Beth Kristin Rautiola’s Answers

You need an attorney on this matter. While your current business entity does own certain proprietary information and opportunities related to your joint development, your best defense is a good offense. You want to present your partner with documentation related to his release of any proprietary business ideas in exchange for compensation. Such compensation could come in many forms. Depending on your business structure, it may be in your best interests to keep your partner in the business...

This is California of course you can sue. But what are you looking for? Do you want to keep working for this person? Then you need to file a complaint with the State www.dfeh.ca.gov. or Federal www.eeoc.gov. His vacations are irrelevant, however all worktime is paid time. In California non-exempt employees with minor exemptions (approved flex schedules, fee agreements or labor rulings) are entitled to overtime after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Meals an rest periods must be...

Your investment account should come with a TPA: third party administrator services. The TPA can help you walk through the steps and paperwork needed to shut down your account. Your nephew's company may need to send a letter on company letter head that the business is no longer a going concern and that the final tax return has been filed. It would be great if he dissolved the company but dissolution documents should not be required for your situation. If your SDI group does not put you in...

If you are a gathering house like Lexis Nexis you are compiling data that is already advertised into a new format, you have a duty to accurately report information. You are not required to get permission from the owner's of the information you are gathering. It may be a professional courtesy if you are going to display another businesses information on a website, to inform or give the business the ability to opt out. If you have a website and want to link to another website, solicit...

In general, there is no California law that requires you to purchase insurance for your e commerce business. There are several other reasons that you need e-commerce insurance. First, depending on how you conduct business, (sole proprietor, corporation or LLC) will determine your level of personal liability for any claims against your business. If you are a sole proprietor, any claims from your clients are on you personally to resolve. Second, if you ever have a supply contract, lease or...

Are you a merchant? If so, merchant services at your bank may be able to tell you if a check in your possession would clear processing. You can't get bank account activity info using someone's account number and social security number unless you have written signed permission to do so and then you are only able to acquire credit report info, not bank account info. Using a phone line to access account information at a bank across state lines is not a game you want to play. Confronting...

In CA your sexual relationship with your live in boyfriend is a misdemeanor. ( Penal Code 261.5(b)) While it is not likely to be prosecuted, if you get married (a legal marriage) the facts improve and the chances of any criminal actions can be mitigated. The marriage certificate can be applied for at the courthouse and you can have a civil ceremony at that time and plan your church wedding day at your leisure. Congratulations on your pregnancy and make sure that you see your doctor...

The easiest way to open escrow in PA is to go to your bank and have them help you. If your bank has a branch in PA they will be able to get this done for you. You will need to meet with the relationship manager or business account manager. If your bank is unhelpful. Contact a local escrow company and ask if they have an office in PA or a relationship with any PA firms. Good luck and hope your dispute is resolved quickly.

Continue to inform the Landlord. Whenever you notify the Landlord, always do it in writing. The most effective proposal is to ask the Landlord to implement a "no hawking" policy as part of the rules for the tenants. The Landlord has the power and ability to do this. A "no hawking" policy restricts aggressive solicitations that call out, touch or pursue demonstrations, products or services. I have recently put such policies in place for my Landlord clients. You may have other legal...

Hopefully you and your partner will come to a reasonable solution. I recommend that you negotiate the terms and then ask an attorney to help you document your agreement. I just finished revising a Co-Habitation Agreement between an unmarried couple. It provides for support in the event the relationship terminates voluntarily or due to disability or death. The great thing about contracts is that your options are unlimited. Good luck with your future plans.