All posts by Torrence Howell

A California Contract Lawyer Can Help with a Wide Range of Needs

A California Contract Lawyer Can Help with a Wide Range of Needs

Contracts are a part of virtually any business decision. Without them, it would be impossible to run a business that was both successful and orderly. While it’s important to trust those you do business with, it’s also important to have legal recourse in the event someone doesn’t hold up their side of their agreed to obligations.

The good news is that contracts can protect the interests of everyone involved in a business transaction. However, that protection is only as good as the contract. You need to ensure that your contracts are legally binding that they’re enforceable in California courts. When you work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell as your contract law attorney, you’ll get help with every aspect of contracts. We can assist you from start to finish, including everything from drafting the contracts themselves to arbitrating any disputes that come up and even litigating on your behalf.

Getting an attorney’s assistance is essential when drafting contracts

Working with an experienced contract attorney is essential. You need contracts that are well-drafted to protect your business as it relates to everyone from employees, to clients, to suppliers. When you work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, you can count on us to be there for every step of the contract drafting process. When you get our advice, you’ll avoid provisions that are either unfair or even illegal, and you won’t have to worry about unknown loopholes that could exploit your company in the future.

Contact us today is you have contract disputes

If you have a contract dispute, the best possible solution is to resolve the issue without going to court. This limits the impact on you personally, your company, and the activities of your business. We will begin by listening closely to your version of the dispute. Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell will then carefully review your contract and offer honest advice. You’ll learn more about how strong your position is and we’ll go over the pros and cons of all the strategies available to you. Once you have the information you need, you can make an informed decision.

Get an aggressive response to any breaches of contract

Do you have a contract dispute that’s moved on into the realm of a contract breach? If so, you can count on Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell to aggressively respond in order to keep your business as protected as possible. With his numerous years of experience in the courtroom, he’ll work as your contract attorney no matter if you’re initiating the breach of contract litigation or if you’re the company responding to it. In short, we can help with all contract issues.

Are you ready to learn more about contract law?

Do you want more information about getting helping with contracts? Whether your needs involve drafting new contracts, interpreting current contracts, or enforcing contracts that aren’t being met, it’s time to call Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell today at (909) 920-0908. We will offer you a free case evaluation so you’ll know what your options are and how we can help before you’re charged a cent.

Many Types of Abuse Count as Domestic Violence in California

 Many Types of Abuse Count as Domestic Violence in California

California law is very specific and very strict when it comes to domestic violence. There are a number of types of abuse that can be perpetrated by exes, co-parents, spouses, people you’re dating, or even close relatives that qualify as domestic violence. This qualifier can ensure that you receive essential legal protection.

Examples of domestic violence

Most people know that physical abuse, in which one person physically assaults another person, qualifies as domestic violence. However, there are other types of abuse that qualify, including but not limited to:

  • Being threatened with violence.
  • Being harassed.
  • Being sexually abused.
  • Being abused by a spouse.
  • Being mentally abused.
  • A child being abused.

Note that these are only some examples of domestic violence in California. There are other types of abuse that qualify. If you believe you’ve been the victim of domestic violence then you should contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell right away for a free case evaluation.

Do you really need a domestic abuse attorney?

Many people who are the victim of domestic abuse don’t realize that an attorney can help them. They assume that simply contacting the police is enough. The reality is that an attorney can help in a number of ways. The first step is likely to ensure you get immediate protection. This is done by filing for an emergency protective order.

This emergency protective order lasts for five days and can be approved after a hearing in which the abuser is not in attendance. The next step is likely to seek a 21-day temporary restraining order. This is obtained from the family law court. In other cases, we’ll immediately apply for a permanent restraining order. These last for as long as five years and can give you the peace of mind that you can ask for protection if you’re even approached by your abuser.

Experience is key

When you’ve been the victim of abuse, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not the police are taking your case seriously. You don’t want to waste your day calling over and over again to get a status or trying to figure out what complicated court orders mean. Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell has years of experience helping victims get the protection they need. We may also be able to get you a temporary alimony order to provides the financial freedom you need to get out of the home of your abuser.

Are you ready to move forward? Are you tired of living in fear? You don’t deserve to be abused and Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell will work tirelessly to do what we can to put a stop to it legally. If you’re ready to take the next step, then you’re ready to call Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908. We are here to provide you with a free case evaluation in which we’ll offer you options and give you our best advice on how you can proceed.

What You Need to Know Before You Buy, Sell, or Restructure a Business

What You Need to Know Before You Buy, Sell, or Restructure a BusinessAre you planning to buy a business? Do you have a business for sale? Or do you run a business you want to significantly restructure? Before you move forward, there are some things you should know. Read on to learn the most important facts about restructuring a business or changing the ownership and then contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell for a free case evaluation.

