MEDIA CONTACT: Liz Coyle
480)-464-1111 x151; LCoyle@jacksonwhitelaw.com

JACKSON WHITE PC COMES TOGETHER AS A FIRM TO HONOR OUR TROOPS
Mesa law firm partners with Support Our Troops and Operation Paperback for annual service project

MESA, AZ. (December 9, 2011) –Mesa Law firm, JacksonWhite PC, is gathering at the Mesa Chamber Building on Friday, December 9 to fill care packages for US troops deployed in Afghanistan.

Firm employees will be assembling boxes of donated goods collected over the course of November and early December. Requested donations include foot powder, beef jerky, magazines, hand sanitizer, coffee, lip balm, Top Ramen noodles, and paperback books. In addition to the boxes, Jackson White staff will be creating cards to express their personalappreciation for our servicemen and women.

Jackson White has a longstanding tradition of supporting local service organizations throughout the year, with an annual holiday service project for full staff participation in early December. This year, the firm is honored to work with Support Our Troops and Operation Paperback to show gratitude to our military men and women.

Shareholder, Richard White expresses his sentiments towards the firm’s 2011 Holiday Service Project stating: “It is a unique opportunity to show support for our troops in such an intimate way. I am very pleased to express my many thanks, and let our servicemen and women know that they are loved and missed this holiday season.”

Jackson White welcomes any outside donations, and will accept items until Thursday, December 8. “The Top 10 List” from Support Our Troops includes international calling cards, powdered drink mixes, hot chocolate mixes, ground coffee, beef jerky, foot powder, eye drops, lip balm, deodorant, and hand sanitizer. Operation Paperback requests books of varied genres, no romance please. Donations can be dropped off to the receptionist from 8:30am to 5:00pm.

JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law
40 North Center Street, Suite 200
Mesa, Arizona 85201

Founded in 1983, JacksonWhite P.C. offers a full-range of services to assist individuals, families and businesses with their legal needs. Since its inception, the Mesa firm has grown steadily to include 22 highly experienced attorneys and over 40 paralegals, legal assistants and staff. At this size, the firm is large enough to offer the efficiency and technical expertise of larger firms, yet small enough to provide clients with individualized, personalized attention. JacksonWhite has four offices around the state of Arizona including ones in Mesa, Casa Grande and Peoria. For more information on a specific attorney or area of practice, please visit www.jacksonwhitelaw.com or www.arizonaseniorlaw.com.

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JACKSONWHITE LAW FIRM WELCOMES BACK ERIC M. JACKSON
Founding shareholder returns to Mesa Firm

JacksonWhite, P.C., is pleased to announce the return of founding shareholder Eric M. Jackson. Jackson returns to the firm from a three year church mission in San Jose, California. Jackson has been practicing law since 1978, and focuses his practice in the areas of real estate law, commercial litigation, construction remedies, title insurance defense, mediations and executive coaching for legal professionals. He served as President and managing shareholder of JacksonWhite from 1996 to 2008.

Jackson has been licensed to practice both in the State of Utah and the State of Arizona since 1978. He is also licensed to practice law in the United States Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Districts of Arizona and Utah. Jackson earned his J.D. from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University in 1978, where he represented the law school in Mock Trial and Moot Court Competitions. Prior to this distinction, Jackson attended Arizona State University and Brigham Young University and earned his undergraduate degree in Communications, with an emphasis in journalism.  Jackson is a member of the State Bar of Arizona Construction Law Section and Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, as well as member of State Bar of Utah.  He is the past president of the Mesa Rotary Club, former chairman of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, former member of the Financing the Future of Mesa: 2025 committee, chairman for the 2005 Mesa Citizens Bond Committee, former board member of the Mesa United Way, Four Peaks Little League, and Families Helping Families, Inc.

His clients have included Business Owners, Auto Dealers, Homeowners Associations, Title Agencies, Developers, Construction Suppliers, Mortgage Companies, and Banks. Jackson is looking forward to once again serving his clients and being involved in his community.

Founded in 1983, JacksonWhite, P.C. offers a full-range of services to assist individuals, families, and businesses with their legal needs. Since its inception, the Mesa firm has grown steadily to include 22 highly experienced attorneys and over 40 paralegals, legal assistants and staff. At this size, the firm is large enough to offer the efficiency and technical expertise of larger firms, yet small enough to provide clients with individualized, personalized attention. JacksonWhite has four offices in Arizona including Mesa, Peoria, Casa Grande and Safford, and has a presence in Payson, Prescott, Flagstaff and Tucson. For more information on a specific attorney or area of practice, please visit www.jacksonwhitelaw.com or www.arizonaseniorlaw.com

The Public Policy Council considers a broad range of issues that affect Mesa businesses. During the first part of each year the Council monitors state legislative activity through participation in a coalition of East Valley Chambers of Commerce. At the same time, the Council considers and acts on local Mesa issues. In 2011, the Public Policy Council initiated its Community Forum Series of discussions to give Mesa businesses the opportunity to learn about, and give input on, local issues. The first program addressed planning and anticipated development regulation in the light rail corridor that will encompass Main Street from Sycamore Station to Gilbert Road. In coming weeks, other programs will address the proposed increase in City of Mesa transaction privilege tax license fees. Other issues the Council anticipates addressing over the next several months include development near our airports, collaboration between the business community and our schools, healthcare business issues, and crime prevention.

