The official view:
NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
An opposing view:
HUFFINGTON POST - Manufacturing Fear: Halloween Laws for Sex Offenders
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
MORE RE: RENT CONTROL/STABILIZED LEASES IN BANKRUPTCY
An update of this issue from the firm of Shenwick & Associates - the case is now before the Second Circuit:
http://www.icebase.com/r.pl?IRUqwmHd8F1mpjiX_cf7de8d42ca2adcc
http://www.icebase.com/r.pl?IRUqwmHd8F1mpjiX_cf7de8d42ca2adcc
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
LANDLORD/TENANT COURT - VLP
Today I will be a volunteer lawyer for the day at Landlord/Tenant court in Hempstead. Attorneys are encouraged to volunteer to provide free legal assistance to the poor in Nassau County through the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP). The Nassau County Bar Association partners with the Nassau/Suffolk Law Services Committee to support VLP, which helps maximize the quantity and quality of pro bono assistance provided for the county's low-income community. Volunteer attorneys handle a wide array of cases including matrimonial matters, individual bankruptcy, personal injury and negligence defense, estate matters, release of accounts blocked by judgment creditors, and various other civil matters. I will be with The Landlord/Tenant Project's Attorney of the Day Program, which assists thousands of men, women and children in court to prevent homelessness.
Monday, October 28, 2013
NEW YORK UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE - PERSONAL LIABILITY OF EMPLOYER
This is an interesting question presented - when is a corporate officer/owner individually responsible for wages, payments of UI benefits, etc.
The DOL's opinion letter as to when an individual shall be deemed an employer is set forth at this link:
http://www.labor.ny.gov/legal/counsel/pdf/opinions/ro-11-0002%20definition%20of%20employer.pdf
The most recent case I found on this issue is PICARD v. BIGSBEE ENTERPRISES, INC., 1984-13 (9-12-2013), 2013 NY SLIP Op 51495 (U) where the court noted:
"The second branch of defendants' motion seeks dismissal of the complaint
as against the two individual defendants, Joseph Mallozzi and John Mallozzi
(collectively "Individual Defendants"), on the ground that officers and
shareholders of a corporation are not subject to civil liability. In
opposition, plaintiff argues that corporate officers, agents and
shareholders may be held liable under article 6 of the Labor Law as
"employers" and that the complaint alleges sufficient facts for the
Individual Defendants to be deemed plaintiff's employer.
Settled law holds that an individual does not bear civil liability for
unpaid wages under Labor Law article 6 ("Article 6") merely by serving as an
officer, shareholder or agent of a corporation (see Stoganovic v Dinolfo,
92 AD2d 729 [4th Dept 1983], aff'd 61 NY2d 812; Andux v Woodbury Auto Park,
Inc., 30 AD3d 362 [2d Dept 2006]). However, Article 6 does impose liability
upon "employers" (Labor Law § 190 [3]), and an officer, shareholder or agent
of a corporation who qualifies as an "employer" may be subject to a civil
suit on that basis (Bonito v Avalon Partners, Inc., 106 AD3d 625, 625-626
[1st Dept 2013] [officer]; Wing Wong v King Sun Yee, 262 AD2d 254, 255 [1st
Dept 1999] [shareholder]).
The term "employer" is broadly defined in Article 6 to include "any
person, corporation, limited liability company, or association employing any
individual in any occupation, industry, trade, business or service." In
determining whether an individual may be subject to civil liability as an
"employer" under Article 6, courts consider factors such as whether the
individual exercises control of the day-to-day operations of the business,
including determination of the rate and method of payment of employees (see
Bonito, 106 AD3d at 625). Here, the complaint alleges that each of the
Individual Defendants "exercises sufficient control of each catering
location's day to day operations to be considered an employer of Plaintiff
and those similarly situated under New York Labor Law" (Complaint ¶¶ 30-31).
Accepting the truth of these allegations and according plaintiff the benefit
of all reasonable inferences, the Individual Defendants have failed to
demonstrate their entitlement to dismissal of the complaint at this early
stage of the litigation."
