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A Will & a Power of Attorney: What’s the Difference?

Learn the key differences between a Will and a Power of Attorney (POA). Find out when each document is effective and what powers they…

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How Does Bankruptcy Affect My Mortgage Arrears?

Read this to learn how filing for bankruptcy in NY can affect your mortgage arrears and if it's the right solution to save your…

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How Do I Protect a Disabled Loved One in My Estate Plan?

Learn the key steps New York residents should take in their estate plan to protect a disabled loved one's financial future.

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Can Bankruptcy Trustees Take Inherited Property in NY?

Learn the rules regarding inherited property and whether a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee can take your assets.

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How Do I Protect My House in My NY Estate Plan?

Please read this to learn essential strategies for protecting your New York home from probate and creditors.

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When Are Tax Debts Dischargeable in New York?

Please read this & contact our legal team to learn about the rules and requirements for discharging tax debts in New York through bankruptcy.

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How Can I Dispute a Beneficiary Designation in NY?

Contesting a beneficiary designation in New York is possible on grounds of fraud or undue influence. Learn about your legal options here.

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How to Prepare for the 341 Meeting of Creditors in NY?

Please read & contact our legal team to learn what happens at the 341 Meeting of Creditors and how to best prepare.

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What Is Intestate Succession in New York?

Intestate succession: how state laws distribute a deceased person's property without a valid will. Read on to learn more.

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Can Chapter 13 Help with Overdue Vehicle Loan Payments?

Restructure your debt with Chapter 13 bankruptcy to halt car repossession and get current on past-due car payments.

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What Assets Go Through Probate in New York?

Please read this to learn which New York assets must go through the probate process and which assets typically bypass it.

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Should I Update My Estate Plan After a Divorce in NY?

Divorce is a major life change, and failing to update your estate plan in New York afterwards poses significant risks.

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Bankruptcy & Gambling Debts in NY: What Should I Know?

Navigating bankruptcy in New York with gambling debts? Learn how different chapters treat these specific liabilities.

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How Do Payable-on-Death (POD) Accounts Work in NY?

Please read this to learn the essentials of Payable-on-Death (POD) accounts in New York. Discover the benefits of estate planning.

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What Trust Funding Mistakes Can Derail My Estate Plan?

Properly funding your trust is crucial to avoid common mistakes, costly probate, delays, and unintended consequences in your estate plan.

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Can You Buy a Car After Bankruptcy in NY?

Navigating car purchases post-bankruptcy presents challenges. This blog offers essential considerations to help streamline the process.

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What Happens If You Don’t Name a Guardian in Your Will?

If you have minor children, understanding whether you can appoint a guardian in your will is crucial. This blog can help.

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How Long Will Bankruptcy Stay on My Credit Report in NY?

If you're considering bankruptcy in New York, understanding its impact on your credit report is crucial. This blog can help.

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Should I Review My Estate Plan at Year-End in NY?

Please read this & contact our legal team to discover the importance of conducting a year-end review of your estate plan.

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Rebuilding Credit Before Bankruptcy in NY: What to Know?

If you're considering filing for bankruptcy in NY, understanding the potential risks of rebuilding your credit before a discharge is crucial.

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What Happens If a Will Is Not Notarized in NY?

This blog clarifies the legal requirements for wills in NY, covering whether it needs to be notarized to be valid.

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Is Bankruptcy a Good Idea in New York?

For those grappling with significant debt in NY, this blog examines when bankruptcy can provide a feasible solution.

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Can a Will Be Contested Based on Undue Influence in NY?

Please continue reading & contact our legal team to learn how to challenge a Will based on undue influence in New York.

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Can I Keep My Wedding Ring During Bankruptcy in NY?

Please read this & contact our legal team to discover whether you can keep your wedding ring during a bankruptcy case in New York.

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Conservatorship in New York: What You Need to Know?

Understanding the role of an estate Conservator is essential to ensure your affairs are handled according to your wishes.

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Can I Include Funeral Instructions in My NY Will?