In addition to its Community Forum Series, the Public Policy Council frequently meets with members of the Mesa City staff as well as elected officials to remain current on critical issues and to provide input. These meetings and programs are important opportunities for Mesa businesses to educate themselves about, and involve themselves in, important economic, political, regulatory and business issues. The input of business owners and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce affects how these issues are resolved. If you participate, your voice will be heard and you will make a difference for your business and for others in the community.

Join the Mesa Chamber’s Public Policy Council’s discussion by coming to the monthly meeting or by participating the in Community Forum Series discussions. The next meetings are:

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
MCC – Red Mountain Campus
7710 E. McKellips Road
Room M200, Mesquite Building

Wednesday, June 1, 2011
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
MCC – Dobson Road Campus
1833 West Southern Avenue
Elsner Library Room LB145

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Otto Shill, the Chair of the Mesa Chamber Public Policy Council and a Shareholder in the law firm of Jackson White, P.C.

JACKSONWHITE LAW FIRM WELCOMES ANTHONY H. MISSELDINE
 Experienced Attorney joins Mesa Firm as a Shareholder

JacksonWhite, P.C., is pleased to announce the hire of Anthony H. Misseldine. Misseldine joins 11 other attorneys who share in the distinction of shareholder and 10 associate attorneys at JacksonWhite who practice in a number of different legal areas. Misseldine practices in the areas of complex commercial litigation, including eminent domain, inverse condemnation, land use litigation, commercial lease issues and complex commercial lawsuits.

Misseldine was admitted to the Arizona State Bar in 1987. Misseldine earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in 1984.  He earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College. Misseldine has extensive experience providing litigation services at trial. Misseldine’s clients include property owners, private companies and national corporations. Misseldine is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, and former member of the State Bar of Arizona Professionalism Committee.              

 Founded in 1983, JacksonWhite, P.C. offers a full-range of services to assist individuals, families and businesses with their legal needs. Since its inception, the Mesa firm has grown steadily to include 22 highly experienced attorneys and over 40 paralegals, legal assistants and staff. At this size, the firm is large enough to offer the efficiency and technical expertise of larger firms, yet small enough to provide clients with individualized, personalized attention. JacksonWhite has three offices around the state of Arizona including Mesa, Peoria and Casa Grande. For more information on a specific attorney or area of practice, please visit www.jacksonwhitelaw.com or www.arizonaseniorlaw.com.

JACKSONWHITE GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Law firm to team up with Save The Family for Annual Service Project

MESA, Ariz. (December 2, 2010) – Every year, the law firm of JacksonWhite P.C. gives back to the community by taking on a service project for one of the valley’s charitable organizations.  This year, JacksonWhite has decided to once again work with Save The Family, a local nonprofit providing transitional housing and supportive services to families with children.  The firm’s principal work will include a “Welcome Home” clean-up of a couple of their temporary housing units so they are ready to receive new families. JacksonWhite will also donate and assemble a large play set at one of their properties for the children to enjoy. Additionally, JacksonWhite is a Holiday Sponsor for a family of the Save the Family program, by providing them with gifts from their wish list and a gift card to purchase their holiday meal with.

             Save The Family has been effectively serving homeless families with children in the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area for the past 21 years. This past year alone, Save The Family has provided comprehensive programs and services to 292 families, including 594 children, in its 79 transitional units, 20 of which are specially designed for victims of domestic violence, throughout Maricopa County.

             JacksonWhite will be closing at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 10^th, after an employee luncheon, the staff will spend the remainder of the day at the Save The Family campus, located in Central Mesa.  JacksonWhite will donate the play set as well as their time.  JacksonWhite will also be delivering the Christmas gifts to their sponsored family on December 15^th.

             For several years, JacksonWhite has sponsored a holiday service project.  Projects in the past have included landscaping, hosting a bowling party for foster children, installing a sprinkler system, cleaning up neighborhoods and parks, wrapping donated gifts and sorting clothing.  Each year JacksonWhite employees feel grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in which they work and live, and this year is no exception. 

            Founded in 1983, JacksonWhite P.C. offers a full-range of services to assist individuals, families and businesses with their legal needs. Since its inception, the Mesa firm has grown steadily to include 22 highly experienced attorneys and over 40 paralegals, legal assistants and staff. At this size, the firm is large enough to offer the efficiency and technical expertise of larger firms, yet small enough to provide clients with individualized, personalized attention. JacksonWhite has four offices around the state of Arizona including ones in Mesa, Casa Grande and Peoria. For more information on a specific attorney or area of practice, please visit www.jacksonwhitelaw.com or www.arizonaseniorlaw.com.

