HAMP Changes

On February 4, 2012, in Foreclosure, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

HAMP Changes

The Obama Administration, The U.S. Department of  The Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development  recently announced important enhancements to the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). The program is being expanded and made available to:

• Homeowners who do not meet the 31 percent debt-to-income (DTI) requirement for a traditional HAMP modification;
• Homeowners who currently have tenants and those who do not currently occupy their home, but intend to rent the property;
• Homeowners who didn’t successfully complete a HAMP trial period or;
• Homeowners who fell out of a permanent HAMP modification due to missed payments.

This is great News! This should help many struggling homeowners. However, it appears, the expanded HAMP changes will not be available until May 2012. Therefore, homeowners facing imminent foreclosure should seek legal counsel immediately if they are interested in a loan modification under the expanded Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). You may be able to take steps to stop the foreclosure long enough for you to apply for a loan modification and save your home!

If you are currently in foreclosure or in danger of falling into foreclosure, and you have any questions, please call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC at (516) 858-2620 to speak with a Foreclosure Defense Attorney!

This, and additional information can be found at www.makinghomeaffordable.gov.

Bankruptcy case dismissed, now what?

On January 26, 2012, in Bankruptcy, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

Bankruptcy Dismissal

What can I do after a bankruptcy dismissal?

After a dismissal, your bankruptcy case will be closed. The bankruptcy will be over unless/until a motion is made and granted reopening the case. Depending on the reason your case was dismissed, you may/may not be able to file another bankruptcy case right away. If you are able to file again, the length of the Automatic Stay might be an issue for you. A motion may have to be made to extend the length of the stay (your bankruptcy attorney will advise you about this issue).

Bankruptcy Attorney in Mineola

As always, the Law Firm of VAUGHN, WEBER & PRAKOPE, PLLC is here to assist you.  We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island, at 393 Jericho Tpke., #208, in Mineola, NY.  Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to arrange a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.

 

Bankruptcy Bias For Blacks

On January 26, 2012, in Bankruptcy, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

Bankruptcy Bias for Blacks

A recent NY Times article discusses a recent study of racial differences in bankruptcy filings that shows a bankruptcy bias for blacks:

The study of racial differences in bankruptcy filings was written by Robert M. Lawless, a bankruptcy expert and law professor, and Dov Cohen, a psychology professor, both with the University of Illinois; and Jean Braucher, a law professor at the University of Arizona.

A survey conducted as part of their research found that bankruptcy lawyers were much more likely to steer black debtors into a Chapter 13 than white filers even when they had identical financial situations. The lawyers, the survey found, were also more likely to view blacks as having “good values” when they expressed a preference for Chapter 13.

This is news to me! As a NY Bankruptcy Attorney this has not been my experience, but I did find the article interesting and look forward to reviewing the study. I can assure you that bankruptcy can be a very difficult area of law (even for attorneys). There are many factors that need to be considered when deciding which bankruptcy chapter is best for you. No one should be steered into any chapter of bankruptcy! Make sure your bankruptcy attorney is a member of NACBA (National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys). Also consult with several attorneys if possible (most offer a free consultation). We have no problem providing a free consultation to answer your general questions. We also have answers to frequently asked bankruptcy questions right here on this site.

New York Bankruptcy Attorneys

As always, the Law Firm of VAUGHN, WEBER & PRAKOPE, PLLC is here to assist you.  We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island, at 393 Jericho Tpke., #208, in Mineola, NY.  Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to arrange a FREE consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.

Adopting a Child in New York

On January 20, 2012, in Family Law, by John A. Weber IV, ESQ.

Adopting a Child in New York

Recently, we have received some calls regarding Adoption law.  Besides the obvious emotional decisions that need to be made in regards to adopting a child, there are also some legal decisions that need to be made.  It seems that few people realize that adoptions can take place in Family Court as well as Surrogate’s Court.  There are also different procedures to follow depending on the type of adoption that you are engaging in.  Not every adoption involves an adoption agency.  That seems to be a surprise to some people.  Private placement adoptions are not overly simple.  Procedures are in place to protect the welfare of the child, even in these Private adoptions.  Notice requirements are taken very seriously by the Courts in adoption cases.  Steps cannot be skipped.  Attempting to figure out the answers to these questions without the help of an attorney can be dangerous.  Mistakes in preparing to enter the process or during the process can ultimately end up prejudicing your chances of adopting a child in the future.  As always, if you have any questions regarding any type of adoption, call (516) 858-2620 to speak to an attorney.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. This website is Attorney Advertising. It does not form an attorney-client relationship. We are a debt relief agency and a law firm that helps people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code – Title 11. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Proudly assisting residents of Long Island, Nassau county, Suffolk county, New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan