...]

California Probate Blog And News

By Sandra McCarthy|February 26th, 2018|

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Will Documents

Description of Will Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Will (individual)	$200
Codicil to Will	$125
Will package (individual) includes Will, Healthcare Directive and Financial Power of Attorney	$250
Will package (couple) includes 2 Wills, 2 Healthcare Directives and 2 Financial Powers of Attorney	$399
Other Services	Call for Quote

Trust Documents

Description of Trust Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust (Individual) Trust or Trust Restatement only (you must have an existing revocable trust)	$300
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust (Couple) Trust or Trust Restatement only (you must have an existing trust)	$400
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust Package (Individual) Includes Trust, Pour-over Will, Certificate of Trust, Healthcare Directive, Financial Power of Attorney and estate folder	$499
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust Package (Couple) Includes joint trust, 2 Pour-over Wills, Certificate of Trust, 2 Healthcare Directives, 2 Financial Powers of Attorney and estate folder	$650
Special Needs Trust Designed for beneficiaries with physical or mental disabilities.	$700
Irrevocable Medi-Cal and/or VA Planning Trust	$700
Trust Transfer Deed and Preliminary Change of Ownership (California property)	$200 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)
Trust Transfer Deed (Out-of-State property)	$275 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)
Trust Transfer Deed (Timeshare)	$275 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)

Individual Estate Documents

Description of Individual Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Will	$200
Healthcare Directive	$125
Financial Power of Attorney	$125
Codicil to Will	$125
Trust Amendment	$200 and up
Trust Transfer Deed and Preliminary Change of Ownership (California property)	$200
Trust Transfer Deed (Out-of-State property)	$275
Trust Transfer Deed (Timeshare)	$275
Other Services	Call for Quote

Conservatorships Services We Offer	Price
Standard Conservatorship of Person AND/OR Estate (1 Petitioner) with or without Dementia Orders (Documents Only)	$1500
Limited Conservatorship for Developmentally Disabled (Documents Only)	$1200
Add-on Fees for Emergency Ex Parte Conservatorship (limited or standard)	+$450
Additional co-petitioner fee to any Conservatorship Petition	+$200
Add-on Fees for application for notice waivers and order	+$300
Add-on Fees for case management through Petition phase. Services include scheduling of any associated hearings, facilitating filing of documents with the court and other management services typically required to complete your Petition request	+$750
Standard preparation time is 10-14 business days. Rush preparation of all documentation is available for additional fee	$350+

Estate Administration Services	Price
Trust Administration (1 real property) each additional property +$200	$499
Probate Transfer by Affidavit (non-court, for estates with personal property only. This process cannot be used for estates with real property. Property must be valued under $166,250/$184,500)	$225
Simplified Probate Proceeding to Transfer Real Property Not Exceeding $55,425/61,000 (up to 2 Petitioners; 1 real property)	$649*
Simplified Probate Proceeding to Transfer Real Property Not Exceeding $166,425 (up to 2 Petitioners; 1 real property)	$799*
Spousal Property Petition (1 real property)	$749*
Heggstad Petition (1 Petitioner, 1 real property)	$1500**
No frills Probate Petition Documents Only for California Probate with Order of Probate and Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary (document prep only with instructions. No court filing or additional support services.)	$750**
Phase 1 California Probate Petition (Full Service with court filing assistance, arranging publication, notices and case management) up to Order of Probate and Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary	$1500**
Most Popular Full service, complete California Probate, facilitation of court filings, arranging publication, administrative notices, and ongoing case management services	$3900**
Probate Phase 2 or Phase 3 Full Service	$1500.00+/phase
Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale Real Property (for matters with limited authority)	$1500.00 +costs
Notice of Proposed Action (up to 5 notices)	$250
Supplements to Petitions	$250 min. and up
Other Probate Services	Call for quote

*In these alternative small estate probate proceedings, if estate has more than 1 real property or 2 Co-Petitioners, additional fees will based on the following: +$75/each Petitioner over 2; +$150/each additional real property over 1. **In full probate proceedings, the following additional fees will apply, if applicable: +$250/each additional real property over 1; +$250/co-Petitioner; +$100/each beneficiary over 5. Fee covers all standard documents for routine proceeding but does not cover specialty services that may be required in some proceedings. Fees are based on all heirs waiving bond, waiver of accounting by all beneficiaries, and all creditors paid in full prior to filing Petition for Final distribution. Phase 3 Petition for Final Distribution may have add-on fees based on extraordinary actions or requests by the administrator prior to distribution. Annual surcharge fee of $500 will be assessed for each year or partial year the case remains open after 12 months.

