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Questions Answered by Carl Nelson
2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: I am in NY. In 8/19 a credit card debt lawsuit was filed against me. Last month a judgement was filed.

I have received no correspondence and do not recall the initial lawsuit notification. Is the statue of limitations up? I saw that NY went from 6 years to 3 years. What are my options?

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Apr 15, 2024

The statute of limitations runs from when a cause of action accrues to when a complaint upon that cause of action may be commenced. If they have a judgment, your right to raise that as a defense now is likely waived.

You may want to speak to an attorney about the implications of the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: My late father did not include me in his life estate. My mom is the life tenant and my brother is the remainderman.

My brother recently passed away, now it's just me and my mom. Is there any way for me to be added to the life estate?

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Apr 8, 2024

You may share in whatever interest your mother has if she conveys it (all or a share) to you, but she cannot convey more than she has; so her life tenancy would not extend beyond her lifetime. Upon her death your brother’s heirs or those named in his will if he had one (whether that includes you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Small Claims for New York on
Q: I let someone borrow $2,500 and the person does not want to pay me back, can I sue that person to get my money back?
Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Feb 17, 2024

If there was an agreement to pay the funds back, you can sue to recover…the questions are (1) can you prove the debt (especially if the agreement was oral rather than written); (2) how much time and cost will you incur to being an action; and (3) is there a means to collect on a judgment.

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Two borrowers (not married) on a Joint Mortgage - one moves out, other stays

Two borrowers on a Joint Mortgage (since 2016) - one borrower moves out over a year ago, other borrower stays in the house with their own kids. The borrower that moved out is now telling the borrower who still lives in the property, that they want to either get "paid their portion of the... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Feb 6, 2024

You've only used the term"borrower," which is distinct from any ownership interest in property, but because you refer to being on a mortgage, I would assume you both have an ownership interest. In that respect, it is possible for one co-owner of a piece of property to seek to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: My daughter.was recently on the deed alone. Legally she is power of attorney. I'm still holding the mortgage alone. Ca

Can I transfer the mortgage to her

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Feb 2, 2024

It would be helpful to clarify your terminology. First, I’m not clear what you mean by your daughter is a power of attorney? Who does she hold this power for? If she holds the deed and you hold the mortgage, I’m not clear what the relevance of the POA is.

Second, when you say you...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: I am a 100% