Eric CruzBivins & Hemenway, P.A. has been named a finalist for the 2013 Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Awards as a result of the firm’s excellent business performance and commitment to its community. This is the sixth year in a row that Bivins & Hemenway has been nominated by its peers,
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Eric CruzWhen purchasing a home together with a spouse, business partner, friend, or other family member, a common decision that must be made at the time of purchase is which individuals or entities will hold legal title to the property. Generally, the person or persons borrowing the funds to purchase the property ends up with legal title to the property.
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Eric CruzThe government program Making Home Affordable, which has assisted over one million U.S. homeowners, was originally scheduled to lapse at the end of 2013. However, the U.S. Treasury announced on May 30 that it is extending the program for two more years. Accordingly, the program is now scheduled to continue until at least December 31,
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Eric CruzIf you recently received a letter and check from Rust Consulting, Inc., purporting to be either a payment under a recent foreclosure settlement agreement or asking for additional contact information so they can make such a payment to you, DO NOT ignore or destroy it. This may well be a legitimate payment under a recent Federal foreclosure settlement agreement.
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Eric CruzWe are often asked by prospective clients who are facing foreclosure about their short sale options. One of the most popular short sale options is the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (“HAFA”) program offered by the U.S. Departments of the Treasury & Housing and Urban Development.
One of the great advantages of the HAFA program is that a HAFA short sale completely releases you from your mortgage debt after selling the property.
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Eric CruzSCAM ALERT: If you own a business in Florida, you may have received or will receive shortly a deceptively misleading but official looking letter in the mail asking you to fill out and return in the enclosed postage pre-paid envelope an official looking form along with payment in order to obtain your revised Florida and Federal Labor Law Notice posters.
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Eric CruzCongratulations to firm partner John M. Hemenway on the publication of “Strategies for Trusts and Estates in Florida 2013 ed.: Leading Lawyers on Analyzing Recent Developments and Navigating the Estate Planning Process in Florida“, published by Aspatore Books,
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Eric CruzAs part of the recent fiscal cliff deal, Congress extended the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act through the end of 2013. This is great news for those who may complete a short sale, loan modification, or other mortgage workout in 2013.
As part of a short sale, loan modification,
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Eric CruzSCAM ALERT: If you own a business thru a corporation or LLC you may have received or will receive shortly a deceptively misleading form in the mail asking you to fill out and return to the address listed therein an official looking form along with a fee of $125.00. The form is intended to trick you into believing it is from the Florida Department of State.
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Eric CruzSeveral states have implemented minimum wage changes that were announced late in November, 2012, and will take effect on January 1, 2013. As employers prepare to complete their first payroll in 2013, it is important that they understand these changes. Florida has announced an hourly minimum wage increase. Effective January 1,
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