OC Attorney Announces 3 Easy Ways to Protect Your Kids During School Hours

Found on www.prlog.org/ and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

“Do you think a school emergency card is enough to protect your kids if something happens to you during school hours?” asks Orange County estate planning attorney Darlynn Morgan to parents attending her popular Kids Protection Planning Workshop.

Sep 28, 2011 - The majority of the room raise their hand yes.  A few parents are undecided.  Yet from a legal standpoint, all of them are wrong.

“Contrary to popular belief, a school emergency card will not protect your children from spending time in the hands of social services if something tragic happens to you,” says Darlynn Morgan.  “The emergency card only gives named contacts permission to pick your kid up if they are sick, not take short-term custody of them if one or both parents are killed or incapacitated in an accident,” she adds.

For this reason, experts such as Morgan recommend parents create an emergency plan so there is no confusion or legal headaches should tragedy strike.   According to Morgan, this plan can be created in 3 easy steps, along with naming guardians for your children, which she details in her workshop.

1.       Legally name short-term guardians for your kids.  This should ultimately be someone who lives close by and one who will comfort your children in an emergency.

2.       Make sure your short-term guardians match those named on the school emergency card.  Without this information your children could be placed temporarily in the custody of social services until the surviving parent or legal guardian can arrive.

3.       Make sure the babysitter knows what to do if you don’t return home.  In most cases, a babysitter will panic and turn to the police for help, again opening the door for social services to temporarily take custody of your kids until a long-term care provider can arrive.

“Creating an emergency plan is so easy--- and something that will greatly pay off if a parent is injured or killed during school hours,” Morgan says. “The first few hours after an emergency are the most painful for a child, so it’s important for parents to make sure their kids spend that time with people they love and trust, rather than in the arms of the state,” she adds.

For more information on Newport Beach attorney Darlynn Morgan, please visit her press page at http://www.morganlawgroup.com/in-the-press or call (949) 260-1400.

ABOUT DARLYNN MORGAN – California Will and Trust Attorney
Darlynn Morgan is a California Will and Trust attorney, and speaker. Darlynn makes it easy for your family to talk about and plan for tough subjects like money, death and taxes. Visit www.MorganLawGroup.com for more estate planning resources on how to make sure your family wouldn’t have a mess on their hands if the “unthinkable”

happens to you.

AAA Tips...How to Spot a Flood-Damaged Vehicle

Found on www.prnewswire.com/ and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/

 

Many Americans have been devastated by flooding in the past few weeks and months.  In those regions, private vehicle owners, auto dealers and car auction managers face the dilemma of salvaging or restoring flood-damaged vehicles.

AAA warns car buyers that flood-damaged vehicles can be shipped anywhere for resale, and they often continue to appear in the marketplace for up to a year after a major flood. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, vehicles that were flood-damaged in the hurricane affected areas were shipped throughout the United States for sale as both new and used cars.  

"Depending on the vehicle make, model and age, the cost of a thorough cleaning and drying may exceed the car's value," said John Nielsen, director, AAA Auto Repair.  "In many cases, insurance companies 'total' flood-damaged vehicles that are then sold to salvage companies."

"However, rather than being disassembled for parts, some of these vehicles end up being purchased by individuals who bring varying levels of expertise to the restoration process," continued Nielsen.

If a car has been completely submerged, extensive disassembly may be needed for a thorough cleaning.  Many parts of a car are difficult to clean and dry because they are hard to access.  Door locks, window mechanisms, wiring harnesses, heating and air conditioning components and many other small devices are tucked away in hidden spaces.  Initially, these items may operate properly following a flood only to fail at a later date due to contamination.  

The car's electrical system is particularly vulnerable to flood water damage.  Engine computers, sensors and other electrical devices can sometimes be salvaged but unless they are thoroughly cleaned and dried, problems caused by corrosion and oxidation may occur months after the flood.  

