FINANCE LAW

Financial planners say the best advice is to stay put and not make any big decisions after receiving a large sum of money. “It really changes your entire perspective when you go through an inheritance,” said Barbara Steinmetz, a certified financial planner (CFP) in Burlingame, Calif. The emotional burdens of losing a loved one often […]

One of the most important financial resources survivors have to ease this struggle is adequate life insurance. Life insurance benefits, which are typically paid within 30 days of proof of death, provide tax-free cash to pay for childcare, housing, bills and final expenses. Yet many survivors often can’t find or don’t know about life insurance […]

If you’re convinced that your opponent is totally unreasonable, you may wonder why you should waste time mediating. But experience shows that when the parties to a Small Claims Court case voluntarily agree to mediate, the overwhelming majority of disputes are settled. Even when people who don’t want to mediate are forced to go through […]

An answer to the summons is filed with the court and tells the court whether you dispute the debt, or have any affirmative defenses, such as the statute of limitations or accord and satisfaction, that would prevent entry of a judgment. If you don’t file a timely answer, the court assumes you concur in the […]

This example provided by one of our readers is from New York and is indicative of the process in every state… Who Can be Sued in Small Claims? The defendant may be any individual, partnership, or corporation The defendant must either: reside in Monroe County; or have an office to transact business in Monroe County; […]

Sometimes the cost of hiring a lawyer totals more than the money you’re owed. Small claims court can be a quick and inexpensive way to collect on your own. The court procedures are informal, not intimidating. And a judge, instead of a jury, usually decides the case. Who Can Sue and Be Sued? Any individual, […]