Recent articles by Kevin Pratt.http://www.trcb.com/en-Us60Thu, 9 Feb 2012 18:39:31 ESTCopyright 2012 Kevin Pratt, TRCB.com All Right Reservedhttp://www.trcb.com/relationships/divorce/divorce-and-real-estate-property-transfer-what-you-need-to-know-40.htmIf you are recently divorced or in the process of getting divorced and the agreement calls for a real property transfer by quit claim deed, do not delay this task. If your future ex-spouse has agreed to sign a quit claim deed to the house, do it now. If you wait until you need to sell or refinance the house, your ex may not be cooperative, or creditors or the IRS may have intervened.Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:04:08 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/relationships/divorce/divorce-and-real-estate-property-transfer-what-you-need-to-know-40.htmTRCB.comRelationships / Divorcehttp://www.trcb.com/legal/llc/the-nuts-and-bolts-of-a-llc-1782.htmYou have worked for someone else your entire life and you are ready for a change. Forming a business does not seem like an easy process and keeping up with one seems even harder. Starting your own Limited Liability Company (LLC) may be the answer for you.Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:25:25 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/llc/the-nuts-and-bolts-of-a-llc-1782.htmTRCB.comLegal / LLChttp://www.trcb.com/legal/corporations-llc-s-corporation/put-your-great-idea-to-practice-1756.htmAs a motivated and self-sufficient individual, you would love to work for yourself. Great business ideas constantly come in and out of your head, but after lots of thought you have dismissed them.Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:16:39 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/corporations-llc-s-corporation/put-your-great-idea-to-practice-1756.htmTRCB.comLegal / Corporations-LLC-S-Corporationhttp://www.trcb.com/legal/bankruptcy-debt/considering-bankruptcy-1696.htmEvery morning when you wake the same thing happens - you get out of bed with feelings of anxiety. You ask yourself "how many debt collectors will contact me today and what will I tell them this time?" You know you have been working harder than ever to get out from under your debt.Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:12:18 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/bankruptcy-debt/considering-bankruptcy-1696.htmTRCB.comLegal / Bankruptcy & Debthttp://www.trcb.com/legal/criminal-law/criminal-trouble-1695.htmYou are sitting at home on the couch scratching your head wondering how you got yourself in this mess. Spending the last few hours staring at yellow tickets that were issued to you has not helped; instead you have become more and more frustrated. Replaying the events that led up to your arrest has given you nightmares every night.Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:12:13 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/criminal-law/criminal-trouble-1695.htmTRCB.comLegal / Criminal Lawhttp://www.trcb.com/news-and-society/pure-opinion/gwinnett-county-judge-winegarden-integrity-1693.htmIf integrity, justice, experience, and character are important to you, vote for Judge Winegarden. The unknown person that posted the false negative information about Judge Winegarden must simply be a political plant. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:35:25 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/news-and-society/pure-opinion/gwinnett-county-judge-winegarden-integrity-1693.htmTRCB.comNews and Society / Pure Opinionhttp://www.trcb.com/legal/bankruptcy/should-i-file-bankruptcy-1632.htm"Should I file bankruptcy" is a very common question. Although Americas bankruptcy laws date back to the 1800's, deciding to file is much more common today than at anytime in the history of our country.Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:05:02 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/bankruptcy/should-i-file-bankruptcy-1632.htmTRCB.comLegal / Bankruptcyhttp://www.trcb.com/legal/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-as-an-option-1633.htmIn times of current economic hardship, many of us have hit the wall and we feel as though we are out of options. No matter how hard we work and how hard we push ourselves to strive and succeed, things beyond our control throw us into an economic downward spiral. Unexpected loss of employment, illness, or business failure may have you considering Bankruptcy. If you feel you have gotten in over your head, filing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy may be a great option.Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:04:56 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-as-an-option-1633.htmTRCB.comLegal / Bankruptcyhttp://www.trcb.com/legal/bankruptcy/filing-for-bankruptcy-you-are-not-the-only-one-836.htmWhen you consider filing for bankruptcy it is important to know that you are not the only one with a difficult financial situation. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:29:47 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/bankruptcy/filing-for-bankruptcy-you-are-not-the-only-one-836.htmTRCB.comLegal / Bankruptcyhttp://www.trcb.com/legal/collections/squeaky-wheel-gets-the-grease-713.htmIf you have a small business, perhaps a construction company or material supplier, you know what its like to provide your services or deliver your materials and then not get paid. Its frustrating. You paid your employees. You paid your suppliers. Why cant you get paid? You know the person or company that owes the money is still doing business. The debtor is receiving money, there just not giving any to you. Why?Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:53:23 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/collections/squeaky-wheel-gets-the-grease-713.htmTRCB.comLegal / Collectionshttp://www.trcb.com/legal/estate-planning/estate-planning-so-you-can-decide-who-will-inherit-your-assets-714.htmEstate planning is the process of deciding how to effectively transfer your assets, at death, and during your lifetime. Without proper Estate Planning you could unnecessarily lose a sizable portion of your estate to taxes. While avoiding taxes is an obvious reason for Estate Planning, a more important reason may be in its ability to allow you to direct the transfer of your assets after death. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:52:40 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/estate-planning/estate-planning-so-you-can-decide-who-will-inherit-your-assets-714.htmTRCB.comLegal / Estate Planninghttp://www.trcb.com/business/entrepreneurialism/how-to-start-a-business-715.htmEveryone has dreamed of owning their own business. The thoughts include not having a boss, setting your own schedule, doing something you love, and unlimited income potential.Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:48:58 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/business/entrepreneurialism/how-to-start-a-business-715.htmTRCB.comBusiness / Entrepreneurialismhttp://www.trcb.com/legal/lemon-law/georgia-lemon-law-2008-384.htmThe State of Georgia has recently revised its laws regarding the repair and replacement of certain troubled vehicles purchased in Georgia.Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:36:57 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/lemon-law/georgia-lemon-law-2008-384.htmTRCB.comLegal / Lemon Lawhttp://www.trcb.com/legal/laws/probation-violation-386.htmWhen resolving a criminal charge it is very common for a defendant to accept a conviction in exchange for a sentence to serve jail time associated with the conviction on "probation." Defendants often accept probated sentences because is eliminates the risk of going to trial and, if convicted, serving time in jail.Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:36:44 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/laws/probation-violation-386.htmTRCB.comLegal / Lawshttp://www.trcb.com/legal/laws/georgia-foreclosure-law-update-385.htmThe Georgia Legislature enacted important changes in the mechanics related to the foreclosure of real property in Georgia during the 2008 session.Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:36:31 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/laws/georgia-foreclosure-law-update-385.htmTRCB.comLegal / Lawshttp://www.trcb.com/business/entrepreneurialism/how-to-start-a-business-58.htmEveryone has dreamed of owning their own business. The thoughts include not having a boss, setting your own schedule, doing something you love, and unlimited income potential. Most start up businesses start with a dream, but most fail or struggle along because of improper or no formal planning or operational structure. So, think about items below to become a successful business owner.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:33:39 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/business/entrepreneurialism/how-to-start-a-business-58.htmTRCB.comBusiness / Entrepreneurialismhttp://www.trcb.com/business/solo-professionals/major-drawbacks-of-sole-proprietorship---it-could-cost-you-more-than--business-53.htmA sole proprietor has unlimited liability and responsibility for the debts and obligation of the business. The owner's personal assets, including his or her home are at risk to the creditors of the business. Sole proprietors also have more difficulty obtaining institutional financing for growth. A sole proprietor is also not allowed a broad deductibility of medical insurance premiums as is an LLC or Incorporation.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:33:13 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/business/solo-professionals/major-drawbacks-of-sole-proprietorship---it-could-cost-you-more-than--business-53.htmTRCB.comBusiness / Solo Professionalshttp://www.trcb.com/legal/lawsuits-lawyers/small-claim-defense--what-to-do-when-there-is-a-lawsuit-against-you-52.htmThe most essential thing for you to do when you get sued in small claim court is to gather information, tips and strategy to successfully defend your case. You need to know how to build your case through details of what is expected and presented as evidence. In today's economy, it appears that with the increase in number of foreclosures, job losses, and economy recession, number of new small claim lawsuits are on the rise.