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Featured Story: BETTER STORAGE MEANS BETTER COFFEE October 22, 2013 |
 Ever wonder why gourmet and specialty coffee shops serve the best and, not to mention, the most expensive cups of coffee?
It’s a known fact that coffee is best served when it’s at its freshest. Freshness is a big deal especially in the coffee business...
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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query California. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query California. Sort by date Show all posts
Posted on
Sunday, February 10, 2013
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Unlicensed California drivers may cause more fatal car accidents
A similar report was also recently released by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. This study ranked Los Angeles at the top of cities with significantly high accident rates for pedestrians and bicyclists.
According to a California Department of Motor Vehicles report, unlicensed drivers are more likely to cause car accidents and serious injuries. The finding is being welcomed by immigration advocates in support of arguments favoring the issuance of driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.
The report contains analyzed data collected from fatal car accidents over a 23-year period. The DMV found that unlicensed motorists, mostly between the ages of 20 and 29 years old, are three times more likely than licensed motorists to cause a fatal auto accident.
A similar report was also recently released by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. This study ranked Los Angeles at the top of cities with significantly high accident rates for pedestrians and bicyclists.
In terms of the ongoing debate related to immigration, advocates believe California would benefit if undocumented immigrants were given an opportunity to train and test for driver's licenses.
With additional training, the thought is that otherwise unlicensed drivers would be better equipped to navigate the roads, thus reducing the number of eventual incidents that lead to accidents and injuries. Opponents, meanwhile, insist that handing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants is a national security risk.
With additional training, the thought is that otherwise unlicensed drivers would be better equipped to navigate the roads, thus reducing the number of eventual incidents that lead to accidents and injuries. Opponents, meanwhile, insist that handing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants is a national security risk.
However, the hope is that the findings do not become a platform for any political agenda, as the issue is really about public safety and how to lower accidents, especially those caused by unlicensed drivers. The DMV's report recommends encouraging testing and impounding vehicles as possible solutions.
(Written by Vee Dela Casa for Law Offices of Lee Arter, Feb. 4, 2013. For the U.S. published version, click here)
About The Author
Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.
Tags: DMV, car accident, immigration
Posted on
Monday, February 25, 2013
Originally written for Day, Day and Brown, posted 18 Feb, 2013
Tags: California, Orange County, drunk driving, DWI, death, killed at the scene, vehicular manslaughter, over the legal blood-alcohol limit
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Alcohol and driving just don’t mix. This is especially true in a state known for having so much pedestrian traffic like California. The state is dubbed as one of the most dangerous for fatal pedestrian accidents and hit-and-runs according to recent independent studies. Despite repeated warnings and an increased police effort, many are still engaging in drunk driving and more are suffering from wrongful death incidents.
Victims of negligence and reckless driving should seek the advice of a legal professional for assistance. Financial compensation is available to victims and their families for medical expenses, loss of wages and the pain and suffered brought on by the possible loss of a loved. A related fatal accident story in Orange County which resulted in the death of three relatives is making headlines throughout California.
A 40-year-old Orange County man was arrested in connection to the deaths of three women on their way home from a baby shower. The man is twice over the legal blood-alcohol limit when his car hit the pedestrians. A 56-year-old woman was killed at the scene while her daughter and niece, both 21-years-old, were rushed to a nearby emergency but later died of their serious injuries. The accused driver and a female passenger were also injured.
Police told sources that the man saw the women but failed to stop in time, barely slowing down only before striking the three at high speeds. The impact caused massive and severe injuries that caused their deaths.
Three counts of vehicular manslaughter causing death with gross negligence while intoxicated were laid against the man. The Orange County district attorney’s office also filed two other felony counts of DWI. Other charges are also being prepared. If convicted, he could face 12 years and eight months in state prison. He is being held on a $500,000 bail. An arraignment is already scheduled.
Victims of negligence and reckless driving should seek the advice of a legal professional for assistance. Financial compensation is available to victims and their families for medical expenses, loss of wages and the pain and suffered brought on by the possible loss of a loved. A related fatal accident story in Orange County which resulted in the death of three relatives is making headlines throughout California.
A 40-year-old Orange County man was arrested in connection to the deaths of three women on their way home from a baby shower. The man is twice over the legal blood-alcohol limit when his car hit the pedestrians. A 56-year-old woman was killed at the scene while her daughter and niece, both 21-years-old, were rushed to a nearby emergency but later died of their serious injuries. The accused driver and a female passenger were also injured.
