American Virtual Paralegal Services

10/17/2025

When life changes unexpectedly, you deserve an attorney who listens, understands, and fights for your best interests.

Hear from our clients about the difference personalized legal care makes.

Schedule your case evaluation at fenchelfamilylaw.com or call 415-324-4808.

10/17/2025

The data is in: The worst thing a woman can do for her marriage is be the breadwinner.

05/26/2023

Topic of the day: Undue Influence
The California Supreme Court has defined undue influence as “pressure brought to bear directly on the testamentary act, sufficient to overcome the testator’s free will, amounting in effect to coercion destroying the testator’s free will, amounting in effect to coercion destroying the testator’s free agency.” Rice v. Clark (2002) 28 Cal. 4th 89, 96.
A 78-year old woman (“Mom”) had four adult children, thirteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In early October 2020, Mom was hospitalized and discharged a few days later (the three other children did not inform their sibling, Number 3 [who was residing overseas]). Upon discharge from the hospital, one of the children (Number 4) relocated Mom to Number 4’s home. Meanwhile, Number 1 and his son moved into Mom’s home rent free (which Mom had purchased in 1966 with Number 3’s father, Number 3’s parents divorced in 1971).
In November 2020, Number 3 learned of the situation and expressed concern that Number 4 would seek to take control of Mom’s home and other assets (which Number 4 had done in Mid-October 2020) when Number 4 took Mom to an attorney to execute a trust that left leaving 50% of Mom’s estate to Number 4 and each of Number 4’s three children with 1/7th each of the remaining 50%.
Mom’s three other adult children were not included as beneficiaries of the Trust (nor were six (6) grandchildren and (5) great grandkids).
In February 2023, Mom passed away (once again, the siblings did not notify Number 3 that Mom had been hospitalized, then passed away).
In May of 2023, the Notice was sent to the legal heirs. Ironically, Numbers 1 and 2 were shocked (as some of their children, as well as great-grandchildren who were excluded from the trust and seek to challenge the Trust due to undue influence on the part of Number 4.
Number 3 continues to reside overseas, and he is grateful that his eldest daughter was included as one of the seven who are to receive the remaining 50% balance.
Numbers 1 and 2, have not communicated with Number 3 in decades reached out to him to request that he join them in challenging the Trust.
The above situation demonstrates the importance of ensuring that your loved one is not unduly influenced with their estate planning. Attorneys recognize the importance of having an American Paralegal on their legal support team to assist with challenges to a trust (or will). In fact, attorneys often utilize paralegals as mediators.
The American Paralegal provides outsourcing paralegal services to Los Angeles attorneys, and throughout California. Outsourcing paralegal work to the American Paralegal offers many benefits.

Paralegal services + virtual paralegal services

11/16/2022

11/02/2022

If you are in need of divorce assistance in California, please contact me---

When spouses or domestic partners get ready to file for divorce or legal separation, they may have different points of view on issues like property division, custody of the children, or support. But just because you may have these disagreements, it does not mean you have to go in front of a judge to...