Business Services We Offer	Price
General Corporation Includes standard minutes, bylaws, resolutions, stock certificates and corporate folder. Secretary of State fee: $100.00	$275
S-Corporation (Includes S-Corp election) Includes standard minutes, bylaws, resolutions, stock certificates and corporate folder. Secretary of State fee: $100.00	$310
LLC Includes Operating Agreement and corporate folder. Secretary of State fee: $70.00	$399
Professional Corp Includes Bylaws. Secretary of State fee: $100.00	$499
Non Profit Corporation Includes standard minutes, bylaws and corporate folder. Secretary of State Fee: $30.00	$499
501(C)(3) Non Profit Federal Tax Application	$599
Dissolve Corporation	$200
Walk Through Service with Secretary of State (turn around time 7-10 days)	$165
Registered Agent for Service (Annual) Click here to sign up.	$175
IRS S-Corp Election only	$50
Obtain Tax ID Number	$50
Statement of Information	$50
Fictitious Business Name Includes facilitating processing and publication (filing fee and publication fees vary from county to county).	$175
Basic Partnership Agreement	$300
Business Sales Agreement	$300
Copyright Standard Application	$150
Other Business Services	Call for Quote

Agreements	Price
Marital Settlement Agreement only	$275+
Stipulation and Order	$350+
Stipulation/Order with Paternity petition	$624
Pre or postnuptial Agreement (basic)	$299
Nuptial Agreement with complex, custom clauses	$999

Paternity Matters	Price
Paternity Petition only	$300
Stipulation and Order only	$350
Paternity Petition with Stipulated Judgment	$575
Paternity Petition with Request for Order/Motion for custody, visitation, support	$875

Marriage and Domestic Partnerships Proceedings	Price
Short term Marriage/Domestic Partnership (no personal property, children or real property)	$499
Marriage/Domestic Partnership with personal property (NO children, includes written Agreement)	$624
Marriage/Domestic Partnership with children (Includes written Agreement)	$624
Marriage/Domestic Partnership with 1 real property (Includes written Agreement	$775
Summary Dissolution (Please check qualifications for Summary Dissolution)	$499
Termination of Domestic Partnership through Secretary of State (Please check qualifications for Secretary of State procedure)	$499
Petition Only OR Response to Dissolution	$200-$300
Application to Serve by Publication	$275

NEW "DOCUMENTS ONLY" SERVICE for Marriage and Domestic Partnerships Proceedings. Budget option for documents only. Services do not include any case management or filing services.	Price
Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for short-term marriage or domestic partnership (no personal property, children or real property, with filing instructions). Includes all standard documents from Summons to Judgment.	$250
Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for marriage or domestic partnership (with filing instructions.) Includes all standard documents from Summons and Petition through Judgment based on parties signing a drafted Marital Settlement Agreement (does not address any separate or community real property.)	$400
Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for marriage or domestic partnership (with filing instructions.) Includes all standard documents from Summons and Petition through Judgment based on parties signing a drafted Marital Settlement Agreement which addresses separate or community real property division.)	$550

Motion/Contested Matters (does not include preparation of Orders After Hrg)	Price
Custody or Visitation Motion (RFO)	$475
Custody, Visitation and/or Support Motion (RFO)	$575
Emergency Custody or Visitation Motion (RFO) Includes request for temporary orders.	$900 min. (incudes RUSH processing)
Emergency Custody, Visitation, Support Motion Includes request for temporary orders.	$975 min. (includes RUSH processing)
Custody, Visitation and Support Motion with Paternity Petition	$875
Ex Parte to Terminate Child Support at 18	$250
Motion for Change of Venue	$575
Motion for Gillmore Election	$775
Other specialty motions	$575+ requires quote
Motion for Bifurcation and Final Judgment documentation	$825
Restraining Order- civil or domestic (no children)	$400 min.
Restraining Order (with children)	$575 min.