Buying or selling a business may not be as straightforward as it seems

It’s true that businesses are sold and bought every day but this doesn’t mean it’s a straightforward process. There are numerous factors that must be carefully considered and many legal issues to address in order to prevent future litigation. When you work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, you’ll have the confidence that we’re structuring your transaction while keeping these details in mind:

  • The purchase price.
  • Non-complete clauses for past owners who plan to stay in the same field.
  • Physical assets that are included in the sale, like files, furniture, customer lists, and patents.

No matter if you’re the buyer or seller, whether the whole business is being sold or just a portion of it, it’s essential to have the right California business attorney on your side.

Buying out partners has its own unique issues

When the owners of a business want to buy out a partner, everyone involved needs their own legal counselor. One of the most common reasons this happens is when one of the partners is getting divorced and the owner doesn’t want to be put into a position of allowing that person’s ex-spouse to take control of their stake in the company. Most of the time, the procedure to follow when one partner wants to buy out another is covered in the partnership agreement. However, you’ll still need a business attorney to ensure the procedures are followed correctly.

The tax issues involved in changing corporate structure

When you began your business, one particular way of structuring your business may have made sense. As time has gone on and your needs have changed, it may be time to make a change. Remember that the way a business is structured affects the tax burden of the owner and how protected they are from creditors.

Don’t assume that the structure of your business that’s worked for years is still the best structure. If you’re not sure how to best move forward, contact an experienced, knowledgeable business attorney. Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell is here to help you decide if it’s time for a structure change. We can also handle all legal tasks associated with making that change. The good news is that you don’t have to make these decisions on your own. You can work with an attorney who’s been through it all before.

Are you ready for your free case evaluation? Call Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 to set up your appointment.

You Deserve Your Fair Share of Property in a Divorce Settlement

You Deserve Your Fair Share of Property in a Divorce Settlement

Going through a divorce is challenging enough, you shouldn’t have to deal with the difficulties of not getting your fair share when property is divided. Dividing assets, debts, and property is typically one of the most challenging parts of a divorce proceeding. We can help.

The challenges when dividing up property

One of the issues in dividing up property is that one spouse often attempts to hid assets. Whether they’re doing it out of spite or another reason is immaterial. Another issue is that one spouse may feel guilty and end up giving away more than they should, only to regret it later. When you work with an experienced California property rights attorney you’ll know your rights are being looked after. At Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell we will take the necessary steps to ensure your assets are divided as fairly as possible. With a background in both finance and business, Torrence L. Howell is uniquely suited to understand the sometimes complicated issues surrounding property rights.

California is a community property state

For many clients, the first question they have is how property rights are determined. California is a community property state. In short, this means that both spouses are entitled to half of all property and assets that were acquired during the marriage. These assets include but are not limited to:

  • Balances in bank accounts
  • All real estate
  • Stocks
  • Furniture
  • Bonds
  • Collectibles or antiques
  • Retirement accounts
  • Jewelry
  • Vehicles

Note that any property that was acquired by one spouse before they were married, along with income that results from that property, remains their private property. Also keep in mind that it’s not required that assets are split down the middle. If a married couple can come to an agreement on their own then that can be followed. You do need the right property rights attorney who can help you negotiate an agreement that works best for you. We can also provide the aggressive and experienced representation in the courtroom should you need it.

Business property and business assets are a different thing altogether

If you owned a small business with your former spouse then the value of said business will be an essential part of your asset division during a divorce. These can be deeply complicated legal issues but at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell you’re dealing with an attorney who has a background in business law and experience with property rights. As a result, he’ll be both a shrewd and successful advocate for you. No matter what type of unique situation you’re dealing with, you have found the right partner.

Now is the right time for a free initial consultation

The first step to moving forward is to get a free initial consultation. Call Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 to schedule your appointment. We believe in our experience and our expertise and we know you’ll come to believe as well. Allow us the privilege of consulting with you and we’ll provide a general idea of how we believe you could best move forward.

Do You Need to Resolve a Breach of Contract in California?

Do You Need to Resolve a Breach of Contract in California?

Regardless of the type of business you’re involved in, contracts are important. They offer security and accountability but when that contract is breached, it can feel like you’re out of options. The reality is that the law can force compliance. If you have a breach of contract situation in California then your next move should be to contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell. We will fit tirelessly to ensure your business interests are protected.