10/18/2022

PAYPAL SELLER PROTECTION
MISINFORMATION
LOW EXCHANGE RATE

I have been a PayPal user since 2010 and in 2015, I started with Upwork . PayPal, a third-party payment vendor for Upwork appeared to be the most efficient way in which a Freelancer could be paid. However, with the ever-increasing fees, combined with a low exchange rate proved that there were better alternatives for a Freelancer.
Ironically, on April 1, 2022, without notice or explanation, Upwork permanently suspended my account. I was stunned by the Upwork suspension and attempted to learn of the reason for my suspension. I was informed that Upwork was not at liberty to provide me with the decision to terminate me from the Upwork platform, and that there was no appeal process.
I had served Upwork for 7-years, and during that time had been a top-rated freelancer, completing over 1,200 projects, logged over 10,000-hours, and earned over $400,000.00.
I also utilized PayPal to receive payments from clients who discovered me through social media, including my website www.AmericanParalegal.US In 2022, I had a client do a chargeback with their credit card company, claiming that they had not received the services. I immediately responded to PayPal and provided evidence that I delivered the services and had confirmation (Emails). I also provided PayPal with Emails in which the client acknowledged receipt of the services and were pleased with my services.
However, PayPal informed me that they had no control over the matter and that client’s financial institution would make the determination. I asked PayPal about my Seller’s Protection. To this date (6-months later) PayPal has failed to inform me as to why I was not covered by the Seller’s Protection. I lost $2,800 and limit my PayPal transactions.
I have since learned that a client has up to six (6) months to file a PayPal dispute. Imagine getting paid by a client, only to realize that your PayPal available balance is in the negative due to a client from several months ago filing a dispute!
I recently learned that PayPal could “fine” a User for up to $2,500 for “misinformation” and that the determination would be at the sole-discretion of PayPal. The “fine” would come from the PayPal User’s available balance!
It is my personal decision to no longer utilize PayPal as my payment processor as there is too much risk for a Freelancer. My experiences have taught me that there are simply people who will not pay for services rendered, and the importance of choosing clients more carefully. Relying on platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, etc may elect to suspend someone without explanation.
NOTE: The above is NOT misinformation and is based on my actual experiences, as well as news outlets.

10/17/2022

JUST(ice) for THEM
In April 2019, Kim Kardashian West announced her plans for becoming a California attorney. Kim’s journey would not be a traditional one, which generally requires attending law school. In fact, Kim does not even have an undergraduate degree. Kim’s path to securing a license to practice law is through an apprenticeship program, which require at least four years (18-hours per week) with a practicing lawyer or judge to be eligible to take the California bar exam. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/17/how-kim-kardashian-can-become-a-lawyer-without-getting-a-law-degree.html
According to the California State Bar Title 4. Admissions and Educational Standards, Chapter 3. Required education, Rule 4.29---Study in a law office or judge’s chambers must (have studied law in a law office or judge’s chambers during regular business hours (emphasis added) for at least eighteen hours each week for a minimum of forty-eight weeks to receive credit for one year of study or for at least eighteen hours a week for a minimum of twenty-four weeks to received credit for one-half year of study.https://www.calbar.ca.gov/portals/0/documents/publiccomment/2008/Admissions-Rules_Title4.pdf
In May 2019, Vogue Magazine published an article entitled The Awakening of Kim Kardashian West https://www.vogue.com/article/kim-kardashian-west-cover-may-2019 Thereafter, Kim received pushback on social media and immediately replied “I’ve seen comments from people who are saying it’s my privilege or my money that got he here, but that’s not the case,” she wrote. “The state bar doesn’t care who you are. This option is available to anyone [who’s] state allows it.”
Although the above statement may be true being able to find an attorney (or Judge) to mentor to someone for 18-hours per week (during business hours) is virtually impossible. In fact, according to an in-depth study, only three (3) candidates who completed their “education” through law office study took the Bar Exam and only (2) of them passed the California Bar Exam.
According to the ABA Journal, Kim was allowed to take the “baby bar” exam while having Covid-19 and a 104-degree temperature! How was that even possible? https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/kim-kardashian-says-she-finally-passed-the-baby-bar-after-her-apprenticeship-studies
Even more remarkable is the fact that Kim did not consult with her dream team of lawyers prior to accepting $250,000 to promote cryptocurrency offered by EthereumMax called EMAX tokens. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission recently “charged celebrity Kim Kardashian for touting a cryptocurrency on her Instagram account without disclosing that she was paid for the promotion.”
“According to regulators, her (Kim Kardashian) post also ‘provided instructions for potential investors to purchase EMAX tokens.’ And that violates an ‘anti-touting provision’ in the federal securities laws.”
I recently watched a Netflix documentary The GameStop Saga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8jtdao1zkE The events surrounding The GameStop saga lead to an investigation by the United States House Committee On Financial Services launched an investigation. The documentary and Congressional hearings are worth watching.
It will also be interesting to watch Kim Kardashian’s progress in securing her license to practice law and how she will overcome the Moral Turpitude issues. https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Moral-Character/Factors-and-Conduct

