Foreclosure Nation

How often are you asked to sign something? I don't mean autographs or birthday cards, but documents that are legally and financially binding. It could be something as simple as signing a sales receipt or endorsing a check, or a life-altering action like buying a house. Either way, they are all contr...

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The Florida Bar’s Ethics Hotline recently has received numerous calls from lawyers who have been contacted by nonlawyers seeking to set up an arrangement in which the lawyers are involved in loan modifications, short sales, and other foreclosure-related rescue services on behalf of distressed homeow...

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Now what about the legal fees? • Retainer The word “retainer” can mean two things. One is a regular sum of money (e.g. $1,000 per month) to keep a lawyer available for any necessary legal service. Some businesses pay attorneys that way. “Retainer” can also mean a deposit or down payment, held...

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1. Be upfront and honest with your attorney. 2. Bring copies of all relevant documents with you to your meetings. Whenever possible summarize them so you dont have to pay the lawyer for a lot of time to review everything. Organizing them in a binder with a concise index is advisable. 3. Focus...

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Most state Bar Associations now have lawyers who volunteer to help people with their mortgage modifications and foreclosure defense. See the links on this website for some. And those readers who know of others, by all means let us know and we'll add them. When working with these pro bon lawye...

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Always be clear with your attorney about what YOUR responsibilities are. And rememeber it is up to YOU not him or her to follow up. If you dont not keep on top of him you have no one to blame but yourself. Ask if there are any tasks you would be involved in, and what your role in decision making w...

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I .What is your experience in this field? 2.Have you handled matters like mine? 3.What are the possible outcomes in cases such as this? 4.How long do you expect this matter to take? 5.How will you keep me informed as the case progresses? 6.Will anyone else be working on my case? 7.How do you h...

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> Does the lawyer have experience with this type of problem? > How long is the case likely to take? > Is the lawyer available to start on your case? > Will others in the office be working on your case? > What is your legal situation? What are your legal options? > Would negotiation or mediation...

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During the first interview, the lawyer should inform you of: > your legal options, > your chances of success, > the alternatives to legal action, > the time and expense involved in a legal action > the approximate cost of the legal services. You should be given an estimate of the total fees or...

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Unfortunately most people begin looking for lawyer at a time when they are under pressure and stress from whatever the circumstance is that has lead them to need a lawyer in the first place. That given there are often unusual time pressures to find someone and emotional influences that make rationa...

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