     While no one envisions a bankruptcy when planning for retirement, if it becomes necessary to file for bankruptcy during your retirement years the good news is that there generally little trouble in getting people to qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.  This is due to it not being necessary to include social security income in the means test in making the determination of whether you qualify for the chapter 7 bankruptcy or, in the alternative, must file a chapter 13 bankruptcy.

     Additionally, most retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, etc. are exempt – meaning that court cannot take them to distribute them to your creditors.  In general, many of these types of bankruptcy cases are fairly straight forward and can relieve a lot of stress for those living on a fixed income.

     Attorney John Skiba offers a free bankruptcy consultation to discuss your specific situation.  He can be reached at (480) 464-1111 or via email at jskiba@jacksonwhitelaw.com .

Now, small tax-exempt organizations that never had to regularly file returns in the past—those with annual revenues of $25,000 or less – are at risk of losing their tax-exempt status because they failed to file required returns for 2007, 2008 and 2009. Under a one-time relief program, these organizations can preserve their status by filing returns by Oct. 15, 2010.

Two types of relief are available for small exempt organizations who have not filed in the past three years.

1. A filing extension for the smallest organizations required to file Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard). Small organizations required to file Form 990-N simply need to go to the IRS website, provide the eight information items called for on the form, and electronically file it by Oct. 15, 2010. That will bring them back into compliance.

2. A voluntary compliance program (VCP) for small organizations eligible to file Form 990-EZ, Short Form Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax. Under the VCP, tax-exempt organizations eligible to file Form 990-EZ must file their delinquent annual information returns by Oct. 15, 2010 and pay a compliance fee.

For more information, please visit the IRS website.

If you have any questions on this or any other tax issue, or you would like to schedule a consultation with Attorney, Otto S. Shill, III please call (480)464-1111.

Your Home and the Law is authored by the attorneys at JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law and addresses legal issues that arise for renters, homeowners and neighborhoods. Have a question related to your home or community? Send your questions to firm@jacksonwhitelaw.com.

Q: My father recently passed away and I am living in his home, fixing it up so it can be sold after probate. We just were notified that because payments haven’t been made on the home in four months, the bank has scheduled a trustee sale and the home is about to be foreclosed on. Is there any way we can stop this since the house is going through probate?   

A: Probate is defined as the legal process of resolving all claims and distributing the decreased person’s property under a valid will. First, make sure the home is actually “going through probate.” This can be determined by seeing if the court appointed a personal representative, or executor of the estate, to assist in the probate process. It would be the personal representative’s responsibility to make sure payments on the home continued through the transition process. If no personal representative was assigned, the home is not in probate and the home can be foreclosed on, simply because that is the bank’s recourse if payments are not made on the loan.

If the home is in probate and a personal representative has been assigned, if payments have not been made, the home can still be foreclosed on. Probate does not stop the foreclosure process and banks are still held to the terms of the loan contract. In fact, legally the bank does not even have to work or speak with the personal representative to resolve the issue; if payments are not made, they have a right to foreclose on the property.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace individual legal advice.

James L. Tanner is a real estate and probate attorney at JacksonWhite. He can be reached at jltanner@jacksonwhitelaw.com. For more information, please visit www.jacksonwhitelaw.com.

Your Home and the Law is authored by the attorneys at JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law and addresses legal issues that arise for renters, homeowners and neighborhoods. Have a question related to your home or community? Send your questions to firm@jacksonwhitelaw.com.

Q: I am nearing retirement and have a few assets and property that I would like to protect for my family. I’ve heard that placing everything in a trust is the best way to do this. What are the advantages of this?

A: One of the biggest advantages of a properly managed and created trust happens after the creator of the trust passes away. A properly funded trust allows survivors or beneficiaries to avoid probate. Probate is the court proceeding required to transfer the title of assets like a house into another name.

Another advantage for those who wish to transfer property to a spouse, is that a trust, if properly structured, may help the family or beneficiaries avoid some estate taxes. Revocable trusts (trusts that can be changed until death) are a good option if you would like to maintain flexibility and control over the estate plan. Although estate taxes were repealed at the beginning of 2010, there is a strong likelihood that Congress will reimpose them.

Finally, since trusts are not made public, unlike wills which are filed in court, a trust is a good option for those who wish to maintain a certain level of privacy in regards to their asset distribution after death.

Keep in mind that a trust does not necessarily “hide” or “protect” your assets. A house may have to be removed from a trust when applying for certain benefits like Medicaid or to refinance the property.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace individual legal advice.

David L. Weed is a real estate and estate planning attorney at JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law. He can be reached at dweed@jacksonwhitelaw.com. For more information on JacksonWhite, please visit www.jacksonwhitelaw.com.