What Happens to a Second Mortgage During Foreclosure?

Attorney Search Network Administrator — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:16:23 +0000

You may face foreclosure if you owe a large amount of debt on your home and can no longer afford making mortgage payments. If a foreclosure is a possibility, it is best to familiarize yourself with state foreclosure laws and hire legal assistance, especially when a second mortgage is involved.

Sometimes when a home is foreclosed or short sold, only the primary loan is taken into consideration. In some cases, weeks or months after the home has been foreclosed on or short sold, the holder of the second mortgage will demand payment of the amount they are owed.

During a foreclosure or short sale, your second mortgage lender can:

File a deficiency judgment against you if the second mortgage loan balance isn’t covered by the foreclosure sale
File a civil judgment against you
Garnish your income
Send you a bill claiming you still owe them money

After a foreclosure or short sale, if you are contacted by the holder of the second mortgage with a payment demand, there are some legal options and protections for you.

If you are in this situation, a real property lawyer can help you through this situation by advising you on the different options you have. A real property lawyer can help work out an agreement or arrangement with the court or lender. To find a real property lawyer in your area, contact Attorney Search Network today.

Homeowners Insurance Claims

Attorney Search Network Administrator — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:14:53 +0000

Most people don’t think much about their homeowners insurance until they need it. Last week, wild fires damaged a number of homes in Kern County, California. In circumstances such as fires, earthquakes and flooding, insurance companies are responsible for financially compensating those homeowners per the terms of their agreement.

Using history as our guide, it is not uncommon for homeowners insurance companies to try escaping costly damages by denying or underpaying some claims. If you are a homeowner whose claim have been unjustly denied, you could use legal remedies to get what you are entitled to.

Under bad faith insurance law, the following instances constitute as acting in bad faith:

Delays by the insurance company in responding to your calls, letters, and other inquiries
Promising insurance coverage and refusing to pay later
Refusing to pay for property damage or loss that’s covered
Refusing to pay a portion of your claim
Refusing to pay for what is fair, such as giving you less than what it’s worth
Assigning multiple adjusters to the claim to result in delays and wrongful denial of coverage
Requiring a proof of loss or itemized receipts that are impossible to obtain

Bad faith insurance lawyers can effectively resolve delayed or denied insurance claims. Insurance lawyers can handle disputes with your insurance company and to help get you the compensation you are entitled to, along with possible punitive damages. If you are having bad faith issues with your insurance company, Attorney Search Network can refer you to a bad faith lawyer today.

Foreclosure is not the Only Option

Attorney Search Network Administrator — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:13:07 +0000

Foreclosures continue to be an issue for homeowners across the country as they find themselves in unexpected situations such as job loss, health emergencies and other unmanageable expenses that can cause them to be unable to pay for their mortgage on time.

Regardless of what is going on nationally, if you are facing the possibly of a foreclosure it is important to seek legal help, as foreclosure is not the only option. Avoiding foreclosure is a good idea, since losing a home means losing all the money invested in it. Foreclosures become public information that is handed over to credit reporting agencies, and are not erased from a credit report for up to seven years.

A foreclosure lawyer can help you avoid foreclosure by working with your lender or a certified housing counselor to come up with foreclosure alternatives. A foreclosure lawyer can examine the terms and conditions of your property agreement to analyze how your personal and financial situation can excuse you from non-payment.

Some of the options a foreclosure lawyer can help you with include:

Loan modifications
Principle reductions
Short sales
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Mortgage refinancing
Repayment plans
Loan changes

If you are having difficulties paying your mortgage on time and wish to avoid foreclosure of your home, contact a foreclosure lawyer today. Attorney Search Network can help you find a foreclosure lawyer in your area that can help you choose a viable alternative to foreclosure immediately.

Minor Car Accidents can have Major Consequences

Attorney Search Network Administrator — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:05:07 +0000

After national holidays such as Independence Day, there are lots of people on the road, some of which are distracted. If you were unfortunate enough to be hit, bumped, rear-ended, side-swiped or involved in any other manner of car-to-car collision – take it seriously. Many injuries in a minor car accident can become major issues over time.

