Pennsylvania launches the “PA CARE Package”
(Updated as of April 13, 2020) Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has launched the “PA CARE Package”, a consumer relief initiative designed to provide relief for borrowers effected by COVID-19. “It gives you a 90-day grace period on mortgages, for consumer loans like auto loans, a 90-day window of relief from all those annoying fees …
COVID-19’s Impact on Landlords and Tenants
On March 22nd, the National Multifamily Housing Council issued a release asking all apartment owners and landlords to halt evictions for a period of 90 days for residents that can show a financial impact from COVID-19. The Council has also requested a 90-day pause on rent increases, and flexibility in payment plans. More information can …
COVID-19 and MORTGAGES
(As of March 23, 2020) During these unprecedented times, there are concerns not only about the public health, but also rapidly-growing concerns over how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our national economy. Unemployment claims have jumped significantly in one week, leaving people to wonder how they are going to pay basic bills, like their mortgage …
Can you Protect your Claim in Bankruptcy?
Not all debts are dischargeable in bankruptcy. The key is to know which claims can be exempted from discharge and then what steps you, as a creditor, need to take to preserve your non-dischargeable claim.
The Importance Of Notarizing Loan Documents: “Wasn’t Me” Defense
By: Kristen Wetzel Ladd What happens in a situation where an obligor on a debt disputes that the signature on the loan document was that of the obligor? Further, assume that the signature on the loan document was notarized. Many creditors have their loan documents notarized precisely to avoid …
Builder Beware: Commonwealth v. Cutler?
By: Nancy J. Glidden sup {vertical-align:super;font-size:smaller;padding-right:2px;} A recent matter that has captured the attention of homebuilders and homeowners alike is the decision by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office (“AG”) to enter into the realm of home defects. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. The Cutler Group, Inc. d/b/a The David …
Recovery of Attorney Fees
By: John Fiorillo Litigation is expensive. The highest cost associated with litigation is usually the attorney’s fees. The costs of litigation is often a substantial factor in the decision to litigate as well as ultimately settle a case. As a consequence, the ability to recover costs and, in particular, attorney’s fees is of critical …
New Form Act 6/91 Notice as of September 1, 2016
By: Kristen Wetzel Ladd The link below is a new form of the combined Act 6/91 pre-foreclosure notice, which must be sent at least 33 days (30 days plus 3 days for mailing) before commencing an owner-occupied residential mortgage foreclosure, or executing on a “residential mortgage obligation” (which can include a money judgment …
We can help you determine whether you are a candidate for an assessment appeal to reduce your real estate taxes.
By: John K. Fiorillo It’s that time of year again. The deadline for appealing tax assessments in Montgomery, Delaware, Chester and Bucks Counties is August 1, 2016. Any reduction is effective January 1, 2017. The deadline for Philadelphia is the first Monday of October. Your real estate taxes support your local school district, county …
Direct Relation Test Challenged in PA Supreme Court – Why Disclosure for Confession is Essential
By: Kristen Wetzel Ladd A recent case challenging the denial of a petition to open a confessed judgment has been granted appeal by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The case of Graystone Bank v. Grove Estates, 58 A.3d 1277, 2012 PA Super 274 (2012) has been appealed to determine the validity of the warrant of …