All posts by Torrence Howell

Did a vendor intentionally use the wrong materials for your project?

Did a vendor intentionally use the wrong materials for your project?When a business contracts a vendor to provide certain services or products, it’s always somewhat of a leap of faith. The business is counting on the vendor to correctly deliver the right services or goods, in accord with the established contract, but that’s not always what happens. Unfortunately, sometimes vendors try to cut corners and deliver services or products that aren’t in line with the contract.

When this happens, it’s called a breach of contract.

Act now if a vendor breaches a contract with your business

If this situation happens during the operations of your business, you don’t have to just accept it. You don’t have to accept the loss of what could be thousands (or more) of dollars of lost revenue or lost productivity. There are legal options that will allow you to have some level of recourse.

Get specialized breach of contract advice

When a breach of contract occurs, you should contact a lawyer who specializes in business law and breach of contract cases immediately. If you live anywhere in the Upland, CA area, the best choice is Attorney Torrence L. Howell. He has adviced business owners and managers about breach of contract legal issues for over 29 years, so he knows every nuanced detail that should be considered in a breach of contract case.

Efficient, conscientious legal assistance

He will strive to resolve your breach of contract issue as quickly and as favorably as possible. He has an MBA in business, he has operated his own business for over 29 years, and he has helped many clients just like you throughout the Upland, CA, area.

Other examples of contract breaches

There are other examples of breaches of contract that can be resolved through legal action. These include, but aren’t limited to, a vendor failing to deliver merchandise on time and an employee violating a non-disclosure agreement. These contract breaches are serious because they can drastically impact the success and/or reputation of a business.

Schedule a free initial consultation

Even if you’re not sure taking legal action is the right step for your business, just come in for a free initial consultation with Attorney Howell. He’ll evaluate your situation and give you an honest recommendation based on years of experience working on breach of contract cases. He’ll never pressure you to pursue a certain course of action – instead, he’ll give you his solid legal point of you and let you decide what you feel most comfortable doing.

Few contract breach cases end up in court

Going to court for every breach of contract isn’t always practical or advisable. Attorney Howell will help you figure out which option is right for you, including mediation and arbitration. You can trust Attorney Howell to be even-handed throughout your breach of contract case while always protecting your rights and best interests.

Get some peace of mind today by scheduling an appointment to speak with Attorney Howell about your breach of contract situation. You can reach his office by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com.

Need a family law attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, CA?

Need a family law attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, CA?Family law matters can often be very delicate situations, so you need to find a family law attorney you can really trust. If you live in the Rancho Cucamonga, CA, area, there’s no one better that Attorney Torrence L. Howell. For decades, he has helped Rancho Cucamonga residents get through family law issues while always looking after their rights and best interests. Whatever family law situation you may be dealing with, don’t do it alone – enlist the services of Attorney L. Howell so you don’t have to worry about legal details anymore. With assistance from his fantastic, dedicated staff, Attorney Howell will provide you with superb legal guidance and representation in family law matters in Rancho Cucamonga, including:

  • Alimony
  • Child custody
  • Child support
  • Divorce
  • Domestic violence
  • Modifications
  • Property rights

Family and business law specialties

Not only does Attorney Howell specialize in family law, he also has a vast career in business law as well. So if you or your ex has a business, it’s particularly beneficial to contact him about your legal situation. He’ll bring his wealth of knowledge about family law and business law matters during every interaction with you and at every step of your case, if going to court becomes necessary.

Family law in Rancho Cucamonga

Rancho Cucamonga definitely doesn’t have a shortage of lawyers. There are so many to choose from! But when it comes to family law matters, you definitely don’t want to gamble. You want to find the best family law attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, so that your family law matter can be resolved efficiently and have the most favorable outcome.

Find out if Attorney Howell is the right lawyer for you

You’re invited to stop by the Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell anytime during business hours (8am to 5pm) to meet our experienced, friendly staff, who will gladly set up an appointment for you with Attorney Howell. Our office is conveniently located right next to Rancho Cucamonga – in Upland, CA – so it should be easy to pop by while you’re out running errands.