There are many types of breach of contract

There are many types of contracts and as a result there are many examples of breach of contract. Whether the contract is between you and a client, employee, business partner, contractor, supplier, or someone else, if one party isn’t doing what they promised in the contract then you may have a case for breach of contract. Some common examples include:

  • Your vendor doesn’t deliver merchandise on time.
  • Your employee doesn’t follow the terms of their non-disclosure agreement.
  • A contractor uses different materials than what you agreed to.

Whether you’re the person who’s being accused of breaching the contract or you’re the one dealing with the consequences of someone else not following a contract, Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell can offer you the invaluable advice and support you need.

There are numerous ways you could move forward

The reality is that not every breach of contract is worth taking to court. We understand that, which is why we’ll consider all options, including working with a mediator or arbitrator. Both of these options can offer you results much more quickly and at least expense than taking the party to court. They’re also generally easier on the relationships between the parties involved.

In many cases, it’s enough to simply have a lawyer take a look at the contract, confirm that the terms are legal, and confirm that there are indeed legal grounds for litigation. You can then offer that information to the other party and they may take steps to make it right simply because they don’t want to deal with litigation. In this case, you could find a satisfactory solution for both parties.

Of course, some cases do need their day in court. Call Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell today at (909) 920-0908 for your free case evaluation. If it’s worth it to take to court, we will handle everything from start to finish and will fight aggressively to ensure your interests are protected.

There’s no time like the present to move forward with your case

Contract disputes can have an impact on your business that is both immediate and significant. You need advice and you need it fast. When you work with Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell, you’re choosing an attorney in Upland, CA who’s ready to start working with you today. All you need to do is call for your free initial consultation. We will go over the basics of your case, present you with your options, and find out how you want to proceed. While our legal advice comes from years of experience and a wealth of education, the final decision is in your hands.

Custody Modification: Custody Agreements in California Aren’t Always Permanent

Custody Modification: Custody Agreements in California Aren’t Always Permanent A custody agreement may seem permanent but the truth is that under certain circumstances a custody modification may be granted. The law in California can be complicated and much depends on your unique situation. However, if you’re considering a custody modification then we at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell urge you to contact us immediately to get expert advice on your specific situation.

There are several orders that can be modified by the California courts

First of all, while this blog will mostly focus on modifying a custody agreement, keep in mind that certain other California court orders can also be modified after a final judgment is made. The most common areas in which this is true include:

  • Child custody
  • Visitation
  • Child support
  • Spousal support

If you have questions on any of these family law modifications, contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell today.

You can seek a modification of custody at any time

There is no specific timeframe in which you must file your request for modification of a child custody order. It could be a day after the order is finalized or fifteen years later. However, you must prove that modifying the order is necessary or proper and that it’s in the best interest of the child or children involved.

If you’re seeking a custody modification you must also show that there’s been a significant change in the circumstances as they existed when the original order was finalized. We can help you prove that the situation has changed. In other situations, we can help you take steps to take the necessary steps that lead to a change significant enough for the court to consider it.

Consider some of the more common reasons courts grant a change of custody

While every situation is unique, there are some situations we see more often than others when it comes to California courts modifying a custody agreement. They include:

  • A work schedule change in the parent who doesn’t have primary custody.
  • The parent who doesn’t have custody moves closer to the parent who does have custody.
  • The child or children in question have asked to either spend more time with the parent who doesn’t have custody or has asked to live with them full-time. While the child’s preference likely won’t be enough on its own, in conjunction with other information it may sway the courts.
  • One of the parents is not responsible. This could include something as simple as not getting the child or children to school on time, or something more significant like drug or alcohol abuse.
  • One of the parents is moving out of the area in which the child has been residing. This is referred to as a “move away case” and has its own complications and possible outcomes. Contact our offices immediately if you’re on either side of this situation.

If you believe your current custody arrangement isn’t working then it’s time to contact us

This blog only covers a few of the more common reasons parents seek to change custody arrangements. Remember that your unique case may have merit. If it does, you can count on the experienced counsel at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell to give you an honest opinion of your options. We’re here to advise you and to provide the essential legal services you need at this tough time.

Family Law Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga CA

Family Law Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga CAAttorney Howell is the best family law attorney in Rancho Cucamonga CA. Get expert legal advice and representation for all your family law needs right now by scheduling a free initial consultation with Attorney Torrence L. Howell. Anytime you’re dealing with a tough situation in your family, it’s a difficult, emotionally-charged time. So you need to find an attorney who specializes in family law that you can trust to be straight-forward and compassionate with you throughout this challenging period. Attorney Howell has the discernment and experience necessary to help you through any family law situation with complete confidence.

