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California Mechanic’s Lien Process

Most real estate owners will, at some point, use a contractor to build or improve upon their property. This is generally a straightforward process wherein the contractor arranges the project according to the terms of the contract, and sees it to completion. The satisfied owner then pays the bill. What happens when the contractor finishes the project, but the customer refuses to pay? That’s where the mechanic’s liens apply.

The California Mechanic's Lien Process
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Homestead Exemptions and Living Trusts: a Look at California, Florida, and Texas

The information presented in this article is not all-encompassing, nor is it meant to be construed as professional legal advice. Because homestead exemption laws are complicated, consult a qualified attorney with questions regarding homestead exemptions and living trusts in your state.

Via Black’s Law Dictionary, 8th ed., a homestead is “[t]he house, outbuildings, and adjoining land owned and occupied by a person or family as a residence. As long as the homestead does not exceed in area or value the limits fixed by law, in most states it is exempt from forced sale for collection of a debt.” A homestead can only be designated in one jurisdiction, generally where the owner maintains permanent residence.

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California Requirements for Change Of Ownership Interest in Real Property BOE-100-B

Filing Requirement – Change in Control
Revenue and Taxation Code Section 480.1

The law requires any person or legal entity acquiring ownership control in any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other legal entity owning real property in California subject to local property taxation to complete and file a change in ownership statement with the State Board of Equalization at its office in Sacramento. The change in ownership statement must be filed within 90 days from the date of the change in control of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other legal entity. The law further requires that a change in ownership statement be completed and filed whenever a written request is made therefor by the State Board of Equalization, regardless of whether a change in control of the legal entity has occurred.

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California Now Requires Real Estate Deeds that are Subject to Transfer Tax Show the Tax Amount on the Face of the Deed

Documentary Transfer Tax (AB 1888)

Effective January 1, 2015, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1888, all California County Registrar/Recorder/County Clerk’s Offices will require that “EVERY document subject to tax that is submitted for recordation shall show on the face of the document the amount of tax due and the incorporated or unincorporated location of the lands, tenements, or other realty described in the document” before acceptance for recording.

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