Police told sources that the man saw the women but failed to stop in time, barely slowing down only before striking the three at high speeds. The impact caused massive and severe injuries that caused their deaths.
Three counts of vehicular manslaughter causing death with gross negligence while intoxicated were laid against the man. The Orange County district attorney’s office also filed two other felony counts of DWI. Other charges are also being prepared. If convicted, he could face 12 years and eight months in state prison. He is being held on a $500,000 bail. An arraignment is already scheduled.
About The Author
Victor Dela Casa is
a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business
professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international
trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry.
Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours
Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and
working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes
firm.
Originally written for Day, Day and Brown, posted 18 Feb, 2013
Tags: California, Orange County, drunk driving, DWI, death, killed at the scene, vehicular manslaughter, over the legal blood-alcohol limit
Posted on
Originally written for Lee Arter Personal Injury, posted on 20 Feb., 2013
Tags: negligence and drunk driving, Super Bowl, zero tolerance policy, tragic fatal accident
Read More
You can’t have a major sporting event in America without the prerequisites: plenty of food, good people and, of course, an unlimited supply of alcohol. This year’s Super Bowl marks the first time in almost two decades that a California team returns to the “big game” which was held in New Orleans.
As Bourbon Street happily welcomed Tailgaters America for a good ole Creole feast of jazz music, rye whiskey and crayfish jambalaya, the mix of Super Bowl excitement and southern merriment can lead to a tragic fatal accident the next morning like one that happened to a Los Angeles couple on their way back from watching the game live.
The aunt and uncle of San Francisco’s very own Delanie Walker were killed the day after the Super Bowl in an early morning crash on Interstate 10. They were the victims of what police believes to be a case of negligence and drunk driving.
According to sources, the couple, from Pomona in Los Angeles County, where driving back to California when they stopped on the shoulder of the interstate. The accused drunk driver veered off the highway into the victims. Both vehicles burst into flames. The accused got out only with minor injuries but the couple was found dead after the fire was put out.
Investigators believed that the Texas woman was impaired at the time of the accidents. The woman is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. She is currently held in a local Parish prison.
Alcohol-impaired driving accounts for the death of more than 10,000 people in 2010. California and Texas leads the U.S. for the most reported cases and deaths. Despite, efforts to encourage designated driving, bar key-keeping and a zero tolerance policy for all drunk drivers, the cases are increasing each year.
As Bourbon Street happily welcomed Tailgaters America for a good ole Creole feast of jazz music, rye whiskey and crayfish jambalaya, the mix of Super Bowl excitement and southern merriment can lead to a tragic fatal accident the next morning like one that happened to a Los Angeles couple on their way back from watching the game live.
The aunt and uncle of San Francisco’s very own Delanie Walker were killed the day after the Super Bowl in an early morning crash on Interstate 10. They were the victims of what police believes to be a case of negligence and drunk driving.
According to sources, the couple, from Pomona in Los Angeles County, where driving back to California when they stopped on the shoulder of the interstate. The accused drunk driver veered off the highway into the victims. Both vehicles burst into flames. The accused got out only with minor injuries but the couple was found dead after the fire was put out.
Investigators believed that the Texas woman was impaired at the time of the accidents. The woman is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. She is currently held in a local Parish prison.
Alcohol-impaired driving accounts for the death of more than 10,000 people in 2010. California and Texas leads the U.S. for the most reported cases and deaths. Despite, efforts to encourage designated driving, bar key-keeping and a zero tolerance policy for all drunk drivers, the cases are increasing each year.
About The Author
Victor Dela Casa is
a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business
professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international
trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry.
Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours
Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and
working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes
firm.
Originally written for Lee Arter Personal Injury, posted on 20 Feb., 2013
Tags: negligence and drunk driving, Super Bowl, zero tolerance policy, tragic fatal accident
Posted on
Monday, April 15, 2013
At age 15, Combrink was raped by a boy she'd known since middle school, and when she told her friends what had happened, she says they turned on her, posting ugly messages online and sending texts accusing her of lying about the assault.
"I never actually attempted suicide, but there was a time when I considered it," Combrink told Crimesider. "I was so depressed and felt so hopeless. I felt like a zombie walking down the halls at school, with everyone staring at me, and judging me."
