Studio City Attorney, Joann Deutch • (818)753-9922

As a lawyer with 30 years of experience, I've litigated a lot of mistakes that could have been avoided.  I will help you identify the legal issues, suggest solutions, and provide you with cost-effeective options.

Here are some things I think about when you are telling me about your situtation.

CONTRACTS:

When you're considering drafting a legal document you need to get legal advice first. Together we can prepare your contract.  Other times, you are presented with a contract.  You're not sure what all the terms mean.  You don't know the implications of the legal terms used in the contract. I will review the contract, explain the meaning of all the legal terms and make suggestions for changes.

STARTING A NEW BUSINESS or GROWING AN EXISTING BUSINESS: 

You have a good idea for a business and want to test the marketplace to see if it will attract customers.  You may not be ready to draft formal legal documents at first.  You need to have legal advice to help you understand the "Do's and Don't" of basic business law.  As your business grows, you realize you do need legal advice and legal protection available with a more formal business structure.

Should you file a California corporation?  Should you file an LLC - Limited Liability Corporation? Or will a simple General Partnership Agreement meet your business needs?

WILL YOUR SPOUSE OWN PART OF THE BUSINESS? 

While your mind is on developing your business plan you need to consider whether your spouse or your partners' spouse will have control over business decisions?  That's why a business attorney should advise you to draft a prenuptial agreement.  Even if you are already married or in a civil union, your personal affairs need to be in order. A post nuptial may be necessary. As an attorney with a broad range of experience, I can resolve this issues without you having to go to several different attorneys.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DIE? 

If your business agreement is not carefully drafted the business may go to your business partner, your spouse, or life partner.  This is a decision you should make.  Again as an attorney with years of experfince, I can also prepare a Will or Trust, that will spell out how your business will be handled after your death.

I AM BEING SUED, NOW WHAT?

Every relationship is based upon agreements.  Sometimes they are written, sometimes they are oral agreements.  A lawsuit is filed when the parties no longer agree on who has the duty to carry which responsibilities.  When you sue or get sued, you are turning over the power to a stranger, even if it is a Judge or Jury, and asking them to make very important decisions for you.  Most of us want to control important aspects of our lives.  I agree, and always keep the doors open to negotiations while a  lawsuit is in progress.

♦  Entering into a new business arrangement? - We can develop legal documents.

♦  You already have a contract and think there is a Breach of Contract? You want to work out a settlement or is it too late?

♦  Are you ready to file a Complaint? 
          Lets look at what facts are on your side -  
          What documents support your position?

Calling me is the first step you need to take before
you can make an informed decision.