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How to Be a Great Client: Tips from a Housing Law Attorney
At Germani Law, we’re committed to giving you the best legal experience possible. But did you know that you, as a client, play a big role...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
May 202 min read
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Why Judges Encourage Settlement in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Unlawful detainer (eviction) cases are among the most stressful and high-stakes legal disputes for both landlords and tenants. Judges...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Apr 242 min read
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Pro Tem Judges in Small Claims Court: A Challenge for Security Deposit Disputes
You don't have to agree to have your case heard by a pro tem judge. Security deposit disputes are among the most common landlord-tenant...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Apr 215 min read
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The Wild Saga of a Jacumba Unlawful Detainer: Murder Allegations, Ownership Claims, Restraining Orders, and Courtroom Drama
Said to be haunted with friendly spirts, the former Bankhead Springs Hotel became the focus of two unlawful detainer trials in San Diego...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Apr 185 min read
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How Much Should A Landlord Request As Security In California?
On July 1, 2024, a new law takes effect in California that caps security deposits at one month’s rent, regardless of whether a unit is...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Feb 10, 20243 min read
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Landlords And Tenants Need To Partner Up
Chula Vista is on the verge of enacting a stronger landlord-tenant ordinance than California’s 2019 Tenant Protection Act, which tries to...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Feb 4, 20232 min read
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Don't Despair If You Are Being Deposed
If you’ve been asked to be a witness at a deposition, called a deponent, you have either filed suit against an entity, have been sued, or...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Jan 3, 20232 min read
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No Security For Unlawful Landlords
A few weeks ago, I observed Alameda County Court Commissioner Bentrish Satarzadeh presiding over Small Claims Court where she gave a...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Aug 25, 20222 min read
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That's Your Interpretation
I know you are excited about breaking ground on your new project - a new driveway, a new shed, custom bookcases, etc. But take a breath....

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
May 13, 20221 min read
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Life's Not Always Fair, But It's Supposed To Be Legal
People treat us unfairly all the time. The cashier waives someone over who's been standing in line for way less time than you have. Your...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Sep 23, 20211 min read
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My Employer Offers Legal Insurance - What Is That?
Employer-sponsored group legal insurance is a voluntary, employee-paid plan that provides legal coverage for most common personal legal...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Aug 6, 20212 min read
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Read The Contract Before You Sign It - Really!
Agreements are part of everyday life. If you’ve agreed to work in exchange for a paycheck, or to pay a mortgage or rent, you’ve made an...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Jul 17, 20211 min read
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Bankruptcy Code Allows You To Retain Assets, But You Have To Ask
Every state exempts specified assets from creditors' Bankruptcy claims. The Bankruptcy Code even incorporates these exemptions in 11...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Jul 6, 20211 min read
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You're Ready To Start Your Own Business, But How?
Starting a business is an exciting time in an entrepreneur's life, but how exactly do you set up a business? You make a plan! Your plan...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Jun 6, 20212 min read
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Why Don't Attorneys List Their Fees?
The cost of attorney services depends on all of the facts and circumstances of your matter. Since no two cases are exactly alike in facts...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
May 23, 20211 min read
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Don't Step Over A Dollar To Save A Dime
My father likes to talk in axioms. "Supply equals demand." "No one gives what he doesn't have." And, probably his favorite one, "Don't...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
May 11, 20211 min read
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If You Hate Repeating Yourself, Hire A Solo Practitioner
I have a friend who used to work at a huge personal injury firm. He was one of about 100 lawyers in the firm and the firm handled about...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
May 7, 20211 min read
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Preparing For Your Day in Small Claims Court
You can learn a lot from watching old episodes of "Judge Judy" and "Judge Joe Brown" to prepare for your day in Small Claims Court, but I...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
May 2, 20214 min read
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A Love Letter To Law Students
Dear Law Students, You are so important to your communities! This week I was asked to write a letter supporting a resolution to restore...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Apr 29, 20212 min read
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Small Claims Court Basics
Small Claims Courts are a great resource to handle small disputes between people or businesses without the technical formalities and...

Stephanie S. Germani, Esq.
Apr 26, 20211 min read
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