Category: Uncategorized

Estate Planning:
Key Client Concerns During COVID-19

Helping Clients at this Crucial Time

Our role as estate planning attorneys is to help clients prepare for some of the most difficult decisions in their lives, then to guide them through it each step of the way with thoughtful and expert guidance.  We care about the welfare of each of our clients and desire to help them as much as possible.

The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to worry about estate planning, such as concerns about their will, trust and related issues.  The reality of mortality is very concerning when the Center for Disease Control is warning that older adults, and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions, may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.  Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC is here for you if you are struggling with these issues.

If the current circumstances have caused you to be concerned about your estate plan, you’re not alone.  Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC has received many inquiries from clients who are addressing questions, including the following:

• I’ve been avoiding making decisions on my estate.  Can I get an estate plan done now?
• Do I need a power of attorney for medical decisions?
• I need help settling a trust now.  What can be done?
• Who will be in charge of settling my estate?
• What are some options for bequeathing my assets?
• Who will take care of my minor children?
• Are there specific trust options that are best for my estate?
• What can I do now?  Are your attorneys working and available?

A Great Time to Access Our Video Library!

As you contemplate your needs (and while you are at home maintaining “social distancing”), you may want to look at our online “video library” to learn from our experienced attorneys about estate planning, wills and trusts, the probate process, and more.  We want our clients to be as informed as possible about the important decisions they’re making.  Check them out to learn more about these important – and often complex – legal processes. For example, see our Wills video to learn more about preparing an individualized and tailored will for you.

Ready to Assist You

Please rest assured that the attorneys at Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC are available to help you.  All of our staff are working remotely, keeping our law corporation operational.  Since in-person meetings are not an option for most at this time, we can assist clients through “virtual meetings” on Zoom, Skype or teleconferences.  In addition, most of the follow-up legal and administrative work can be done remotely and by email/mail.  Our goal is to help you move forward with your estate planning issues, even in the midst of these very trying times that we are all facing.

 

Please let us know of any questions or concerns that you have.  We want to be there to help you.

About the author:
Tamsen R. Reinheimer, Attorney, is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law (The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization). She has significant experience in all aspects of estate planning, trust administration, and probate. Contact Tamsen at tamsen@ocestateplanning.net.

Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

Hello Clients:

As businesses around Southern California close down in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, please know that we are and will continue to work on client matters remotely via email and phone. We also can meet with clients in our large conference room by appointment only for signing and notary services, which allows us to be 4-6 feet apart. We have always taken measures to clean “high-touch” areas like waiting areas and desks, and are now more diligently disinfecting such surfaces before and after all in-person meetings and throughout the day.  We will make all necessary accommodations for you if there is anything urgent to address.

Importantly, please note that most California courts are closing for the next several days and will not be having hearings or processing legal filings. Orange County Superior Court is closed until March 27th; Los Angeles Superior Court is closed until March 20th; San Bernardino Court is closed until April 2nd. That means if you are awaiting the return of important Orders or Letters, you will experience additional delay in attending to your trust or estate matter. We will continue to closely monitor these closures and advise you of any updates as we receive notice from the courts.

W. Robert Price, Esq., President, Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC.  Contact Robert at wrobertpriceesq@yahoo.com.

CONSERVATORSHIPS FOR ADULT-AGE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

Weily Yang, associate, published an article in the February 2020 issue of “Orange County Lawyer,” the official publication of the Orange County Bar Association.

Excerpt from the article:

Ever since I discovered my child was on the autism spectrum, I have done everything I could to provide him with a proper upbringing. In the beginning, after conducting some research and speaking with numerous advocates from the special needs community, I realized that many aspects of my child’s life would have to be modified in order to fit his needs. It was not easy, but now he receives the appropriate behavioral services with the regional center, attends special needs classes that tailor to his individual education plan (IEP), and gets all the love and support from his family. 

This year, my child turns seventeen. It dawned on me: in one year, my child will be eighteen; the threshold into adulthood. I thought that I still had a full year to plan this out. However, now I cannot stop thinking about what will happen once my child reaches the age of majority. I panic uncontrollably while my mind, like a record player, plays the same questions over and over in my head.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

About the author:
Weily Yang is an attorney at Mortensen & Reinheimer, PC, an estate planning and probate firm in Irvine. Weily is a zealous advocate for individuals with special needs. His primary focus is special needs trusts and probate conservatorships together with estate planning, trust administration, and probate. He can be reached at weily@ocestateplanning.net.

MYANMAR: TRADEMARK REGISTRATIONS NOW POSSIBLE

Up until now, trademark protection in Myanmar was limited to common law protection resulting from recording a Declaration of Ownership at the Office of Registration of Deeds, and publications of Cautionary Notices in local newspapers. However, beginning at the end of December, the Trademark Office of Myanmar will begin accepting trademark applications.

Initially, the Trademark Office will only accept applications from those with currently recorded Declarations of Ownership. This will allow existing owners to ensure their rights are given priority of protection over newcomers to the system. Existing registrants will need to re-file by submitting a Power of Attorney as well as the relevant application forms. The Power of Attorney will need to be legalized by the Consulate of Myanmar. Registrations will be valid for terms of ten years, with renewals available for additional ten-year terms.

Whether you are a current trademark owner or new to doing business in Myanmar, we strongly suggest filing a trademark application for your mark as soon as possible after the December launch.

BRAZIL AND MALAYSIA JOIN THE MADRID PROTOCOL

It is now possible to extend an International Trademark Registration to Brazil as of October 2, 2019.

Additionally, Malaysia will join the Madrid System as of December 27, 2019, which now covers 122 countries.

Protection of your trademark registration through the Madrid System is a cost-effective way to ensure your valuable IP rights are protected across the globe.

QUESTIONS?

If you are interested in international trademark protection in Brazil, Malaysia, Myanmar, or any other jurisdiction, please contact us at dstewart@gtilaw.com, and we can provide you with any information and fixed fee quotations you need to move forward in protecting your valuable intellectual property rights.

FIRM PROFILE

Founded in 2002, Global Trademarks, Inc. provides legal expertise in trademark and copyright protection around the world. We serve numerous Fortune 500 companies and other businesses of all sizes.

Global Reach: We have extensive experience in numerous countries and jurisdictions throughout the world. Global Trademarks, Inc. has long-term relationships with a network of agents and associates all around the world, ensuring responsive, reliable and superior work quality. We help clients protect and defend numerous famous brands all over the world, particularly in regions where it is difficult to find reliable legal representation.

Services:

• Trademark registration (domestic and international)
• Trademark portfolio management
• Trademark watch services
• Trademark renewal
• Assignments of trademark rights
• Copyright registrations
• International infringement actions and investigations
• Customs recordals

PROTECTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AROUND THE WORLD

MYANMAR: TRADEMARK REGISTRATIONS NOW POSSIBLE

Up until now, trademark protection in Myanmar was limited to common law protection resulting from recording a Declaration of Ownership at the Office of Registration of Deeds, and publications of Cautionary Notices in local newspapers. However, beginning at the end of December, the Trademark Office of Myanmar will begin accepting trademark applications.

Initially, the Trademark Office will only accept applications from those with currently recorded Declarations of Ownership. This will allow existing owners to ensure their rights are given priority of protection over newcomers to the system. Existing registrants will need to re-file by submitting a Power of Attorney as well as the relevant application forms. The Power of Attorney will need to be legalized by the Consulate of Myanmar. Registrations will be valid for terms of ten years, with renewals available for additional ten-year terms.

Whether you are a current trademark owner or new to doing business in Myanmar, we strongly suggest filing a trademark application for your mark as soon as possible after the December launch.

BRAZIL AND MALAYSIA JOIN THE MADRID PROTOCOL

It is now possible to extend an International Trademark Registration to Brazil as of October 2, 2019.

Additionally, Malaysia will join the Madrid System as of December 27, 2019, which now covers 122 countries.

Protection of your trademark registration through the Madrid System is a cost-effective way to ensure your valuable IP rights are protected across the globe.

QUESTIONS?

If you are interested in international trademark protection in Brazil, Malaysia, Myanmar, or any other jurisdiction, please contact us at dstewart@gtilaw.com, and we can provide you with any information and fixed fee quotations you need to move forward in protecting your valuable intellectual property rights.

FIRM PROFILE

Founded in 2002, Global Trademarks, Inc. provides legal expertise in trademark and copyright protection around the world. We serve numerous Fortune 500 companies and other businesses of all sizes.

Global Reach: We have extensive experience in numerous countries and jurisdictions throughout the world. Global Trademarks, Inc. has long-term relationships with a network of agents and associates all around the world, ensuring responsive, reliable and superior work quality. We help clients protect and defend numerous famous brands all over the world, particularly in regions where it is difficult to find reliable legal representation.

Services:
Trademark registration (domestic and international) Trademark portfolio management Trademark watch services Trademark renewal	Assignments of trademark rights Copyright registrations International infringement actions and investigations Customs recordals

PROTECTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AROUND THE WORLD

NEW RULES IN THE UNITED STATES FOR FOREIGN TRADEMARK FILERS

Effective August 3, 2019, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will now require all foreign-domiciled trademark applicants, registrants and parties to Trademark Trial and Appeal Board proceedings to be represented by an attorney licensed in the United States. We are able to assist with representation before the USPTO, and can answer any questions you may have on U.S. trademark filings.

CANADA JOINS THE MADRID PROTOCOL

In a move anxiously anticipated by brand owners for many years, Canada has finally joined the Madrid Protocol. Owners of International Trademark Registrations can now designate Canada, and protect their marks one of the world’s largest economies. As of June 17, 2019, trademark owners can file an application to extend their rights to Canada, in addition to the other 120 countries which are covered by the Madrid System.

If you are interested in international trademark protection in Canada or any other jurisdiction, please contact us at dstewart@gtilaw.com, and we can provide you with any information and fixed fee quotations you need to move forward in protecting your valuable intellectual property rights.

Coming Soon to the Madrid Protocol…Brazil and Malaysia!

CHINA: NEW AMENDMENTS TO TRADEMARK LAW PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION FOR BRAND OWNERS

China has recently made changes to its Trademark Law which provide brand owners more protection. With effect from November 1, 2019, China will no longer allow the registration of trademarks filed in bad faith by those with no actual intent to use the marks. Until now, it has been possible for a third party to register a trademark and hold onto it for the sole purpose of selling it to the actual brand owner at a high price. The new changes to the law also increase the amount of punitive damages awarded in cases involving bad faith or other serious circumstances.

While the changes to the law do provide increased protection to brand owners, it is always highly advisable to register your mark in China, in both the original language as well as for the Chinese language version. It is not uncommon for unscrupulous individuals to register the Chinese language version of a mark, and hold the registration hostage until the true brand owner agrees to purchase the registration at a very high price. In addition to registering their trademarks, brand owners would be wise to record their trademarks with Customs. Upon recordal of the registration with Customs, officials will have the ability to notify brand owners of any suspected infringing or counterfeit goods, as well as to detain those goods during the investigation into the alleged infringement.

If you are interested in international trademark protection in China or any other jurisdiction, please contact us at dstewart@gtilaw.com, and we can provide you with any information and fixed fee quotations you need to move forward in protecting your valuable intellectual property rights.

Dear Friend,

Greetings from BibleResources.org and from me, Pastor William Mark Bristow.  Of course you know Pastors Bud and Betty Miller and I’ve been a friend of them for over forty years and I have served on their Board of Directors for many years. Some of my articles are in the “Bible Questions and Answers” section of the BibleResources.org website. (Also, please see “About Us” on the website.) I consider them mentors, friends, even a spiritual “mom and dad.”

When we first met, one striking feature of those early Bible Study Meetings they held, was they often did not take an offering.  They simply prayed and believed the Lord to bring what was needed.  Many years ago, the three of us were ministering across north India and Nepal.  We had generously, but perhaps foolishly, given away most of our money to ministries there, and found ourselves with not enough money for the last three days of lodging, food, and the airport tax. (Those were the days when we did not have credit cards.) We prayed.  Minutes before our lodging required payment a man came to my room.  He handed me an envelope, thanked us for our ministry, and walked away.  His offering was the equivalent of $500 US dollars (about a year’s salary for many in India at that time.)  I have seen God’s supply many times since then because of the teaching Betty & Bud instilled in me.  Yet, there were times in scripture when God instructed that the need be made known.  Moses was instructed by God to speak to the people of the resources needed to build the Tabernacle (the tent where the Lord’s presence dwelt with Israel).

“Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD …” Exodus 35:5.  The people had such a heart to give that in chapter 36, Moses had to restrain their giving — there was more than enough!

