Strangest Wills of All Time

Estate planning is typically a serious matter, with most wills being viewed as solemn and straightforward documents. However, history has its share of those that are anything but ordinary. From quirky requests to strange stipulations, some individuals have used their wills to express creativity and leave behind an unconventional—yet memorable—legacy. These distinctive demands are not only amusing but also underscore the significance of thoughtful estate planning. This article will examine some of the oddest estate planning choices of all time.

The billionaire who left 12 million to her dog

  • Leona Helmsley, a billionaire hotelier famously known as the “Queen of Mean,” caused a media storm when she left $12 million to her beloved Maltese dog, Trouble, after her death in 2007. However, a judge later reduced the amount to $2 million, as it was considered excessive. The funds were intended to ensure Trouble’s care, including a full-time security team due to death threats made against the dog. Trouble lived out the rest of her life comfortably, though on a reduced budget

Random inheritance

  • In one of the more unusual inheritance stories, Luis Carlos de Noronha Cabral da Camara, a Portuguese aristocrat, left his estate to 70 random strangers chosen from a Lisbon phone book. With no close family or friends, he made this unconventional choice when drafting his will in 1988. When he passed away in 2007, the selected beneficiaries were notified, many of whom initially thought it was a joke.

Mustache condition

Englishman Henry Budd who died in 1862 became famous for odd stipulation in his will. He left a significant inheritance to his sons with one peculiar condition: neither of them was ever allowed to grow a mustache.

Using a will to get even with a spouse

Samuel Bratt saw his chance to settle a score with his wife after his passing in 1960. Since she never allowed him to smoke during his lifetime, his will had a requirement that she would inherit £330,000 ($509,025) on one condition: she had to smoke five cigars a day.

Long wait “spite clause“

Industrialist Wellington Burt took inheritance delays to a whole new level. His will dictated that his heirs would have to wait 21 years after the death of his last surviving grandchild who was alive at the time of his death. This resulted in his heirs waiting 92 years before they could access his wealth.

A cat mansion

  • Dusty Springfield, an English singer who died in 1999, ensured that her beloved cat, Nicholas, would live in luxury after her death. Her will included detailed instructions, such as playing Nicholas’s favorite songs, feeding him imported baby food, and creating a specially furnished room for him, complete with a cat tree and a bed lined with Dusty’s nightgown.

Guinness World Record richest cat

  • In 1988, British antiques dealer Ben Rea left £7 million ($12.5 million) to his cat, Blackie, making him the world’s wealthiest cat—a record that still stands. Rea directed that his fortune be shared among three cat charities, with instructions to care for Blackie for the rest of his life.

Buried in a Pringles can

  • Fredric J. Baur, the inventor of the iconic Pringles can, passed away in 2008 and was cremated. Honoring his unique request, his family placed part of his ashes inside a Pringles can before burial.

Consult an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

Whether you have traditional plans in mind, or whether you are looking to do something unique like some of the unusual choices discussed in this article, we are here to help! At David Knecht Law, we have extensive experience in estate planning and can help you create the plan that is just right for you and your loved ones. We focus on serving Vacaville and Fairfield clients. Contact us today at 707-451-4502.

  

Filed Under: California Estate Plan, Digital Estate Plan, Estate Planning, Fairfield Attorney, Fairfield Lawyer, Living Trust , Living Will, Probate Lawyer, Trust Administration Attorney , Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

Are Holographic Wills Valid in California?

A question that many aging adults have is whether a handwritten will is legally enforceable in California. This type of will is known as a holographic will, which is a written document written by hand (not typed on an electronic device device) without witnesses. This article delves into the legal analysis of holographic wills in California, providing an in-depth look at the relevant laws and a notable case, Newman v. Casey, which sheds light on this topic.