All prospective Rancho Cucamonga clients may schedule a free initial consultation with Attorney Howell by stopping by the office, calling (909) 920-0908, or by emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com. You may choose a time during regular business hours, or request a special weekend or evening appointment if that’s more convenient for you.

Complete confidentiality

Whenever you come to speak with Attorney Howell about your family law matter, you can rest assured that any information provided during that appointment will be kept strictly confidential. Attorney Howell and all of his staff realize the delicate nature of many family law situations, and they’ll always be respectful about your privacy when you come to Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell. For Rancho Cucamonga family law assistance provided by someone who really knows what he’s talking about, go with Attorney Torrence L. Howell.

Need a family law attorney in Ontario, CA?

Need a family law attorney in Ontario, CA?Are you searching for a family law attorney in Ontario, CA? There are many options to choose from, but only one that will definitely meet all your expectations – and likely even exceed them. Attorney Torrence L. Howell will work hard every day to defend your rights and best interests. He specializes in family and business law, and is based in Upland, CA, which is just a short drive away from Ontario. He’s been practicing family and business law in Southern California for over 29 years, so you can definitely trust your legal needs to his expertise. He can easily handle all of your family law needs in Ontario, CA, including:

  • Alimony
  • Child custody
  • Child support
  • Divorce
  • Domestic violence
  • Modifications
  • Property rights
  • And more!

Alimony

If you’re looking into acquiring alimony from your soon-to-be ex during an initial separation and later securing a permanent alimony order as part of your final divorce decree, you need a lawyer who will make sure you get what you need to continue to be financially stable. He’ll make sure both parties reach a fair agreement while advocating for your best interests every step of the way throughout your case in Ontario, CA.

Child custody

Everyone can agree that the well-being of children is of high importance. Child custody battles can often be incredibly gut-wrenching, but when you have a capable lawyer fighting for your best interests, you’ll be able to rest assured that you’ll likely achieve your ideal child custody agreement.

Child support

Financial well-being of children is a fundamental aspect of properly taking care of them. If you’re the parent who will have primary custody of children, it’s important that you have a fair child support agreement in place to cover expenses that inevitably come up. Attorney Howell will gladly help you resolve any issues that arise during negotiations, mediation, and litigation in Ontario, CA.

Divorce

No matter how simple or complex your divorce in Ontario, CA may be, you need a family lawyer to make sure your best interests are protected throughout the divorce process. You can count on Attorney Howell to be honest and fair while always advocating for you throughout your divorce.

Domestic violence

If there have been allegations of domestic violence in a family law dispute, whether it’s a divorce, child custody battle, or alimony request, you need a lawyer who will even-handedly counsel you on the ideal legal course of action. Attorney Howell is the best choice in Ontario, CA to handle such a sensitive family law matter.

Modification

Every person’s circumstances change as the years pass. If your family’s financial or child care situation changes, you may want to modify the custody and support agreements set by your divorce terms. Go about this modification in the most effective, efficient way possible when Attorney Howell represents you throughout your family law case in Ontario, CA.

Property Rights

Many Ontario, CA divorces hit a snag when it comes to dividing up property and small business assets fairly. Enlisting Attorney Howell to help you navigate this often-contentious matter is always a wise choice because he specializes in both family and business law. His unique perspective, backed by many years of solid experience, allow him to offer his clients highly valuable advice and representation throughout your property rights family law matter.

Meet Attorney Howell

Schedule a visit with Attorney Howell today by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com. You first appointment is absolutely free. There, you’ll be able to discuss your family law needs and receive specialized advice right off the bat. Contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell today!

What to do when an employee violates a non-disclosure agreement

What to do when an employee violates a non-disclosure agreementIf you’re a manager for a company and you discover that one of your employees has violated a non-disclosure agreement, you might be feeling a whole range of emotions. Anger, feelings of betrayal, sadness, and shock are common reactions to a discovery of this nature. Perhaps this employee has worked for you for a long time, and you thought there was a solid basis of trust that you could rely on, but unfortunately it turns out, that’s not the case.