AAA Tips…How to Spot a Flood-Damaged Vehicle

• Obtain a CARFAX Vehicle History Report – This report can potentially reveal if the vehicle has been involved in a flood, major accident, fire, or uncover odometer fraud.
• Engage your sense of smell to detect any damp or musty odors inside the vehicle.
• Has the carpet or upholstery been replaced or recently shampooed?  Pullback the carpet at different areas and look for mud, dirt or signs of water stains.
• Inspect the dashboard underside for signs of mud and dirt.  This is a particularly hard area to clean.
• Look under the vehicle for corrosion.  It is uncommon to find corrosion in newer vehicles and those that are owned or sold in southern states.  
• Open all doors, hood, and trunk to inspect for corrosion, mud and dirt or discoloration on the door frames, hinges and under the weather stripping. Pay special attention to small spaces and crevices that are difficult to clean.  
• Check all warning lights, window motors, and all electrical components to ensure they are working properly.  While a non-working part alone does not mean the vehicle was flooded, it combined with other difficulties is a cause for concern.  
• Always have the vehicle inspected by a quality repair facility prior to purchasing.  AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities are located across the United States.  Nearby locations can be found at AAA.com/Repair.  

 

AAA encourages motorists to contact their insurance companies before purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle.  If the vehicle was purchased prior to the discovery that it was flood-damaged, owners should contact their insurance company for advice.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services.  Since its founding in 1902, the non-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  AAA clubs can be visited around the clock at AAA.com.

Stay connected with AAA on the web via:

Twitter.com/AAA_Travel
Twitter.com/AAAnews
Twitter.com/AAASafety
Twitter.com/AAAauto
YouTube.com/AAA
Facebook.com/AAAFanPage

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080226/DC15031LOGO)

SOURCE AAA

Jewish Lawyers Network Announces new helpline For Diabetics taking Actos

Found on www.prlog.org/ and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

 

Sep 16, 2011 - Our airwaves continue to educate us on new drugs, medical devices and orthopedic devices causing complications. Jewish Lawyers Network now has four helplines for the unsuspecting public. The first helpline  was with seniors in mind experiencing various complications from hip replacements. The most serious being the metal on metal. The second has been to help women who have experienced horrific complications with the various prolapse surgical mesh, mesh patch and sling devices for both uterine prolapse and  incontinence. Now still another hits our airwaves. The latest helpline is for diabetics and their care givers. The new drugs for Type two Diabetes are showing serve side effects. Some have been pulled off the European markets. The Diabetic drug Actos has posted warnings and concerns for Bladder cancer. The purpose of these helplines is to give people the latest news, offer some support and guidance and connect people with a lawyer who has expertise in these particular complications. Lisa Spitzer MSW who monitors these lines says "most of our callers are frightened and are hoping for answers. Some of the worst stories I have heard are from women who have undergone the mesh procedures" "These complications are severe and have effected quality of life" "Many are in pain all the time,cannot sit,drive a car or have sexual relations" "The hip replacements effect seniors the most although the mesh is used in older women to assist with incontinence and organ prolapse" "Seniors are going thru multiple surgeries resulting from defective hip replacements"

"People are truly suffering" says Spitzer. who has  been an administrator for geriatric facilities for over 12 years . When asked about Diabetes she said "This also effects seniors and minority groups the most" "Diabetes is a serious disease and the drug gave hope to many"Actos Drug May Cause Dangerous Side Effects for Unsuspecting Patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning on August 5th after a 10-year study suggested that use of the drug over long periods might increase bladder cancer. In fact, those who took the drug for a year or more had a 40 percent increased risk of disease according to the study published in the journal Diabetes Care.
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public that use of the diabetes medication Actos (pioglitazone) for more than one year may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Information about this risk will be added to the Warnings and Precautions section of the label for pioglitazone-containing medicines. The patient Medication Guide for these medicines will also be revised to include information on the risk of bladder cancer.”