Legal Framework for Holographic Wills in California

In California, holographic wills are indeed recognized as valid under certain conditions, as outlined in California Probate Code § 6111. To be considered valid, a holographic will must meet the following criteria:

  • Handwritten and Signed by the Testator: The entire will or the material provisions must be in the handwriting of the testator. Additionally, the testator must sign the document.
  • Intent: The will must clearly indicate that the document is intended to serve as the testator’s will.
  • Date: While not strictly necessary, including the date is advisable. An undated holographic will can present complications if there is a question about its timing relative to other wills.

These requirements make holographic wills a viable option for individuals who prefer a simple and informal way of expressing their final wishes. However, due to the lack of formality, holographic wills can lead to disputes and legal challenges, particularly if the language is ambiguous. In California, while there is no strict limit on the situations in which a holographic will can be valid, it is essential that the document meets the fundamental requirements of handwriting, signature, and intent to be recognized by the court.

Newman v. Casey: A Landmark Case

Newman v. Casey, the landmark case involving holographic wills, was decided by the California Court of Appeal in 1995 and provides precedent regarding the validity of holographic wills. In this case, the court examined the holographic will of Jere P. Casey, which was contested by Patricia Newman and others.

Facts of the Case: Jere P. Casey wrote a holographic will that left his estate to his partner, Patricia Newman, and others. The will was handwritten, signed by Casey, and included material provisions that specified the distribution of his assets. However, the will lacked a date, leading to a dispute over its validity.

Court’s Decision: The court upheld the validity of Casey’s holographic will. It emphasized that while the absence of a date could complicate matters, it did not invalidate the will as long as the document clearly demonstrated the testator’s intent and was signed by the testator. The court found that Casey’s handwritten document met the essential requirements under California law.

Implications: The ruling in Newman v. Casey reaffirmed that the core elements of a holographic will—handwriting, signature, and clear intent—are paramount. It also highlighted that while the absence of a date may complicate matters, it does not necessarily render the will invalid unless there are competing wills or other disputes about timing.

Consult the Law Office of David Knecht

Even though a holographic will is a simple solution, there are typically limitations and weaknesses of a holographic will that make them less effective for estate planning than other more formal tools. Consulting with an experienced estate planning firm, such as the Law Office of David Knecht, can help address potential issues and ensure that your will meets all legal requirements. Seeking legal counsel is particularly important to minimize the risk of disputes and ensure clarity in the document. Contact us today at (707) 451-4502. Our experienced team is ready to assist you.

Filed Under: California Estate Plan, Estate Planning, Fairfield Attorney, Fairfield Lawyer, General

California Divorce 50/50 Custody Schedules

A 50/50 custody schedule, where parents share equal time with their child, is common in California. A 50/50 custody arrangement can be an ideal solution when both parents live close to one another and can easily coordinate schedules, ensuring the child maintains a stable routine. However, there are cases where couples cannot meaningfully share custody due to the distance between their residences. Co-parenting has become a prevalent reality for millions of parents in the U.S. A study published in Demographic Research discussing coparenting trends reveals that the percentage of divorces resulting in joint custody increased significantly from 13 percent in 1985 to 34 percent in the early 2010s with even more sharing custody today.

This article will focus on custody plans for parents who both live in California and discuss some of the most common 50/50 custody plans. Each of these options offers different benefits and challenges, depending on the child’s age, the parents’ work schedules, and their ability to cooperate.

Understanding Common 50/50 Custody Schedules

  1. 2-2-3 Plan: In this schedule, one parent has the child for two days, the other parent has the child for the next two days, and then the child returns to the first parent for a three-day weekend. The following week, the schedule reverses.
  • This plan works well for younger children who benefit from frequent contact with both parents.
  • It requires parents to live close to each other and maintain consistent communication.
  • It can be challenging for scheduling because one parent will have children on Monday and Tuesday for one week and then Wednesday and Thursday another week.
  1. Alternating Weeks: This plan involves the child spending one full week with one parent, followed by a full week with the other parent.
  • One benefit of this plan is fewer transfers and interactions with the other parent at transfers.
  • This plan provides a stable routine, especially for older children who can handle longer periods away from each parent.
  • However, it might be challenging for younger children who may struggle with not seeing one parent for an entire week.

