| Volume 87 Number 11 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Is any of your property subject to a recall?
To learn what product recalls have been ordered by the government, check out the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website!
Click here for more.
Supreme Court Gives Gay Marriage Big Boost
On the final day of session, the Supreme Court of the United States issued two historic rulings for same-sex marriage.
In one ruling, the Supreme Court
struck down parts of a federal law that denied federal benefits to same-sex couples. The ruling opens the door for same-sex couples to receive social security benefits, file joint tax returns, and even immigrate to the United States if one spouse is a already a citizen. Under the ruling, for purposes of federal law, same-sex married couples are to be treated just as any other married couple.
In another ruling, the Supreme Court determined that a case regarding California's Proposition 8 (banning gay marriage) was not properly before the court. In that case, California officials declined to defend the proposition. As a result, proponents of the ban on gay marriage stepped in to replace California officials. Ultimately, the Supreme Court determined proponents of the ban could not step in to state’s shoes to appeal the decision.
What do the two cases mean for the future of gay marriage?
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FTC Puts a Halt to Timeshare & Travel Scams
The Federal Trade Commission has partnered with dozens of law enforcement groups to bring 191 actions in an effort to halt timeshare and travel scams. As part of the actions, 184 individuals are expected to face criminal prosecution.
The actions specifically target groups that go after cash-strapped timeshare owners desperate to sell their timeshares. According to the FTC, the groups ask timeshare owners for a large upfront fee, insisting that they have a buyer ready. Of course, it's all a lie.
Never pay for a promise!
Have you been the victim of a timeshare resale scam?
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Your Money
Which lender has the better loan?
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For the Lawyers
Writing requirement violates Fair Debt Collection Act.
The Second Circuit held that a debt collection notice violated federal law by stating that the debtors could only dispute the validity of their debts in writing,
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