Guardianship Services	Price
Guardianship Affidavit or Power of Attorney (non-court)	$175
Guardianship of Person AND/OR Estate (1 Petitioner)	$1200
Add-on Fees for Co-Petitioners (per additional petitioner)	+$200
Add-on Fees for additional Minor(s) per minor	+$400
Add-on fees for Temporary ExParte Guardianship Request	+$300
Terminate Guardianship of Person and/or Estate	$399
Other Guardianship Services	Call for Quote

Expungement Services	Price
California Expungements	$399; +$200 ea. addtl. (same case #)
Felony to Misdemeanor reduction	$399
Criminal Prop 47 Resentencing or Reduction	$399; +$200 ea. addtl. (same case #)
Motion to Terminate Probation Early	$575
Petition to Seal Record	$499
Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitation	$399; +$50 each additional felony

Name Change Services	Price
Adult Name Change (individual)	$399
Combo Adult Name Change with 1 child – If more than one child, add $100.00 for each additional	$450
Name change for Minor Child – If more than one child, add $100.00 for each additional	$399
Name change after Divorce (Certified copy of Order extra)	$100

Title Transfers	Price
Grant Deed, Quitclaim Deed, Affidavit Death of Joint Tenant, Trust Transfer Deed, Transfer on Death Deed or other California deed Includes preparation of Preliminary Change of Ownership Report	$200
Warranty or Out-of-State Deeds (Non-California Deeds)	$275
Timeshare Deeds	$275

Other Matters	Price
Claim for Exclusion of Reassessment (parent/child or grandparent/grandchild)	$125 (discounted to $100 if prepared with deed)
Promissory Note secured by Deed of Trust	$325
Request for Special Notice re Deed of Trust	$125
Order copy of last transfer document/deed	$30

Civil Complaints and Answers	Price
Small Claims Package Includes preparation of claim, submission of documents to court, scheduling of hearing and arranging service of process	$250 plus $25 each defendant over 1
Civil Complaint Limited with 1 cause of action Each additional cause of action	$250 +$75
Response to unverified Civil Complaint with affirmative defenses	$250
Response to verified Civil Complaint with affirmative defenses	$350 (1 cause of action)

Other Civil and Misc. Matters	Price
Propounding Discovery Interrogatories, Request for Admissions, Production of Documents	$500 up
Responding to Discovery Interrogatories, Request for Admissions, Production of Documents	$500 up
Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment	$575
Civil Restraining Order	$499; $25 each addtl. protected person
Renew Judgment	$350
California Sister State Judgment	$300
Other Collection Proceedings	Call for quote
Expungement	$399
Other Services	Call for quote

Copyright Services	Price
Federal Copyright Application	$150
Government Filing Fee	$45-$65

Copyright Services	Price
Federal Copyright Application	$150
Government Filing Fee	$45-$65

Adoption Services We Offer	Price
Uncontested Stepparent Adoption - one minor child (for each additional minor child add $150)	$499*
Petition to Terminate Parental Rights of unknown father	$599
Petition to Terminate Parental Rights (Willful Failure to Support or Abandonment)	$599
Adult Adoption - 1 adoptor & 1 adoptee (add $150 if there are 2 co-adoptors)	$599
Independent Adoption	$650*
Other Adoption Services	Call for Quote

Grandparent Visitation	Price
Petition for Grandparent Visitation within existing Active Family Law Case	$850
Petition for Grandparent Visitation without Active Family Law Case	$1000

Misc. Documents/Services	Price
QDRO	$499
Joinder only	$350
QDRO with Joinder	$825
Preliminary or Final Disclosure Package	$375
Application and Order to Serve by Publication	$275
Guideline Support Calculations (3 report variations)	$150
Trial Brief for family law trial (summary of issues only)	$500 min. (depending on issues)

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