Stephen E. Hyam and Debbie H. Petito traveled to Spain to attend the MSI Global Alliance international conference. MSI Global Alliance is a group of small to mid-sized law and accounting firms worldwide who can work together to provide global services to their clients. (Below is...
On September 17, 2019, attorney Debbie Petito spoke at “Revenge of the Caregivers,” a seminar hosted by the Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA), on the topic of Trusts and Estates. Prior to the seminar, attorney Tiffany Halimi, was presented an award for being the Co-Chair of...
These can be the first words of someone who has just been accused of giving (or taking) a bribe. We all know what a bribe is—the corrupt public official, the dark alley, the cash in an envelope—all provided to influence some official act -- and...
Many affluent clients are considering making sizeable gifts to family members prior to the end of 2012 in order to take advantage of the current federal gift tax exemption of as much as $5,120,000 ($10,240,000 for couples) less any amount previously used. The exemption is...
That's a question no company wants to ask. To avoid having to ask that question, most businesses—small, large and in-between—have policies, procedures and internal controls designed to deter and detect employee fraud. Your company, no doubt, has policies and procedures to make sure your employees...
A Comparative Analysis of Estate Planning for Married Couples’ Estates This article provides a general overview of the concept of “portability” in estate planning for married couples. It compares traditional trusts to portability-enabled trusts, bringing to light key advantages and disadvantages of both. The best choice...
Michele B. Friend was installed as Secretary of the American Academy of Attorney – Certified Public Accountants (“AAA-CPA”) on July 6, 2019. She is also President of the Southern California chapter of the AAA-CPA. Michele is also a member of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers,...