10/16/2022

Upwork and the Unlawful Practice of Law

The American Bar Association (ABA) Task Force on the Model Definition of the Practice of Law states:
(c) A person is presumed to be practicing law when engaging in any of the following conduct on behalf of another:
(1) Giving advice or counsel to persons as to their legal rights or responsibilities or to those of others;
(2) Selecting, drafting, or completing legal documents or agreements that affect the legal rights of a person;
(3) Representing a person before an adjudicative body, including, but not limited to, preparing or filing documents or conducting discovery; or
(4) Negotiating legal rights or responsibilities on behalf of a person.
(d) Exceptions and exclusions: Whether or not they constitute the practice of law, the following are permitted:
(1) Practicing law authorized by a limited license to practice;
(2) Pro se representation;
(e) * * * * if the person providing the services of a nonlawyer, the person shall disclose that fact in writing.
(f) If a person who is not authorized to practice law is engaged in the practice of law, that person shall be subject to the civil and criminal penalties of this jurisdiction.

Source: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/task_force_model_definition_practice_law/model_definition_definition/ #:~:text=(1)%20The%20%22practice%20of,person%20trained%20in%20the%20law.
Upwork’s Marketing
Hire the best Litigation Specialists
https://www.upwork.com/hire/litigation-freelancers/
The following is just a sample of the Unlawful Practice of Law in which Upwork’s “best litigation specialists” are engage in.
Job description
I need help with child custody case in Louisiana. You need to help me research some civil code and court rules and also prepare for discovery/ deposition/ hearing

Skills required
Paralegal Legal Research Family Law Draft Documentation
Job description
I have all the documents I need to file a civil lawsuit for trespassing, mischief and unjust enrichment. I also have the forms required, but I need someone to type it for me, proofread it and help me prepare the exhibits.
Job description
Types of work needed: 1. Paralegal work: getting solar farm leases notarized and then filed with the county to record the memorandum of lease. 2. Virtual assistant, helping to review NDAs, contracts, fill out forms & manage our data rooms for lenders & investors, responding to emails & managing suppliers/vendors, etc.
Job description
On Nov 01,2021 NJ Federal district court DISMISSED my case after dragging it out for 3 years by claiming that my law suit against 5 Ocean cty NJ Superior court judges had "deficiencies" that did NOT satisfy the two prong requirements of the Mireles v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9, 12 (1991). I have filed the Notice of Appeal with the Federal district court as within the 30 day requirement.
less
Skills required
Legal Services Paralegal Legal Consulting Legal Research

Job description
Need prepare legal complain and research case law for complain to file in California superior court.

I am a pro se plaintiff in a federal antitrust action. I am appealing from summary judgement.

I filed my initial complaint in US District Court (Eugene) in Oct 2016. The district court dismissed my claims under Rule 12(b)(6). On appeal the USCA for the 9th Cir vacated the lower court's decision.

Following discovery defendants moved for summary judgement, which the district court granted. I filed timely notice of appeal.

My opening brief is due August 9, 2021. I have a rough draft completed. I want to file a Streamlined Extension of Time (Circuit Rule 31-2.2) about a week before the opening brief is due, which will extend the due date to September 9. Although self-represented parties aren't required to file excerpts from the record, I plan to do so. My rough draft has those excerpts already cited to the ECF and page numbers. I can supply those documents so that you won't have to go to the court's filing system and download them.

The court has entered a judgement awarding costs to defendants. I will file a motion to stay ex*****on of that judgement and for approval of a supersedeas bond. I need to file this before August 8. I have drafted the motion. Should have the bond in a few days.

So, in summary, I need your help to:

1) file a motion in the next few weeks with the district court to stay ex*****on of its judgement for costs and approval of my supersedeas bond,
2) file a motion with the 9th Cir for a "Streamlined Extension of Time" around the first of August,
3) file my opening brief and excerpts from the record with the 9th Cir (which will be due September 9 after the court approves the extension), and
4) file a reply to appellees' answering brief.

This is the project so far. But, if the 9th Circuit rules in my favor — and I think there is a very good chance they will — I will need your help getting ready for trial.

I hope you will accept this project. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Steve I.

