Legal Briefs

New Standards for Mortgage Lending

The banking industry has seen enormous changes in the wake of the housing crisis. In 2010, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform &
The banking industry has seen enormous changes in the wake of the housing crisis. In 2010, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform & Consumer Protection Act to end the improper lending practices that caused so many Americans to lose their homes to foreclosure.

Divorce? There’s an app for that!

The age of e-mails and smartphones has changed the way divorced couples communicate after the break-up and it’s often for the better, particularly when
The age of e-mails and smartphones has changed the way divorced couples communicate after the break-up and it’s often for the better, particularly when children are involved.

New method for creating jury pools in Georgia

A new Georgia law that went into effect in July 2012 has changed the way jury pools are created. The pool of citizens eligible
A new Georgia law that went into effect in July 2012 has changed the way jury pools are created. The pool of citizens eligible for jury duty, which once was tied to registered voter lists, has been greatly expanded to include the state’s entire driver’s license database.

Insurance 101: Why you need Uninsured Motorist coverage

Every driver should have car insurance, and wants to be protected. But from what? One of the most important sections of any auto
Every driver should have car insurance, and wants to be protected. But from what? One of the most important sections of any auto policy is something called Uninsured Motorist Insurance.

Supreme Court decision: Who should foot the legal bill in debt collection cases?

One clear sign of the down economy in recent years has been the sharp rise in debt collection cases in which creditors, typically
One clear sign of the down economy in recent years has been the sharp rise in debt collection cases in which creditors, typically employing a lawyer or a collection agency, seek all or a portion of what they are owed by a debtor.

Practical Steps to Take When a Loved One Dies

Losing a loved one is never easy. Emotional needs must be met. Immediate family matters must be attended to. Funeral or memorial service arrangements
Losing a loved one is never easy. Emotional needs must be met. Immediate family matters must be attended to. Funeral or memorial service arrangements must be made. But at some point fairly soon after death certain practical steps need to be taken.

The Other Side of Divorce – Custody and visitation rights for grandparents

Today’s “modern family” has many looks – including more gray hair as grandparents increasingly take over the role of parenting (this time around for
Today’s “modern family” has many looks – including more gray hair as grandparents increasingly take over the role of parenting (this time around for their grandchildren) due to such factors as the challenging economy and higher divorce rates.

Collaborative Law – A more positive alternative to the ‘nasty divorce’

Collaborative law, a more uncommon alternative to the “nasty divorce,” is relatively new to our community. But this highly specialized area of the law
Collaborative law, a more uncommon alternative to the “nasty divorce,” is relatively new to our community. But this highly specialized area of the law has spread rapidly through the U.S. since the 1980s and has been particularly positive for those seeking a healthier & more efficient divorce or separation.

New Georgia Child Abuse Reporting Law

In the aftermath of the high-profile Jerry Sandusky trial involving Penn State University, the nation has collectively experienced a heightened awareness of child abuse,
In the aftermath of the high-profile Jerry Sandusky trial involving Penn State University, the nation has collectively experienced a heightened awareness of child abuse, physical and sexual, and the moral responsibility to report suspected abuse cases.

Nearly One in Three Homeowners are ‘Underwater’ with Their Mortgages

Underwater mortgages – or negative home equity – occur when a homeowner owes more on his house than it is worth. The Great Recession
Underwater mortgages – or negative home equity – occur when a homeowner owes more on his house than it is worth. The Great Recession and collapse of the housing market nationwide certainly have impacted the number of underwater mortgages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case in Georgia?

After suffering an accident, clients often feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next. However, it is essential to know your rights so that you do not lose your chance to hold the negligent party responsible for what they did to you. In Georgia, in most…

Bill Would Remove Vital Protections During Home Closings

By Scotty Ball Under the guise of efficiency and cost savings, some lawmakers in Georgia are pushing to let out-of-state notaries conduct real estate closings online. It is a terrible idea that would destroy critical protections for Georgia homebuyers…

Anna Adams Orkins Named to 2022 “Georgia Super Lawyers” List

Super Lawyers has named Stewart, Melvin & Frost partner Anna Adams Orkins as a 2022 Georgia Rising Star. It is the second straight year that Orkins has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. After years of practicing law in the areas of wills, trusts…

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case in Georgia?

After suffering an accident, clients often feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next. However, it is essential to know your rights so that you do not lose your chance to hold the negligent party responsible for what they did to you. In Georgia, in most…

Bill Would Remove Vital Protections During Home Closings

By Scotty Ball Under the guise of efficiency and cost savings, some lawmakers in Georgia are pushing to let out-of-state notaries conduct real estate closings online. It is a terrible idea that would destroy critical protections for Georgia homebuyers…

Anna Adams Orkins Named to 2022 “Georgia Super Lawyers” List

Super Lawyers has named Stewart, Melvin & Frost partner Anna Adams Orkins as a 2022 Georgia Rising Star. It is the second straight year that Orkins has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. After years of practicing law in the areas of wills, trusts…

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