There is an old adage that when two opposing parties in a legal matter proceed to litigation, then they have both lost their case. Having negotiated thousands of real estate and finance deals in my career as an attorney, I have listed below what I call the 5 “B’s” of successful negotiation: 1. Be prepared. […]

How can a person recognize that they are approaching the proverbial “last minute” when facing a pressing legal or financial matter? The “last minute” is the time in a crisis where the balance teeters against one’s favor, placing them beyond any significant help; help that can have a real impact on a desired outcome. It’s […]

Although the economy appears to be on the mend, many small business owners still struggle. Especially those with commercial loans taken between 2007 and 2009. They either received, or will receive bank demands that their loans are now due in full. Commercial loans typically have 5 year maturities and most banks will not provide more […]

According to the American Bar Association relatively few lawsuits ever go all the way to trial. Most parties to civil (non- criminal) cases are settled long before trial. Once a suit is filed, the legal process itself can actually help opposing parties understand the strengths of their respective positions, often facilitating a settlement. Here are […]

Times are tough for everyone. And sometimes debt is just inevitable. Whether an individual is unable to pay a debt obligation of $1,000 or a business is facing default in the millions, the overall recommendation for handling the debt negotiation remains the same. It’s important to communicate, consult with the appropriate experts and proceed with […]

It’s always wise to review your household financial strategy from time to time to see if there are any areas where you can not only reduce your ongoing expenses but ultimately improve your credit score. And we all know how credit scores are now tied to all kinds of things – from the interest rate […]

Low credit scores lead to higher borrowing costs, and in higher insurance rates. Low credit scores can also mean being denied affordable housing, a car, or worse yet, an employment opportunity. The term “rebound buyer” is becoming more familiar in today’s difficult economy. It usually applies to someone who obtains financing for a home when […]

Filing bankruptcy is one of the most critical personal finance decisions that one can make when faced with pressing financial obligations. Simply put, bankruptcy is the federal legal process that relieves a consumer or business owner (“the debtor”) of their financial obligations to creditors when the debtor is unable to repay outstanding debts. The goal […]