Divorce, Foreclosure, Bankruptcy…it’s a new year, a new you.

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire, West Palm Beach, Florida

This past year saw gas prices at an all time high, residential construction and housing at an all time low; builders, decorators, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, roofers, pool companies, car dealers/salesmen, and lots of others all out of customers and out of work.   Not to mention what has happened on Wall Street, and to our retirement portfolios. 

So it is not surprising that my law practice has seen more clients go through more divorces, foreclosures, and bankruptcies than ever before.  People have problems and stress.  If husbands and wives are relentlessly fighting (usually over money), relief is sought by divorce.  If the mortgage (or car payment) can’t be paid, the bank will relieve you of that obligation by foreclosing.  If you are seriously in debt, having run up those credit cards, bankruptcy is your recourse. 

While the picture is not pretty, neither was Year 2008.   It is time to plan for the future.   While I am hardly a doomsayer, I just throw out those three words: divorce, foreclosure, bankruptcy, as real legal options.  You have options.  And with options comes hope for a brand new beginning.  

For more information click on the Robin Roshkind, P.A. website at www.familylawwpb.com or consult with one of the Firm’s attorneys by calling 561-835-9091.

Foreclosure, Short Sale, and the Divorce

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire – West Palm Beach, Florida

When spouses are angry enough at each other resulting in a vindictive, hateful divorce, their finances often suffer.  Who pays for what becomes a huge bone of contention.  The mortgage payment is the first to go, especially if the paying spouse is the one to move out pending resolution of the divorce, and there is no build up of equity.  Aside from getting a court order for the spouse to continue paying, there is something else you can do to avoid foreclosure proceedings.

Together with your spouse, put your house on the market.  If you get a buyer at any price, perhaps the lender will consider a short sale.  If your spouse won’t agree to sell, you may be able to obtain a court order directing the listing and sale.  If both names are on the deed to a home, a listing agreement must contain both signatures. 

This Firm co-counsels with a board certified real estate lawyer in Palm Beach County to help our clients achieve listing and short sales.  Do something today to avoid foreclosure tomorrow.  For more information, see our Firm’s web site at www.familylawwpb.com or call Robin Roshkind, P.A. at 561-835-9091 for a consultation with one of our attorneys.