docu-prep

Patience, Patience, Patience

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 19:01:22 GMT

We know how very challenging the last few months have been for everyone. In the last few weeks courts all across California have started to re-open. Almost all courts are open but with limited services. Those service vary by court and by county. Currently there is no consistency in what services are operating and when they are operating. It is court by court, day by day, county by county.

To say there are delays, would be a gross understatement. The average phone call to a clerks office has an hour and fifteen minute wait time. At some courts, the phones are still not being answered regularly.

Document filings are backed up as the courts are still trying to process all of the documents filed during the COVID-19 closure. Many courthouses are not allowing in person filings yet, so we must file at a drop box set up outside and then check the docket a few times a day to confirm the filing.

I don’t mean for this notice to be all doom and gloom, you have all had enough bad news for a while. But, getting courthouse tasks completed quickly is a bit challenging. Other agencies are also struggling with the chaos of re-opening – IRS, USCIS (immigration), DMV, County Assessors’ office. Please be patient, it is our top priority to manage your filings and process your information.

Please be patient with us, we are pivoting quickly to address the issues. We have increased our delivery services to courthouses, and we are all calling courts and clerks regularly to get answers and information.

We are going to implement our client portal (through the website) during July which will include real time updates on your matter.

We appreciate your business and please know we are working diligently to get your work accomplished!!!

Stay healthy! Wear a Mask!

Jonny is the owner of DocuPrep where she is working to bridge the gap between attorneys and individuals by providing document support services. Her resource blogs are designed to provide you with the necessary tools to organize your information and manage your affairs yourself. Knowledge is Power.

Author: Jonny Morales

Riverside Superior Court – Extends Some Court Closures

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:00:07 GMT

Amid continued concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in an effort to comply with federal, state and local guidelines, the court will be extending the closures of the Corona, Moreno Valley, Temecula and Hemet Courts as well as the Riverside Self-Help Center and the Riverside Records Center from June 15, 2020 through June 26, 2020.

Author: Jonny Morales

The Kid Is Off To College – Are Their Documents In Order?

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 18:58:02 GMT

Congratulations, to the students, and their parents, who have finally completed high school and are heading out to college.

Estate planning for college kids? Yes. Many parents will soon watch their children become adults (at least in the eyes of the law) and leave home to pursue their education and career goals.

Turning 18, graduating high school, and moving out is a huge accomplishment. And it also comes with some serious responsibilities that probably are not at the forefront of their (or your) mind right now. Once your children become legal adults, many areas that were once under your control are now solely up to them.

Let us consider a real-world example of why having an estate plan for a “new” adult is in the best interest of them, and their family. As an example, what if after their 18th birthday, on their way to work or school they are INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT . Who has the ability to answer medical questions, request information from hospital staff, and access financial accounts to keep paying bills in case they are incapable of doing so for themselves?

THE HOSPITAL MAY NOT EVEN BE WILLING TO CONFIRM WHETHER YOUR CHILD IS THERE unless your child has authorized you to speak for them as their agent with a validly executed power of attorney their MEDICAL and FINANCIAL responsibilities. Banks will not allow you access to their accounts, even if you still have the same address as your kid, unless you have a power of attorney authorizing you to do so. Even if your child names you as his or her emergency contact with the school, what if he or she gets taken to an off-campus facility for emergency treatment?

A scary thought to think that the difference between being there entirely for your child one day and completely gone the next, just because of a birthday. To alleviate this concern and to ensure that this example above does not play out for you or your loved ones, you and your young adult need to execute some basic estate planning documents.

Medical Power of Attorney

Medical power of attorney allows your child to name an agent (like you), who has the power to make healthcare decisions for them if they’re incapacitated and cannot make such decisions for themselves. For example, this authority allows you to make medical decisions if your child is knocked unconscious in a car accident or falls into a coma due to an illness.