Family law attorney in Rancho Cucamonga

Attorney Howell’s office is conveniently located in Upland, CA – just a short drive from Rancho Cucamonga, CA. It’s at 1365 West Foothill Boulevard Suite 2 . Feel free to schedule a free initial consultation about your family law matter in Rancho Cucamonga CA by calling his office at (909) 920-0908, emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com, or clicking “Free Case Evaluation” at the top right of this page to send us an online message. Attorney Howell will gladly analyze the details of your case and provide you complimentary legal advice to resolve your family law matter in the most satisfactory, efficient way possible.

Best divorce attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

If you’re considering a divorce, it’s always beneficial to consult with a qualified family law attorney to make sure the terms are equitable and reasonable. Attorney Howell will protect your best interests and make sure the divorce terms protect your rights and best interests at all times. He can help you work out agreements on alimony, child custody and support, as well as asset division. If you have a small business, Attorney Howell is an especially wise choice because he also specializes in business law, so he understands all the nuances involved and will work hard to make sure you obtain a fair agreement.

If domestic violence is a factor in your divorce, he’ll make sure you’re always legally protected. Whether you’re a victim or alleged perpetrator, your case will be in good hands at all times with Attorney Howell.

Divorce modifications attorney in Rancho Cucamonga

Life doesn’t stop after your divorce is final. In many cases, modifications become necessary sooner or later. If your divorce terms need to be adjusted to ensure they’re always fair, consult with Attorney Torrence L. Howell today. He’ll help build your case and make sure your divorce terms become equitable once again after your modification requests are accepted.

Come meet your family law attorney today

Attorney Torrence L. Howell has served residents of Rancho Cucamonga CA with expert family law services for over 29 years. Come meet him to discover how he can help you resolve your family law matter as effectively and as efficiently as possible. Get peace of mind when Attorney Howell assists you with your family law matter. Reserve your free initial consultation now by calling (909) 920-0908, emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com, or using the chat box below.

Can I change my custody or support agreements after my divorce is final?

Can I change my custody or support agreements after my divorce is final?Hopefully you had an excellent family law attorney on your side when your custody and support agreements were first drafted when you began divorce proceedings. But even the fairest and equitable agreements often need to be amended as time progresses. As the saying goes – the only thing that stays the same is change.

As life goes on, agreements that once worked well can become unfair. Thankfully, California law allows for custody and support agreements to be modified after divorces become final. You can petition for your divorce terms to be modified in the following areas after its finalized:

  • Alimony
  • Child support
  • Child custody

You’ll need to submit a petition for modification to the court. In order to make this petition as effective and as persuasive as possible, it’s essential that you consult with a qualified family law attorney if you’re thinking about attempting to modify your divorce terms after it’s finalized.

Attorney Torrence L. Howell, who’s based in Upland, CA, is a highly qualified family law attorney with over 29 years of experience. He’d be happy to analyze your situation and provide you with expert recommendation in any family law matter you’re dealing with. He specializes in divorce modification cases, and he’ll work tenaciously to secure the modifications you deserve as quickly as possible.

Attorney Howell has been working in the family court system for over 29 years. He’ll help you prepare a solid argument for the necessary changes that will restore fairness and equality to your divorce agreements.

You’re probably wondering how strong your standpoint is, and whether your petition will be granted. For personalized assistance and expert answers to all your specific questions, feel free to schedule a free initial consultation with Attorney Howell by calling his Upland, CA office at (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com.

In the meantime, here’s some helpful information about divorce terms modifications.

What could justify alimony modifications?

This is a question clients ask Attorney Howell all the time. Alimony modifications will often be considered and may be approved when:

  • The paying spouse loses their job or suffers a permanent reduction in earning power.
  • The supported spouse gets a new job or a raise and becomes self-supporting.
  • The supported spouse remarries or is co-habiting
  • Child support has ended

Child support modifications are often considered when:

  • The parent paying support can no longer afford it due to income or health problems.
  • The parent receiving support begins earning more.
  • The parent receiving support gets remarried.
  • The physical custody split is changed.
  • The child has been emancipated.
  • The child requires additional support for a specific medical or educational need.
  • The child requires ongoing support after age 18 due to disability.

Child custody and visitation modifications may be granted when:

  • Joint custody needs to be changed to sole custody to protect kids from an unsafe home environment
  • One parent is being incarcerated or deployed overseas
  • A parent who has developed an addiction or dangerous mental illness needs to have visitation supervised and/or reduced
  • A previously unfit parent has demonstrated they deserve increased contact with their kids
  • The custodial parent has relocated and the other parent needs a different visitation schedule

Schedule your free modifications case evaluation with Attorney Torrence L. Howell today by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com.

