Thursday, June 2, 2011

Times are tough, Even for your Creditors!


In the past few years  most of us have felt the economic crunch in some way or another. Some have lost employment, some have reduced their budget and others have reorganized their finances.
However, a true indicator that times are tough beyond a doubt is when the creditors are getting so aggressive they are willing to break the law to get their collections.
As a consumer rights attorney, I have seen many different approaches as to how aggressive creditors can be. You, as a Consumer, must be aware of your legal rights. 
One of the most popular trends we are seeing amongst creditors is what I like to call "Double Dipping". This is where a creditor knows that you have either filed for bankruptcy or entered into a settlement agreement to resolve the matter and still they continue to harass you for a debt that NO LONGER EXISTS.
 This type of behavior is ILLEGAL and PROHIBITED not only under Florida Law but also under Federal Law. If you have a creditor that continues to harass you after bankruptcy or after completing the terms of a settlement agreement, you may have a legal right to sue the Creditor for violating such laws.  You, as a consumer, need to know your legal rights.
Sincerely,
Rachel Alvarez
The Alvarez Law Firm A Professional Association
~Remember, the best compliment we can receive is referring us to your friends and family.~

To put it in writing, or not to put it in writing: that is the question...


Often times, a pair of individuals choose to partner up and start a business. Much like a marriage, the partnership is wonderful in the beginning. Think of it as the honeymoon period. 

I typically work with the partners from the beginning, think of me as the marriage counselor. From the moment they tie the knot - or sign the paperwork in this case, I try to figure out what type of relationship they have had in the past and what each party is bringing to the table.

One of my first recommendations is usually to display all of their ideas and duties in writing. This way there is no confusion as to what each party is responsible for. However, from time to time, I will have partners who will tell me "Rachel, our Word is our Bond." 95% of the time, these types of partnerships end in disaster. It is important for all business partners to come to the table knowing exactly what they have brought and what is expected of them.


At the Alvarez Law Firm, we enjoy assisting our clients in creating their futures, successfully. 
  
Sincerely,

Rachel Alvarez
The Alvarez Law Firm A Professional Association
~Remember, the best compliment we can receive is referring us to your friends and family.~