Have you been considering your future? If so, please read this as we explore whether you can include funeral instructions in your Will.

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What if I Can’t Afford My Chapter 13 Payments?

If you're having trouble keeping up with your Chapter 13 payments, please read this as we explore your options.

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How Does an Unsecured Debt Differ From a Secured Debt?

If you're considering filing for bankruptcy in NY, understanding how a secured and an unsecured debt differ is crucial. This blog can help.

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How Do a Healthcare Proxy & a Power of Attorney Differ?

Please read this to discover the differences between a healthcare proxy and a power of attorney in New York.

Female businessmen are calculating taxes from the profits of the company. Creditors are calculating and writing invoices to their debtors. Women are calculating about her expenses and liabilities.

What Happens If I Forget to List a Creditor?

Please read this to learn what happens if you forget to list a creditor during a bankruptcy case in New York.

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Is a Handwritten Will Legally Binding in New York?

If you're considering creating a handwritten Will, you'll want to continue reading to learn more about the legality.

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Can Bankruptcy Affect My Social Security Benefits?

Please read this & contact our legal team to learn whether or not Social Security benefits are protected in bankruptcy.

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Can I Use a Trust Fund to Avoid Nursing Home Costs?

If you're looking to avoid nursing home costs, please read this as we explore how to implement a Trust Fund into your estate plan.

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How Can Unemployment Affect My Bankruptcy Case?

Please read this & contact our firm to learn whether being unemployed precludes you from filing for bankruptcy in New York.

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How Do I Include Cryptocurrency in My NY Estate Plan?

Please read this & contact our firm to explore how you can incorporate cryptocurrency in your estate plan.

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How Can I Pass the Chapter 7 Means Test?

If you're thinking of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it's crucial to understand that you must first pass a means test. Read on to learn…

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What Are Gift Taxes and How Do They Work in NY?

Please read this & contact our firm to discover whether or not it's possible to avoid gift taxes in New York.

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When Will the Court Lift an Automatic Stay in New York?

If you've filed for bankruptcy in NY, understanding the situations in which the court might lift the automatic stay is crucial to prepare.

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How Do I Notify Beneficiaries of Their Inheritance?

Please read this & contact our firm to learn when an Executor has to notify beneficiaries about an inheritance in New York.

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Does Bankruptcy Stop IRS Collection Efforts?

If you're overwhelmed by tax debts, please read this to learn whether or not bankruptcy can stop IRS collection efforts.

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What Are the Responsibilities of an Executor?

Please read this & contact our legal team to learn the key responsibilities of an executor after someone dies in New York.

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What Happens to My Savings Accounts in Bankruptcy?

Worried about your savings accounts when filing for bankruptcy? Read this to learn about potential strategies to protect your assets.

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How Does a Spendthrift Trust Work in NY?

Read this to explore the advantages of a spendthrift trust & discover how our firm can help protect your beneficiary's inheritance.

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Can Bankruptcy Eliminate Judgements Against Me?

If judgements have been entered against you, you may be wondering whether bankruptcy can eliminate outstanding debts. This blog can help.

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What Are the Benefits of Gifting Assets Before Death?

Gifting assets before death can offer several advantages. Please continue reading as we explore what you should know about these matters.

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Can I Choose Which Type of Bankruptcy to File in NY?

Are you unsure what bankruptcy chapter is right for you? Read this as we explore your options and the importance of connecting with our…

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How Does a Transfer-On-Death Deed Work in NY?

Please read this as we explore the benefits of creating a Transfer-On-Death Deed in NY & the importance of connecting with our legal team.

Can I Sell Assets Before Filing Bankruptcy in NY?

If you sell assets prior to filing for bankruptcy in New York, it can have several significant consequences. Read on to learn more.

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Does My Will Have to Go Through Probate in New York?

Contrary to popular belief, not all Wills have to go through Probate. Please read this to learn how to bypass this process in New…

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Can I Stop the Bankruptcy Process Once I’ve Started It?

Have you filed for bankruptcy & are now having second thoughts? It may be possible to stop bankruptcy proceedings after they've begun.