In just the last five days reports have surfaced of two teen girls - Rehtaeh Parsons and Audrie Pott - who both committed suicide after allegedly being raped and then having pictures of the sexual assault distributed electronically among their peers.
Their cases echo the recent Steubenville rape case, where two Ohio teen boys were convicted of rape after photos of the victim on the night of the assault went viral, with hashtags like #rape and #drunkgirl accompanying the shared images.
On Thursday, three teen boys were arrested for sexual battery against Pott, a California 15-year-old who was allegedly raped in September 2012, and then subjected to further shame and humiliation when photos of the assault reportedly went viral. She killed herself eight days later.
In an interview with Crimesider, Citron said that as it becomes easier to post or text or comment on a photo, sexual cyber-bulling and cyber-stalking is becoming "more pervasive, more common, and more acceptable."
"It's not getting better, it's getting worse," she said.
New York City high school junior Temitayo Fagbenle told Crimesider that when she and her friends talked about the social media postings that the Steubenville victim was subjected to after her assault, they said they were glad the case was getting attention because "things like this happen all the time."
Fagbenle is a member of WNYC's Radio Rookies and late last year produced a segment entitled "Sexual Cyberbullying: The Modern Day Letter A."
"It's so easy to just click and share on Facebook," says Fagbenle, 17. "People don't understand their part as a bystander. People think, 'I'll just comment but I'm not involved.' But in that interaction, you're becoming a bully."
Citron says that she believes law enforcement generally lacks understanding and training about the realities of how the old problem of so-called "slut-shaming" and blaming rape victims for things like how they dress or what they drank has evolved in the digital age.
That may, however, be changing. Trent Mays, one of the two teens convicted of rape in the Steubenville case, was also convicted of using a minor in nudity oriented materials and sentenced to an extra year in juvenile detention because he sent the photo of the victim in various states of undress.
"Calling it 'bullying' almost trivializes it," says Citron. "What happened to Audrie Pott is a profoundly serious crime."
Anna Combrink agrees. After her rape, she says she was depressed and struggled to rebuild her sense of self, and being attacked online made it so much worse.
"It broke my heart when I heard about Rehtaeh," she says. "I know exactly what she was feeling. It's such a dark hole to climb out of."
Sex is a good thing...but not like this...never like this.
Source: CBS News
Read More
 |
| Rehtaeh Parsons |
The downside of cyberspace and cellular technology: Rehtaeh Parsons and Audrie Potts were victims of rape and cyber-bullying in what is a growing trend among teens. Maggots are being schooled to run the world someday.
For 21-year-old Texas college student Anna Combrink, the suicide of Rehtaeh Parsons, the Canadian teen who hung herself after allegedly being raped and cyber-bullied, hit very close to home.
For 21-year-old Texas college student Anna Combrink, the suicide of Rehtaeh Parsons, the Canadian teen who hung herself after allegedly being raped and cyber-bullied, hit very close to home.
At age 15, Combrink was raped by a boy she'd known since middle school, and when she told her friends what had happened, she says they turned on her, posting ugly messages online and sending texts accusing her of lying about the assault.
"I never actually attempted suicide, but there was a time when I considered it," Combrink told Crimesider. "I was so depressed and felt so hopeless. I felt like a zombie walking down the halls at school, with everyone staring at me, and judging me."
In just the last five days reports have surfaced of two teen girls - Rehtaeh Parsons and Audrie Pott - who both committed suicide after allegedly being raped and then having pictures of the sexual assault distributed electronically among their peers.
The downside of cyberspace and cellular technology: Rehtaeh Parsons and Audrie Potts were victims of rape and cyber-bullying in what is a growing trend among teens. Maggots are being schooled to run the world someday.
Their cases echo the recent Steubenville rape case, where two Ohio teen boys were convicted of rape after photos of the victim on the night of the assault went viral, with hashtags like #rape and #drunkgirl accompanying the shared images.
On Thursday, three teen boys were arrested for sexual battery against Pott, a California 15-year-old who was allegedly raped in September 2012, and then subjected to further shame and humiliation when photos of the assault reportedly went viral. She killed herself eight days later.
 |
| Audrie Potts |
Will the teens also be charged for sending photos of the alleged assault? Sexual cyber-stalking expert Danielle Citron doubts it.
"Law enforcement is behind the times on this," says Citron, a professor at the University of Maryland Frances King Carey School of Law and the author of the upcoming book "Hate 3.0: The Rise of Discriminatory Online Harassment and How to Stop It."