It is common to feel fine right after a car accident, only to develop pains in the next few days that take months or years of therapy to correct. Your first steps during a car accident should be to report the accident and get all parties insurance. Your second step should be to get a personal injury lawyer.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can make the process less painful. Not only is it advised to work with a lawyer to handle the communications with your insurance company, a lawyer can also help prevent your insurance company from undervaluing your claim and giving you less compensation than what you need for your injuries.

A personal injury lawyer can help make sure the insurance adjuster does not misinterpret the law, so you can receive the maximum possible compensation for your medical treatment, physical and mental anguish, loss of wages and other needs.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, Attorney Search Network can help you find a personal injury lawyer in your area that can turn the case in your favor. Contact Attorney Search Network today to find a personal injury lawyer with excellent qualifications, expertise and credentials.

Illegal Fireworks and Criminal Arson

Attorney Search Network Administrator — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:04:24 +0000

Fireworks can be fun but setting off illegal fireworks is not. Each year during the Fourth of July holiday, people are arrested for selling, buying and manufacturing illegal fireworks. Some are charged with criminal arson after the fireworks they set off cause damage to property or personal injuries to other persons.

Even if you are using “Safe-N-Sane” fireworks, it is important to make sure you use them in an approved area. Keep in mind that illegal fireworks are even more dangerous and that an evening of celebration can potentially become a long-term problem.

If you are caught with illegal fireworks, law enforcement will confiscate the fireworks and issue a misdemeanor that may be punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or one year of prison in a county jail. If the illegal fireworks cause a fire, users can be liable and billed for the cost of controlling the fire.

Since arson is a serious criminal offense, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer that understands arson laws and help guide you through the legal process. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help defend you against a criminal arson charge, which can mean the difference between a prison sentence and a dismissed charge.

If you have been charged with criminal arson or possession of illegal fireworks, contact Attorney Search Network. We can help you find a criminal defense lawyer who can help protect your rights.

Burn Injuries Caused by Fireworks

Attorney Search Network Administrator — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:03:22 +0000

Every year, thousands of people will be injured in the United States during Fourth of July celebrations – a large percentage of which are children. Fireworks and sparklers that are considered to be child-friendly and safe can pose a threat for severe burns. Many burn injuries can have serious, long-term consequences.

Burns may be caused by using fireworks incorrectly or by people setting off illegal fireworks and can have permanent effects on a person. A burn injury victim may require significant medical attention, cosmetic surgery, physical therapy and other expensive long-term treatments. Recovery can take years, multiple procedures or painful grafts.

If you suffer a burn injury, a lawyer can help you get compensation for your treatment and therapy from manufactures of the faulty fireworks, individuals causing the injury or from the insurance of the location. A personal injury lawyer can help provide the financial relief you deserve.

Keep in mind that if you or someone you know gets burned by fireworks or sparklers, it is important to cool off the burn with cold water and wrap the patch of burned skin with a clean and dry sheet until an ambulance arrives.

If you are a victim of burns or scar injuries due to someone’s negligence and need the help of a personal injury lawyer, call Attorney Search Network today. Attorney Search Network can refer you to an experienced personal injury lawyer that will support you in your claims.

Update Changes to your Child Visitation Schedule

Attorney Search Network Administrator — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:53:21 +0000

Following a separation or divorce, child visitation rights are awarded to the non-custodial parents as a privilege to the parent and best interest of the child. Child visitation allows parents to work together to create a reasonable visitation plan, as determined by the courts.

When the court decides child visitation rights, parents will receive a set child visitation schedule that they need to adhere to. Sometimes, however, one parent has no choice but to change the child visitation schedule for a number of reasons including relocation, job change, dangerous circumstances and violation of a court order. When a change in schedule is necessary, parents often agree amongst themselves, without notifying the courts.

Not notifying the courts could result in legal trouble, especially if one spouse decides to report the other spouse for not following the agreed upon child visitation schedule. A parent that wishes to change any part of the child visitation schedule may need to get approval by the courts.

A family lawyer with experience in child visitation matters can help you officially update the court on any changes in your child visitation schedule. A family lawyer can help you show a change in circumstances, which will show the courts your commitment to parenting. A lawyer can also help settle disputes in cases where parents cannot agree on a stable child visitation schedule.

