ON ZOMBIE HOMES

Section 1308 of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law imposes a duty to inspect, secure and maintain vacant and abandoned properties on mortgagees or their servicing agents.

The New York State Department of Financial Services has created a web site page to advise and inform on the proper rules for these properties entitled "Zombie Property Maintenance Home Page"

See http://www.dfs.ny.gov/banking/zombie_prop_maintenance.htm

NEW SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE LAW SIGNED SEPTEMBER 25

The new maintenance bill was signed by the governor.

" A.7645/S.5678:  Relates to the duration and amount of maintenance and of spousal support; establishes new formulas for the amount of maintenance and spousal support and factors the court can use to deviate from that amount. Amends Domestic Relations Law §§236 & 248; Family Court Act §412.

Signed: 9/25/15"

The Temporary Maintenance provisions become effective 30 days thereafter (October 25, 2015) and the balance of the law goes into effect 120 days after signing (January 23, 2015).

Link to bill language at:

http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A07645&term=2015&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y

IT'S NOT THE LAW YET

For an update on the new maintenance reform legislation: Governor Cuomo has not yet signed this new legislative bill.