| Volume 142 Number 21 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Some phone calls and emails are important, some can be annoying, and others are just plain illegal. Learn how to reduce the number of unwanted messages you get by phone and online. Click here for more.
11 Popular Home Updates That Are Worth the Money
What’s the secret to selling your home for a higher price? More often than not, it’s about the time, money and effort you devote to the property while living there. The more updates and proper maintenance put in, the more likely you are to see it reflected in the final sale price when you put the home on the market. But not all renovations are equal, and some make for a better return on investment when it comes to sale prices. Click here for more.
Your Money
An excellent credit score is like the top math score on the SAT. With both, 800 is exceptional. But if your credit score isn't near that number, you should know what constitutes a good credit score that will let you qualify for a loan at a decent interest rate. The answer: It should be at least in the mid to high 600s. If your score isn't that high yet, you'll need to exercise good borrowing behavior, take some strategic steps, and have patience. You may also want to take advantage of two new programs offered by credit industry companies that are designed to improve those numbers. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Supreme Court consider whether an ambiguous agreement can provide the basis for class arbitration. The United States Supreme Court began its analysis by noting that California’s rule, which applied to the facts, is that an ambiguity in a contract should be construed against the drafter, a doctrine known as contra proferentem. Applying this rule, the court of appeals found that because the employer drafted the clause, the case could proceed as a class action. The Court held, however, that the doctrine of contra proferentem cannot substitute for the requisite affirmative “contractual basis for concluding that the part[ies] agreed to [class arbitration].” Based on this, the Supreme Court ruled that an ambiguous agreement cannot provide the necessary “contractual basis” for compelling class arbitration. Lamps Plus, Inc. v. Varela, US Sup Ct 2019 Click here for more.