Job description
Client's Responses to Discovery: Emailing and telephone calls with client to collect all responsive documents. Organization and review of all responsive documents. Formatting and drafting responses to discovery requests. Preparation of any income and expense documents required in discovery requests. Opposing Party's Responses to Discovery: Review and summary of discovery responses Review and summary of documents produced Preparation of any necessary documents to include child support forms, detailed descriptive lists, etc. Preparation of Family Law Affidavits including Income and Expense Sheets

Job description
I have a hot deadline, but the complaint is already in pretty good shape, it just needs to be proofed. The complaint involves a personal injury involving product liability. You may be able to make some extra money, reviewing my demand, and exhibits, but the big thing right now is to get the complaint framework right, to avoid a dismissal, and the rest can follow. My guess is, I've got no more than two weeks from 12-24-2021 to proof my complaint. In other words, I need this completed by no later than January 6, 2021. This is what's known as an index poisoning case, so it will be interesting, and unique, in that respect. The complaint is otherwise, very straightforward and simple. So if you've got a curious, and scientific mind, you're likely going to really like this unique and fascinating case.

Job description
I’m a NC federal court Plaintiff (representing myself) with a deadline of May 26 to submit a motion to set aside a Memorandum Settlement Agreement (MSA) signed at mediation combined with a motion for a stay of proceedings to allow time to find an attorney. Currently, the project is underway and legal advice and assistance with and proofing of the motion is needed. Obviously, this is an immediate need. Summary Deliverable: Completed Motion to Set Aside MSA & Stay of Proceedings Type of Assistance: Legal Expert/Federal Court Rules & Procedures & Contract Law

****What is even more concerning is that the profile of Stephen G. states:
I am a former attorney with over 30 years experience looking to assist lawyers in their practice. I have earned a "top rated" status from Upwork. I have experience in both civil and family law and criminal defense. I have handled both state and federal cases in both civil and criminal areas. I am also a former prosecutor having handled major crimes. I have been a certified circuit court civil and family law mediator as well. I am also skilled in writing contracts and property leases. I have full access to West Law and conduct legal research routinely. Although no longer licensed to practice at this time, I currently assist attorneys in various states around the country in the preparation of their complaints, memorandums, discovery and all litigation related matters. I would like to assist you in your practice as well. I can provide references to all attorneys who have used my services in the past.
Despite the representations, indicating that Stephen G., is only providing his services to attorneys, his Upwork history demonstrates otherwise. For example, one project stated:
Job description
Hello, and thank you for your interest! I am not a lawyer, but have successfully filed a medical malpractice complaint and had it accepted by the courts. As I move forward I will need help interpreting the judicial paperwork and ensuring that I meet all requirements. Details of the case can be provided upon request.

There is also a concern that this Stephen G., may be Stephen Jay Goldstein.

Source(s): https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/Case-Information/Case-Disposition-Orders/2009-Case-Disposition-Orders/April/The-Florida-Bar-v.-Stephen-Jay-Goldstein