Divorcing and Worried about your Small Business? Get Help Now.

Divorcing and Worried about your Small Business? Get Help Now.If the time has come to separate from your spouse, you’ve probably got so much on your mind – not just the personal disappointment and sadness you may be feeling, but also worry about what effects this divorce will have on your financial stability. Divorce is almost never an easy transition for many reasons – one of them being the financial ramifications of divorce.

According to California law, when a couple divorces, their assets must be divided evenly among former partners. But if one partner owns a small business, that can make divorce terms hard to reach an equitable agreement on.

That’s where Attorney Torrence L. Howell of Upland, CA can help you. Attorney Howell is uniquely poised to offer expert assistance to divorcing couples with small businesses because he specializes in both business and family law. He’s been helping divorcing couples navigate through and resolve their divorce terms for over 2 decades. Throughout your divorce, Attorney Howell will provide you with solid legal advice and representation so you can be confident that you will reach an agreement on divorce terms that will be fair to both parties.

Come on in for a free initial consultation

Not sure if Attorney Howell is the right choice for you? No worries – just schedule a free initial consultation with him by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com. Attorney Howell will be glad to meet with you, learn about the legal troubles you’re dealing with right now, and start coming up with solutions that will be fair and equitable for both parties.

Family and business law specialist

Attorney Howell holds an MBA and as a small business owner himself, he understands all the ramifications major life transitions like divorce can have on small business owners. He will help you reach a favorable agreement for your divorce terms that hopefully leaves your small business intact, if that’s what you’d like to do. Whatever your goals may be during your divorce, work with Attorney Howell and he will, with his typical nose-to-the-grindstone hard working mentality, make sure your divorce is resolved fairly.

See your future success

After working with Attorney Howell throughout your divorce and successfully reaching an agreement with your former spouse, you won’t hesitate to recommend him to any friends or neighbors who may be going through a divorce. Whether they have small businesses or not, they’ll appreciate the legal insights and proactive effort Attorney Howell provides his clients every day.

What are you waiting for?

Schedule your free initial consultation with Attorney Torrence L. Howell at his Upland, CA office today. He looks forward to meeting with you and expertly taking care of all your legal needs throughout your divorce. You’ll be so glad you chose Attorney Howell – Southern California’s top business and family law specialist.

Worried an Internal or External Dispute will Tear your Business Apart?

Worried an Internal or External Dispute will Tear your Business Apart?When an internal or external dispute arises in your business, it can really stress you out. Even if it’s a relatively minor problem, it can eat up tons of precious time and resources, and present a serious stumbling block for the progress of your business.

The best way to get through internal or external disputes in your business is by hiring an experienced business law advisor. Attorney Howell is an excellent choice in the Upland CA area. He’s been practicing business law for over 29 years and always stays up-to-date on the latest business law developments. He has an MBA and solid first-hand knowledge of what it takes to run a business and settle disputes effectively. No matter what internal or external business dispute you’re dealing with, Attorney Howell will help you navigate this contentious time with perfect confidence.

He’ll make sure your internal or external business dispute is resolved as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible so you can focus on other pressing matters. You won’t have to deal with disputes hogging up all your time when you hire Attorney Howell to advise you.

Attorney Howell will make sure your internal and external business disputes are resolved in the most satisfying way that won’t hurt your business assets. When you schedule an initial consultation with Attorney Howell by calling Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com, he will meticulously analyze the facts of your situation. Then he will devise the most logical way forward that will resolve the dispute properly and as quickly as possible.

Attorney Howell is here for you for all your internal and external business dispute needs including:

  • Mediation
  • Arbitration
  • Litigation

Mediation is an ideal option for resolving business disputes. During mediation, two parties having a dispute meet to work out a mutually acceptable solution with the aid of a neutral third-party mediator. Attorney Howell will be glad to assist you with mediation to ensure you get a fair deal throughout mediation.

Arbitration is similar to mediation, but no third-party mediator participates in the discussion. He or she is simply there to keep the lines of communication open between the two parties. Attorney Howell will be glad to coach you before, during, and after arbitration so you can walk away completely satisfied after your dispute is resolved.

Litigation is usually considered the last resort for internal and external business disputes because it involves going to court to resolve disagreements. Attorney Howell has represented clients in business disputes in the Upland CA area for decades, so you can count on him to provide you with excellent representation to secure the best possible outcome in court.

Start working with Attorney Howell today! Call (909) 920-0908 or email info@torrencelhowelllaw.com to schedule your free initial consultation.