This month’s topic is Foreclosure and Bankruptcy.

WHEN:  The first Tuesday of every month.   The next one is July 6, 2010 from 5:00 to 7 :00 only – Arizona local time.

HOW:  Call 602-258-1212 to ask your questions on this month’s topic.

WHO: Open to the public.  The volunteer lawyers are in Arizona and have answers pertaining to Arizona law.

For more information, visit the State Bar of Arizona’s website.

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This month’s topic is Tax Law.

WHEN:  The first Tuesday of every month.   March 2, 2010 from 4:30 to 6 :30 only – Arizona local time.

HOW:  Call 602-258-1212 to ask your questions on this month’s topic.

WHO: Open to the public.  The volunteer lawyers are in Arizona and have answers pertaining to Arizona law.

For more information, visit the State Bar of Arizona’s website.

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This coming Tuesday, October 6th, the topic is Elder Law.

The volunteer lawyers answer calls from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. during the program. The phone number is 602-258-1212.

NOTE: The phones are off when the program is off. 

For more information click here. 

RESIDENTS OF OTHER STATES
Check with your state bar association for information on similar programs in your area.  The American Bar Association provides links for each state.  

On September 4, 2009, SB 1271 was repealed with the Governor’s signing of House Bill 2008.  This returns the Arizona anti-deficiency statute to where it was before, and Arizona property owners, including those with second homes and investment properties, who have qualified real estate will continue to receive protection under the anti-deficiency statute.

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This coming Tuesday, September 1st, the topic is Divorce and Child Support.

The volunteer lawyers answer calls from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. during the program. The phone number is 602-258-1212.

NOTE: The phones are off when the program is off. 

For more information click here. 

RESIDENTS OF OTHER STATES
Check with your state bar association for information on similar programs in your area.  The American Bar Association provides links for each state.  

This bill was intended to protect small community banks from consumers buying speculative new homes that now cannot be sold for a profit.  However, it could have an impact on Arizona homeowners facing foreclosure, making them liable for the difference between the amount owed on the mortgage and the amount the lender or bank can sell the property for after they take it back in foreclosure.

Arizona has been an Anti Deficiency state since the mid 1980s.  This means, generally, that a homeowner may not be sued by their lender if the property in question is located on 2.5 acres or less and is a single family residence or duplex.  This statute only applies if the decrease in value is not due to the homeowner’s neglect.

The new law now requires that a homeowner must have "utilized'' the property for six consecutive months and a certificate of occupancy must have been issued. The new requirement is directed at non-resident investors, although it could adversely affect Arizona investors.   Arizona residents who are living in their home as their primary residence and are facing foreclosure will still be protected under the new law.  This article in the Arizona Republic has more information.

Efforts are underway to get the law repealed before the September 30th implementation date.  Arizona homeowners in the foreclosure or short sale process, who have NOT lived in the home for six months, should monitor this news as it continues to come forth through the month of August. 

NOTE: This information is provided for informational purposes only is not intended as legal or financial advice.

Lawyers on Call, a public service program sponsored by the State Bar of Arizona and KPNX TV, offers monthly free phone calls to volunteer lawyers for citizens to have their legal questions answered.

The January date features information on Foreclosures and Evictions.

It will be on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. local Arizona time.

The phone number is 602-258-1212.