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Firm Publications
Asset Protection: The Overlooked Trap in Estate Plans
by Michael L. Ferrin
The always insightful Dr. Seuss once said “I'm sorry to say, but sadly it's true, that bang ups and hang ups can happen to you.”
Due to the difficult financial times we find ourselves in, many people who have never been sued or had problems with their creditors before are now facing lawsuits and other problems. Even in good times, we are always at risk of being sued in our litigious society no matter how risk free it seems our lives are.
Unfortunately, placing assets in a revocable trust does not protect assets from the creditors of the trustors (creators) of the trust.
HAFA: The New Government Sponsored Short Sale Program
by Michael L. Ferrin and Charles B. Sellers
The government has introduced a new program under the Making Home Affordable umbrella, called Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA). This new program began to be utilized by HAMP participating servicers on April 5, 2010. The new program is designed to assist HAMP qualified homeowners who were denied a permanent loan modification nevertheless avoid foreclosure through a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
There are many benefits of the HAFA program, most notably a requirement that the borrower have no future liability to the first mortgage lender accepting the HAFA short sale.
Another major benefit of HAFA is that it provides for the advance disclosure by the lender of the minimum net proceeds it will accept in the short sale transaction.
3 Tips For An Effective Employee Handbook
by Russell Nevers
Under
Arizona law, all employment is presumed to be “at-will.” This means that unless an employment contract has been established, either the employer or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time without any reason at all. However, an employment handbook that is not carefully drafted may unintentionally create an implied agreement and create problems for the employer down the road.
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Here are three tips that will help you avoid potential pitfalls.
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Include Disclaimers - Disclaimers regarding the “at-will” relationship should appear in your handbook early and often. ... ?xml:namespace>
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Paint With a Broad Brush - A common mistake in drafting employee handbooks is being too specific. Instead of trying to include detailed policies to cover every common occurrence, use the handbook to discuss your business philosophy and the general expectations you have for your employees. ... ?xml:namespace>
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Don't Tie Your Hands - Finally, don't tie your hands by creating strict policies that cannot be followed in every situation. ... ?xml:namespace>
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Protect Your Intangible Assets: Wear a White Hat
by Scott F. Gibson
If you are going to build and maintain a growing, thriving businesses, you must secure and protect your intangible assets. Ideas and innovations are a company's most valuable resources, with as much as 85 percent of your company's value attributable to its intangible assets.
You must develop an ongoing, comprehensive plan to protect your intangible assets. This plan must account for the possibility that you may be compelled to take legal action to protect your intangibles. How can you increase the likelihood that the court will grant the injunctive relief you will need? The answer is simple: Wear a White Hat.
Who is Eligible for a Loan Modification under HAMP?
by Michael L. Ferrin and Charles B. Sellers
The federal government has established new requirements for homeowners seeking to refinance their home mortgage under the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).
Do you qualify for a loan modification under HAMP?
Read the new article by our attorneys, Mike Ferrin and Brad Sellers, recently published in the Arizona Journal of Real Estate and Business and find out whether you qualify.
by Scott F. Gibson
Learn practical legal and business tips to help your business boom!
Ten Fatal Mistakes Business Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them):
by Scott F. Gibson
Operating a successful business can be a challenge under the best of circumstances. Mr. Gibson's E-Book describes a number of potentially fatal mistakes business owners face and outlines the steps to take to avoid them.
Frequently Asked Estate Planning Questions:
by Michael L. Ferrin
Estate planning is more than just deciding who will receive your assets when you are gone. Sometimes it is required to ensure that you will actually have something left to leave to those you love.
This booklet contains the answers to a few of the questions we are often asked about estate planning. However, we strongly encourage you to come to our office for a free 30 minute consultation on your particular needs to discuss what you should do to Preserve, Protect and Promote your family's estate.
Is Bankruptcy Right For Me?
by Charles B. Sellers
Bankruptcy can be a very valuable step in helping individuals and businesses alike attain a financial "fresh start" from the burden of certain existing debts.
Does bankruptcy sound right for you? It may not be as simple as saying "yes".
Read the article by our attorney Brad Sellers to learn more.
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© 2008 - Gibson Ferrin, PLC - All Right Reserved.
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1423 South Higley Road, Ste. 110, Mesa, Arizona 85206
Main: (480) 633-8100 • Fax: (480) 633-8488
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