You may be wondering: what should I do now?

Well, we at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell are always striving to communicate effectively with business leaders in the Upland, California, area about their options. Attorney Torrence L. Howell specializes in both family and business law, and he has helped managers and others get through many situations like the one referenced above with minimal difficulty.

Breach of contract

When an employee violates a non-disclosure agreement, legally it’s considered a “breach of contract.” Other examples of a breach of contract include when a vendor fails to deliver merchandise on-time and a contractor who deliberately uses the wrong materials.

Act quickly to avoid additional problems

When a manager or other authority within a company realizes that an employee has violated a non-disclosure agreement, action must be taken right away. The most important step you can take is to contact an attorney who specializes in breach of contract cases. If you live in the Upland, California, the wisest choice would be Attorney Torrence L. Howell. During his multi-decade career, he has successfully worked on many breach of contract cases. When he counsels you on the best way to proceed, you can trust that he knows what he’s talking about.

Resolving a Breach of Contract

It’s best to avoid having to go to court anytime a breach of contract occurs because the court process is time-consuming, expensive, and rather stressful. Instead, Attorney Howell will help you resolve your breach of contract problem through mediation or arbitration. These methods will lead to results much more quickly and inexpensively. What often happens is that Attorney Howell will review the contract is question, determine whether there are grounds for litigation, and present this information to the other party. Instead of dealing with litigation, the person who has allegedly breached the contract will often seek ways to remedy the problem outside of the court system.

Not sure?

If you have questions about a breach of contract, or if you’re ready to start working with Attorney Howell right away, you may schedule a free initial consultation by calling (909) 920-0908 now. All prospective clients are entitled to this free initial visit with Attorney Howell, so don’t hesitate to call now.

How Can You Protect Your Business from Divorce?

How Can You Protect Your Business from Divorce?Attorney Torrence L. Howell specializes in both business and family law, so he’s the perfect person to ask about legal matters where these two areas intersect. For example, the following question comes up a lot in his practice:

How can I protect your business from divorce?

If you’re a business owner, this is an important question to be asking, no matter how happy your marriage may be at present. If the legal side of the equation isn’t constantly looked after and a divorce occurs, you could have to dissolve your business and liquidate its assets in order to split the value of it with your ex. That’s the worst case scenario—after spending so much time and energy to make your business successful, the last thing you want to do is dissolve it.

But the good news is that this worst case scenario can almost always be avoided with some careful planning. You can dramatically decrease the likelihood of having to liquidate your business by taking the following legal actions:

  • Drafting and signing a prenuptial and/or postnuptial agreement with your spouse
  • Including a lockout provision in your company’s partnership, shareholder, or LLC agreement
  • Paying yourself a competitive salary throughout the duration of your marriage and the company’s existence
  • Keeping your spouse from contributing their own work or assets to the business during the marriage

The principles of business and family law

Each business and each marriage is different, though the same legal principles apply in the majority of situations. Come speak with Attorney Howell about your concerns for the future of your business and your marriage. He will offer you specific legal counsel that will benefit your standing right away.

Specialized legal advice from Attorney Howell

If you’re considering getting married, you’re engaged, or you’re married already, Attorney Howell will provide you with legal advice that you can count on to protect your business in the event of a divorce. Keep in mind that over half of all marriages end up failing in the end, and make sure you’re covered in a legal sense in the even that marital bliss doesn’t last forever. It’s not a terribly romantic notion, but there are times to be romantic and times to be practical. Take care of the practical side by speaking with Attorney Howell and you can go be romantic with your spouse without a single nagging worry in your mind.