Every year dangerous and defective drugs affect people. "As a social worker" Spitzer says, "these cases  are of great concern to me. Just last week there was an advisory meeting concerning the complications of the mesh devices for women. "It is to my understanding" says Spitzer that the  FDA will poll the panel of researchers and physicians on whether to reclassify the devices and gather thoughts on how to conduct clinical studies" "There is not only the physical ramifications of defective products but the emotional. The mesh malfunctions are effecting marriages, women are depressed and emotionally distraught ,suffering and very angry at male doctors who appear to have very little sensitivity." When a manufacturer produces a product that patients depend on, they need to be held to the highest standards." Spitzer continues" The helplines act as a support and emotional catharsis for these individuals.
Jewish Lawyers Network Welcomes Individuals effected by the various medical,surgical devices and drugs to call the helpline

# # #

Jewish Lawyers Network has been helping people since 1997. Lisa Spitzer Msw has worked with a vast array of individuals for over 30 years and run lawyer connect services for over 15.
InjurylawyerUsa.net,JewishlawyersUsa.com are two of the sites. The Helplines can be reached at 1 877-522-2123

 

 

Spanish Speaking Customers Fleeced Twice By Ct Car Dealership

Found on www.ctwatchdog.com/ and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

By George Gombossy | Last updated Sep 24, 2011, 6:17 am

 

 

 

Second of two parts (Spanish translation at the end)

Before you step on a used car dealer’s lot, do your research and beware of tactics that could result in you being fleeced, says Rocky Hill Attorney Daniel Blinn, whose Consumer Law Group’s  specialty is representing those who have been cheated in auto sales.

Armed with critical information from Blinn you can be protected, at least to a large degree.

First, he said in an interview with CtWatchdog, check the Internet for fair value of the car you are looking for as well as the fair value of your trade-in vehicle. By checking with Consumer Reports, you can learn what issues vehicles are likely to have based on tens of thousands of customer inputs.

Go to the Better Business Bureau site at BBB.org and check out the dealership. While a good rating doesn’t necessarily protect you, if there is a history of ignoring complaints or a large number of complaints, you may want to avoid that dealer. Beware that some consumer review sites that post anonymous reviews are frequently used by businesses to write favorable reviews about themselves.

Check your credit rating and credit report to make sure there is no false information that will result in higher borrowing costs.

Arrange for a loan BEFORE buying your used car, because the odds are that dealing directly with a bank or credit union will get you the best deal on financing. Many car dealerships can make more money on arranging financing and getting a kickback than on the actual vehicle.

Minorities, especially those who do not speak fluent English, and those with poor credit ratings are easy targets for salesmen needing to make their quotas.

Certified cars can ease your mind. But Blinn warns that he has been involved in cases where cars that have been in serious accidents or with history of unresolved major issues were sold as certified cars.

While CarFax will not catch all seriously accident damaged vehicles, Blinn says you should still get a CarFax report before making a purchase.

Make sure the dealer has an actual title in his or her possession before you put a deposit on the vehicle.

If you are financing a car through a dealership, make sure your application is approved before signing a contract. Dealers have been known to have customers sign contracts that depend on financing approval before the title is actually turned over to the buyer. Those rejected are held hostage by the dealer since by then the trade in vehicle has already been sent to an auction house.

“The dealer will tell you we will get you the best rate.  But they will get the best deal for themselves,” Blinn said.

If the dealer promises to pay the difference between your existing loan and the value of your trade in, make sure that you have a legally binding commitment from the dealer.

Check to see if the car is a former rental vehicle. If it is, forget it. You can imagine how carefully renters have treated it.

Some dealers will try to force customers to purchase service contracts or warranties, credit insurance, or life insurance. Another trick used is to try to get customers to take out GAP insurance to cover the difference between the value of the trade in and the value of the car you are purchasing. They can make tons of money here, Blinn says. Just say no.

Most car service contracts  require a large fee to simply check a problem, cover few repairs, and frequently require that work be done in selected garages.

Two final, but crucial tips:

Spend the $100 to have a competent mechanic check out your proposed purchase, not only for potential mechanical issues but for telltale signs of accident repair or flood damage.

NEVER tell a salesman how much a month you can afford. You want to know the price, not the monthly payment. Those who provide the monthly figure are then vulnerable to the well-known sales trick of simply extending the time you have to make the payments.

“Low flying ducks,” Blinn says is the phrase salesmen use for those who fall for that trick.