Attorney Search Network can help you find a family lawyer that handles child visitation cases. Make changes to your child visitations scheduling by contacting Attorney Search Network and speaking to a family lawyer in your area today.

Landlord and Tenant Disputes

Attorney Search Network Administrator — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:52:24 +0000

Under landlord and tenant law, tenants have the right of control over their leased property and the implied agreement of quiet enjoyment, or living in their property without constant interference. Landlords promise that nobody else can claim a tenant’s right to the property and guarantee tenants that the property offers safe living conditions.

Even with signed agreements, landlord-tenant relationships often face issues that lead to disputes. Common reasons for landlord and tenant disputes are evictions, unlawful detainer actions, fair housing violations, security deposit issues, breach of lease, inability to pay rent, being overcharged for rent, property damage disputes, and collections. In case of a dispute, landlord and tenants can consider the following steps:

Know your general rights and responsibilities under landlord-tenant law
Focus on the landlord-tenant laws in your state
Understand and review the terms of your lease or rental agreement
Stay calm and meet with the landlord or tenant face to face
Keep copies of notes, letters and any other paper trails
Speak to a landlord-tenant lawyer

Landlord-tenant law is multifaceted and may be confusing for both landlords and tenants. A landlord-tenant lawyer can help protect your rights by evaluating your case. In case of a lawsuit, a landlord-tenant lawyer can review documents, interview witnesses and plan a strategy accordingly.

For effective representation in case of a dispute with your landlord or tenant, contact Attorney Search Network for a landlord-tenant lawyer referral. We can help you find a qualified landlord-tenant lawyer near you.

Protect your Business Identity

Attorney Search Network Administrator — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:51:37 +0000

It has happened many times before – a company spending time and money on promoting a new service or product, only to find out that their trademark was already in use by another company. Even though you have trademark protection when you use a name or logo that identifies your business, registering a trademark with the U.S. Trademark Office guarantees protection.

Before launching a new business, product, or service, make sure you protect your hard work by trademarking your intellectual property assets. Protecting your business identity by successfully registering a trademark can get you exclusive rights to use protected names, colors, signs and symbols that distinguish your business from others. This in turn helps you keep a good image, brand yourself in the community and present your product.

Inexperienced entrepreneurs often overlook how important it is to protect their business identity. Mistakes at the early stages of planning and starting a business can end up being costly. That’s why it is best to plan ahead and speak to an intellectual property lawyer about how you can guarantee protection by registering a trademark with the U.S. Trademark Office.

An intellectual property lawyer can protect your business identity by helping you register your trademark and answer any questions you may have. Even if you are ready to apply for federal trademark registration, or suspect trademark infringement action, an experienced intellectual property lawyer can be useful in evaluating the situation and recommending steps you can take. An intellectual property lawyer can work with you in order to ensure that your rights are protected.

If you need help with your trademark registration or suspect trademark infringement, contact Attorney Search Network today. Attorney Search Network can refer you to an intellectual property lawyer near you.

Considering a New Business Venture? Speak to a Business Lawyer Today!

Attorney Search Network Administrator — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:27:38 +0000

Are you considering starting a business, changing from a partnership to an LLC or any other business-related venture? Without a business lawyer to represent your interests, you may cause yourself expensive problems in the future.

While budget constraints may tempt you to steer away from getting expert advice, speaking to a business lawyer upfront can help you avoid expensive problems down the road. The legal structure of your business dictates tax issues, liability issues, control and managerial issues. If your business venture is not conducted correctly from the very beginning, it can hinder your business ability to be successful.

Whether your business is in the formation stage or has already been established, business lawyers can provide legal guidance. Business lawyers can help you determine whether a corporation, LLC or partnership is right for your business in the first place. Business lawyers can also provide counseling on daily operations, and advice on how to transfer business interests. Negotiating, contract drafting for employment, purchasing, leases and distribution are also areas that business lawyers can assist you with.

A business lawyer can protect you legally and financially. A lawyer can protect your personal liability to ensure that you won’t get sued at a later time. A lawyer can also protect your business by clearly defining your services and ensuring your right to get paid.

To find a business lawyer in your area with excellent credentials, background and certification, contact Attorney Search Network today. Attorney Search Network can help you find a business lawyer that offers skilled legal representation to accommodate your needs.