If you’re not yet married, Attorney Howell can draft a prenuptial agreement with you and your soon-to-be spouse to make sure the best interests of both parties are protected. You of course want to keep your business intact, and your partner may have other assets that they would like to keep safe as well in the event of a divorce. You can count on Attorney Howell to be fair and equitable while keeping the best interests of both parties in mind at all times.

To schedule your free initial consultation today, simply call (909) 920-0908 or email info@torrencelhowelllaw.com to set up a convenient time.

Suffering in a Loveless Marriage this Holiday Season? Call Attorney Howell Now

Suffering in a Loveless Marriage this Holiday Season? Call Attorney Howell NowThe holiday season is supposed to be a merry time, but it can be a season of tremendous heartache for anyone who is suffering in a loveless marriage. It can feel like there’s nowhere to turn, particularly during the holiday season when everyone is smiling and feeling great. The last thing you want to do is burden someone else with your sadness, doubt, and regret.

It can be especially trying if your marriage is going through a rocky time and your partner is the person who financially contributes the most to your family. Particularly if you have children, you might think that you must continue to suffer in silence because you don’t have the financial resources to leave and get your own place.

But there is hope!

There is a proactive step you can take right away to start evaluating your options and thinking about the best way forward. Perhaps emotionally and mentally you’re not sure if the best course of action is divorce—that’s okay.

Come speak with Attorney Howell today

The best thing you can do to secure your future is to come in for a complimentary, confidential consultation at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell. Attorney Howell understands where you’re coming from because he has worked with countless people who are struggling in their marriages over his multi-decade law career.

Honest, straight-forward legal counsel

He will give it to you straight. He’ll thoughtfully listen to your situation, evaluate it from a legal standpoint, and present all the possible directions you may consider taking without pressuring you to do anything.

Emergency financial support available

One piece of information that you should definitely be aware of from the outset is that it is possible to secure an emergency order from the courts to guarantee that you will continue to receive financial support from your spouse right away. We at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell know that financial concerns are a primary consideration many people think about before leaving a loveless marriage, and we want you to know that you don’t have to be concerned about that. California law protects people from becoming destitute because of separation and divorce, and Attorney Howell will utilize every possible venue to make sure you get the legal and financial support you need during this difficult time.

Domestic or child abuse?

If you or your child has been harmed at the hands of your spouse, it’s essential that you leave that dangerous situation ASAP. Leave all your belongings behind if you have to—your and your children’s safety is the most important thing. We at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell deeply care about your continued safety during your divorce, particularly if you are escaping an abusive situation, so please don’t hesitate to contact our firm by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com today.

When you come in for a free initial consultation, we can direct you to services that will allow you to continue living normally and without fear of falling into poverty. We’ll give you the legal advice you need now and fight for your rights throughout your case.

Call (909) 920-0908 or email info@torrencelhowelllaw.com to reach Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell and schedule a time to meet with Attorney Howell ASAP.

Forgery: Has it be impacted by Proposition 47?

Forgery: Has it be impacted by Proposition 47?Proposition 47 is a piece of legislation that passed California voters in October 2014. It’s part of a widespread campaign to reform the California criminal justice system, especially overly harsh sentences. This effort contradicts the previous policies of the 1980s and 90s that allowed extremely harsh sentences to be imposed for even the slightest crimes.

Re-categorization of certain nonviolent crimes

Proposition 47 effectively reduces sentences for a host of nonviolent crimes, making them misdemeanors instead of felonies. Many former wobblers, which could be charged as felonies or misdemeanors, are not definitively misdemeanors. This includes drug possession, fraud, and many other nonviolent crimes.

Flawed past policies

California voters and legislators seem to be coming to the realization that the “lock ‘em up and throw away the key” policies of years part simply aren’t working. There haven’t been major decreases in crime rates as a result of harsh sentencing, and when people are released from the prison system, they’re often not very well-equipped to deal with the outside world again.

New focus on rehabilitation, not harsh punishments

Now that fewer people will be sentenced to long-term prison sentences, the money the Californian government will save will now go towards rehabilitation programs (and to victim support funds). Rehabilitating people will hopefully prove more effective at reducing crime and incarcerations rates—though only time will tell.

How about forgery?

There’s been so much talk about drug crime resentencing that some of the less-common crimes are left out of the news. Well, the answer is, yes—if the amount affected by the forgery is less than $950, forgery will now definitely be charged as a misdemeanor as a result of Proposition 47.

This is great news for anyone who’s ever been charged with forgery. If you’ve already been convicted of a forgery crime, you can apply for resentencing under Proposition 47 now. And if your case is currently in process, Proposition 47 has already gone into effect, so your potential penalties will already be reduced.

Got questions?

If you have any questions about Proposition 47, forgery, or your specific case Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell would be happy to help you. All prospective clients are entitled to a free consultation with Attorney Torrence L. Howell. Schedule yours now by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com. Attorney Howell is always staying up-to-date on all the legislative developments, especially reforms that impact his clients, and he knows all the details of Proposition 47 so he can effectively apply it to your case.

Come in for a free case evaluation today, and meet with Attorney Howell to discuss your case. He’ll offer you excellent legal advice right away and he’ll be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns.

How much Child Support Can I Expect to Receive?

How much Child Support Can I Expect to Receive?If you’re in the middle of a divorce and you expect to gain full custody of your children, you’re probably wondering how much child support you’ll receive from your ex. It’s very important to ensure children of divorced parents continue their lives as normally as possible, and properly taking care of them financially is one essential aspect of accomplishing this.

Child support amount factors

Child support orders vary widely depending on various factors, including how many children there are, tax filing status of the parents, monthly income, the that the child is in each parent’s custody and control, child care costs, other mandatory expenses, and many other factors.

If you and your ex can’t work out child support terms between the two of you, you will have to go to divorce court. There, a judge will determine what amount of child support would be equitable based on the factors listed above and others.

No need to go it alone

Don’t try to figure out how much child support would be fair on your own—enlist Southern California’s best divorce lawyer, Torrence L. Howell, to help you. Your first consultation is absolutely free, at which he will offer you specific legal advice to achieve the ideal outcome in your child support agreement. He can also help you navigate other issues that may arise during your divorce settlement, and always represent your (and your children’s) best interests throughout the divorce process.

What if my ex doesn’t pay?

Both parents are responsible for properly taking care of the children, and if your ex has agreed to pay child support and isn’t able to do so, the best thing you can do is to hire Attorney Torrence L. Howell, who specializes in child support cases, to give you legal advice and representation throughout your dispute.

Dependence on child support payments

You likely depend on the child support money that you and your ex agreed upon, so simply accepting that you won’t receive it definitely won’t work. Attorney Howell can assist you with the process of petitioning the California court to enforce your child support order through wage garnishment, levies, income tax refund intercepts, or drivers license suspension. California law acknowledges the importance of child support payments and indicates these methods for collecting it as soon as possible.

Come meet Attorney Howell

Find out if divorce lawyer Torrence L. Howell is the right choice for you by scheduling a free initial appointment with him. Just call (909) 920-0908 or email info@torrencelhowelllaw.com to schedule your appointment at a date and time that’s most convenient for your busy schedule. Attorney Howell is always glad to meet with prospective clients and answer any questions they may have. Contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell today!

How much can I expect to have to pay in child support?

How much can I expect to have to pay in child support?Are you going through a divorce? Especially if you have kids, it can be a heart-wrenching time. The emotional and psychological costs can weigh heavily on you, and the financial toll can feel positively overwhelming. Here’s what you generally need to know about paying child support in California. For more specific information about your situation, please schedule a free consultation with Attorney Torrence L. Howell today by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com.

How is child support calculated?

The California Guideline Child Support Calculation Formula is the standard method for determining how much child support payments will be required when a couple who has children divorces. This formula includes factors such as:

  • Child care costs
  • Tax filing status of each parent
  • Gross income of each parent
  • Time that each parent has the child in their custody and control
  • Other essential mandatory expenses

California courts have the authority to adjust the required amounts of child support payments according to the specifics of each family’s unique situation.

Why are child support payments necessary?

If you and your ex are divorcing amicably, it might not feel necessary to set up a child support agreement. However, we at Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell highly recommend it, no matter what the current situation between you may be. While things may seem smooth-sailing right now, you never know what the future will bring. It’s best to put a legally-bound child support payment agreement in place to avoid lots of stress and hassle down the line.

Every parent has a legal and moral responsibility to provide for their children, even if the parents aren’t married and the family doesn’t live together. Sometimes, when parents divorce or aren’t married to begin with, they’re able to reach child support payment agreements on their own. If they’re unable to reach a child support agreement, they may go to California divorce court, whether the judge will determine how much child support will be required.

Legal assistance with child support agreements

No matter what your situation—whether you’ve reached an agreement with the other parent on your own or plan to go to court—it’s always an excellent idea to speak with a qualified family lawyer about your situation. There may be nuanced aspects of your case that you may not be aware of that may negatively effect your future. Don’t put your family’s financial security at risk—contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell to schedule a free initial consultation today. Attorney Torrence L. Howell will analyze the specifics of your situation and offer professional legal advice right away. Call (909) 920-0908, email info@torrencelhowelllaw.com, or click the blue “Free Case Evaluation” at the top right of this page to schedule your complimentary consultation at your earliest convenience.

Top Advice For Someone Who’s Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence

Have you been falsely accused of abusing a family member or partner? What a tough situation. You might feel like all hope is lost, and be tempted to just accept the charges—but there’s no reason to do that.

Top Advice For Someone Who’s Been Falsely Accused of Domestic ViolenceThe most important thing you can do right away is to make sure you take any domestic violence charges against you very seriously. The state of California allows for harsh penalties on domestic violence cases, and prosecutors will often continue to press charges even if the alleged victim recants their testimony and declines to press charges.

There are many actions that could be considered domestic violence crimes, including:

  • Corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant
  • Domestic battery
  • Child abuse
  • Child endangerment
  • Elder abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Financial abuse
  • Harassment and threats of violence
  • And more.

If you’re not sure about whether your actions should be considered domestic violence by the California court system, make sure you schedule an appointment with Attorney Torrence L. Howell as soon as possible to discuss your situation. He is Southern California’s forefront domestic violence attorney. He will know exactly how to disprove the accusations against you if they are false, and will carefully look for any holes in the prosecution’s arguments on your behalf. Call (909) 920-0908, email info@torrencelhowelllaw.com, or click “Send your Message” at the top right of this page to schedule a free, confidential consultation today.

Dire consequences

If a conviction is issued from the California court, potential penalties for domestic violence can be incredibly severe. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a domestic violence charge could be a misdemeanor or felony, and penalties also vary based on the circumstances and severity of damage caused. If only one instance of abuse occurred, penalties will likely be less harsh than if the abuse went on for many months or years. It all depends on how the judge who decides your case interprets your situation and the Californian laws that pertain to it. For specific information about what sentence you could receive if you are convicted of a domestic violence crime, contact Attorney Howell for a free consultation at (909) 920-0908, info@torrencelhowelllaw.com, or by using the “Free Case Evaluation” button” at the top of this page.

Effective defense strategies

Attorney Howell has successfully represented clients in domestic violence cases many times over his decades-long career. He’s seen many instances where an accusation was levied on someone that was completely false. Sometimes the accuser will be motivated by a desire to injure the alleged abuser’s reputation, put him or her at a disadvantage in divorce or child custody proceedings, or may have another motive entirely. Your defense attorney, Torrence L. Howell, will work tirelessly to disprove the domestic violence accusations and get the charges against you dismissed.

Call (909) 920-0908, email info@torrencelhowelllaw.com or send us an online message to get personalized advice about defending yourself against domestic violence charges. And remember—hope is never lost when Attorney Howell is representing you!