That said, while a medical power of attorney would give you authority to view your child’s medical records and make treatment decisions, that authority only goes into effect if the child becomes incapacitated. This means that unless your child is incapacitated, you do not have the authority to view their medical records, which are considered private under HIPAA.

HIPPA Authorization

Passed in 1996, the “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act,” or HIPPA, requires health care providers and insurance companies to protect the privacy of a patient’s health records. Once your child becomes 18, no one—even parents—is legally authorized to access his or her medical records without prior written permission.

But this is easily remedied by having your child sign a HIPPA authorization that grants you the authority to access his or her medical records. This can be critical if you ever need to make informed decisions about your child’s medical care.

Living Will

While medical power of attorney allows you to make medical decisions over your child’s ongoing healthcare if they’re incapacitated, a living will provides specific guidelines for how their medical care should be handled at the end of life.

A living will details how they want medical decisions made for them, not just who makes them. But such power only goes into effect if the child is terminally ill, which typically means they have less than six months to live.

Your child may have certain wishes for their end-of-life care, so it’s important you discuss these decisions with them and have such provisions documented in a living will. For example, a living will allows the child to decide when and if they want life support removed if they ever require it. Since these are literally life-or-death decisions, you should document them in a living will to ensure they’re properly carried out.

Author: Jonny Morales

Riverside Superior Court | Court Appearances (Hearings)

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 18:53:25 GMT

The court is beginning to resume hearings in certain case types. When your case is set for a hearing, the court will send you either a Notice of Hearing or Notice of Telephonic Hearing . Review this notice carefully, as it will indicate whether the hearing will be conducted live, in-person or telephonically (by phone).

Note: if your notice instructs you to attend a hearing in-person, you must appear at the courthouse; if your notice instructs to appear telephonically, you must attend by phone. If you are not sure, please contact the court or your attorney, if you have one, for assistance. You may also check the status of your case online .

The attached Word document has more information and links to various web pages for easy reference.

Author: Jonny Morales

Some Fun Stuff

Sun, 31 May 2020 18:51:01 GMT

We are so excited! We have been given the green light, by the City of Palm Springs, to move into our new space at 201 No. Palm Canyon, Suite 220, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

We will begin the move on June 2nd – and will be open for client appointments by June 8th. The space is beautiful; there is free parking, and lots of it, behind the building. There is elevator and stair access. The office is located on the second floor and has a lovely patio for meeting outdoors. (When it isn’t too hot)

We will begin hosting a Wednesday morning coffee hour on June 10th from 10 to 11. There will be coffee and of course pastries and an hour to meet and greet with the team.

While the City has approved the opening, we must follow the COVID 19 protocols. Masks must be worn. If you do not have a mask, we will have masks available. We have increased cleaning protocols and we will have hand sanitizer available for all guests. Team members are healthy and if for any reason a team member displays any symptoms of illness they will not be come to the office. Safety First!

The website is completed thanks to Elizabeth Chester and Kaelen and Karen (although it will always be a work in progress), we have commenced social media and we have lovely new client and future client gifts thanks to Pastry Swan Bakery .

We are committed to developing and growing an inclusive, ethical and transparent business that is consumer focused!

Author: Jonny Morales

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE Master Plan To Restore Court Services

Sun, 31 May 2020 18:46:07 GMT

DocuPrep would like to share the SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE Master Plan to Restore Court Services PDF.

Riverside County Superior Court Master-Plan-Restoring-Court-Services 060120 PDF

Author: Jonny Morales

Courts, COVID And Chaos

Wed, 27 May 2020 18:42:20 GMT

Before COVID 19 the court system was not in the best shape. State and federal budget cuts have resulted in reduced staffing, which mean fewer court clerks, fewer court reporters, reduced security and a general reduction of overall court services. All the while the public has become more litigious. The demand for court services increased while the availability of services decreased.

The courts are also a bit of the last frontier. Due to budget cuts and the age of Judges and lawyers, technology is not always adopted readily, if at all. In essence, Courts are dinosaurs.