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Can I Have More Than One Power of Attorney?

Power of attorney can be given to one person or be split up among multiple loved ones who are responsible enough for the role.

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Victory for The Lauterbach Law Firm: Foreclosure Case Dismissed in Favor of Client

Recently, the Lauterbach Law Firm obtained a favorable decision in a foreclosure case on behalf of their client. Learn more here.

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Do I Need To Go To A Credit Counseling Course Before Bankruptcy?

A credit counseling course is a mandatory part of the bankruptcy process. Here's why you should go before you file.

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Big Win for Lauterbach Law Firm in Mortgage Discharge Appeal

Recently, the Lauterbach Law Firm was handed down a big win in a mortgage discharge appeal case. Learn more here.

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Can I Set Up A Trust For My Grandchildren?

Our lawyers can help you set up a trust for your grandchildren and why this may be the preferable way to leave an inheritance.

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What Happens If I Inherit Money During Bankruptcy?

If you inherit any money during a bankruptcy filing, it's important to know how that can affect the process,

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How Do I Talk to My Family About My Estate Plan?

Talking to your family about your estate plan is important, especially if you want to reduce the chances of conflict breaking out.

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What Should I Avoid Doing Before Filing For Bankruptcy?

You need to be smart when preparing for a bankruptcy filing, and part of that means knowing what actions to avoid.

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How Does Estate Planning Help Avoid Family Disputes?

Estate planning can help you avoid family disputes and make your final wishes clear to all of your beneficiaries.

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What Should I Do Before Filing For Bankruptcy?

There are a few things that you should do before filing for bankruptcy and a few more that you should avoid.

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What is a Dynasty Trust and How Does It Work For Future Generations?

A dynasty trust could be an incredibly effective way to transfer your wealth to multiple future generations.

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What Should Baby Boomers Think About During Estate Planning?

There are a few issues that baby boomers may need to consider as they make their estate plan and choose their beneficiaries.

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What is a Bankruptcy Cramdown?

A bankruptcy cramdown can be a useful way to reduce how much debt needs to be paid after a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing.

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Can I Revoke Or Cancel A Will?

It is possible to revoke or cancel a will, and it can even be recommended in some cases. Our estate planning lawyers can tell…

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Can I Discharge Legal Fees In Bankruptcy?

You can often discharge legal fees during bankruptcy, but sometimes this type of debt can be tougher to get rid of than expected.

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When Can I Contest a Will?

There are many good reasons to contest a will after a loved one has passed away. Let's look at some common reasons for challenges.

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What Are the Risks of Filing for Bankruptcy Without an Attorney?

Filing for bankruptcy can be difficult, especially if you try to file without an attorney. Meet with our lawyers before you go it alone.

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Can an Executor Be Removed for Misconduct?

There are many good reasons to remove an executor for misconduct. Here's a look at some of the most common transgressions.

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What Is Probate Litigation, and When Is It Necessary?

Probate litigation can occur when there are disagreements about someone's estate. A proper estate plan may make these lawsuits less likely.

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Are There Requirements For Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Not everyone can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Our lawyers can tell you more about the specific requirements.

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What Should I Put In My Estate Plan If I Own A Business?

If you own a business, its assets and its goals should be addressed in your estate plan. Our lawyers can help you with that.

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Can Anyone File For Bankruptcy?

Just about anyone can file for bankruptcy, but certain types of bankruptcy have their own specific requirements.

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How Do I Choose the Right Trustee for My Trust?

Choosing the right trustee is tough, but our estate planning lawyers can tell you what kinds of qualities to look for in a candidate.

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Can I Lower My Mortgage Payments With Bankruptcy?

It is possible to lower your mortgage payments through bankruptcy, but you should ask a lawyer before doing anything drastic.

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How Do I Handle Personal Property In My Estate Plan?

You can account for personal property and pass down items to your loved ones as a part of your estate plan. Our lawyers can…

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How Can I Remove Bankruptcy From a Credit Report?

