My mortgage is in the process of being foreclosed. Is there anything you can do?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:
Although it is very difficult to stop a foreclosure proceeding from going through, we at the Oriel Law Offices urge you to have someone take a look at the paperwork that was given to you when you got your mortgage. Sometimes the original paperwork was not done properly and it is worth the few minutes of putting your paperwork together and letting us take a look at it. So, give the lawyers at the Oriel Law Offices a call, to see how we can help you.

 

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Choosing the right Massachusetts lawyer

By Attorney Chesley Oriel, Framingham Massachusetts

When you are in need of a Massachusetts Lawyer, one of the most difficult decisions to make is trying to decide which Lawyer is the right one for you. Many times people ask their friends, relatives, or business associates for the recommendation of a Lawyer, but it is important to keep in mind that everyone has different needs, and not every Lawyer is a perfect match for every client. Therefore, it is important to interview the Lawyer before you decide to pay him or her a fee.

Most Lawyers will provide a free initial interview and if you are able to find such Lawyers, you should go into the meeting well prepared. It is best to go with a previously prepared list of questions, but do not expect the Lawyer to solve your legal problem for free or to provide free advice. Normally the initial consultation is for the purpose of explaining your problem or concerns to the Lawyer to see if this is a matter they can help you with. Also, it gives you the opportunity to see how comfortable you are with the Lawyer and whether or not you feel that the Lawyer will provide you with the kind of legal services you are looking for.

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Getting Personal Representation For Massachusetts Personal Injury Claims

By Attorney Chesley Oriel, Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer

Hardly a day goes by when we don’t see or hear an ad for a Personal Injury Lawyer. The problem is that many of those ads you see or read are just like a referral service. You call a number and you get referred to whichever Lawyer is next on the list. Doesn’t it make sense that when you have the need for a Lawyer that you want to choose one who will give you personal and responsive service? Who will be able to answer your questions and provide you with answers, when you need them.

We have been handling personal injury claims for over 35 years, and we cover the entire State of Massachusetts.

We make home and hospital visits during the day and in the evening. We will help you recover the damages you or your loved one deserves. We try to explain to our clients how the value of a claim is determined. Some of the factors are: type of injury–permanent, temporary, did it require surgery or hospitalization? amount of medical bills–how much money was spent to help make you better? loss wages–how long have you been out of work due to the injury? future–have you completely recovered from the injury or will there be any permanent and/or long lasting effect on you? scarring–do you have any scars? Is there any disfigurement? These are some of the questions that need to be answered in evavaluating how much a claim is worth.

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Do I need a lawyer to help with the Purchase and Sale agreement?

Additional Information:

If I have an experienced real estate broker helping me find a house, why do I need a lawyer to help me with the Purchase and Sale Agreement?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

A real estate broker is trained to help individuals find the right home, but they are not lawyers, and a Purchase and Sale Agreement is a legal document that sets forth the rights and obligations of the Buyer and the Seller. If you are either the Buyer or the Seller, then you want to make sure that your rights are protected. The so-called Standard Purchase and Sale Agreement usually is modified to reflect certain matters that the parties have agreed to, not only with respect to inspection issues, but also with respect to what would happen if the deal falls apart, and what if any contingencies there are, such as a mortgage contingency. Whether you are the Buyer or the Seller, you should always have a lawyer represent you.

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How To Save Money When Refinancing Your Mortgage

Refinancing Your Mortgage in Massachusetts
By Attorney Chesley Oriel, Massachusetts Real Estate Lawyer

Times are difficult enough, without wasting your money. I urge clients who call me looking for assistance in helping them with the refinancing of their mortgage to shop around. We give them the names of 3-4 lenders who we work with and who we believe are very competitive with their rates and closing costs. The few minutes it takes to call around, can save them thousands of dollars.

Most people do not realize that every time they allow a potential lender to “pull” their credit, that it in fact has a negative effect and will lower their credit score.  So only after you have decided on which lender you are going to use, you then allow them to pull your credit.

My office covers the entire state of Massachusetts and we travel to the Borrower’s home if that is more convenient. Borrowers should ask their loan officers if they can choose their own closing attorney. If they tell you “no”, then you should look for another lender. The Borrower always ends up paying for the Closing Attorney, so why shouldn’t the Borrower be able to choose which one it will be. Many lenders today try to use what are called Settlement Service companies. They are for the most part out of state companies, who the Borrower has no control over, as compared to an Attorney who you select.

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My wife and I are about to make an offer to buy our first house in Framingham.

Additional Information:

What should we do to prepare for this real big step in our lives?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

You are doing the right thing by seeking the guidance of a lawyer. First time buyers really do need the assistance and help of a lawyer who they trust, especially in buying their first house. Although there are many real estate agents who provide excellent assistance, sometimes you just need to have a totally neutral party, such as your own lawyer to make sure that the offer you make, includes all of the issues you not only want to cover, but need to cover. [Read more...]

What are allowable damages for real estate misrepresentation in Massachusetts?

Additional Information:

What are allowable damages for real estate misrepresentation under Massachusetts law? We signed a P & S with the sellers which had multiple items that were supposed to be completed by the seller prior to closing. They did not complete the work and now refuse to return our deposit money.  What are my legal rights?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

Damages for any kind of a claim are always difficult to determine without knowing all the facts. If a claim is filed under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 93A, it is possible that you could recover double or triple damages in addition to attorney’s fees. It is important to keep in mind that you will need an expert to testify on your behalf in order to prove your claim.

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Can we get out of selling our house?

Additional Information:

My husband and I have already signed a contract to sell our home. However, we have since changed our minds and no longer want to sell. What can we do to get out of selling our home?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

First of all, you should contact an attorney to see if there is a way to stop the sale from going through. If the agreement does not give you any way to void the agreement, then you need to have your attorney try to negotiate a way to have the Buyer agree to take their deposit back. This is not an easy process, so you need to find an attorney who can assist you in this difficult task.

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My husband was involved in a car accident.

Additional Information:

We are being sued for more than we have on our insurance policy. Can we protect our home in a personal injury lawsuit?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

Yes. If you do have not already filed a Declaration of Homestead for your real estate, you should do so immediately. Usually it is filed by the spouse who earns the most money.

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Is there a statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim?

Additional  Information:

I was injured pretty seriously in a car accident on a residential street in Massachusetts. I’ve read an article on selecting a lawyer, but I am feeling rushed and confused. I’ve been contacted by someone who I think represents an attorney. She said I should hire an attorney fast. Anyway, what’s the statute on limitations to file a personal injury claim?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

The Statute of Limitations for a personal injury claim is three (3) years from the date of the accident. Just like any other service provider you use, you should interview any attorney you are deciding to hire to make sure that you feel comfortable working with that attorney and that he/she will provide you with the services that you are looking for in addition to be responsive to any questions you may have.

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