The DOL's opinion letter as to when an individual shall be deemed an employer is set forth at this link:
http://www.labor.ny.gov/legal/counsel/pdf/opinions/ro-11-0002%20definition%20of%20employer.pdf
The most recent case I found on this issue is PICARD v. BIGSBEE ENTERPRISES, INC., 1984-13 (9-12-2013), 2013 NY SLIP Op 51495 (U) where the court noted:
"The second branch of defendants' motion seeks dismissal of the complaint
as against the two individual defendants, Joseph Mallozzi and John Mallozzi
(collectively "Individual Defendants"), on the ground that officers and
shareholders of a corporation are not subject to civil liability. In
opposition, plaintiff argues that corporate officers, agents and
shareholders may be held liable under article 6 of the Labor Law as
"employers" and that the complaint alleges sufficient facts for the
Individual Defendants to be deemed plaintiff's employer.
Settled law holds that an individual does not bear civil liability for
unpaid wages under Labor Law article 6 ("Article 6") merely by serving as an
officer, shareholder or agent of a corporation (see Stoganovic v Dinolfo,
92 AD2d 729 [4th Dept 1983], aff'd 61 NY2d 812; Andux v Woodbury Auto Park,
Inc., 30 AD3d 362 [2d Dept 2006]). However, Article 6 does impose liability
upon "employers" (Labor Law § 190 [3]), and an officer, shareholder or agent
of a corporation who qualifies as an "employer" may be subject to a civil
suit on that basis (Bonito v Avalon Partners, Inc., 106 AD3d 625, 625-626
[1st Dept 2013] [officer]; Wing Wong v King Sun Yee, 262 AD2d 254, 255 [1st
Dept 1999] [shareholder]).
The term "employer" is broadly defined in Article 6 to include "any
person, corporation, limited liability company, or association employing any
individual in any occupation, industry, trade, business or service." In
determining whether an individual may be subject to civil liability as an
"employer" under Article 6, courts consider factors such as whether the
individual exercises control of the day-to-day operations of the business,
including determination of the rate and method of payment of employees (see
Bonito, 106 AD3d at 625). Here, the complaint alleges that each of the
Individual Defendants "exercises sufficient control of each catering
location's day to day operations to be considered an employer of Plaintiff
and those similarly situated under New York Labor Law" (Complaint ¶¶ 30-31).
Accepting the truth of these allegations and according plaintiff the benefit
of all reasonable inferences, the Individual Defendants have failed to
demonstrate their entitlement to dismissal of the complaint at this early
stage of the litigation."
Friday, October 25, 2013
NEW YORK UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE - RECENT DEVELOPMENTS PART 1
The DOL has recently sent this letter to employers about recent reforms to NYS unemployment Insurance system:
Thursday, October 24, 2013
PRO BONO FAIR
The Fair will be held at the Nassau County Bar Association from 3-7pm. For a reservation, call Nassau County Bar Association, 15th and West Streets, Mineola, NY 11501,
516-747-4070 x 202
I will be one of the volunteer lawyers.
I will be one of the volunteer lawyers.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
SUPERSTORM SANDY STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
Well it appears that there is an issue as to whether FEMA's grant of 6 months additional time to file paperwork also extended the statute of limitations.
