All posts by kierstensnumber1

Americans love fish. The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention report that at least 20% of adults in the United States “consumed seafood at least two times per week.” 

One problem with dining out and ordering fish is that mislabeling is highly common, even in high-end or specialty sushi restaurants. Wild salmon have a pink hue, a color that naturally develops from eating krill. However, menus usually do not distinguish between wild salmon and farmed salmon, which are fed kibble, a combination of ground chicken and soybean which turns their color gray. The fish are then dyed pink in order to be presented as the shade they would be if they were wild. It’s a step that is necessitated by the fact that gray fish doesn’t look all that appetizing, and if restaurant-goers knew that they would be served gray farmed salmon, they would likely never order it. 

The life of salmon is fascinating and gruesome. Spawning salmon change color to attract a mate. In what is known as a salmon run, the fish swim upstream in order to lay their eggs in shallow, safer water. It’s a taxing trip that can be fatal for some who die in their attempts to make it through. Annual runs are significant opportunities for predators to catch prey. Soon after spawning, the salmon deteriorate, essentially dying a slow death through exhaustion and resource deprivation. 

Salmon runs are a spectacle to behold. Witnessing it alone can be haunting. The species seems to have an extreme philosophy when it comes to death and reproduction as if their lives have little to no utility once the next generation has been brought forth. Salmon don’t just risk their lives to reproduce, they give up their lives for it. 

Many religions and cultures believe that death is integral to the circle of life. In his Stanford Commencement address, Steve Jobs said that he would look at himself each day in the mirror and ask himself if he would want to do what he would be doing that day if it were his last day on earth.  

Most people avoid questions surrounding death until they speak to a wills and trust attorney in Orange County with expertise in trusts, estate plans, power of attorney, living wills, probate, guardianship, and more.

No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

— Steve Jobs, 2005

Burris Law helps people plan for the future of their assets and the legacy of their life. You can them a call today.

Burris Law
488 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866

White dresses. Multi-tier cakes. Diamonds. 

Prenups. Custody battles. Lawyers.

These are expensive and synonymous with marriage and divorce. Most people get caught up in the first three expenses while hoping to never have to think about the latter three.

Marriage is ultimately an economic partnership, but it is seen in our culture as a milestone in the relationship of two people who love one another. Marriage has become a cultural product known as the industrial wedding complex. 

“Say Yes To The Dress”

As many people know, in many cultures and religions, white symbolizes purity. But what many people don’t know about wedding dresses is that white also subliminally symbolizes wealth. White is the hardest color of a garment to maintain, as stains are much more noticeable on white garments. White dresses were unsuitable for chores or labor that were traditionally assigned to women. The wedding dress was only ever meant to be worn once—on the bride’s wedding day—thus symbolizing the family’s wealth in being able to afford a dress that had almost no functional use outside of the one-day occasion. 

The fashion industry has capitalized on the notion of the wedding dress being a one-in-a-lifetime dress, drawing parallels between a bride’s wedding day to the narrative climax of a princess’s happily-ever-after in childhood fairytale stories. The illusion of reality mimicking fantasy is why shows like “Say Yes To The Dress” have become so popular in mainstream culture, and why some brides are adamant about spending an exorbitant amount of money on a dress, or even on multiple dresses, that can cost more than the average American mortgage.

“Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”

Blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe didn’t make diamonds the aspirational gift when she sang “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”—she merely reiterated the clever marketing messages of corporations like De Beers. The notorious “three months salary” rule pressures a prospective groom to prove his love by proposing to his prospective wife with an expensive engagement ring.

A Fairytale Wedding Can Mean A Nightmare Divorce

A survey of over three thousand people in the United States found that couples who spend more on their weddings are more likely to get divorced.

And is it any surprise that money cannot buy love—nor happiness? What’s even more depressing is that divorce not only kills the hope of a true happily-ever-after, it can also cost far more than people can afford. 

Many couples are ashamed of the breakdown of their marriage, especially if they had an extravagant wedding. It can also be difficult to afford divorce lawyers years into the marriage, while the couple is raising a family. In many parts of the United States like Orange County, couples are choosing family law mediation over traditional divorce. In addition to usually being more affordable than litigation, mediation usually results in more mutually amicable terms rather than court rulings.  

Vanity Fair recently reported that the divorce of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is at a standstill as Jolie has filed a complaint that the judge did not allow her children to testify in court. Given the influence that celebrities have in our culture, the divorce case of Jolie and Pitt may have more people choosing mediation instead of litigation.

Motor vehicle crashes are recognized as the second biggest cause of death for teens in the United States. It is observed that as compared to older drivers, the younger ones often underestimate the dangerous situations on the road. Teens are less able than adults to make critical decisions at the time of serious crashes. Reports reveal that “in 2018, almost 2500 teens between the age group of 13 to 19, were killed and 285000 were treated in the emergency departments due to severe injuries after vehicle crashes.” The nonfatal and fatal motor vehicle crashes involving young drivers in the United States resulted in an estimated cost of $11.8 billion due to work loss and medical bills. 

There are many factors that contribute to road accidents involving new or young drivers; such as distracted driving, overspeeding, alcohol use, and not using seat belts. These drivers may take their eyes off the road—sometimes to use a cell phone or to reach for a snack or something in the car. This puts other people also in danger on the road. Texting, checking social media notifications, and going through emails—all of these behaviors can lead to crashes and serious injuries on the road. Therefore, teenagers and other new drivers are advised to follow all safety procedures, avoid distractions, and drive at a limited speed on roads. However, if in some unavoidable circumstances, one finds themself in a car accident, they should call attorneys to handle the matter. 

What should drivers do in the event of a car accident?

When you find yourself in a car accident, there are few essential things to do to make sure that you stay protected. First of all, you should stop when you are involved in the accident; this is a legal obligation for both parties. Even if you do not see any major damage, it is better to stop the car and check the scene carefully. Hire a personal injury lawyer when Carmel Valley Accidents arise.

It is important to make a record of the accident; when the investigating officers arrived at the site, tell them relevant facts, but do not make any guesses about the incident. It is best to take pictures on your camera as they are highly useful in the future to present evidence. Whether or not you observe any injuries on your body; seek medical attention to check if you have experienced any internal impact. In the meantime, contact car accident attorneys to handle the negotiation with the insurance companies. Personal injury attorneys know how to protect your rights and offer the best solution based on the level of damage.

Experienced lawyers know how to deal with the other party as well. If the case is required to be presented in court, they will prepare all the documents and collect relevant evidence as well. In this way, they are likely to help you receive favorable decisions from the court. Receiving the compensation you deserve will help to alleviate and pay off the burden of car repair and medical bills. You can give Villasenor Law Offices a call today.

Villasenor Law Offices
12396 World Trade Dr Suite 211, San Diego, CA 92128, United States

Although many of today’s seniors are aware of the importance of their health and wellbeing, their age-related disabilities are still a matter of concern to their loved ones. We may adhere to a specific life routine during our working years, but our routines can get thrown off after retirement. As they age, seniors become worried about their financial needs, and they also need more emotional and moral support at this age. And as children get occupied with their own career, lifestyle, and family, seniors may find it difficult to cope with age-related difficulties. Beyond all, health issues and disabilities seem to double as we age; many seniors find it difficult to handle their daily routine. 

What are the health concerns of seniors as they age?

The consequences of what we do to our bodies in our youth, without being careful about our physical and mental health, become visible as we age. In some cases, these healthcare mistakes turn out to be major disabilities. Moreover, there are many health issues that are common with the aging body. 

Studies reveal that most people start facing vision issues as they cross the age group of 50. The eye disorders and untreated visual impairments affect a substantial number of older adults. This condition is further worsened by hearing loss. Along with presbyopia, cataracts, and color discrimination issues, people experience problems with skin aging, dexterity, arthritis, and more. The reduced mobility after the age range of 70 to 80 makes life difficult for seniors. In these situations, they may need some assistance from the government and attorneys to ensure that they are given adequate care.

Why may seniors need to work with special needs lawyers?

Special needs attorneys are trained to understand and operate with public benefit programs. These experts conduct planning to assist families with desired financial security throughout their life. By working closely with people, special needs attorneys can also guide families with short-term and long-term lifestyle management plans so that their loved ones can live a life with dignity. 

