Landlord's Return Of Security Deposits.

Landlord's return of security deposits.

In Rhode Island, a landlord who fails to comply with the law concerning the return of a security deposit within twenty days can be be assessed a damage payment of twice the amount illegally withheld plus attorneys fees. R.I.G.L. 34-18-19.requires the security deposits be returned within twenty days "after" the tenant gives proper notice, moves out, returns the key and provides a forwarding address.

When returning the deposit, the landlord must send the tenant an itemized notice listing any legal deductions withheld. These deductions can be for unpaid - outstanding rent and physical damages other than ordinary wear and tear.

A tenant's failure to provide a forwarding address or providing notice that he or she is vacating will be argued by the landlord in defense of punitive damages. When does the twenty day notice period begin? When did the landlord become aware that the tenant vacated? Written notice is important!

Regardless, the security deposit after deducting for damage and back rent, has to be returned.

In short, if a tenant fails to provide notice or a forwarding address, he or she will forfeit any right to recover statutory damages and attorneys fees from their landlord.

Estate Planning Mistakes

To ignore estate planning for small estates can be a huge mistake. A small estate may not incur estate taxes, but we all will incur funeral costs, medical expenses, loan and credit card debt obligations, state and local taxes and administration fees that are applied during estate settlement.

Debt concerns can include a mortgage, car loans, unpaid school loans and recurring bills. Failure to plan can result in liquidation of assets, sometimes at a discount to cover obligations. Modest estates can pose planning challenges because liquidity may not be there.

Some planning tools to consider:

• joint ownership
• beneficiary designation
• Will
• Living Trust
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage (if over age 62)

Some issues everyone should address:

• avoid family disputes - Will and/or trust considerations
• plan of succession - who gets what and when
• election of executor and/or guardian for minor children
• update beneficiary designations on policies and joint accounts or accounts of convenience
• life, disability and long term insurance considerations


Making sure all family members understand your wishes can go a long way in preventing post-death battles and hurt feelings. Just as important, you should review your estate plan every few years or when significant changes occur. Just as important the above considerations have to be coordinated in order to void inconsistencies.

What you should know about premarital - postmarital agreements?

A prenup (premarital agreement) establishes property and financial rights of each spouse in the event of a separation or divorce. These contracts are used to protect assets of wealthy spouses but can be used to protect assets slated for children of a first marriage.

If you are already married, a postmarital agreement can be entered into.

What would you like to happen if you separate or divorce, or if either of you dies or are seriously injured while married? If you are unable to agree, how would you like to resolve your differences - mediation or arbitration?

Some issues to considered
• Property or investments acquired before marriage
• Assets acquired after marriage
• Contributions during the marriage
• Income
• Debts acquired before and during the marriage
• Payment of joint living expenses
• Charing for children you already have or may have in the future
• How to handle illness, aging and retirement

However, pre or post marital agreements have to be done with a degree of formality to be valid.

* They need to be in writing to be enforceable.
* They must be signed before the marriage.
* They need to be read and reviewed, but if with the aid of independent counsel.

Reasonable time is needed for review and consideration (last minute signing before the wedding would probably be invalidated by a court.)

Invalid or illegal clauses or incomplete or false financial disclosure will also probably invalidate the agreement.

Unconscionable contracts are generally invalidated by the courts, pre or post marital agreements are no exception.

It is important to speak to an attorney - most offer free initial consultations. With fifty percent of marriages ending in divorce, securing you and your children's personal assets should be paramount.

#prenup #postnuptial #mediation #premarital

Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy

When you need debt relief, you may be concerned about the consequences of #bankruptcy. You may wonder what will happen to your credit score, if you will ever be able to purchase a home, and what will happen to your existing assets. A #bankruptcyattorney can help you explore all of your debt relief options and alternatives so that you understand all of your rights and obligations before filing.

Bankruptcy is a debt relief option available to you to provide a fresh start:
Attorney Al Rego can help you explore all of your options and claim your right to financial security and debt relief.

#Regolaw is experienced in representing individuals and married couples in consumer bankruptcy cases. There are a number of options available and we will help you to understand debt consolidation and payment plans that may help you to avoid bankruptcy. If bankruptcy is right for you, we can assist in filing and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Chapter 7 and 13 allows consumers to:
• Stops foreclosures on homes
• Keep car from being repossessed
• Reduce or eliminate credit card debt
• Reduce or eliminates high medical bills
• Stop creditor harassment

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy:
Chapter 7 is available to remove all unsecured debt including medical expenses and credit card debt. You must qualify for #chapter7 using a means test, which compares a family income compared on an annualized basis to the family income average. In the event that you do not qualify for a Chapter 7, you may be able to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
Chapter 13 is usually used by individuals or families that do not qualify for Chapter 7 or they have a home or other secured assets they are interested in protecting against bankruptcy. A #chapter13 allows you debt relief though repayment plans and consolidation.

For a free telephone consultation call 401-253-2500. #Rego&Rego is located at 443 Hope Street, Bristol, Rhode Island. For more information visit www.regolaw.com

See an informative statistical article at http://www.justice.gov

Rhode Island Bankruptcy Proceedings

Rhode Island Bankruptcy Proceedings
Bankruptcy proceedings can be a thorny situation at any level. Whether declaring a personal bankruptcy or filing for debt protection in order to save some business assets, this is a time that’s fraught with tension for anyone involved.

Here in Rhode Island, a situation has been developing over the past few years involving the bankruptcy of the entertainment company 38 Studios, a business that had received a state-backed loan for $75 million dollars shortly before releasing one title and closing its doors for good. This public case is giving Rhode Islanders a great look at how bankruptcy proceedings are handled in this state, as well as a taste for the negative ramifications of misrepresenting their financial status.

Recently, a conflict has been arising because of calls for subpoenas by some government officials for more public insight into this case. As this article published by The Providence Journal reports, Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and chairwoman of the House Oversight Committee Karen MacBeth have been at odds over how to handle the case.

MacBeth, who was appointed by Mattiello, is looking to issue subpoenas that would require statements from many key players involved in the government loan deal, including former House Speaker Gordon D. Fox. Mattiello is pushing to have the subpoenas dropped and wait for court depositions surrounding the case to become unsealed, saying that subpoenas would be an extraordinary measure overstepping the bounds of the House of Representatives’ power.

Although governmental agencies aren’t typically caught in the midst of bankruptcy investigations, private organizations and individuals can be just as swept up by the system. Navigating the legal world of declaring bankruptcy without a licensed attorney by your side to explain your rights can be absolutely harrowing. Trust Rego & Rego Attorneys at Law to provide conscientious advice that will help you protect yourself and your assets as well as legally possible.