| Volume 97 Number 10 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
The law limits how long you may be sued for a debt. In Texas most debts have a four year limitation period. If you are sued after that time, you have a defense based on what the law calls the "Statute of Limitations."
For more general information about the law, check out my website.
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Co-signers Can Cause Surprise Defaults
There are many reasons why a student may want or need a co-signer for his or her student loan. More often than not, the primary reason is money. Students who get a parent or guardian to co-sign a private student loan often receive reduced interest rates, which could add up to substantial savings over the term of the loan. That's because even if the student defaults on the loan, the lender can collect the money from the co-signer.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently released a report detailing a troubling trend in private student loan services. According to the report, private student loan lenders are placing borrowers in default when a co-signer dies or files for bankruptcy, even if the loan is otherwise in good standing.
One way to avoid a surprise default is to obtain a co-signer release. Many lenders allow co-signers to be released after a fixed number of consecutive, timely payments.
Could you face a surprise default if your co-signer passes away? Find out how to obtain a co-signer release.
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A Consumer's Guide to Streaming TV
Streaming video technology is on the rise. Half of all adults and two-thirds of young adults stream or download video at least once a week. 7.6 million households have abandoned cable entirely, opting instead for a personally curated selection of streaming content.
There are many ways to stream video from the Internet to a television. Many new televisions offer web streaming applications, but the software is limited in versatility and selection. There are also several types of streaming box devices on the market, but they vary dramatically in price and available options.
Are you thinking about making the switch to Internet television? Compare the top devices and find out which one is right for you.
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Can Police Search Your Phone?
Can police search your phone without a warrant? On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will take up two privacy cases involving criminal defendants fighting evidence police obtained from their cell phones on the grounds that the police did not first obtain a warrant. The law generally allows a search without a warrant when a person is taken into custody. However, what is uncertain is whether that exception extends to the contents of a phone found during a search.
What do the legal experts think? Can a the police search the contents of a phone without a warrant?
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Your Money
Find out how to restructure your debts for an accelerated payoff!
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For the Lawyers
FCRA limitations period runs from date plaintiff discovers creditor obtained credit report without permission.
The Fourth Circuit affirmed summery judgment in favor of defendant based on section 1681p(1). The court held that in light of Hyde v. Hibernia Nat'l Bank in Jefferson Parish, the limitations period began to run when plaintiff discovered that defendant had obtained his credit report without his consent.
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