See this press release from Senator Schumer:
SCHUMER: LITTLE KNOWN DEADLINE FOR THOUSANDS OF SANDY VICTIMS TO HOLD ACCOUNTABLE INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR SHORT-CHANGING THEM IS FAST APPROACHING; MANY FAMILIES DON’T EVEN KNOW THEY MAY NEED TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION, BUT MAY SOON LOSE THAT RIGHT ANYWAY– SCHUMER CALLS FOR FEMA TO EXTEND DEADLINE
See this press release from Senator Schumer:
SCHUMER: LITTLE KNOWN DEADLINE FOR THOUSANDS OF SANDY VICTIMS TO HOLD ACCOUNTABLE INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR SHORT-CHANGING THEM IS FAST APPROACHING; MANY FAMILIES DON’T EVEN KNOW THEY MAY NEED TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION, BUT MAY SOON LOSE THAT RIGHT ANYWAY– SCHUMER CALLS FOR FEMA TO EXTEND DEADLINE
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
FROM NEWSDAY - WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE HOUSE WHEN DIVORCING
Here's a recent informative article:
http://www.newsday.com/business/your-finance-divorce-and-the-marital-home-1.6230125
http://www.newsday.com/business/your-finance-divorce-and-the-marital-home-1.6230125
Monday, October 21, 2013
FREE SANDY CLINIC IN LONG BEACH TODAY
For more information, see this link:
https://www.nassaubar.org/UserFiles/Clinic_Long_Beach_Eng_10_21_2013.pdf
https://www.nassaubar.org/UserFiles/Clinic_Long_Beach_Eng_10_21_2013.pdf
Friday, October 18, 2013
EMPIRE JUSTICE CENTER - ORDER OF PROTECTION
From the website of the Empire Justice Center:
"In an effort to help alleviate barriers for domestic violence victims with limited English proficiency, Empire Justice Center has developed a resource that provides answers to frequently asked questions about how to obtain an order of protection and to fully access Family Court.
The pamphlet is available in the top three languages in which interpreters are sought in the NYS Courts, as well as English:
A link to the full web page is here:
http://www.empirejustice.org/publications/brochures/seeking-protection-from.html#.Ulg6_RCqJC8
"In an effort to help alleviate barriers for domestic violence victims with limited English proficiency, Empire Justice Center has developed a resource that provides answers to frequently asked questions about how to obtain an order of protection and to fully access Family Court.
The pamphlet is available in the top three languages in which interpreters are sought in the NYS Courts, as well as English:
A link to the full web page is here:
http://www.empirejustice.org/publications/brochures/seeking-protection-from.html#.Ulg6_RCqJC8
Thursday, October 17, 2013
NEW YORK DIVORCE - CUSTODY & RELOCATION
A recent consultation and a recent email brought this case to my attention - Matter of Kevin McK. v Elizabeth A.E. , 2013 NY Slip Op 06328, Decided on October 1, 2013, Appellate Division, First Department.
In this case, the Family Court, which denied a parent's application to relocate, was reversed by the Appellate Division. What I find most interesting about the case is the following:
1. Around the fall of 2008, the application to relocate was made in Family Court.
2. Trial on the issues of custody and relocation commenced around a year later 2009, and was conducted on 13 days over the course of 2½ years.
3. The Family Court issued it's decision in April 2012.
4. The Appellate Division reversed in October 2013 - but the matter was remanded for further proceedings at which provision shall be made regarding liberal visitation and an allocation of travel costs.
Over 5 years and perhaps more until the parent can relocate....when I was consulted on this issue the need was immediate due to lack of income. So do was the application in Matter of Kevin McK. v Elizabeth A.E.
In this case, the Family Court, which denied a parent's application to relocate, was reversed by the Appellate Division. What I find most interesting about the case is the following:
1. Around the fall of 2008, the application to relocate was made in Family Court.
2. Trial on the issues of custody and relocation commenced around a year later 2009, and was conducted on 13 days over the course of 2½ years.
3. The Family Court issued it's decision in April 2012.
4. The Appellate Division reversed in October 2013 - but the matter was remanded for further proceedings at which provision shall be made regarding liberal visitation and an allocation of travel costs.
Over 5 years and perhaps more until the parent can relocate....when I was consulted on this issue the need was immediate due to lack of income. So do was the application in Matter of Kevin McK. v Elizabeth A.E.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
ON MEDICARE
From an email I recently received:
"
Most
people believe that if they are transferred from a hospital directly to a
nursing home or rehabilitation center, they will be entitled to Medicare
coverage for a certain period of time. This is generally true. However, a new
status category employed by hospitals may thwart those benefits.
