Bank Bad Deeds in Bankruptcy

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Camron Hoorfar

bank

The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys has recently listed several actions that, if taken by a bank or mortgage services, constitutes an abuse of the mortgage servicing rules when a debtor is in bankruptcy.  Here are some of the actions that a bank should not take:

  1. Charging and advancing legal fees, property inspection fees, and broker price opinion fees incurred after the filing of a bankruptcy without disclosing the fees or filing an application with the court.
  2. Charging escrow fees in a proof of claim and also by a direct escrow review with enhanced direct monthly payments.
  3. Imposing late charges because the bank applies post-petition direct payments to pre-petition arrears.
  4. Charging property inspection fees every 32 days.
  5. Charging broker price opinion fees every 60 days.
  6. Purchasing forced-placed insurance on the property even though the debtor has insurance on the property.
  7. The failure to disclose the commissions received due to the forced-placed insurance.
  8. Failure to provide a debtor a credit or refund for forced-placed insurance.

If you believe you need assistance filing for bankruptcy or suing a mortgage company for a violation of servicing rules, feel free to contact our law office at 816-524-4949 or visit our website at www.Hoorfarlaw.com.

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Abating Child Support

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Camron Hoorfar

child support 3

A person can ask a Missouri court to abate (undo or reduce) their child support if certain conditions are met.  One condition that qualifies is that the person is denied their right to court-ordered visitation with the child.  Another condition that qualifies is that the person receiving the child support is not actually caring for the child.

If you would like to speak to an attorney about abating child support, feel free to contact our law office at 816-524-4949 or www.Hoorfarlaw.com.

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Motions for Summary Judgment

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Camron Hoorfar

appeal

When served with a Missouri lawsuit and you receive a motion for summary judgment, you must show that that there are disputed material facts that the court must decide upon.  If you do not respond to the motion for summary judgment, you can be deemed to agree with the other side and therefore lose your case.

If you have been served with a lawsuit and would like legal representation, contact our law office at 816-524-4949 or visit our website at www.Hoorfarlaw.com.

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IRS Penalty for Un-filed Retirement Plan Returns

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Camron Hoorfar

tax tip

Businesses that fail to file the required annual retirement plan return can face penalties up to $15,000 per return.  However, there is a special IRS program that allows some businesses to decrease the penalty to a maximum $1,500.

If you are facing tax problems and would like some assistance, contact our law office at 816-524-4949 or visit our website at www.Hoorfarlaw.com.

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Getting a DUI When You Are Under the Legal Limit

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Camron Hoorfar

drinking and driving

It is possible to get a DUI when you are under the legal limit when you are initially tested.  If the police take you to the station and you are tested again and the results are above the legal limit, police officers will often ticket you with a DUI.

However, due to a recent Missouri court case, the police will no longer be able to issue a citation for a DUI if you initially test under the legal limit.

If you have been charged with a traffic ticket and need some help, contact our law office at 816-524-4949 or visit our website at www.Hoorfarlaw.com.

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2016 Best Tax Preparer in Lee’s Summit

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Camron Hoorfar

We were just named the “2016 Best Tax Preparer in Lee’s Summit” by the National Directory of Registered Tax Return Preparers and Professionals. We could not be happier to receive this honor and look forward to continuing success within the community.

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Tax Benefits that have been Extended for 2015

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Camron Hoorfar

tax tip

On December 18, 2015, President Obama signed into law the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (PATH Act). The new law extends the following tax benefits:

  1. Additional Child Tax Credit – The income threshold limit was changed from $10,000, indexed for inflation, to an unindexed $3,000.
  2. American Opportunity Tax Credit (Hope Credit) – Allows for up to $2,500 in credits for up to four (4) years of college expenses.
  3. Educator Expenses – Allows up to $250, indexed for inflation, to be deducted by elementary and secondary school teachers.
  4. State and Local Sales Tax – Now a permanent deduction.
  5. Charitable Contribution by an IRA – Allows a distribution from an IRA to a charity to be tax free.
  6. Section 179 Deduction – The $500,000 limit was made permanent.
  7. Discharge of Principal Residence Indebtedness – This exclusion was made permanent.
  8. Tuition and Fees deduction – Extended to 2016.
  9. Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums – Extended to 2016. If you are having taxing problems and need help, contact our law office at 816-524-4949 or visit our website at www.Hoorfarlaw.com.
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Money Savings Tips for Your Utility Bill

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Camron Hoorfar

money jar

Due to an abundant supply of natural gas and oil, the price to heat your home should be cheaper than last year.  However, in order to save even more money, here are a few tips for improving your utility bill:

  1. Plug all of the leaks in your home. The less likely your heat is able to leave your home, the more you should save on your heating bill.
  2. Cover your windows in order to block the cold.
  3. Lowering the temperature of your thermostat while you are away can save you big money.

If you have utility bills or other debt that is unmanageable for you, contact our law office at 816-524-4949 or visit our website at www.Hoorfarlaw.com.

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Tips for Saving Money

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Camron Hoorfar

tips for saving money

If you would like to stash away some extra cash this year, you may want to take advantage of these few money-saving tips:

  1. Pay in cash instead of using a debit/credit card. When you see how much you are actually spending, you may spend less.
  2. Reduce frivolous spending by using a cooling off period. Before making a big purchase, sleep on it and then decide whether you really need to make the purchase or not.
  3. Set aside discretionary funds. Give yourself a budget for purchasing frivolous items. Once the budget is used up, make sure you do not spend any more on items you usually splurge on.
  4. Automate your saving. Enroll yourself in free, online programs that automatically deduct money from your bank account and set the funds aside into a savings account or retirement account.

If you are having financial difficulty and would like to to speak with someone about your options, contact our law office at 816-524-4949 or visit our website at www.Hoorfarlaw.com.

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The High Cost of Working Out

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Camron Hoorfar

gym membership

According to Money.com, Americans spend an average of $828.00 each year in gym membership dues.  If you would like to save on your gym membership expenses this year, here are a few tips that you can take advantage of:

  1. Negotiation with the gym for a lower membership.
  2. Check your health insurance provider to see if they offer a discount rate or reimbursements.
  3. Costco members get discounted memberships at 24 Hour Fitness.
  4. Work out at home by purchasing cheap home game equipment, such as a jump rope or a medicine ball.

If you have a past due gym membership or other debt that is ruining your credit, contact our law office at 816-524-4949 or visit our website at www.Hoorfarlaw.com.

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