 

  1. 3-4-4-3 Plan: In this schedule, the child spends three days with one parent, four days with the other parent, and then four days with the first parent, followed by three days with the second parent.
  • This plan balances the time spent with each parent over two weeks, providing more extended periods with each parent while still allowing for regular transitions.
  • This plan can be confusing since it is alternating.

Factors to Consider

Creating a successful 50/50 custody schedule requires careful consideration of several factors:

  • Child’s Age and Needs: Younger children often benefit from shorter, more frequent contact with both parents, while older children might prefer longer periods with each parent to establish routines. Consider the child’s school schedule, extracurricular activities, and any special needs.
  • Parents’ Work Schedules: A 50/50 custody schedule must align with both parents’ work commitments. Flexibility and a willingness to accommodate changes are essential to ensure the schedule works for everyone involved.
  • Parental Cooperation: A key to making any custody schedule work is effective communication between parents. The success of a 50/50 schedule depends on both parents’ ability to cooperate, make joint decisions, and prioritize the child’s well-being over any personal conflicts.
  • Distance Between Parents’ Homes: The closer the parents live to each other, the easier it is to manage a 50/50 custody schedule. Long distances can create logistical challenges, especially when considering the child’s school and social activities.

Legal Considerations

California courts prioritize the child’s best interests when determining custody arrangements. While a 50/50 schedule is common, it must be deemed beneficial for the child. Factors such as each parent’s living situation, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the ability to provide a stable environment all play roles in the court’s decision. Additionally, if parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court may order a custody evaluation to assess the situation. The evaluator’s report can significantly influence the court’s final decision.

Getting Professional Help

Consulting with an experienced family law attorney can assist you navigating the complexities of child custody in a divorce. The attorneys here at the Law Office of David Knecht we are experienced in all aspects of family law and can help you. Contact us today at 707-451-4502.  

Filed Under: Divorce Attorney, Divorce Lawyer, Fairfield Attorney, Fairfield Lawyer, Family Law, Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

Is A Living Trust the Right Tool for Your Inheritance?

When planning for the future, ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes is a critical step. One popular tool for estate planning in California is the revocable living trust. But is it really the best way to pass on your inheritance? Let’s explore the benefits and considerations of using a living trust, integrating insights from recent discussions and guides with information sourced from The Motley Fool.

What is a Revocable Living Trust?

A revocable living trust is a legal entity created to hold ownership of your assets. Unlike a will, which only takes effect after you die, a living trust is operational during your lifetime and can be altered or revoked at any time.

Benefits of a Living Trust

  1. Avoiding Probate: One of the most significant benefits of a living trust is that it helps your estate avoid probate. Probate is the legal process through which a will is validated and the deceased’s assets are distributed. This process can be lengthy, costly, and public. By placing assets in a living trust, you can bypass probate, allowing for a quicker and more private distribution of assets to your beneficiaries.
  2. Flexibility and Control: A living trust provides flexibility and control over your assets. You can specify how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance, which can be particularly useful if you have minor children or beneficiaries who may not be able to manage large sums of money responsibly.
  3. Incapacity Planning: A living trust also offers protection if you become incapacitated. If you are unable to manage your affairs due to illness or injury, your designated successor trustee can step in and manage the trust on your behalf without the need for court intervention.
  4. Privacy: Wills become public record once they go through probate, exposing your financial affairs to public scrutiny. A living trust, on the other hand, remains private, protecting your family’s privacy and financial information.

Considerations and Drawbacks

While living trusts offer many benefits, they are not without their drawbacks and considerations:

  1. Cost and Complexity: Setting up a living trust can be more expensive and complex than creating a will. There are upfront costs for drafting the trust document and ongoing costs for managing the trust. Additionally, you must retitle your assets into the name of the trust. The complexity and cost are key considerations to weigh against the benefits.
  2. Ongoing Management: A living trust requires active management. You need to ensure that any new assets acquired are transferred into the trust.
  3. Not Always Necessary: For some people, particularly those with smaller estates, the benefits of a living trust may not justify the costs and complexity. In such cases, other estate planning tools, such as a will combined with payable-on-death accounts and beneficiary designations, might be sufficient. Financial Samurai suggests evaluating your specific situation to determine if a living trust is the best solution.