PART ONE: Spanish Speaking Customers Fleeced Twice By Ct Car Dealership

Spanish translation provided by Fernandez, a translator who works for the Consumer Law Group:

Antes de usted entrar en el lote de un distribuidor de autos usados, haga su investigación y cuídese de las tácticas que podrían resultar en que usted sea esquilado, dice el abogado Daniel Blinn de Rocky Hill, cuya especialidad en Consumer Law Group es representar a aquellos que han sido engañados en ventas de auto.

Armado con la información crítica de Blinn usted puede ser protegido, por lo menos en gran parte.

Primero, él dijo en una entrevista con CtWatchdog, verifique en la Internet el valor justo del carro que está buscando, así como el valor justo del carro que usted desea dar como entrada.  Comprobando con Informes del Consumidor, usted puede aprender la probabilidad de los problemas que tienen los vehículos, basados en las miles de entradas de los consumidores.

Vaya al sitio del Better Business Bureau a BBB.org e investigue a la casa de autos.  Mientras que una buena calificación no lo protege necesariamente, si existen antecedentes de ignorar las quejas o un gran número de denuncias, es posible que desee evitar esa casa de autos.  Tenga en cuenta que algunos sitios de revisión del consumidor que publican comentarios anónimos con frecuencia son utilizados por empresas para escribir comentarios favorables sobre sí mismos.

Chequee su calificación crediticia y el informe de crédito para cerciorarse de que no haya información falsa que pueda resultar en costos de préstamo más altos.

Consiga un préstamo ANTES de comprar su carro usado, porque las probabilidades son que el tratar directamente con un banco o un credit union le conseguirá la mejor oferta en el financiamiento.  Muchas casas de autos pueden hacer más dinero en el arreglo del financiamiento y conseguir una comisión confidencial que en el vehículo actual.

Las minorías, especialmente los que no hablan Inglés fluído, y aquellos que tienen clasificación crediticia pobre son un objetivo fácil para vendedores que necesitan hacer sus cuotas.

Los autos certificados pueden aliviar su mente.  Pero Blinn advierte que él ha estado implicado en casos donde los autos que han estado en accidentes serios o con historial de problemas grandes sin resolver fueron vendidos como autos certificados.

Mientras que CarFax no cogerá todos los vehículos seriamente dañados por accidentes, Blinn dice que usted debe obtener un informe de Carfax antes de hacer una compra.

Cerciórese de que el distribuidor tenga un título real en su posesión antes de que usted ponga un depósito en el vehículo.

Si usted está financiando un auto através de una casa de autos, cerciórese de que su aplicación sea aprobada antes de firmar un contrato.  Distribuidores han sido conocidos por hacer que los consumidores firmen contratos que dependen de la aprobación del financiamiento antes de que el título sea entregado al comprador.

Esas personas rechazadas son retenidos como rehenes por el concesionario ya que para entonces el carro que han dado como entrada ha sido enviado a una casa de subastas.

“El concesionario le dirá que le conseguirán la mejor tarifa.  Pero conseguirán la mejor oferta para ellos mismos,” dijo Blinn.

Si el concesionario promete pagar la diferencia entre su préstamo existente y el valor del auto que está dando como entrada, cerciórese de que tiene un compromiso legalmente obligatorio de parte del concesionario.

Compruebe para ver si el auto es previamente un auto de alquiler.  Si lo es, olvídese de él.  Usted puede imaginarse cómo los inquilinos han tratado el auto cuidadosamente.

Algunos concesionarios intentarán forzar a los clientes a comprar contratos o garantías de servicio, seguro de crédito, o seguro de vida.  Otro truco usado es intentar conseguir que los clientes obtengan un seguro de GAP para cubrir la diferencia entre el valor del auto que dio como entrada y el valor del auto que está comprando.  Ellos pueden hacer toneladas de dinero aquí, dice Blinn.  Simplemente diga que no.

La mayoría de los contratos de servicio de automóviles requieren una cuota grande para chequear simplemente un problema, cubrir algunas reparaciones, y con frecuencia requieren que la mano de obra se haga en talleres seleccionados.

Dos consejos finales, pero cruciales:

Gaste los $100 para conseguir que un mecánico competente chequee su compra propuesta, no solo por los posibles problemas mecánicos, pero por signos reveladores de la reparación de un accidente o daños por inundaciones.

