Get the Benefits you Deserve in your Divorce!

As an experienced attorney, I know how important it can be to have a lawyer to handle your legal matters, especially in cases that can turn contentious such as divorce. Unfortunately, some people will still "go it alone" by trying to use "quick and easy" divorce paper sites or divorce "consultants". While these cases may work out happily if the divorce is an amicable matter with little to no assets and no children, most divorces are not so clear-cut. In an emotionally charged matter such as divorce, it is important to have an objective outsider who can guide you rationally.

Remember, the things you agree to in your divorce will affect your future!

For example, if you decide to go to Family Court without an attorney to represent you and you agree to only weekend visitation with your children and then later change your mind, you will have a long, difficult, and needlessly expensive legal battle ahead of you. However, if you hire an experienced attorney from the start, your visitation rights can be secured from the very beginning and then used at your discretion.

Another benefit of being represented by a Family attorney is that they will be knowledgable about what exactly you are entitled to in your divorce. It is common for clients to not even realize that they could ask and be rewarded certain funds until their attorney informed them. For example, you may not know you may be entitled to your former spouses' Social Security benefits. If you were married to your spouse for 10+ years, are older than 62, are not re-married and don't qualify for Social Security benefits in your own right, there is a significant chance you will be entitled to a share of your former spouses' benefits! Additionally, you can be entitled to your former spouses' Social Security Benefits even if they have passed away.

Take care of your future and consult a Family Law attorney today.

- Kevin McKernan

The Facts on Reverse Mortgages

If you or your spouse recently turned 62 or older and own your home, you may be reciving offers from lenders about obtaining a Reverse Mortgage. A Reverse Mortgage is aptly named - it is the exact opposite of a traditional mortgage.

In a traditional mortgage, a lender offers you a loan in order for you to obtain your house and you, in turn, agree to pay that loan down in manageable monthly increments. Since the lender is putting himself as risk by allowing you to borrow such a large sum of money, interest is added on to every month's payment. When you pay your mortgage for the month, you are paying down on your mortgage loan and essentially becoming a step closer to owning your home.

In a reverse mortgage, you already own your home but are older, retired, and would like extra funds each month. When you enter a reverse mortgage, your lender will send you monthly checks. These funds are being taken out of the equity of the house, so the amount of you owe will grow over time. Interest will also be charged to the total balance of your loan. Additionally, most reverse mortgages have variable rates instead of fixed, which means the rate of interest you will be charged will change depending on market conditions. As with any mortgage, a reverse mortgage is a major financial agreement that should not be entered into without careful examination of all contracts and financial documents by an attorney.