When is a Living Trust the Best Option?

A living trust may be the best option if you:

  • Own property in multiple states, as it can simplify the transfer process and avoid probate in each state.
  • Have a complex family situation, such as children from multiple marriages, where you need to clearly outline your wishes to avoid disputes.
  • Want to ensure privacy for your estate and avoid the public process of probate.
  • Have minor children or beneficiaries who may not be able to manage their inheritance responsibly.

Contact a California Estate Planning Attorney

A living trust can be a powerful tool for estate planning in California. To determine if a living trust is the best way to pass on your inheritance, it’s essential to consider your unique circumstances and consult with an experienced estate planning attorney. At the Law Office of David Knecht, we have extensive experience in creating tailored estate plans that meet your specific needs and goals. Contact us today at 707-451-4502 to discuss whether a living trust is right for you and how we can help secure your legacy.

Filed Under: California Estate Plan, Estate Planning, Estates, Fairfield Attorney, Living Trust , Trust Administration Attorney , Vacaville Lawyer

California Infant Custody Laws

Are you considering a divorce,  but you are worried about what will happen to your infant?  Although divorce is never easy, you can at least take comfort in the fact that the state’s laws are based on a standard that puts the child first:  the best interest of the child.

What is the best interest of the child?

There are many factors a judge could consider to determine what is in the best interest of the child.  These include the child’s age and health, the emotional ties to each parent and other caretakers, and each parent’s physical and emotional ability to care for the child.  These are just a few of the many factors that can roll up into the best interest of the child analysis.  

What are some factors specific to babies that a court may consider?

If a child’s health, safety and welfare are the most important priorities, then some issues specific to babies will likely be extremely important.  For example, important considerations might be whether your child is breastfed or bottlefed, the safety of the baby’s living environment, and whether both parents are capable of providing for an infant’s needs.  Infants  need much more hands-on care and careful supervision than older children, so those infant-specific needs will be part of the court’s analysis.   Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules to allow a prediction of exactly how a judge would rule in a case, but we can predict many of the factors that will likely be considered.

What is the difference between legal infant custody and physical infant custody?

Most people have heard about custody, but there are actually two types of custody:  legal custody and physical custody.  Legal custody is a parent’s authority to participate in decisions about a child’s health, welfare and education.  Physical custody is the child’s physical presence with the parent. 

Is the decision about my child’s custody always in the hands of the judge?

Many parents come to an agreement between themselves about child custody.  Sometimes a mediator is used to facilitate the negotiations.  If the parents can reach an agreement, then the next step is to take that agreement to the judge who will approve it if it is in the best interest of the child.  

Do you need to talk to a lawyer about the custody of your infant?

If you have questions or concerns about the custody of your infant or would like a consultation on any divorce related legal issue, contact the Law Office of David Knecht.  We have extensive experience in all aspects of family law and can answer your questions.  Contact us at 707-451-4502 for more information.  

Filed Under: Custody Laws, Fairfield Attorney, Vacaville Attorney

Trust Auto Accident Attorneys to get you out of Misery

Auto accidents claim hundreds of lives every year. You could also be injured to an extent where you are hospitalized for a long time. Other people lose their source of livelihood and are forced to depend on their next of kin. An accident could leave you traumatized. Suddenly, you are faced with a huge hospital bill. This coupled with the fact that you were the family’s sole breadwinner can lead to a lot of emotional pressure. There is reprieve in the knowledge that you are entitled to some form of compensation. 

