In looking for legal representation, you generally have two options: either an attorney who specializes in one area of the law or a general practitioner. With a specialized attorney, you may get more expertise on the subject but with a general practitioner, such as the Law Offices of Ian S. Topf, APC, you can get […]
In this segment, we will discuss how debt in one spouse’s name is generally presumed by the public to be the sole and separate obligation of that spouse and how that presumption is often wrong. In assessing whether a debt obligation in one spouse’s name is truly just the responsibility of that spouse, we first […]
Shocking News Flash: A breakdown of one’s marriage and debt usually go hand in hand. Money issues can lead to separation and separation between married people can lead to substantial debt issues. Debt does not go away when a couple separates; it merely sits in wait, ready to pounce as the next woe to be […]
Wedding season is coming around the corner and more couples are contemplating a pre-marital agreement (commonly called a “Prenup”), especially those marrying later in life and millennials (with their parents in their ears). In the old days, prenups were for the wealthy. Nowadays, with the divorce rates constantly on the rise and the corresponding expense […]
Lately, I have been getting requests regarding terminating a tenancy. What is a tenant to do when facing the end of their lease or if there’s a desire either by the landlord or tenant to terminate the lease early? More importantly, and the most frequently asked question on this matter: what’s going to happen to […]
Are you facing a legal issue and hesitating at the idea of retaining an attorney? Everyone knows that hiring an attorney can be expensive, overwhelming, and stressful. However, some people have a legal resource they either forgot about or didn’t even know they had in the first place, which can take much of the apprehension […]
Common situations I come across with bankruptcy inquiries:“I want to file for bankruptcy but I don’t want to lose my car.”“I have a mortgage that I’m able to pay but I’m struggling. Would I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?” Filing for bankruptcy relief generally relieves a debtor from substantial personal economic liabilities […]
Here we go again… another year has passed and with it come life events that may have affected your estate plan, if you have one. The overwhelming truth is that far too many people don’t plan ahead and if they at one time did have the wherewithal to do so, they forget to update as […]
You had a little too much to drink during a holiday party and got behind the wheel of your car. Before you knew it, you were pulled over and arrested by a police officer for driving under the influence. As soon as you get out of jail and the dust settles, what should you do? […]
A funny thing happens to people around this time of year. Although they’re very careful not to drink and drive, or they at least keep track of how much they imbibe throughout an evening—at a holiday party, they throw caution to the wind and just “get in the holiday spirit.” What sometimes happens is they […]