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:32:46 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/lawsuits-lawyers/small-claim-defense--what-to-do-when-there-is-a-lawsuit-against-you-52.htmTRCB.comLegal / Lawsuits & Lawyershttp://www.trcb.com/real-estate/buying-a-home/the-hidden-benefits-of-buying-property-with-a-florida-llc-54.htmWithout question the Limited Liability Company has become the most popular business form for small and growing business throughout the United States. Because of its tax benefits, flexibility, lack or required formalities, and personal legal liability protection from business debts and liabilities, it has surpassed the Corporation as the entity of choice.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:32:16 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/real-estate/buying-a-home/the-hidden-benefits-of-buying-property-with-a-florida-llc-54.htmTRCB.comReal Estate / Buying a Homehttp://www.trcb.com/legal/1031-exchange/the-1031-exchange-valuable-wealth-building-tool-57.htmReal estate is considered the most valuable wealth building way to accumulate assets. In today's real estate market, it might be the best time for take advantage of some of the good deals in the market. The buyers and investors can take advantage of the program offered by Treasury Department called 1031 tax-deferred exchange. No gain or loss is recognized if property held for productive use in trade or business or for investment, is exchanged solely for property of a like kind to be held for investment.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:31:44 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/1031-exchange/the-1031-exchange-valuable-wealth-building-tool-57.htmTRCB.comLegal / 1031 Exchangehttp://www.trcb.com/legal/real-estate-deeds/what-kind-of-deed-do-i-want-to-receive-when-buying-or-selling-a-property-56.htmA deed is a legal document which conveys ownership to real property. To transfer ownership of the real property to another, the owner/ Grantor must execute a new deed identifying the property and the Grantee/buyer of the property. To be valid between the Grantor and the Grantee, the deed is not required to be recorded. To be valid against the world, and to protect the Grantee, a deed must be recorded in the records of the County where the property is located.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:31:21 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/real-estate-deeds/what-kind-of-deed-do-i-want-to-receive-when-buying-or-selling-a-property-56.htmTRCB.comLegal / Real Estate Deedshttp://www.trcb.com/finance/credit-counseling/defense-of-credit-card-lawsuits-55.htmWhether or not you are believe the news media about a declining US economy, one thing is for sure, debt collectors are actively filing suits to collect debts. One large collection firm based out of Atlanta has indicated that they file an average of 279 collection lawsuits per day.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:30:53 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/finance/credit-counseling/defense-of-credit-card-lawsuits-55.htmTRCB.comFinance / Credit Counselinghttp://www.trcb.com/legal/estate-planning/estate-planning---so-you-can-decide-who-will-inherit-your-assets-59.htmEstate planning is the process of deciding how to effectively transfer your assets, at death, and during your lifetime. Without proper Estate Planning you could unnecessarily lose a sizable portion of your estate to taxes. While avoiding taxes is an obvious reason for Estate Planning, a more important reason may be in its ability to allow you to direct the transfer of your assets after death.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:30:25 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/estate-planning/estate-planning---so-you-can-decide-who-will-inherit-your-assets-59.htmTRCB.comLegal / Estate Planninghttp://www.trcb.com/legal/bankruptcy/filing-for-bankruptcy-a-fresh-start-51.htmThere is nothing to be ashamed of when you consider filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy should be viewed as a fresh start, a way to revive your financial situation and start over again. When money is tight and your household is experiencing a crisis, sometimes your best option is to consult with an attorney to learn more about your options and possibility of filing for bankruptcy.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:29:42 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/bankruptcy/filing-for-bankruptcy-a-fresh-start-51.htmTRCB.comLegal / Bankruptcyhttp://www.trcb.com/legal/real-estate-deeds/quit-claim-deed-a-quickly-transfer-your-property-to-a-family-member-50.htmOne of the most common ways to transfer property from one family member to another is with the quitclaim deed commonly referred to by the misnomer "quick claim deed". The quitclaim deed is usually the best way to "add" a family member or spouse to the title of a property.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:29:14 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/legal/real-estate-deeds/quit-claim-deed-a-quickly-transfer-your-property-to-a-family-member-50.htmTRCB.comLegal / Real Estate Deeds