In order to wage a good fight for compensation, you need the help of auto accident attorneys. Here is a look at how an experienced lawyer can get you out of misery:

  • Legal assistance: An auto accident attorney is a professional who has gone to school and gained the relevant legal knowledge. Law is such a broad subject. Most attorneys prefer to specialize in respective areas such as divorce, personal injury and auto accidents. By engaging an accident attorney, you will get a chance to fight for your rights. The attorney will confront the insurance company as well as the vehicle owner. If no settlement can be arrived at, the attorney will push for the matter to go to court. Once the case is before a judge, your attorney can seek for compensation on your behalf.
  • Loss of income: When you are injured as a result of an auto accident, you may not be able to continue working as before. The injury requires medical attention. Upon leaving hospital, you have to stay at home in order to recuperate. All this time, your family will be deprived of an income which they rely on in order to survive. A good and experienced attorney will bring this to the attention of the judge and press for an adequate compensation. This is meant to cushion your family from the exposure of not having an income. It will also help keep all of you above the water.
  • Medical bills: Nowadays, most people use medical insurance to take care of their hospital visits. The nature of injuries sustained can deal a big blow to your cover or even exhaust it totally. Apart from the hospital fee, you have to pay doctors and finance the cost of drugs. Even after being discharged from hospital, you may require specialized care. All these should not have arisen had the person driving the car that hit you been extra careful. By extension, it is his/her responsibility to take care of you. With an attorney, you can claim a refund of what you have spent.
  • Suffering: Nothing can be equated to what you have been going through after the accident. You have been through a lot of pain, trauma and sometimes, feelings of hopelessness.  In order to help you get back on your feet, auto accident attorneys will see to it that the courts award you a reasonable settlement.

 

Filed Under: Fairfield Attorney, Fairfield Lawyer

What Makes a California Lawyer You Can Trust

At David Knecht Law, we focus on providing our clients with honest and reliable legal services. Whether you are in need of a lawyer for family law or a lawyer for estate planning, our experienced team is here to help. We are one of the leading law firms in the Vacaville area. Our attorneys are here to guide you through your legal case, ensuring you have the right team on your side to provide you with sound advice. When you are facing any legal case, it is important to do your research and find a lawyer who will focus on offering a number of options, while encouraging you with your endeavors. Here are four things you need to consider as you seek out legal counsel.

Lawyer Experience and Expertise

One of the things you need to discuss with the lawyer is the amount of experience they have with cases similar to yours. While some lawyers have experience in multiple facets of family law, do all of them have experience with difficult divorce cases? Do they have experience in the courtroom with cases like yours? How about cases dealing with child custody issues? It is vital to spend time looking for someone who has dealt with cases like yours, and has had successful outcomes.

Communication Skills

Another thing to look for with legal cases is to focus on an attorney with excellent communication skills. If you have someone that doesn’t do well in handling communication via email, phone, or text, you may want to consider a different lawyer. It pays to hire someone you know will answer your calls and will be diligent in replying to you. If the lawyer doesn’t respond in a timely manner, it can lead to frustration and a general wondering of what is happening. Some law firms have legal assistants who will focus on replying to general inquiries and making sure their clients are in the know.

Discuss Legal Fees

The legal fees of the law firm are another important element to consider as you look at your options. Some law firms will charge for each email, text message, and phone call. Other law firms do a flat rate fee. It all depends on your case, and what you need from the law firm. Typically law offices will have you come in for a free consultation about your case, and will determine the fee amount based on the potential outcomes of your case.

Look at Client Reviews

Another way to know you have a good lawyer is to look at their client reviews. What are people saying about them? How well have they worked for other clients in the past? It is important to look into online reviews, and ask around to hear word of mouth and find out what people think about them in the area. Check with the California Bar Association as they too have information about the attorney and their win-loss record along with client reviews.

Consult with several attorneys before you hire someone to represent you. Failure to find the right lawyer can leave you in a difficult situation. It pays to work with experienced, trustworthy professionals who always put you first. Contact the Law Offices of David Knecht today to schedule a consultation.

