About Sandra McCarthy

Sandra M. McCarthy, founder of A People’s Choice, has worked exclusively in the legal field since 1976. She served as the 2004-2005 President of CALDA (California Association of Legal Document Assistants). She obtained a Paralegal Certificate from the University of California, Santa Barbara. During her career in the legal field, she has worked as a freelance paralegal, law office manager and paralegal studies teacher. She has co-authored numerous legal publications and written hundreds of self-help legal articles and is dedicated to the expansion of affordable, low-cost, self-help document preparation.

What is an S Corporation and How to Easily Create One in California

  The steps for starting an S corporation in California are pretty straightforward. You can start an S corporation by either creating a limited liability company (LLC) or just forming a corporation. The next step entails electing S corp status from the IRS. All this happens during your application for an employer identification number (EIN). [...]

By |July 25th, 2014|Business|Comments Off on What is an S Corporation and How to Easily Create One in California

Conservatorships in California

If you have an elderly family member, you may be concerned about his ability to care for himself as he gets older. California law allows an adult to apply or be appointed to take care of another adult who cannot care for himself through a legal process called conservatorship. The person taking care of the [...]

By |July 18th, 2014|Estate Planning|Comments Off on Conservatorships in California

California Business Entities

Starting a business can be an extremely rewarding venture for many people. In order to begin though, it is required that a future business owner choose between several different types of California business entities when setting up their business. Understanding Various Types of California Business Entities: When choosing to start a business in California, you can choose [...]

By |June 13th, 2014|Business|Comments Off on California Business Entities

How to Make a Will in California: Types & Requirements

One of the most basic forms of estate planning is preparing your will. A will can be extensive and cover every detail of dividing your property, naming guardians for minor children, and executors for your will. Alternatively, it can be a simple document dealing primarily with property distribution. If you have a living trust, having [...]

By |June 2nd, 2014|Estate Planning, California Courts, Probate|Comments Off on How to Make a Will in California: Types & Requirements

How to File a California Spousal Property Petition

A California spousal property petition can transfer community and separate property to a spouse after death. If assets are not in the name of both parties, the court may need to confirm a spouse's right to the decedent's interest. A California spousal property petition will establish this spousal interest.

By |April 19th, 2014|Probate, Estate Planning|Comments Off on How to File a California Spousal Property Petition

California Stepparent Adoption – The Process & Forms

Blended families are becoming more common throughout California. When two families come together or a new parent joins a family, the new parent may decide to adopt the children of the other parent to form a more cohesive family unit. Stepparent adoption is the legal process of a stepparent adopting their spouse's minor child. Becoming [...]

By |April 11th, 2014|Adoption|Comments Off on California Stepparent Adoption – The Process & Forms

Publication of Name Change Not Required In Gender Related Proceedings

In the past, publication of name change was typically required in California when seeking a formal change of name. California law was recently changed making publication  no longer required when a person who lives in California seeks to have his or her name changed due to a change in their gender. In this particular instances,  it [...]

By |February 18th, 2014|California Legal Documents|Comments Off on Publication of Name Change Not Required In Gender Related Proceedings

Dismiss a Divorce in California After Entry of Final Judgment

A client recently came into the office with a unique situation. They wanted to dismiss a divorce in California that has been filed March 3, 2012. All of the documents in the case were completed, including the processing of a Final Judgment of Dissolution on April 26, 2012. Can you dismiss a divorce in California After [...]

By |August 12th, 2013|Family Law|Comments Off on Dismiss a Divorce in California After Entry of Final Judgment