Then COVID 19 hit. For the courts, it was like a blow to the gut of a fighter already on the mat. I have been working, in one capacity or another, within the court system for many years, but when San Diego superior court issued an Order in mid-May that 87,000 hearings would have to be rescheduled due to the closure from COVID 19, even I did a double take.

There is however a bit of a shining star in all of this…many courts took the opportunity, perhaps it was more of a message, to begin to utilize technology to improve systems. Most courts are now allowing e-filing. Many hearings are being conducted telephonically. Case management conferences, status conferences, trial setting conferences all being conducted telephonically. This should have happened years ago. Clients pay thousands of dollars for their attorney to appear at a status conference that sometimes results in the lawyer being in the courthouse for 4 hours (and billing that entire time). Now, attorneys will call in for these types of hearing. Depositions are now being conducted electronically. Also, saving a client thousands of dollars.

In the upcoming months, the overcrowding and the new safety regulations will result in significant delays for clients involved in litigation that require in person hearings. However, with the increased use of technology now being utilized by the courts there is hope that ultimately the client will see some benefit.

But…expect the delays and the chaos to be even more than before COVID 19 as all of this gets sorted out. If you have litigation, now is the time to think about mediation and or settlement of your matter.

Our goal at DocuPrep has been to utilize technology so that client services are efficient. We are more than able to work with the courts and attorneys that are working to adapt to the new technology demands. An example of some of the services we offer: DocuPrep is able to provide e-filing for attorneys and clients to all of the courts that now offer it. We can also set up CourtCall for telephonic appearances. Also, DocuPrep will be offering court reporting services, electronic, through videography soon!

Author: Jonny Morales

Four Things To Do Immediately That Will Help You Manage Your Legal Fees

Mon, 18 May 2020 18:40:50 GMT

I speak with people all the time who are frustrated about the cost of legal services. When you hire an attorney, who bills you at $400 an hour (average attorney hourly rate) it does not take long for the amount to become high and unmanageable.

GET A COPY OF YOUR FEE AGREEMENT AND ALL INVOICES AND READ THEM!!
When people raise concerns about their legal billing, I ask them if they have a copy of the fee agreement with the attorney and if they receive monthly invoices. Most of the time, they answer no, to both questions. Get a copy of the fee agreement and get a copy of all invoices. You should have a copy of a signed fee agreement. Ask your attorney’s assistant to send one to you if you do not have a copy. Review that fee agreement. The fee agreement should detail the billing rates of the different team members and the services that will be billed. Are you being charged for copying? There may be additional fees if you call your attorney on the weekend… understand the billing. Then, get a copy of all invoices and REVIEW EACH AND EVERY INVOICE. Make sure it is accurate. If there are any mistakes, create a list and put it in an email and send it to your lawyer, titled BILLING QUESTIONS. Also, tell him you do not want to be charged for asking him/her to clarify their invoicing and specific charges. Look for ways you can reduce charges: excessive phone calls, copying, and disorganized revisions.
BE ORGANIZED WHEN YOU SPEAK WITH YOUR ATTORNEY AND BE EFFICIENT
Instead of calling several times a week create a list of all the issues you need to speak with the attorney about and send a request by email to set up a phone call. In your email request, let him know about the issues you wish to discuss. By doing this, your attorney will gather the information and the documents he needs so that the phone call can be productive and less costly. Keep track of how long you are on the phone call. Make sure the billing on the invoice the next month is equal to the length of time for that phone call.
SPEAK WITH AN ASSISTANT OR PARALEGAL IF POSSIBLE AND APPROPRIATE
Usually assistants and paralegals are billed at a lower hourly rate at a law firm. Example: if the attorney bills at $400 per hour, the paralegal may bill at $175 per hour. So, speak with him/her if possible. If you are asking for updates or if information has been received from the other side, the courts usually have team members that can answer those questions. If you are providing documents to the attorney, they can usually be given to the staff member as well.
DO NOT USE YOUR ATTORNEY FOR DOCUMENT STORAGE
Maintain copies of your entire legal file. You should have a copy of everything your attorney has. You paid for it, and it is your file. Do not put yourself in a position you have to call the attorney for a copy of a document – he/she will charge you for that request. Also, when you have to give documents to an attorney – organize them, scan them, copy them but do not drop off a loose box of records – the attorney will have it organized by a team member and you will be charged for those services.

