Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Emotional challenges due to spousal support

On behalf of Avallone Law Associates posted in family law on Wednesday, September 19, 2018.

When a married couple splits up, various difficulties may become a part of daily life, such as issues involving child custody or financial matters that revolve around child support. However, it is important to bear in mind that other divorce topics which do not always receive as much attention can also be very difficult for divorced people to work through. For example, spousal support payments can create challenges for those required to pay and those who receive alimony also. Aside from financial troubles, spousal support can also bring up emotional issues for people.

Sometimes, a person who is obligated to pay spousal support may become overly stressed out about their payments and their ability to keep making them on time. For example, the loss of a job or some other financial hardship could raise many questions in this area. Modifying a spousal support order may be possible and this could be one way for people going through this to alleviate stress. There are other negative emotions that may arise as well, such as depression or, in some instances, anger. It is vital to handle these negative emotions properly and look for ways to work towards a brighter future.

Can unpaid child support result in tax refund interception?

On behalf of Avallone Law Associates posted in family law on Friday, September 7, 2018.

A recent post on our blog focused on back child support and passport applications. Now, we will focus on tax refunds and some of the financial consequences that parents may face when they fail to pay their child support. In Pennsylvania, parents may fall behind on these obligations for diverse reasons, including the loss of a job, health problems and so on. However, failing to stay caught up on child support payments can make life even more challenging.

Information that has been provided by the Office of Child Support Enforcement states that failure to pay child support can result in tax refund interception. According to this page, non-custodial parents may lose some of their tax refund or even their entire tax refund if the criteria for the Federal Tax Refund Offset Program are met. In the event that a refund is intercepted, funds are directed to the child support agency in the parent's state. Setting up a payment plan may be one way for parents to avoid this predicament.

Things to consider before signing a commercial lease

On behalf of Avallone Law Associates posted in Commercial Real Estate on Tuesday, August 28, 2018.

As a business owner in Pennsylvania, you have a lot to think about. If finding a new space is on the horizon, it is important you understand what you are signing when going over the lease. It is legally binding, and fighting one of its provisions after the fact usually does not result in a positive outcome for you. It is important to work with an attorney and go over every aspect of the commercial lease and negotiate before you make it official.

The Hartford discusses some of the basic considerations regarding a commercial lease. One is the term of the lease. While a longer term is usually cheaper over the long run, if you are just starting out you may want to sign a shorter lease in the event you go out of business or it grows substantially and you need a different space. The size of the space is important for many reasons. Make sure you measure the space yourself, as remodels can change the square footage and you do not want to have to pay for space that does not exist.

Watch Out For Judgment Liens

On behalf of Avallone Law Associates on Wednesday, August 22, 2018.

You have found your dream home, and your offer was accepted. At the closing, you find out that there is a sizeable judgment lien on the property. The title is not clear, which means the sale cannot go through unless the lien is satisfied. How can that happen? Here is some basic information about judgment liens.

What Are Judgment Liens?

How is value determined regarding eminent domain?

On behalf of Avallone Law Associates posted in Eminent Domain on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

There is a sense of pride when it comes to home ownership. Widely considered to be the American dream, owning a house can result in feelings of success and "making it." However, some homeowners in Pennsylvania may find that the house they worked hard for is now being taken by the government. While this does not seem right, it can happen in cases of eminent domain. When it comes to compensation, you need to make sure you are getting a fair price.

According to the Municipal Research and Services Center, the government has the power to take private property for uses related to the public, such as roads, parks and schools. In taking the property, the government must follow the law and compensate the owner fairly. The question is, how is value of the property determined?

Protect your home from foreclosure

On behalf of Avallone Law Associates on Thursday, August 2, 2018.

There have been a record number of foreclosures in the United States over the last ten years following the economic recession of 2008 and the collapse of the real estate bubble. Homeowners and families have struggled to save their homes and protect their finances.

Luckily, homeowners have a choice in how they face this difficult situation. They may decide to hand over the keys and walk away from their home. Or they may be able to find other options that may help them keep their home.

What is a triple net lease?

On behalf of Avallone Law Associates posted in Commercial Real Estate on Thursday, July 26, 2018.

As a business owner in Pennsylvania, there are many areas you need to be knowledgeable about and responsible for. While focusing on your business should be a priority, it is important you understand what you are signing when you lease office space. The contracts can be confusing and if you do not comprehend what it says you may be surprised when hit with additional bills you were not expecting. A triple net lease is one of the basic structures you will see in a commercial lease.

According to Forbes, a triple net lease means the landlord is responsible for structural repairs and the tenant is responsible for all other expenses. While some entrepreneurs may think this structure is not ideal, there are some advantages to signing a triple net lease.

Selling your home by owner may be safer with an attorney

On behalf of Avallone Law Associates on Sunday, July 22, 2018.

Deciding to move may prove exciting. The next chapter in your life includes purchasing a brand-new home, and you want to sell your home without an experienced agent to save money.

In Pennsylvania, unlike other states, real estate agents are not required for the transaction sale of a home. Unless you hold your real estate license or understand the requirements of the legal documents needed for a smooth transaction, it may prove wise to hire an attorney to analyze all necessary elements. Doing so, you can ensure that no loose ends exist, and you may confidently move on to your next real estate adventure.

Ending your marriage during back-to-school season

On behalf of Avallone Law Associates posted in family law on Monday, July 9, 2018.

It can be difficult to bring your marriage to an end during any time of the year. With that said, certain months can be especially challenging. With back-to-school season around the corner, many parents will find themselves running around to buy school supplies and clothes for their child, while dealing with the stress related to school season starting up once again. If you are in the middle of a divorce during this time of year, it can be especially tricky, which highlights how crucial it is to be prepared.

For starters, you should try to cover all of your options and make sure that the decisions you make are the most sensible. This may also be a difficult time for your child, who may have enough anxiety related to returning to school (social issues, adjusting to the daily routine, schoolwork, etc.). Try to help reassure your child that everything will be okay and serve as a source of support during this time.

How can you know how much your house is worth?

On behalf of Avallone Law Associates posted in Residential Real Estate on Monday, June 25, 2018.

Homeowners who want to sell their house in Pennsylvania may be wondering how much their house is worth. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to get a professional appraisal, which takes into account a number of different factors to determine a fair price. There are also things owners can do to boost their home's value and entice buyers.

According to the SF Gate, an appraiser looks at a number of things to come up with an unbiased market value. One of the first things an appraiser looks at is the sale of other comparable homes, and this usually gives a base price for the home's value. The overall condition of a house is an important factor, as this is an obvious thing a potential buyer will see. Amenities are another factor. If a house has upgrades, or a lack of them compared to other homes, this will raise, or lower, the value.