"Law enforcement is behind the times on this," says Citron, a professor at the University of Maryland Frances King Carey School of Law and the author of the upcoming book "Hate 3.0: The Rise of Discriminatory Online Harassment and How to Stop It."
In an interview with Crimesider, Citron said that as it becomes easier to post or text or comment on a photo, sexual cyber-bulling and cyber-stalking is becoming "more pervasive, more common, and more acceptable."
"It's not getting better, it's getting worse," she said.
New York City high school junior Temitayo Fagbenle told Crimesider that when she and her friends talked about the social media postings that the Steubenville victim was subjected to after her assault, they said they were glad the case was getting attention because "things like this happen all the time."
Fagbenle is a member of WNYC's Radio Rookies and late last year produced a segment entitled "Sexual Cyberbullying: The Modern Day Letter A."
"It's so easy to just click and share on Facebook," says Fagbenle, 17. "People don't understand their part as a bystander. People think, 'I'll just comment but I'm not involved.' But in that interaction, you're becoming a bully."
Citron says that she believes law enforcement generally lacks understanding and training about the realities of how the old problem of so-called "slut-shaming" and blaming rape victims for things like how they dress or what they drank has evolved in the digital age.
That may, however, be changing. Trent Mays, one of the two teens convicted of rape in the Steubenville case, was also convicted of using a minor in nudity oriented materials and sentenced to an extra year in juvenile detention because he sent the photo of the victim in various states of undress.
"Calling it 'bullying' almost trivializes it," says Citron. "What happened to Audrie Pott is a profoundly serious crime."
Anna Combrink agrees. After her rape, she says she was depressed and struggled to rebuild her sense of self, and being attacked online made it so much worse.
"It broke my heart when I heard about Rehtaeh," she says. "I know exactly what she was feeling. It's such a dark hole to climb out of."
Sex is a good thing...but not like this...never like this.
Source: CBS News
Keywords: sexual cyberbullying among teens, teen suicides
About The Author
Victor Dela Casa
is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business
professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international
trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry.
Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and
Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in
the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a
multi-national business processes firm.
Posted on
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
The process of adoption is a long, tedious process that costs money. California’s family law provisions allow for such legal adoptions to qualified parents in the state. In Orange County, depending on the type of company or firm used to make the adoption, the process can cost potential parents tens of thousands of dollars.
So it comes as no surprise that many parents are resorting to using social media instead of conventional means. Sites such as Facebook’s Marketplace or Youtube provide opportunities to biological and adoptive parents to connect get to know each other and arrange the adoption – and it only costs a fraction of what it would cost if parents go through an agency.
Often, parents create a page where they can post media content. This is the means by which they introduce themselves to other parents who are looking to either adopt or offer their child up for adoption.
Experts however warn parents about potential issues with this unconventional method. While it may work for some families as it expands the search, this method presents certain risks to parents. One issue experts worry about is how social media sites handle privacy. While most sites do have good privacy settings, most parents tend to ignore these settings. As a result, information posted online end up getting used against posters.
The FBI has investigated certain cases wherein the birth mom involved tricked families into paying expenses without any intention of actually handing over the child. Experts warn that the internet have vulnerabilities that make scams easier.
According to experts, anyone taking this course should involve a legal professional immediately who knows the many adoption scams in the country. The adoption process involves many, often tricky, legal documents that necessitate parents and legal professionals to confirm information. The process also needs a legal professional to review and sign any legal documentation.
Adoption may cost money but if done right, it is money well-invested. A legal professional may prove helpful during adoption to avoid all other family legal issues that may arise.
Read More
So it comes as no surprise that many parents are resorting to using social media instead of conventional means. Sites such as Facebook’s Marketplace or Youtube provide opportunities to biological and adoptive parents to connect get to know each other and arrange the adoption – and it only costs a fraction of what it would cost if parents go through an agency.
Often, parents create a page where they can post media content. This is the means by which they introduce themselves to other parents who are looking to either adopt or offer their child up for adoption.
Experts however warn parents about potential issues with this unconventional method. While it may work for some families as it expands the search, this method presents certain risks to parents. One issue experts worry about is how social media sites handle privacy. While most sites do have good privacy settings, most parents tend to ignore these settings. As a result, information posted online end up getting used against posters.