NUNCA le diga a un vendedor cuánto usted puede permitirse pagar mensualmente.  Usted desea saber el precio, no la cuota mensual.  Aquellos que proporcionan la figura mensual son entonces vulnerables al truco bien conocido de las ventas simplemente de prolongar el tiempo que usted tiene que hacer los pagos.

Blinn dice que los vendedores usan la frase, “Patos volando bajito”, para aquellos que caen por ese truco.

Buying A Used Car Tips To Protect You From Being Fleeced

Found on www.ctwatchdog.com/ and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

Part 1 of 2

By George Gombossy | Last updated Sep 24, 2011, 6:17 am

Spanish Speaking Customers Fleeced Twice By Ct Car Dealership

 

Spanish translation provided by Fernandez, a translator who works for the Consumer Law Group:

Antes de usted entrar en el lote de un distribuidor de autos usados, haga su investigación y cuídese de las tácticas que podrían resultar en que usted sea esquilado, dice el abogado Daniel Blinn de Rocky Hill, cuya especialidad en Consumer Law Group es representar a aquellos que han sido engañados en ventas de auto.

Armado con la información crítica de Blinn usted puede ser protegido, por lo menos en gran parte.

Primero, él dijo en una entrevista con CtWatchdog, verifique en la Internet el valor justo del carro que está buscando, así como el valor justo del carro que usted desea dar como entrada.  Comprobando con Informes del Consumidor, usted puede aprender la probabilidad de los problemas que tienen los vehículos, basados en las miles de entradas de los consumidores.

Vaya al sitio del Better Business Bureau a BBB.org e investigue a la casa de autos.  Mientras que una buena calificación no lo protege necesariamente, si existen antecedentes de ignorar las quejas o un gran número de denuncias, es posible que desee evitar esa casa de autos.  Tenga en cuenta que algunos sitios de revisión del consumidor que publican comentarios anónimos con frecuencia son utilizados por empresas para escribir comentarios favorables sobre sí mismos.

Chequee su calificación crediticia y el informe de crédito para cerciorarse de que no haya información falsa que pueda resultar en costos de préstamo más altos.

Consiga un préstamo ANTES de comprar su carro usado, porque las probabilidades son que el tratar directamente con un banco o un credit union le conseguirá la mejor oferta en el financiamiento.  Muchas casas de autos pueden hacer más dinero en el arreglo del financiamiento y conseguir una comisión confidencial que en el vehículo actual.

Las minorías, especialmente los que no hablan Inglés fluído, y aquellos que tienen clasificación crediticia pobre son un objetivo fácil para vendedores que necesitan hacer sus cuotas.

Los autos certificados pueden aliviar su mente.  Pero Blinn advierte que él ha estado implicado en casos donde los autos que han estado en accidentes serios o con historial de problemas grandes sin resolver fueron vendidos como autos certificados.

Mientras que CarFax no cogerá todos los vehículos seriamente dañados por accidentes, Blinn dice que usted debe obtener un informe de Carfax antes de hacer una compra.

Cerciórese de que el distribuidor tenga un título real en su posesión antes de que usted ponga un depósito en el vehículo.

Si usted está financiando un auto através de una casa de autos, cerciórese de que su aplicación sea aprobada antes de firmar un contrato.  Distribuidores han sido conocidos por hacer que los consumidores firmen contratos que dependen de la aprobación del financiamiento antes de que el título sea entregado al comprador.

Esas personas rechazadas son retenidos como rehenes por el concesionario ya que para entonces el carro que han dado como entrada ha sido enviado a una casa de subastas.

“El concesionario le dirá que le conseguirán la mejor tarifa.  Pero conseguirán la mejor oferta para ellos mismos,” dijo Blinn.

Si el concesionario promete pagar la diferencia entre su préstamo existente y el valor del auto que está dando como entrada, cerciórese de que tiene un compromiso legalmente obligatorio de parte del concesionario.

Compruebe para ver si el auto es previamente un auto de alquiler.  Si lo es, olvídese de él.  Usted puede imaginarse cómo los inquilinos han tratado el auto cuidadosamente.