DocuPrep works with clients and attorneys to organize, scan, bates stamp information for litigation at a much lower price than the average lawyer and law firm.

Author: Jonny Morales

Court Re-Open Dates Updated

Sun, 17 May 2020 18:39:06 GMT

Riverside Superior Court was schedule to open today, May 18, 2020. That Order has been extended and Riverside Superior Court will now re-open on June 1, 2020.

San Diego Superior Court is scheduled to re-open on May 27, 2020.

San Bernardino Superior Court is scheduled to re-open on May 29, 2020.

Los Angeles Superior Court is scheduled to re-open on June 10, 2020.

Orange County Superior Court is scheduled to re-open on May 23, 2020.

Imperial County Superior Court , Brawley and Winterhaven are closed. El Centro is hearing some matters remotely.

Immigration Courts are closed but some matters can be filed online.

The courts are in the process of issuing re-opening requirements and restrictions. Currently It is expected that face coverings will be required. Some courts like San Diego, have already indicated they will be taking the temperature of people entering the courthouse. San Diego Superior Court was scheduled to hear 87,000 hearings during the time it has been closed. Those hearings will have to be re-scheduled when the court re-opens. Anticipate a similar situation in all courts as they re-open. Thousands and thousands of matters will be need to be re-scheduled and calendared around already crowded calendars. EXPECT DELAYS. Expect delays with filings, hearing dates, rulings, securing copies and any other issues needed from the courts. We are experiencing some court chaos and significant delays within the court filing system. We here at DocuPrep continue to follow the shelter in place orders issued by Palm Springs. We are anxious to move into our new space, but we are waiting patiently until we are allowed to do so.

Author: Jonny Morales

Brief Summary Of Estate Planning Documents

Wed, 13 May 2020 18:36:51 GMT

There have been numerous requests for estate planning information. The following is a brief summary documents that might be helpful.

Health Care Powers of Attorney: This is a document where you, as a Principal, can direct a person to make health care choices for you when you cannot make or communicate your own health care decisions. While often physicians will seek health decisions from a spouse or adult children, this document becomes critical when there is no one to make health choices for you or if there is conflict among family members over your care. Your peace of mind is gained by appointing the people you trust to guide your health care.
Advanced Directives: Some people feel very strongly about end-of-life care and choices. For those people, putting those wishes in a legal document ensures that those wishes can be carried out effectively by a Health Care Agent. These decisions range from decisions to be intubated or on a ventilator to receiving artificial hydration and nutrition to burial or cremation decisions to organ donation or autopsy. You gain peace of mind by having these decisions in place; your loved ones have peace of mind knowing they will make the right choices for you.
HIPAA Authorization: This authorization allows other people to receive information about your health status. There may be people that you want to have access to this information; conversely, there may be people that you do not want to have access to this information. This authorization makes it clear who can receive that information and who cannot.
Durable Powers of Attorney: This is a legal document that allows you, as a Principal, to appoint a trusted person, as an Agent, to access your assets or make financial decisions or transactions on your behalf. This document is effective only during your lifetime, which is why it is so important. An Agent’s ability to act for the Principal can be limited to times of emergency such as when you are incapacitated. This document is critical for your Agent’s access to your bank accounts to pay your bills in a time when you cannot. This document is critical for your Agent’s ability to trigger a long-term care insurance policy if you need care. This document is critical for ensuring your taxes can be paid if you cannot pay them. Real estate transactions are almost impossible without this document. This document, when drafted carefully, can offer asset protection so that you can preserve your assets for a spouse or loved ones. Truly, this is one of the most important documents an adult could have.
Wills or Trusts: These legal documents are directives for your loved ones for handling your things. A Will informs others how your assets should be distributed upon your death to your loved ones as the estate passes through a public process called probate. A living trust can be effective during your lifetime, and when it is funded appropriately, it can serve to avoid the probate process and probate fees. A Will or a living trust directs others how to distribute your assets, who can receive those assets, when loved ones can receive those assets, and how much of your assets loved ones can receive. For more information on Wills and Trusts and which one is best you can access resources on the DocuPrep website. You should speak with at estate planning attorney.