10/16/2022

National Depression Awareness Month

This observance works to bring awareness to the need for depression awareness and the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings. https://americanbehavioralclinics.com/national-depression-and-mental-health-screening-month/
I have been battling depression, and PTSD due to my past. I have tried to open-up about things. However, one could not even imagine what I have endured. For example:
On October 15, 2013, our home island of Bohol was struck by a devastating 7.2 Magnitude earthquake.https://ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/2657/FINAL_REPORT_re_Effects_of_Magnitude_7_2_Sagbayan_Bohol_Earthquake_15OCT-04NOV2013.pdf
The intensity in our city (Tagbilaran) was a devastating level 7. https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/earthquake/earthquake-intensity-scale The energy that the quake released was equivalent to 32 Hiroshima atomic bombs.
Just moments before the quake struck, I was sitting in an airplane on the runway of Tagbilaran’s former airport bound for Manila. The purpose of our trip to Manila was for my daughter’s (who would be celebrating her first birthday the following month) medical appointments with her team of international experts. https://www.loscerritosnews.net/2012/12/02/new-born-infant-with-one-eye-inspires-hope-medical-treatment/
Upon our arrival in Manila, my phone was filled with messages inquiring our whereabouts and people surrounded the televisions watching the horrific news.
Our home in Tagbilaran was completely destroyed. I was also receiving calls from the United States requesting my assistance with the relief efforts.
I am former USAF (logistics) and a member of the Los Angeles County Community Emergency Relief Team (CERT). https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/preparedness-activities-webinars/community-emergency-response-team
Ironically, I had been very depressed dealing with Nicole’s medical issues. The sudden events made me forget my own problems, there were many people who had lost loved ones.
We elected to remain in Makati (The Philippines financial heartbeat) for a while. This also afforded us the opportunity to remain near Nicole’s medical team. I was also in the middle of completing my Master’s https://www.csudh.edu/ncrp-ma/
Little did I know that my past and future would merge. I had previously met the Philippines Red Cross Chair, Richard Gordon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Gordon_(politician) and Maribojoc Mayor (Jun Evasco), who would eventually become Cabinet Secretary for President Duterte. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leoncio_Evasco_Jr.
My involvement with the relief efforts helped pave the way to ensure that relief goods were properly distributed. This experience served me well while pursuing my Master’s.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/512307/bohol-mayor-drives-out-red-cross-team
As a father to three beautiful kids, they rely on my love and financial support. Hence, I must pull myself up by my bootstraps and STAND. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT10h5vqmZs

Paralegal services + virtual paralegal services

09/28/2022

Criminal Sentencing Phase

California Criminal Sentencing

09/27/2022

Trademarks

I enjoy watching The Founder, a must watch movie for any IP professional. The Founder highlights many errors that the McDonalds brothers made. For example, the McDonald brothers failed to trademark their company name, along with failing to trademark their Speedee system and their Golden Arches. These failures paved the way for Roy Kroc to eventually take over the McDonald brothers’ business.
As a kid, we often rode our bikes to “the old McDonald’s” located in Downey California. We always noticed that in addition to the look of the Downey McDonalds, the food tasted different. I recently read an article that addresses these two issues. https://la.eater.com/2015/4/16/8432039/worlds-oldest-surviving-mcdonalds-los-angeles-downey-feature-photos On a sidenote, in 1962, the Original Taco Bell was opened in Downey, California. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taco_Bell
Let us perk things up a bit and move on to Coffee. In 1996, Federal Expresso applied to the Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”) for registration of “Federal Espresso” as a service mark. Federal Express formally opposed the application and sent defendants a cease-and-desist letter. In 1997, Federal Express and Federal Espresso entered into a settlement agreement.
Source: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-2nd-circuit/1153856.html
The ABA Journal recently published an article entitled “Honduran attorneys bring law-themed Latin coffee shop to Minnesota” https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/honduran-attorneys-bring-law-themed-latin-coffee-bar-to-minnesota The Abodados Café ™ Home page asserts that they are the first law-themed cafe in the US. https://www.coffeeinlaw.com/
However, Legal Grind® was founded in 1996 by California attorney Jeff Hughes in 1996. https://legalgrind.com/roothtmls/about.html In fact, commencing in 1996, Legal Grind’s Coffee & Counsel℠ was in fact the first law-themed café in the US. Each of these two entities must be commended for their progressive efforts in providing legal services.
Prior to founding AMERICAN PARALEGAL, I utilized my military experience as a logistics specialist to serve as logistics officer for Café Justo. https://www.justcoffee.org/ Thereafter, I founded the Bohol, Philippines Coffee Project.
The Bohol Philippines Coffee Project afforded me with the opportunity to interface with some of the most important leaders in the Philippines, which includes Jun Evasco, Cabinet Secretary to Former President Duterte. https://www.loscerritosnews.net/2012/12/02/new-born-infant-with-one-eye-inspires-hope-medical-treatment/
During the Pandemic, many people worked from home. I have been working remotely since my military career, boots on the ground, and later as a civilian. Attorneys are now practicing remotely and utilizing on demand contract paralegals for their legal outsourcing needs.

My favorite virtual law firm specializing in trademark law is Nicole Cheri Oden Law, P.C. https://nicolecheriodenlaw.com/

Trademarks