The FBI has investigated certain cases wherein the birth mom involved tricked families into paying expenses without any intention of actually handing over the child. Experts warn that the internet have vulnerabilities that make scams easier.
According to experts, anyone taking this course should involve a legal professional immediately who knows the many adoption scams in the country. The adoption process involves many, often tricky, legal documents that necessitate parents and legal professionals to confirm information. The process also needs a legal professional to review and sign any legal documentation.
Adoption may cost money but if done right, it is money well-invested. A legal professional may prove helpful during adoption to avoid all other family legal issues that may arise.
About The Author
Victor Dela Casa
is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business
professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international
trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry.
Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and
Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in
the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a
multi-national business processes firm.
Posted on
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Popular celebrities are not immune to financial troubles and difficulties. Even a Grammy-winning singer from one of the country’s greatest musical families can suffer the blows of bad money decisions made on their own or by financial advisers hired to manage wealth and royalties.
Fortunately, there are bankruptcy laws that protect people with financial challenges allowing for a fresh start.
Such is the case of Ms. Dionne Warwick whose hits like the 80’s ballad “That’s What Friends Are For,” is well known and loved throughout the country. Despite having one of the most soulful voices during her heyday that earned her millions of dollars, the embattled singer filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in the state of New Jersey recently.
Ms. Warwick listed total assets of $25,500 and total liabilities of more than $10.7 million with nearly all being tax claims from California. Her monthly expenses exceed her total income. This is all attributed to financial mismanagement.
Representatives for Ms. Warwick told sources that the debts are attributed to a bad business manager who was fired years ago. They also told reporters that the singer already paid more than the principal debt and most of the amounts owed to taxes were interests that piled up when the singer were proposing a repayment plan but was rejected.
For more than 50 years, the five-time Grammy winner has topped music charts in the 1980s and 1990s building a highly successful career. Her recent stint in television hasn’t gone well and may have caused damage to her legacy. Representatives believe that she is still an in-demand artist who will be able to easily bounce back.
Bankruptcy is an effective tool that helps people going through the stress of a difficult financial situation find their footing again and attempt a brand new start with their finances. Those who are going through the same is encouraged to speak to a legal professional who could provide accurate information and sound advice on bankruptcy matters and debt solutions.
Read More
Fortunately, there are bankruptcy laws that protect people with financial challenges allowing for a fresh start.
Such is the case of Ms. Dionne Warwick whose hits like the 80’s ballad “That’s What Friends Are For,” is well known and loved throughout the country. Despite having one of the most soulful voices during her heyday that earned her millions of dollars, the embattled singer filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in the state of New Jersey recently.
Ms. Warwick listed total assets of $25,500 and total liabilities of more than $10.7 million with nearly all being tax claims from California. Her monthly expenses exceed her total income. This is all attributed to financial mismanagement.
Representatives for Ms. Warwick told sources that the debts are attributed to a bad business manager who was fired years ago. They also told reporters that the singer already paid more than the principal debt and most of the amounts owed to taxes were interests that piled up when the singer were proposing a repayment plan but was rejected.
For more than 50 years, the five-time Grammy winner has topped music charts in the 1980s and 1990s building a highly successful career. Her recent stint in television hasn’t gone well and may have caused damage to her legacy. Representatives believe that she is still an in-demand artist who will be able to easily bounce back.
Bankruptcy is an effective tool that helps people going through the stress of a difficult financial situation find their footing again and attempt a brand new start with their finances. Those who are going through the same is encouraged to speak to a legal professional who could provide accurate information and sound advice on bankruptcy matters and debt solutions.
About The Author
Victor Dela Casa
is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business
professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international
trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry.
Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and
Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in
the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a
multi-national business processes firm.
Posted on
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Read More
Wrongful death lawsuit filed against NFL
The National Football League can add another lawsuit to its growing list of lawsuits from former players suffering from concussion-related brain injuries. Junior Seau's family sued the league for wrongful death weeks after results of a report that confirmed suspicions that the future Hall of Fame inductee may have suffered a neurodegenerative brain disease as a result of two decades of repeated, often-undocumented concussions.
Seau, who spent most of his career in San Diego and Southern California, fatally shot himself in the chest last year. His death raised concerns over the effects of concussions on the well-being of the league's former players. This started a wave of lawsuits against the NFL.
The lawsuit filed in the San Diego County Superior Court alleges that the NFL, although well aware of the risks involved, deliberately concealed certain information from players while continually marketing the violent nature of the sport.
Seau apparently changed significantly over the last years of his life, making bad business decisions and being depressed and indifferent toward his family. His behavioral changes were allegedly an effect of the chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, that was only recently diagnosed by experts.
Sources indicate that his family is currently not claiming any financial compensation, but wants NFL to acknowledge fault, to care more for its former players and to make the sport safer. American football has recently faced a lot of heat. Nicknamed "America's Game," it is widely regarded as the most popular sport in the country.
This might change if ferocity of the game is toned down for safety reasons. Some players are now trying out newly developed Kevlar linings designed to minimize impacts in their helmets. They hope that new technology will help salvage the sport's damaged reputation.
Concussions could possibly cause serious brain injury. These injuries can have lasting effects on people and death may even be the result. Depending on the outcome of these types of lawsuits, the NFL could find itself increasingly liable for the financial consequences of these injuries to players.
Written by Vee Dela Casa for the Law Offices of Lee Arter, February 4, 2013. For the U.S. published version, click here)
About The Author
Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.
Posted on
Monday, March 25, 2013
Valentine’s Day is popular among hopeless romantics to profess their love for their significant others. In fact, each year, many men go down on their knees in the most unique, awkward or lavish of settings to pop that big question: “Will you marry me?” While the act of proposing is seen as a romantic gesture, it actually sets off wedding plans and, of course, legal issues as well.
Experts agree that prior to proposing, a soon-to-be-groom should consider what legal consequences a lifetime commitment such as marriage may bring to the table. Often, it is wise to think about seeing a legal professional first and discuss how a prenuptial agreement may be of benefit in addressing certain concerns.
One such concern is the question of who retains engagement rings once the engagement and the ensuing marriage ends in a break-up or, later, divorce proceedings -- a popular issue often raised by women. Fact is that a lot of couples go to court over this token of love and once symbol of affection.
Weddings aren’t just a big fancy day where couples choose to say their “I dos.” It is also a legal contract that joins together the lives of two individuals and gives them certain legal protections, especially on financial matters. Engagement and wedding rings, as well as other jewelries, are included in a marital financial matter.
In California for example, engagement rings are considered conditional gifts based upon an agreement to marry. The rule is that whoever called the breakup forfeits their claim on the ring. If the breakup is unanimous, the purchaser has entitlement to recover while in an amicable breakup, both parties can discuss or reach a compromise on how to deal with the jewelry.
A prenuptial or a postnuptial agreement may be more useful in divorce proceedings. Once the conditions for gifting the rings have been met and marriage has been established, this becomes a marital property. Without a legally recognized agreement to specify conditions on such assets, the court may order the couple to liquidate and split off the proceeds or it may encourage both to reach an agreement on who takes the ring home.
Read More
Experts agree that prior to proposing, a soon-to-be-groom should consider what legal consequences a lifetime commitment such as marriage may bring to the table. Often, it is wise to think about seeing a legal professional first and discuss how a prenuptial agreement may be of benefit in addressing certain concerns.
One such concern is the question of who retains engagement rings once the engagement and the ensuing marriage ends in a break-up or, later, divorce proceedings -- a popular issue often raised by women. Fact is that a lot of couples go to court over this token of love and once symbol of affection.
Weddings aren’t just a big fancy day where couples choose to say their “I dos.” It is also a legal contract that joins together the lives of two individuals and gives them certain legal protections, especially on financial matters. Engagement and wedding rings, as well as other jewelries, are included in a marital financial matter.
In California for example, engagement rings are considered conditional gifts based upon an agreement to marry. The rule is that whoever called the breakup forfeits their claim on the ring. If the breakup is unanimous, the purchaser has entitlement to recover while in an amicable breakup, both parties can discuss or reach a compromise on how to deal with the jewelry.
Experts agree that prior to proposing, a soon-to-be-groom should consider what legal consequences a lifetime commitment such as marriage may bring to the table. Often, it is wise to think about seeing a legal professional first and discuss how a prenuptial agreement may be of benefit in addressing certain concerns.
A prenuptial or a postnuptial agreement may be more useful in divorce proceedings. Once the conditions for gifting the rings have been met and marriage has been established, this becomes a marital property. Without a legally recognized agreement to specify conditions on such assets, the court may order the couple to liquidate and split off the proceeds or it may encourage both to reach an agreement on who takes the ring home.
About The Author
Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.