DocuPrep can prepare these documents for you, quickly and easily. We work remotely, so you do not have to break shelter in place or stay at home orders. We work with a mobile notary and will come to you for signing. There are documents that must be executed in person and cannot be signed electronically. We will set up a table outside and will execute the documents with only the required number of people and will maintain social distancing.

For more information and additional resources regarding all of the documents listed above you can go to the DocuPrep website. You should also consult with your estate planning attorney.

DocuPrep offers a flat fee for preparation of these documents. They can be purchased separately or as a package.

Preparation is power!

Author: Jonny Morales

Updates To Court Closures And Document Filings

Wed, 06 May 2020 18:30:51 GMT

There have been updates to court closures. The following is a summary:

Riverside Superior Court: As of April 29, 2020 – Extended closure to May 15, 2020
San Diego Superior Court: As of April 29, 2020 – Extended closure to May 26, 2020
Orange County Superior Court: Extended closure to May 22, 2020
Los Angeles Superior Court: Extended closure to May 15, 2020
Imperial County Superior Court: Now closed again to May 17, 2020
San Bernardino Superior Court: Schedule to open May 28, 2020 – may change

We will continue to monitor all State Courts, Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court and updates will be posted on our website. You can check our website for specific information or contact a team member.

The courts have given us varied information on filing documents and clerk and counter services. I have had staff members go into the courthouses (when possible) to get information as often phones are not answered or we are getting mixed information.

For those of you waiting on filings and or court documents to be signed and returned, it is case by case. I will reach out to each of you in the next few days to discuss the specifics of your matter and the status with the courts.

On a positive note Deed and Title recordings are continuing. The Riverside recorder’s office has increased some services available online, so we are able to continue to record deeds and to obtain copies of necessary documents.

As a team, we continue to work remotely. We have upgraded technology and have increased our Box document services so that the team is better able to work remotely. I participated in a Palm Springs town hall with Mayor Kors and Rep. Ruiz on May 5, 2020, where the specifics of re-opening were discussed and outlined. We will be in our new space as soon as the Palm Springs shelter in place order is lifted.

Client Meetings are being conducted by telephone, Go To Meeting, Zoom, Skype, Google Team, FaceTime. We are working with the following companies/applications: Box, Clio, Docu-Sign, Adobe to assure secure document preparation and storage.

Diana Roseman is our mobile notary for estate planning and Title signings. She is working and available. DocuPrep is now a member of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you and stay healthy and stay home!

Author: Jonny Morales

Document Preparation And Management During The COVID 19 Crisis

Wed, 06 May 2020 18:28:02 GMT

The DocuPrep team is working diligently to implement proper procedures for document preparation and management during the COVID 19 crisis and the stay at home orders. Our document management program is BOX, a program used by thousands of corporations throughout the globe. Companies such as Toyota, Boeing, Blue Shield, Coca-Cola just to name a few. Today we attended (virtually, of course) a full day seminar – BOX summit – as it was called – to continue our training on document management, sharing, preparation and storage of client data.

As we move forward in this world of working remotely and using and accessing data remotely it is critical that we maintain the utmost security and data protection for our clients. By associating with companies like BOX we can assure that data integrity.

It is my plan that at least one day a week for the next few weeks, our team will participate in training in all areas related to working remotely and properly managing our company and our client’s cases.

Thank you and stay healthy and stay home!

Author: Jonny Morales