"
** Legal
Alert **
Beware of Medicare
3-Day Hospital Stay
Beware of Medicare
3-Day Hospital Stay
How It Works
When
an individual has a 3-day hospital stay and then transfers to a skilled nursing
facility or rehabilitation center, s/he will be entitled to a maximum of 100
days of Medicare coverage if all eligibility criteria are met and the individual
is making progress and/or maintaining their skill level due to the therapy or
rehabilitation services provided. The first 20 days will be paid for by Medicare
in full and days 21-100 will be subject to a co-pay (currently $148/day), which
can be covered by medi-gap or other private health insurance plans.
The Problem
Unfortunately,
many people are currently being denied this Medicare coverage due to action at
the hospital level. Instead of admitting the patient, the hospital keeps the
person in "observation." While a patient can be kept on "observation" for days
at a time, it does not rise to the level of a hospital "admission." As such,
when that patient is transferred to a nursing home or rehabilitation center,
Medicare will not cover any of the costs of their care. With nursing
homes and rehabilitation centers costing on average $400 per day, this is a huge
financial burden to the patient and their family.
What You Can Do
When
your loved one is in the hospital, ask a hospital staff member if s/he has been
formally admitted to the hospital and has inpatient status. If necessary, engage
the help of your loved one's primary care physician to ensure a formal hospital
admission. It is often the case that the patient has no idea of their "status"
in the hospital until s/he is transferred to a nursing home and by then, it is
too late to secure a formal admission and in-patient status.
By
knowing your rights, you can advocate for your loved one to make sure your loved
one gets the benefits to which s/he is entitled.
*************************
Genser
Dubow Genser & Cona is recognized as a leading elder law and estate planning
firm on Long Island. The firm provides creative advocacy and cutting edge
planning strategies and has been featured in many publications including: The
New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsday, L.I. Business News,
Kiplinger's, Reader's Digest and many others. GDGC attorneys are frequent
contributors to Newsday's Act II "Ask the Expert" column and have appeared as
guests on WNBC-TV, CNN-fn, News 12, News 55, Channel 21 "Act II With Newsday"
and many radio stations including WOR, WCBS AM and WFAN."
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
NEW YORK UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE - VOLUNTARY SEPARATION
In a column today in Newsday, there is a discussion regarding an employee quitting because of one instance of verbal abuse by the employer. The advice was "Generally, if you resign, you don't qualify for unemployment benefits. But you should apply because the Labor Department stresses that it decides claims on a case-by-case basis."
I would add this - on the claimant's application, if the claimant states voluntary separation as the cause of separation, there is generally no benefits paid until the investigation is complete by the DOL - and then if good cause for separation is established , benefits will commence. Some claimants are aware of this and state another reason for separation (lack of work for example) so that benefits will start immediately and hope that the employer will not contest or that the DOL investigation will result in a favorable decision on the issue of voluntary separation.
There are great risks in the latter approach - if the ultimate determination is that the claimant voluntary separation was without good cause, the DOL may issue a false statement penalty as well as seek repayment of benefits paid. From the DOL website:
"Section 594 of the Unemployment Insurance Law provides that "a claimant who has wilfully made a false statement or representation to obtain any benefit ... shall forfeit benefits for at least the first four but not more than the first eighty effective days following discovery of such offense ...". It further provides that the claimant shall be deemed to have received benefits for such forfeited effective days", and that "A claimant shall refund all moneys received because of such false statement ..."."
I would add this - on the claimant's application, if the claimant states voluntary separation as the cause of separation, there is generally no benefits paid until the investigation is complete by the DOL - and then if good cause for separation is established , benefits will commence. Some claimants are aware of this and state another reason for separation (lack of work for example) so that benefits will start immediately and hope that the employer will not contest or that the DOL investigation will result in a favorable decision on the issue of voluntary separation.
