With the cost of living rising between groceries, housing, gas, and everyday expenses, many are feeling financial pressure and ending up in debt. Here in San Diego, the cost of living remains one of the highest in the country, which makes it easy to accumulate debt while keeping up with necessities and unexpected emergencies. Practical […]
Planning a wedding in San Diego is exciting — from choosing a venue with ocean views, finalizing menus, planning the guest list, music, and the list goes on… But amid all the fun details, one important topic often gets overlooked: the prenuptial agreement. I know, it’s not nearly as glamorous as flowers or cake tastings. […]
As a family law attorney, I do see the effects of untreated mental health conditions. This is a good reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. Mental health struggles don’t just impact the individual, it can affect the whole family and society. Mental health can affect family law, criminal law, and […]
In looking for legal representation, you generally have two options: either an attorney who specializes in one area of the law or a general practitioner. With a specialized attorney, you may get more expertise on the subject but with a general practitioner, such as the Law Offices of Ian S. Topf, APC, you can get […]
In this segment, we will discuss how debt in one spouse’s name is generally presumed by the public to be the sole and separate obligation of that spouse and how that presumption is often wrong. In assessing whether a debt obligation in one spouse’s name is truly just the responsibility of that spouse, we first […]
Shocking News Flash: A breakdown of one’s marriage and debt usually go hand in hand. Money issues can lead to separation and separation between married people can lead to substantial debt issues. Debt does not go away when a couple separates; it merely sits in wait, ready to pounce as the next woe to be […]
Wedding season is coming around the corner and more couples are contemplating a pre-marital agreement (commonly called a “Prenup”), especially those marrying later in life and millennials (with their parents in their ears). In the old days, prenups were for the wealthy. Nowadays, with the divorce rates constantly on the rise and the corresponding expense […]
Lately, I have been getting requests regarding terminating a tenancy. What is a tenant to do when facing the end of their lease or if there’s a desire either by the landlord or tenant to terminate the lease early? More importantly, and the most frequently asked question on this matter: what’s going to happen to […]
Are you facing a legal issue and hesitating at the idea of retaining an attorney? Everyone knows that hiring an attorney can be expensive, overwhelming, and stressful. However, some people have a legal resource they either forgot about or didn’t even know they had in the first place, which can take much of the apprehension […]
Common situations I come across with bankruptcy inquiries:“I want to file for bankruptcy but I don’t want to lose my car.”“I have a mortgage that I’m able to pay but I’m struggling. Would I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?” Filing for bankruptcy relief generally relieves a debtor from substantial personal economic liabilities […]