There are many important roles that special needs lawyers need to perform to ensure a good quality of life for seniors and people with disabilities such as applying and qualifying to avail public benefits at federal and state levels. They create connections with the special needs providers in the local communities so that individuals can receive walkers, mobility aids, and important surgeries whenever needed. They are critical in the development of long-term financial security plans to maintain the life of disabled people as long as they live. They provide essential legal services and advice to senior citizens to meet their care requirements and needs for a healthy future. They can also prepare documentation for guardianships and healthcare proxies for your protection and independence. 

Therefore, seniors and disabled people are advised to consult with certified and trustworthy special needs attorneys to deal with their financial, personal, and medical care needs as they age. Special needs attorneys can help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle after retirement.

Burris Law
200 N Tustin Ave #110, Santa Ana, CA 92705, United States

Cheating is a major social taboo. Those who have been cheated on know firsthand how damaging it can be to them. It is not only an act of betrayal, but it is also more than likely to cause betrayed partners to ask existential questions about themselves. It can ruin somebody’s self-confidence–or worse, it can lead to a divorce that results in suicide.

What are the reasons for cheating? Does everybody have the potential to cheat? Or does it take a special type of individual to do it? 

Reasons Why People Cheat

Experts have determined individual risk factors such as personality, gender, political orientation, and religiosity. 

One contributing factor is disconnection. A sense of disconnection can occur for different reasons. One of the most typical causes of cheating is the feeling that an individual and their partner have moved slowly apart. In this specific scenario, cheating can feel like a coping mechanism in seeking something thrilling and new when their relationship has become foreseeable and familiar. 

People also often utilize the word “love languages” to describe how they show affection and love to one another. Some partners connect more verbally by saying affectionate words, while a few may want to show affection physically by cuddling or kissing. If the love languages differ between each individual within the partnership and are not accounted for, this can leave each individual to feel that their needs are unmet. They may feel unloved and more willing to the love of somebody who seems to know them more. Hence, feeling unloved is a reason why people cheat. 

There are also instances when a partner can begin to feel a bit more like a parent and the other is like a kid, especially if cooperation is absent in the relationship. For instance, one partner may feel they need to be accountable and more mature. That partner may feel like they are the one who organizes the home, manage finances, and makes decisions, while the other does not pull their weight. An affair may then look so tempting so they can feel appreciated and equal. 

Falling out of affection and love can lead to cheating which later leads to divorce. Boredom can lead way to an affair, seeking the excitement of the chase, with passion being connected with newfound excitement and love. Few individuals can find that in their life partner. Therefore, they aren’t seeking a way out of their marriage, but they are seeking a spiced-up experience. The famous sex and relationship therapist Esther Perel discussed why cheating is not the ultimate betrayal. Having difficult conversations from the beginning about commitment and love can help couples steer clear of rocky waters, particularly when it comes to infidelity.  

Life After Infedility 

Research published by the National Institutes of Health discovered that one partner in eighty-eight percent of couples cited cheating as a contributing factor in divorce. 

If you have recently been cheated on and are seeking a divorce, you may find it difficult to separate on mutual terms. In this case, consider hiring a Divorce Mediator as an alternative to traditional litigation.

The saying, “Once a cheater, always a cheater,” refers to individual motives for cheating; the quality of an individual that makes them more susceptible to cheating. You may not be able to control your partner’s susceptibility to cheating, but you can take control of your life by calling a certified mediator today.

McNamee Mediations
4590 MacArthur Blvd Suite 500, Newport Beach, CA 92660, United States

Growing up, most folks look forward to getting their driver’s license and the liberty that it offers. Having access to a car provides a significant level of independence. However, it also comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility. It involves making sure regular maintenance is done on the car. Drivers must heed caution by driving safely for the sake of other drivers on the road and passengers with them/

Sadly, car accidents can happen at any time. We all need to be prepared. What are the common reasons for auto accidents? 

Common reasons for car accidents

Auto accident statistics tell a gruesome story about road safety in the United States. “More than 38,000 people die every year in crashes on U.S. roadways. The U.S. traffic fatality rate is 12.4 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.”

One of the reasons car acccidents happen is one that is overlooked: equipment failure. A vehicle is a finely mechanized engine of different moving parts. These parts, such as the brakes or steering wheel, can fail or malfunction.