There are great risks in the latter approach - if the ultimate determination is that the claimant voluntary separation was without good cause, the DOL may issue a false statement penalty as well as seek repayment of benefits paid. From the DOL website:
"Section 594 of the Unemployment Insurance Law provides that "a claimant who has wilfully made a false statement or representation to obtain any benefit ... shall forfeit benefits for at least the first four but not more than the first eighty effective days following discovery of such offense ...". It further provides that the claimant shall be deemed to have received benefits for such forfeited effective days", and that "A claimant shall refund all moneys received because of such false statement ..."."
Friday, October 11, 2013
FOR CONSUMERS RE: DEBT COLLECTION
Depending on where you live, debt collectors may be legally entitled to take your entire paycheck, house or car and completely clear out your bank accounts. According to the National Consumer Law Center:
"The economic downturn has strained millions of families to the breaking point, and the astronomic growth of the debt buyer industry makes them increasingly vulnerable to seizure of essential wages and property to pay their oldest debts. NCLC surveys the exemption laws of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Sadly, not one jurisdiction's laws meet basic standards so that debtors can continue to work productively to support themselves and their families."
A link to the full story and report:
http://www.nclc.org/issues/no-fresh-start.html
"The economic downturn has strained millions of families to the breaking point, and the astronomic growth of the debt buyer industry makes them increasingly vulnerable to seizure of essential wages and property to pay their oldest debts. NCLC surveys the exemption laws of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Sadly, not one jurisdiction's laws meet basic standards so that debtors can continue to work productively to support themselves and their families."
A link to the full story and report:
http://www.nclc.org/issues/no-fresh-start.html
Thursday, October 10, 2013
MORE RE: SUPERSTORM SANDY
A compliment to Touro Law Center for their excellent insurance checklist and other information, etc. re: Sandy claims. It was reported today in Newsday and can be found at this link:
http://www.tourolaw.edu/TLCHEART/
http://www.tourolaw.edu/TLCHEART/
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
NEW YORK UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE - EFFECT OF BLAND V. ROBERTS
This was a recent case Bland et al v. Roberts, 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 12-1671, in which the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a former deputy sheriff in Hampton, Virginia, who claimed he lost his job in retaliation for his "liking" the Facebook page of a candidate running against his boss for city sheriff:
"Liking a political candidate's campaign page communicates the user's approval of the candidate and supports the campaign by associating the user with it....It is the Internet equivalent of displaying a political sign in one's front yard, which the Supreme Court has held is substantive speech."
How does this apply to Unemployment Insurance and misconduct? Here is a case decided prior to BLAND: In Mailed and Filed: AUGUST 25, 2011, IN THE MATTER OF: Appeal Board No. 553929:
"The evidence further establishes that the claimant was discharged on January 26, 2010 after the employer learned that she had posted derogatory comments as well as comments that could be perceived as threatening regarding coworkers on her "Facebook" page on January 19. The employer contends the claimant's conduct violated the employer's policy. However, the portions of the policy at issue, prefaced by the language "For the benefit and safety of employees, clients, and the Organization", clearly pertain to employee conduct in the office. Further, we are not convinced that the claimant could have known from the language of the policy that her personal "Facebook" postings would jeopardize her employment.
We note that while the claimant acknowledged that she made the comments, she also credibly testified that she did not intend for any of her coworkers to be able to access her "Facebook" page, and therefore could not have intended to offend or threaten her coworkers. We also find it significant that neither the employer nor the coworkers are named in the claimant's postings, and that the claimant had received no warnings regarding similar conduct during her seven and a half-year employment, Further, it is credible that the claimant's comments were made in jest, and that she did not mean the exaggerated and outlandish remarks made.
Accordingly, while the Board does not condone such conduct by the claimant, the employer's policy regarding employee conduct was too broad to put the claimant on notice that comments on her personal social networking page, that were made in jest and did not specifically identify either the employer by name or the names of her coworkers, was not sufficient to put the claimant on notice that her conduct could result in her discharge. Absent a specific policy that would provide such notice to an employee, we find that the claimant's conduct - while demonstrating extremely poor judgment - did not constitute misconduct for unemployment insurance purposes. We conclude that this claimant was separated from employment under non disqualifying circumstances."
