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Mazaheri Law Firm
Monthly News
April 2010 |
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Mazaheri Law Firm
3445 W. Memorial Road, Ste. H
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73134
(405) 414-2222
(405) 607-HELP (4357) |
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Greetings!
 April 15th is right around the corner and we are tirelessly working on keeping your property taxes down and keeping the IRS off your back. If you or anyone you know is in need of advisement on a tax issue during this season, please do not hesitate to let the attorneys at our firm assist you.
Additionally, we are available to help you out with issues stemming from Family law, Employment law, Immigration, DUI defense representation, Real Estate Advisement and Commercial Business Planning, Bankruptcy, and Estate Planning.
Sincerely,
Katherine Mazaheri
Mazaheri Law Firm
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Computers and Internet Law
Will there be a new Plaintiff arising from injuries of unregulated Internet use in your home?
According to several Oklahoma municipalities, liability for inaction has been extended to parents for lack of supervision of minors (under the age of 21) in consuming dangerous substances in their home. These "Social host" ordinances have created new responsibilities for parents to monitor their home and the minors inside their home if they know or have reason to know that intoxicating substances are being consumed.
With new and unregulated consequences of internet usage, a new Plaintiff has arisen in a class of people that could be foreseeably damaged by the severe consequences of unmonitored internet usage. According to a recent article in Computer Law magazine, since 1985 the Data Processing Management Association suggests that approximately 98% of all computer crime is commited by peresonal computers whose overall usage of the internet has increased, most notably in minors. Additionally, the Internet Watch Foundation has found that the rate of online predators has increased from approximately 3,500 to more than 10,000. The risk to the Plaintiff can also be forseeable. As early as 1996, Dateline NBC's "To Catch a Predator" has made common knowledge the various type of clandestine usage of the internet.
Thus, there is now a new Plaintiff whose protections are not yet afforded by law. The question remains: Should a "Social Host" of a computer or internet service be held liable for criminal actions by their minor child living in their home? Shall liability must extend where public peril begins resulting from their inactions? As times have changed, technology has evolved, and the laws of our nation and state have proven to be dynamic to protect those who cannot protect themselves, but is extending this liability to parents analogous to the underage drinking laws?
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Homeowners Should be Wary of Who they contract to do business with.
Make certain your home stays free and clear from encumberances.
Is your home safe from liens?
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A mechanic lien is a claim against property for the value of services provided to a property owner with respect to that property. The most common instances that give rise to mechanic liens tend to involve home improvement services provided by a contractor or subcontractor. If the property owner contracts for certain services with a contractor, the work is then performed by the contractor, and if the property owner refuses or otherwise fails to pay for those services as agreed, the contractor may file a lien against the property, which may be referred to as a mechanic lien, a construction lien, or a contractor's lien. By placing a lien against the property, the contractor is attempting to secure payment of the unpaid services by using the property itself.
Unfortunately, we have seen this happen to more than on unfortunate homeowner or skilled worker and brought suit based on the consequences. If you or someone you know has had problems with a contractor or not getting paid for services rendered on a home, contact our firm and we can help. |
Tax Season Brings Tax Scams to Light
Do you need a Professional to help you settle your Tax disputes with the IRS?
As an attorney, I have represented taxpayers for thirty-seven years and have learned that most tax troubles are the result of some larger issue. The consequences of business failure, divorce, illness, loss of job, college tuition, and countless other causes often include tax problems that the individual does not know how to resolve.
It's important to remember that the job of the IRS is to collect tax. It is not their job to find the best solution to a taxpayer's problem. The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate will assist a taxpayer when the IRS system is not functioning properly, but they do not assist the taxpayer to find the best solution to a tax challenge.
Sadly, the tax industry is replete with scammers. Yet, there are qualified taxpayer representative who practice in this area and provide valuable services. American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) is a nationwide non-profit professional association dedicated to member education and enforcing a Code of Ethics. We have a Disciplinary Board to hear consumer complaints and deny membership to any person or firm who does not subscribe to our mission, recieve certification and pass an exam to become a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist.
Qualified practitioners will often provide free consultations to a taxpayer who feels they need assistance dealing with the Internal Revenue Service. During this meeting, they will discuss the real likelihood of an Offer in Compromise being accepted, the other programs that may be appropriate, and the fees the taxpayer can expect depending on the services engaged.
Troubled taxpayers searching for help should look for the ASTPS membership; we are like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval in taxpayer representation.
William J. Bergner, of counsel, is a member of ASTPS and has been helping taxpayers resolve their disputes with the IRS and Oklahoma Tax Commission for many years right here in Oklahoma. Don't think you have to hire someone from a national organization with national advertising. You can use an Oklahoma attorney who will sit down with you face to face and evaluate all your options. To read more about this particular article and/or find out about Mr. Bergner's qualifications, go to www.mazaherilawfirm.com. |
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About Our Law Firm
The Attorneys at Mazaheri Law Firm believe that clients have the right to know what to expect when they enter into a professional relationship with a lawyer. The following statement summarizes our philosophy of practice and our commitment to you, should you become our client:
"We provide you professional legal services with compassion. We emphasize service to our clients and a personal touch on each claim. We treat you with respect and work hard to get you all that you deserve."
Serving your best interests with Preparation, Protection, and Peace of Mind we are dedicated to helping you and your family in anyway we can. Call today for your free consultation.
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Did You Know
What Posters You Are Legally Required to Post for Your Employees?
Many Entrepreneurs do not know that there are heafty fines from the Department of Labor for violations of posting legal information in visible places for their employees. The type of post you have depends on the type of business you are engaged in. To find out your type, read the article, Information Employers are Legally Required to Post found on our firm's Oklahoma Lawyer Blog. | |
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Right to Control Your Own Affairs
As we grow older, we all face the possibility that one da we may become incapacitated. The time may come when we are no longer able to make our own healthcare decisions, manage our own fiancial affaris or act on our own behalf.
In the event that this occurs, I have listed some effective tools to have so that your property will be protected and your wishes will be honored.
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Property in Joint Ownership
- Advance Directive for Healthcare
- Financial Management Services
Our next Seminar:
How to Avoid Probate and the Benefits of Estate Planning will be on April 9, 2010 at 1 pm. Free lunch will be served.
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| Community Enrichment |
The Mazaheri Law Firm attorneys and staff will be attending a benefit for the Smile Colombia Foundation on April 1, 2010. The benefit will support improverished children in Colombia with opportunities for academic and social development. If you are interested in finding out more about the organization and/or getting involved please contact the foundation directly through www.smilecolombia.com. |
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