I believe the Lord has spoken to me to make the need known.  BibleResources.org is a small ministry with a large outreach.  The site receives over 500,000 page views per month and has around 100,000 unique visitors each month. Lives are being changed daily through this ministry outreach.

Little mention of what it takes to operate the site is made, other than a few invitations to donate if the site has blessed you.  Right now, about $5,000 is needed for work on the website, another $10,000 in utilities, website regular operation expense, and office operation.  We would love to re-hire a previous employee who would oversee the bookkeeping and much of the office work, so Betty would be free to write and edit, bringing more wonderful teaching to the site.  That would require an additional $2,000 a month.

These are the immediate needs.  If you have a willing heart, I’m inviting you to give.  Join with us in reaching out to so many. Donate to: Christ Unlimited Ministries/BibleResources.org

Here are just two excerpts from the many thousands of responses BibleResources.org receives.

Hi Betty,
My name is Thomas K. I have been on BibleResources.org every day for almost 2 years now. I purchased your daily devotional and started a Thursday morning men’s study based on those teachings. The work of God’s spirit has proven nothing short of “Amazing” in the lives of my brothers and I. I’m so grateful to have found BibleResources.org. God delivered and healed me from a 23 year IV drug addiction and a deadly blood disease. I’m free and staying that way. In Christ’s Love.

Hi. My name is Kenneth. I was feeling suicidal thoughts today, like JOB and many other disciples…
I couldn’t tell my wife of 17 years. So when she went to her room, I texted her about my Suicidal thoughts. I was severely depressed at the moment. She came over and prayed with me and the prayers were similar to your awesome article. I just wanted to say thank you. I would’ve never found your article if it weren’t for God giving me strength to do some research on how God feels about suicide and depression. I will keep you both and website under key and lock. Thank you so much! God bless!

Would you prayerfully consider helping us to continue to reach out and touch people?  So many are desperately hurting, searching for help and answers. Some might want to give, but you don’t have the means at the moment — then you help us pray it in.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord ^[a]lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV)

Rev. Dr. William Mark Bristow
Board of Directors
Christ Unlimited Ministries

Click here to Donate or send checks made out to: Christ Unlimited Ministries and mail to:

Christ Unlimited Ministries
P.O. Box 850
Dewey, AZ 86327

Happy New Year!

The Bible says, “WISDOM IS BETTER THAN GOLD.” SO NOW YOU CAN READ A FREE ONLINE DAILY BIBLE DEVOTIONAL on “God’s Wisdom For Daily Living.”

Start your year off right with a 5 minute read to attain more of God’s Wisdom. This devotional has a 5 Star Rating at Amazon.com if you would prefer to purchase it in book form or Kindle. However, you can read this inspirational devotional FREE at: https://bibleresources.org/daily-bible-devotional

Our prayer is that God will grant each reader His Wisdom and guidance from on High and that we all become more like Him by reading and applying His Word to our individual lives. To God be the glory for all He is doing through this Daily Devotional! Read at “God’s Wisdom for Daily Living.”

Blessings,
Betty Miller

Betty and Bud Miller
Christ Unlimited Ministries
P.O. Box 850
Dewey, AZ 86327
928-632-8005

BibleResources.org
BibleResources@ChristUnlimited.com

If you would like to help us spread the Word of God by supporting this ministry: Click here to donate

Christians look forward to the time of the year when we celebrate two important holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. These holidays have their beginnings and roots in Christian celebrations. The word holiday actually means “holy day”; hence these events should be remembered and celebrated in a holy manner. We have strayed from that purpose over the years as we have embraced many unholy practices and worldly customs and added them to our “holy days.”

Compromises as Christians in Celebrating Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is one of our main national holidays here in the USA. A good question to ask is “Are we as Christians celebrating it the way the Lord would have us celebrate, or have we compromised with the world?” Have we lost the emphasis on thanksgiving and prayer and shifted it to a gluttonous feast of food, drink and games like those in the world have done? God wants us to enjoy family, friends and feasting, but leaving God out of the day breaks His heart. More and more the media is referring to this holiday as “turkey day” instead of Thanksgiving Day. They also eliminate the object of who we are to offer our thanks. We are just to be “thankful” we are told. Who should our thanks be directed to? The object of our thanks for our many blessings should be directed to the Lord God. It should not just be a general “thanks.”

To read the entire article you can go to this link:  What Does the Bible Say about Thanksgiving?