"Liking a political candidate's campaign page communicates the user's approval of the candidate and supports the campaign by associating the user with it....It is the Internet equivalent of displaying a political sign in one's front yard, which the Supreme Court has held is substantive speech."
How does this apply to Unemployment Insurance and misconduct? Here is a case decided prior to BLAND: In Mailed and Filed: AUGUST 25, 2011, IN THE MATTER OF: Appeal Board No. 553929:
"The evidence further establishes that the claimant was discharged on January 26, 2010 after the employer learned that she had posted derogatory comments as well as comments that could be perceived as threatening regarding coworkers on her "Facebook" page on January 19. The employer contends the claimant's conduct violated the employer's policy. However, the portions of the policy at issue, prefaced by the language "For the benefit and safety of employees, clients, and the Organization", clearly pertain to employee conduct in the office. Further, we are not convinced that the claimant could have known from the language of the policy that her personal "Facebook" postings would jeopardize her employment.
We note that while the claimant acknowledged that she made the comments, she also credibly testified that she did not intend for any of her coworkers to be able to access her "Facebook" page, and therefore could not have intended to offend or threaten her coworkers. We also find it significant that neither the employer nor the coworkers are named in the claimant's postings, and that the claimant had received no warnings regarding similar conduct during her seven and a half-year employment, Further, it is credible that the claimant's comments were made in jest, and that she did not mean the exaggerated and outlandish remarks made.
Accordingly, while the Board does not condone such conduct by the claimant, the employer's policy regarding employee conduct was too broad to put the claimant on notice that comments on her personal social networking page, that were made in jest and did not specifically identify either the employer by name or the names of her coworkers, was not sufficient to put the claimant on notice that her conduct could result in her discharge. Absent a specific policy that would provide such notice to an employee, we find that the claimant's conduct - while demonstrating extremely poor judgment - did not constitute misconduct for unemployment insurance purposes. We conclude that this claimant was separated from employment under non disqualifying circumstances."
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
ON MEDIATION
A Public Education Seminar on “Mediation: Keeping Family Feuds (and other fights)
Out of Court” will be held at the Nassau County Bar Association on Wednesday October 16. It is a Free Program - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Here is a link to the flyer:
https://www.nassaubar.org/UserFiles/Mediation_Seminar_Oct_2013.pdf
Here is a link to the flyer:
https://www.nassaubar.org/UserFiles/Mediation_Seminar_Oct_2013.pdf
Monday, October 7, 2013
ACCESS TO JUSTICE CHAMPION
Received October 1, 2013
"2013 Access to Justice Champions
Congratulations!
You have earned the honor of being named an Access to Justice Champion, a new recognition sponsored by the Nassau County Bar Association. This inaugural honor recognizes NCBA member attorneys with outstanding service and dedication of time and effort to provide legal representation, guidance or advice on a pro bono basis to serve those in Nassau County.
Feel free to use this special designation in you CVs, resumes, publicity and marketing materials.
The complete list of Access to Justice Champions will be published in the October 2013 issue of the Nassau Lawyer, the official monthly journal of NCBA. We are also planning a press release announcing all the winners at that time.
On behalf of the NCBA Access to Justice Committee, congratulations and much appreciation for the work you do on behalf of those in need. Keep up the good work!
Regards,
Valerie Zurblis
Director of Marketing and PR
Nassau County Bar Association
15th & West Streets
Mineola, NY 11501
516-747-4070 x204
vzurblis@nassaubar.org"
"2013 Access to Justice Champions
Congratulations!
You have earned the honor of being named an Access to Justice Champion, a new recognition sponsored by the Nassau County Bar Association. This inaugural honor recognizes NCBA member attorneys with outstanding service and dedication of time and effort to provide legal representation, guidance or advice on a pro bono basis to serve those in Nassau County.