You cannot remove a bankruptcy from a credit report, so it's important to know just how this filing will affect you.

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How Do I Include My Stepchildren In My Estate Plan?

You can leave your stepchildren assets when you make a will and an estate plan. Our lawyers can help you with that.

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Will Bankruptcy Affect My Ability To Get a Job?

If you have a bankruptcy filing on your record and you're worried that it will affect your job prospects, we have some good news.

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Can I Disinherit Someone?

If you want to disinherit a beneficiary, you can. You just have to be sure that your plans align with state laws.

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What is a Reaffirmation Agreement in Bankruptcy?

When you file for bankruptcy the goal is to wipe out your debts, but a reaffirmation agreement allows you to keep paying one.

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How Often Can I File For Bankruptcy?

You can file for bankruptcy multiple times, but there are some rules and waiting periods that you should be aware of.

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Do All Assets Go Through the Probate Process?

Most assets that you want to pass down have to go through the probate process when you die, but there are ways around this.

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How Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?

Wage garnishment can cause financial stress and other headaches, but you may have some ways of putting a stop to it.

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Is My Will Valid In Another State?

When you move to another state, it's a good idea to make sure that your will and estate plan follows the local rules.

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Who Should Have an Estate Plan?

If you are thinking about making an estate plan, our lawyers would be happy to tell you more about the benefits of having one.

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Is Bankruptcy Public Record?

When you file for bankruptcy, many of the details of your case can become public record. Here's what you should know before filing.

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Is An Estate Plan the Same As a Will?

An estate plan and a will are not the same thing, but our estate planning attorneys can help you make both of them.

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What is a Joint Will?

A joint will offers some benefits, but it's important to ensure that it's the right fit for you, your family, and your estate.

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Can a Special Needs Trust Be Revocable?

When setting up a special needs trust, do you make it revocable or irrevocable? Our estate planning lawyers can answer questions like that.

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Will Bankruptcy’s Automatic Stay Stop Wage Garnishments?

If your paycheck is being reduced by wage garnishments, bankruptcy filing and an automatic stay might be able to stop that.

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What Are the Important Trust Mistakes to Avoid?

If you are going to set up a trust of your own, here's our list of common mistakes to avoid during this process.

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Will an Automatic Stay Stop Utility Shutoffs?

Filing for bankruptcy could stop utility shutoffs, but you still need to act to address past debts and future payments.

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What Do I Need to Know About Estate Planning & Dementia?

If you are worried about being incapacitated by dementia or another disease, our lawyers can help you with your estate plan right now.

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Can I File For Bankruptcy If I Have a Pending Lawsuit?

A bankruptcy filing can put a stop to a pending lawsuit, but not all legal actions can be stopped or paused in this manner.

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Is There a Limit to How Long a Trust Fund Can Be Maintained?

A trust fund is not meant to last forever. Learn about the limitations of these funds and when some trusts can buck the rules.

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Who Can Use an Irrevocable Trust?

An irrevocable trust can be a great way to stow away assets and pass them along to your friends and loved ones.

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Does Bankruptcy Clear Tax Debt?

The bankruptcy process may be able to help you clear some tax debt, but there are some things that you should know before filing.

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What Are the Responsibilities of a Trustee?

A trustee has many important responsibilities. Picking the right person to manage a trust can be a tough decision as a result.

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Is an Inherited IRA Protected From Creditors?

An inherited IRA can lose some of the protections given to retirement funds when it is passed down. Here's how to plan for that.

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How Long Does It Take For A Bankruptcy Filing To Be Completed?

The bankruptcy filing process can take a while, but it can go smoother when you have an experienced lawyer on your side.

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Who Can Use an Irrevocable Trust?

An irrevocable trust can be a great way to stow away assets and pass them along to your friends and loved ones.

A Review of Mortgage Servicer Ocwen Finds Indication of Non-Compliance with Servicing Reforms

The New York State Department of Financial Service announced that its review of Ocwen’s mortgage servicing practices found indications of non-compliance with servicing reforms.…

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