Algunos concesionarios intentarán forzar a los clientes a comprar contratos o garantías de servicio, seguro de crédito, o seguro de vida.  Otro truco usado es intentar conseguir que los clientes obtengan un seguro de GAP para cubrir la diferencia entre el valor del auto que dio como entrada y el valor del auto que está comprando.  Ellos pueden hacer toneladas de dinero aquí, dice Blinn.  Simplemente diga que no.

La mayoría de los contratos de servicio de automóviles requieren una cuota grande para chequear simplemente un problema, cubrir algunas reparaciones, y con frecuencia requieren que la mano de obra se haga en talleres seleccionados.

Dos consejos finales, pero cruciales:

Gaste los $100 para conseguir que un mecánico competente chequee su compra propuesta, no solo por los posibles problemas mecánicos, pero por signos reveladores de la reparación de un accidente o daños por inundaciones.

NUNCA le diga a un vendedor cuánto usted puede permitirse pagar mensualmente.  Usted desea saber el precio, no la cuota mensual.  Aquellos que proporcionan la figura mensual son entonces vulnerables al truco bien conocido de las ventas simplemente de prolongar el tiempo que usted tiene que hacer los pagos.

Blinn dice que los vendedores usan la frase, “Patos volando bajito”, para aquellos que caen por ese truco.

Midlife Divorce: Can You Afford It?

Found on www.prlog.org/ and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

Sep 14, 2011

 

When couples feel they have irreconcilable differences and separate, especially later in life there are numerous considerations that enters the fray.

By the time they reach middle age, many married couples have achieved a degree of financial stability and in some cases, the assets can be very significant. But they don't always realize the financial implications a break up can have on each person, plus the sometimes devastationg impact on children.

​Though many people hate to admit it, New York divorce attorney Joshua Ketover points out that divorce canbe the only viable option for a healthy lifestyle. When considering a divorce, there are many other factors that play a role in this life-changing decision. It is best to take some time to research what is involved with a divorce and the effect it can have on your life. We hope to address some of the concerns that you may have about divorce and its detrimental effects.  

What is an uncontested divorce?  

An uncontested divorce is generally a divorce that the two parties agree on. They work out the specifics of their assets and split them up according to mutual agreements outside of court. With an uncontested divorce, there is no alimony, child support or custody issues.  

Once a couple has decided to have an uncontested divorce, they need to put their agreement in writing and present it to their local courthouse. If the court deems that the agreement is fair for both parties, they grant the couple a divorce. An uncontested divorce is also quicker and the couple does not need to wait as long until it becomes final.  

How do I file for divorce?  

You can file for divorce without alerting your spouse by going to the courthouse and filling out the correct paperwork. If you want to be sure that you do everything correctly, the best thing to do is to hire a New York divorce lawyer to file the papers for you.  

If you are worried about your spouse's reaction, you can take care of the entire procedure and they will not even know about it until they are served papers. If they have a temper, this might be your best option so you can be away from the house at that time they are served so there will not be any immediate confrontations.  

I've heard of common-law marriages. Is there such a thing as common-law divorce?  

No, there is not such a thing as common law divorce. You cannot be granted a divorce simply by living apart from your spouse for an extended period of time. Most states required, at the very least, a written agreement submitted to the court that states your intention to divorce each other or of your intent to separate from each other.  

In most states, common law marriage is a recognized form of marriage. This is not so with divorce, though. If you both agree to a divorce, contact a lawyer or your county courthouse to find out the very least you need to do to be granted a divorce.  

My divorce is just a few weeks from being finalized. Is it legal for my spouse to remarry before the it's officially final?  

Technically, yes. It is illegal to be married to more than one person at the same time. Until your divorce is absolutely final, marrying another person would be breaking the bigamy laws of many states. However, this is merely a technicality.  

Most courts will not look at your second marriage as an outright disregard for their laws. If your spouse is getting married before your divorce is final, you can pursue legal action against them for breaking the bigamy laws, but chances are it will be a futile effort as these cases are rarely pursued by lawyers or the court system.  

My spouse is serving in the Armed Forces. Can I still file for divorce?  