Feel free to use this special designation in you CVs, resumes, publicity and marketing materials.
The complete list of Access to Justice Champions will be published in the October 2013 issue of the Nassau Lawyer, the official monthly journal of NCBA. We are also planning a press release announcing all the winners at that time.
On behalf of the NCBA Access to Justice Committee, congratulations and much appreciation for the work you do on behalf of those in need. Keep up the good work!
Regards,
Valerie Zurblis
Director of Marketing and PR
Nassau County Bar Association
15th & West Streets
Mineola, NY 11501
516-747-4070 x204
vzurblis@nassaubar.org"
Friday, October 4, 2013
HOW SOME COMMUNITIES HANDLE THE FORECLOSURE CRISIS
NEWSDAY - Brookhaven: Banks must register, maintain foreclosed homes
If you live next door to an abandoned home, or one is on your block, what are the legal ramifications if you and/or your neighbors maintain the abandoned home themselves because the town or municipality does not take prompt action?
In the 1970's, New York City officials had issues when individuals or neighborhood groups took matters into their own hands and created community gardens. At first, local government did not support these "self-help" methods.
If you live next door to an abandoned home, or one is on your block, what are the legal ramifications if you and/or your neighbors maintain the abandoned home themselves because the town or municipality does not take prompt action?
In the 1970's, New York City officials had issues when individuals or neighborhood groups took matters into their own hands and created community gardens. At first, local government did not support these "self-help" methods.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
FORECLOSURES ON LONG ISLAND
On Monday, September 30, Newsday ran an excellent story on mortgage foreclosures on Long Island.
A practical suggestion to any one dealing with these type of legal proceedings is to read the article but here are some highlights:
1. This year, filings were up 53% (although this may change with the new October 1 law regarding the certificate of merit).
2. The foreclosure process ion New York, like New Jersey, can be a three year process - the longest in the nation. There is a huge backlog of cases.
3. Due to various reasons, such as job loss and divorce, many homeowners in Long Island find their homes are now unaffordable even if the mortgage is modified.
A practical suggestion to any one dealing with these type of legal proceedings is to read the article but here are some highlights:
1. This year, filings were up 53% (although this may change with the new October 1 law regarding the certificate of merit).
2. The foreclosure process ion New York, like New Jersey, can be a three year process - the longest in the nation. There is a huge backlog of cases.
3. Due to various reasons, such as job loss and divorce, many homeowners in Long Island find their homes are now unaffordable even if the mortgage is modified.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
SUPERSTORM SANDY DEADLINE EXTENDED
The October deadline for FEMA proof of loss claims discussed in my September 30 post is now extended to April 2014 (28 or 29).
The FEMA website also states: "NOTICE: Due to the lapse in federal funding, portions of this website may not be updated and some non-disaster assistance transactions submitted via the website may not be processed or responded to until after appropriations are enacted,"
The FEMA website also states: "NOTICE: Due to the lapse in federal funding, portions of this website may not be updated and some non-disaster assistance transactions submitted via the website may not be processed or responded to until after appropriations are enacted,"
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
RECENT ISSUES RE: SUPERSTORM SANDY
For those counseling clients, be aware of these developments:
1. New York will use part of its share of billions of dollars in federal Superstorm Sandy aid to “fully compensate” storm victims who had flood insurance claims denied because of a hard-to-understand rule barring payments for damage caused by earth movement during a flood, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday. Details have not yet been released.
2. The STOP FEMA NOW protest - The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 stipulates that if homeowners don't raise their houses, they face much higher flood insurance premiums - to $20,000 plus.
1. New York will use part of its share of billions of dollars in federal Superstorm Sandy aid to “fully compensate” storm victims who had flood insurance claims denied because of a hard-to-understand rule barring payments for damage caused by earth movement during a flood, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday. Details have not yet been released.
2. The STOP FEMA NOW protest - The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 stipulates that if homeowners don't raise their houses, they face much higher flood insurance premiums - to $20,000 plus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