 

Filed Under: Fairfield Attorney, Fairfield Lawyer, Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

4 Reasons David Knecht is The Right Vacaville Family Attorney

When it comes to finding the right Vacaville attorney, it is vital to go beyond a Google search to identify the right person. Hiring an attorney to represent your legal rights is one of the most important decisions you will make. Family law matters require a person you can trust, and one that will have your best interest in mind when representing you. Here are four reasons why David Knecht is the Vacaville attorney you need to represent your legal rights:

  1. Effective Communication
  2. Experience 
  3. Ethics
  4. Fees

Effective Communication with an Attorney

One of the main signs of a good attorney is one who always returns your phone calls and focuses on making sure you are in the loop. Communication problems are one of the biggest issues people cite when working with attorneys. With over three decades of family law experience, David Knecht knows how vital it is to keep the lines of communication open with clients. A good attorney will provide information about case progress. Here are some things to discuss when you meet with various attorneys:

  • What legal options available for my case?
  • What should the strategy be to approach my case?
  • What is the timeline to move forward?
  • How often will you communicate with me?
  • What type of communication methods are available and when can I expect updates on my case?

While it is expected for an attorney to be busy, it is important to know that most attorneys have several people working with them and part of their role is to assist in case updates.

Experience in Family Law

Hiring an ethical attorney is vital to your case! In 2019 alone, there were 300,000 family law petitions filed in the state of California. With family law being filled with a variety of different attorneys, how do you know you have chosen the right one?

A good attorney will have years of experience handling similar cases to yours. Family law is a complex matter. Seek out a lawyer with a skillset in your particular area. For some people, this means looking for an attorney who not only specializes in divorce cases, but also handles child custody. List out your needs to make it easier to find the right attorney for your needs.

One simple mistake such as failing to file a lawsuit on time can derail your entire case. Do yourself a favor and meet with multiple attorneys so you can be sure you have chosen someone you know you can trust.

Finding an Ethical Family Law Attorney in Vacaville

Going along with experience, you need to seek out the attorney you know will represent you ethically. David Knecht has built his firm on the foundation of trust and ethics. We don’t use improper tactics to try and win a case. We work directly with our clients to ensure we are putting together an ethical case with your best interests in mind. Some additional elements to consider about your attorney include:

  • Ability to maintain client confidence
  • Represent clients with undivided loyalty
  • Represent clients within the bounds of the law
  • Place client interests above their own

California has a disciplinary agency to ensure all attorneys are meeting the correct standards. A good attorney won’t be found on this site as they are always making sure they are practicing within the correct parameters of the law.

Read through our testimonials to learn for yourself how David Knecht maintains high client-attorney trust. We are proud to provide honest and fair family law services for Vacaville and surrounding communities.

Fair Legal Fees

When you are dealing with family law, you should always be able to understand the legal fees. When you hire an attorney, be upfront with them about your case and what you are expecting. Some of the common complaints people have about legal matters include:

  • Expensive bills
  • Bills are not itemized
  • Feeling that attorney is being paid too much for an inadequate job
  • Feeling that the paralegals did more work than the attorney
  • Nickel and diming the bill for every text message, short phone call, and other contact with the attorney or paralegals

As we have been in family law for many years, we know how infuriating it is for a client to have a large bill with no clarification or knowledge about the bill. We always discuss our legal fees with you directly so you know what to expect. In California, a written retainer is required in order to make sure all clients have a written retainer that discloses the billing system and charges. We show how you will be billed, itemize the statement, and make sure clients understand all charges. If you ever have a question pertaining to legal fees, please contact us directly at 707-451-4502.

The Law Offices of David Knecht is dedicated to providing you with the best family law services in the state. We are proud of our reputation, and always put our clients’ needs first. Contact our office to schedule a consultation or contact our office today at 707-451-4502!

Filed Under: Fairfield Attorney, Family Law, General

3 Most Important Things to Avoid After Being Charged with DUI

Drunk driving continues to be one of the most serious crimes in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about 1.5 million people are arrested yearly for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. First-time offenders are not always prepared to handle the legalities that start when they have been charged with a DUI. Hiring a good attorney is one of the most important things you can do as you navigate the next steps to take.

Not Contacting a DUI Attorney

Many people aren’t sure what they should and should not do following a DUI charge. In some states, you can make your situation worse by doing the breathalyzer test or volunteering information to law enforcement. An attorney will be able to help you understand what you should and should not do so you don’t make the charges worse. DUI laws are complex and do require in-depth knowledge of the legal system.

An experienced and skilled DUI attorney will have experience with cases similar to yours and will be able to create a case strategy that provides a favorable outcome. The judges are another thing to consider as some are tougher on different types of DUI cases, so you do want an attorney who has dealt with the judges previously. The right attorney knows how to effectively present the information to the court in a way the judge prefers. Always make sure you are protected and do yourself a favor and hire an experienced DUI attorney.

Social Media

After you have been charged with a DUI, avoid social media. Make sure you have set your social media account to private so the information on your accounts cannot be used against you. Unfortunately, many people make their situation worse with pictures and postings showing you with drugs or alcohol on the night of the arrest. Prosecutors often use social media accounts and pull the incriminating photos to use against you in court. Not only do the images on the account hurt your case, they can also damage your reputation. Even if you are innocent, photographs and posts are not the information you need circulating about you. Do yourself a favor and avoid social media in the wake of a DUI arrest and do not post anything!

Acting Nonchalant

Following a DUI arrest, you need to take the situation seriously. Unfortunately, too many people act nonchalant after the arrest and assume their attorney will swoop in and take care of everything. If you haven’t taken a moment to write down everything that has occurred, you can make your attorney’s job extremely difficult to negotiate the best deal possible. Here are some things you need to work on following a DUI stop:

  • When and where were you when you were stopped?
  • Why did the officer stop you?
  • Did you take a breath test? What did the device look like?
  • Did you tell the officer anything about what you ate or drank?
  • What tests did the officer do in addition to the breath test? Did you do a eye tracking test, talk and turn, and one leg stand?

Taking a few minutes to go over everything and writing it down can help your attorney work on your case. The Law Offices of David Knecht Law in Vacaville has extensive experience in criminal law. Our team is here to help. Contact our office for a consultation.

Filed Under: DUI, Fairfield Attorney, Fairfield Lawyer

3 Characteristics of The Best Divorce Attorneys

What makes the best divorce attorney in Vacaville? When you are searching for the right person to represent you and your rights, it pays to do a little research. At David Knecht Law, we represent your legal rights and focus on ensuring your voice is heard in the court of law. Here are our three recommendations as to what makes a good attorney.

Communication

The MOST important quality of a good divorce attorney is having the ability to communicate with their clients. If you meet your attorney once, and never hear from them again, except when it’s time to pay the bill, you did not choose the right person. You can tell if the attorney will be difficult to deal with based on how they interact with you. If they always cut you off before you finish a sentence, or they do not explain things clearly, move on. 

Compassion

Divorce is one of the most difficult things to deal with, and many clients are not emotionally ready to start making challenging, life-altering decisions. No matter how amicable the relationship is between you and your ex, it is important to cover yourself and make sure you are making the right decisions. Your attorney will show empathy for your situation, but they will also be compassionate to you and will help you through this journey. Their job is to focus on helping you navigate through the divorce and they will do so without judgement or disrespect. 

During the time you are going through the divorce, your attorney will help you to make informed decisions. Their goal is to ensure you have the right information needed to determine certain choices pertaining to retirement accounts, cars, homes, debt, and more. Make sure you hire someone you know you can trust to protect you during this time!

Availability 

Another good characteristic of a divorce attorney is how available they are to their clients. Do they return your phone calls, emails, and text messages? Is it easy for you to get in for an appointment? A good attorney will make their clients a priority, and that shows in how they treat you.

At the Law Offices of David W. Knecht, we are here to protect your legal rights. If you are dealing with a divorce in the Vacaville area, we are here to help. Our legal professionals have extensive experience practicing family law. Let us represent you. 

Filed Under: Divorce Lawyer, Fairfield Attorney
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