It does not matter where your spouse is physically, you can file for a divorce. Whether they are in Iraq, prison, or anywhere else, you can file for legal divorce with the help of an attorney. Certain situations will make some divorce filings are tricky, so it is best to consult with a trusted divorce attorney to make sure everything is done correctly.  

​ Some states have specific laws regarding this type of divorce, but a lawyer in New York will be able to answer all of your specific questions about it. Similarly, your spouse can file for divorce against you no matter where you are.​

Visit http://www.ketoverlaw.com for more iformation, or call them at 877-703-2000.
# # #

Midlife divorce can have its own consequences and legal implications.

When couples feel they have irreconcilable differences and separate, especially later in life there are numerous considerations that enters the fray.
By the time they reach middle age, many married couples have achieved a degree of financial stability and in some cases, the assets can be very significant. But they don't always realize the financial implications a break up can have on each person, plus the sometimes devastationg impact on children.

Pre-paid car maintenance plans

Found on www.todaystmj4.com/ and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

By Susan Kim

CREATED Sep. 14, 2011

 

It's a question you may be asked the next time you buy a car: 'Do you want a pre-paid maintenance plan?'

Here's how it works. You drive into your dealer or repair shop, the work is done, and the goal is to have a quick exit back on the road. Denise Karl thought it sounded like a great idea.

"I thought the idea of a pre-paid maintenance plan, where Ididn't have to worry whether or not I had money on my credit card, would be a great idea," Denise says.

Denise bought a pre-paid plan for two different cars. Her first plan cost $1500 bucks, and was added to the cost of her lease, allowing her to spread out the expense. The plan saved her about $600 on maintenance.

 

"It definitely was a money saver to have it pre-paid," Denise recalls.

But when she got a new car and bought a second plan for $800, she didn't realize it only covered oil changes, and was shocked when she was charged for other maintenance.

"I was very disappointed," Denise admits.

The plans are a hot item for dealers to offer at closing, but Rodney Davis with the Better Business Bureau warns don't let the pressure pursuade you.

"These kinds of plans are relatively new, so we've received about 100 over the past couple of years, we've certainly seen an uptick in the numbers," Davis says.

Some of the BBB complaints include people claiming maintenance plans were added to their closing paperwork without their approval, and they dropped off their cars off for maintenance, but the work wasn't done.

However, there can be benefits if you do your homework and pick the right program. Be sure to check out the business you're considering buying a plan from to see if it has complaints on file with the BBB.

Some high end car makers include a free maintenance plan in the purchase price. If you plan on moving or selling your car before the plan is up--make sure it's transferrable.

Personal Injury - Traffic Accidents, useful practical personal injury advice

Found on www.prlog.org/ and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

What exactly should you do if you are involved in a traffic accident that has caused you personal injury?

Sep 04, 2011 - Traffic Accident Advice

 

What should I do?

- By law, following any sort of accident involving a vehicle, anyone involved must stop.

- Following the car accident you should exchange details with ALL parties involved. This should include details of any witnesses, no matter whether you think you are not at fault and even if the other party admits responsibility.

- Whilst it is fresh in your memory you should draw a detailed diagram of the accident location detailing the direction of travel of all vehicles, the location of any witnesses, the speed of vehicles involved and the road layout to include any road markings.

- If you are injured in the accident it is important that you seek medical advice immediately. This is not only to ensure that you have no serious underlying injury but also the medical records can be used to support you claim for accident compensation.

- Never admit responsibility for the accident until you have taken time to consider exactly what has happened.

- You should try to keep a diary of how your injuries are progressing. You should include details of the affects of the accident on your everyday lifestyle and any care that is provided by others.

- You should also keep a record of what medication you are taking and any treatment you are having. It would also be wise to record when your injuries are at their worst or any severe bouts of pain.

- You should keep receipts of any expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident happening. These receipts can then form part of your accident claim.

We would suggest that following an accident, that you believe was not your fault, that you contact us using the below link and completing our online form straight away!

http://searchengineoptimisers.wufoo.com/forms/personal-i ...