Difficult driving conditions due to weather is another factor that can lead to a car accident. Rain can result in slippery roads, which can make it very difficult for the car to stop. This becomes even more serious if there is ice on the road. Blizzards, darkness, or any obstruction to visibility can also result in poor visibility. 

No one should ever drive under the influence of alcohol. The issue of drunk driving has garnered a great deal of awareness, and rightly so, for the accidents caused by drunk drivers throughout the years. Alcohol can make it difficult for individuals to make fast and wise decisions, and to see what is going on around them.

Speeding is another cause of car accidents. At least one-third of car accidents are caused by somebody driving over the speed limit. Furthermore, driving while distracted by eating, texting, applying make-up, or any other behavior that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, can cause car accidents. 

Legal proceedings for car accidents and injuries

The aforementioned are ways that car accidents can happen. However, they do not determine who is the automatically liable party. Cases can be disputed in court, in which the defense lawyers will fight for their clients’ best interests.

If you have been the victim of a personal injury accident caused by careless driving or any other cause, give Villasenor Accident Attorney a call.

In the future, we may see self-driving cars as the solution to preventing car accidents. However, this is not expected to happen anytime soon. For now, technology may not lower the number of car accidents that happen. However, it can solve such factual discrepancies. Many drivers now have cameras to document potential accidents and provide evidence as to which party is responsible for a car accident. 

Car accidents are complicated cases. This article should not be read as legal advice. Consult with Villasenor Law Offices today.

Villasenor Law Offices
12396 World Trade Dr Suite 211, San Diego, CA 92128, United States

A wedding is one of the most beautiful events in life. It is the day when two people take vows to be with one another throughout all the ups and downs of life. Despite the promises made on this day, many couples do not last a lifetime. There are many uncertainties in life. Many couples find out they have irreconcilable differences and the situation turns into divorce. This is why pre-nuptial agreements have become increasingly popular over time. 

With divorce becoming less and less stigmatized and more and more practiced, pre-nuptial agreements are no longer considered insulting or unromantic notions. In fact, millennials these days are more prudent and shrewd when it comes to their career, lifestyle, and family choices. Over two-thirds are willing to postpone marriage and are reported to delay having children while focusing on their careers. These priorities have resulted in more and more millennials seeking to sign a pre-nuptial agreement as a proactive measure to the complexities of divorce law.

What is a pre-nuptial agreement?

A pre-nuptial agreement is a contract formed by couples before getting married. This registered and signed document outlines the assets and liabilities of both partners. The agreement also discusses issues relating to child custody if the marriage fails in the future. This formal agreement is witnessed and signed by both parties. It includes a list of all their articles of ownership at the time of marriage as well as the items given by the partners to each other. 

Why should you consider signing a pre-nuptial agreement prior to marriage?

Some may say that prenuptial agreements are for the wealthy. But this is not true. Although these documents are often enforced to protect the fortune of the wealthy, those with modest means can also benefit from having an agreement prior to their wedding day. There are several important reasons why people should consider prenuptial agreements. Pre-nuptial agreements offer a way to pass separate property to the children from prior marriages. Without pre-nuptial agreements, chances are that the surviving spouse may claim for the larger share of the property while leaving very little for the kids. Couples with or without children, wealthy or modest, need to clarify their financial responsibilities and rights during the marriage. Those who want to avoid messy conflicts in Divorce and Family Law should seek to sign pre-nuptial agreements, so as to streamline the resolution to decide how the property will be divided if they separate. Pre-nuptial agreements are also useful for protecting partners from being held liable for one another’s debts. 

What happens without a pre-nuptial agreement?

In case you do not sign a pre-nuptial agreement before marriage, the state laws will decide who owns the property after divorce or death of a partner. State law will be also involved in deciding what happens to the assets that you own before marriage. Without pre-nuptial agreements, the couples may have to face several difficulties in making decisions about their assets, liabilities, and possessions after separation. Moreover, it may also affect the inheritors and beneficiaries in the future. 

If you are looking to file for divorce, you can consult with Shuff Law Firm, a Professional Law Corporation.

Shuff Law Firm, a Professional Law Corporation|
2634, 2107 N Broadway STE 301, Santa Ana, CA 92706, United States