Don't get taken for a ride on car repairs

Found on www.chicargotribune.com/ and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

Repair information sites and apps are among the tools you can use before taking your car to a repair shop

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Some websites can help you diagnose your vehicle's problem, offer… (Brian Cassella/ Chicago Tribune photo)

September 02, 2011|Gregory Karp | Spending Smart

For consumers, information is power. But smart shoppers can't be expected to be experts in all categories of buying. That's why one of the biggest benefits of using the Internet is to lift the veil of ignorance that leads to bad purchases.

A prime example is car repairs.

Perhaps no other area of spending makes consumers feel more vulnerable. Unless you know your way around a modern vehicle engine, you likely won't have a clue whether your vehicle truly needs a repair suggested by a mechanic and what a reasonable cost is for the repair. Peace of mind comes to only those who have a trusted auto mechanic who will tell them the truth and quote them a fair price.

In a down economy, more people are choosing to repair the car they have rather than buy a new one. "What you're seeing is consumers holding onto their cars longer," said Shane Evangelist, chief executive officer of U.S. Auto Parts Network. "Consumers are essentially skipping a buying cycle."

Nearly 80 percent of drivers plan to put at least 50,000 more miles on their current vehicle than they put on their previous one. And 55 percent say they plan to drive their current car "until it dies," according to a recent survey by AutoMD.com, a car-repair information site owned by U.S. Auto Parts Network.

The problem with car repairs is that prices for the same job can vary widely. For example, sample quotes to replace a water pump and timing belt on a 1999 Ford Contour ranged from about $400 to about $1,000, according to Consumers' Checkbook, which rates repair shops in seven U.S. regions. Interestingly, Consumers' Checkbook found an overall reverse relationship between price and quality. Lower-priced shops were generally rated better for quality.

Some car owners prefer to take their vehicle to a dealer for maintenance and repair. Keep in mind that independent shops tend to be less expensive, and consumers are generally more satisfied with them, Consumer Reports surveys show.

Consumers looking for a repair shop and some automotive intelligence can get help online. Here's how.

Repair information sites. Several relatively new websites can be helpful. Try AutoMD.com, RepairPal.com and DriverSide.com for general information on car repairs, including diagnosing your car's problem before you take it to a shop. The repair sites also have forums for asking specific questions about your vehicle.

Particularly helpful is estimating prices for specific repair jobs in your area. For example, Repair

Pal.com says replacing an alternator on a 2006 Acura TL would cost $439 to $497 in one particular metropolitan area. DriverSide estimates a repair cost of $471. AutoMD.com estimates it would cost about $464. While price estimates differ, they're in the same ballpark and give you a frame of reference. You know that if a local shop quotes you $175, it's suspiciously low, and $900 is outrageously high.

AutoMD estimates it would cost $263 if you replaced the alternator yourself, assuming you knew how and had the tools. All the sites have do-it-yourself repair guides.

AutoMD also has a "negotiator" function. AutoMD will call repair shops near you and e-mail price quotes to you. It will even set up the repair appointment. Evangelist said the company has issued more than 6,000 quotes, and the average price variance is nearly $250 for the same job on the same car on the same day. "A little knowledge goes a long way in your car repairs," Evangelist said.

RepairPal has a section, called MyCar, for tracking repairs to your car and being alerted to recalls.

Also helpful are free smartphone apps from AutoMD and RepairPal. If you have a smartphone, they can help you make waiting-room decisions about car repairs; is the price you were just quoted fair? Apps can also help when your car breaks down in an unfamiliar area. The RepairPal app says it will help you locate the nearest tow-truck services, and both apps will help find nearby repair shops. RepairPal has apps for iPhone and Android, while AutoMD is currently for iPhone only.

Remember these sites are just tools and provide reference points. The diagnoses and price quotes can be inaccurate for a variety of reasons. You still have to strive to be a smart consumer when deciding on a repair.

Repair-shop reviews. "The only way to keep down the pain of auto repair is to choose a high-quality shop. No amount of caution, communicating, or complaining will make up for starting with a second-rate shop," contends Consumers' Checkbook, online at checkbook.org.

There are a number of ways to check out service providers, such as auto-repair shops. Angieslist.com has user ratings for repair shops nationwide. It costs about $6 per month, depending on region and subscription term. Yelp.com is among the free sites to offer user reviews of repair shops. AAA also has a database of its approved shops, at aaa.com.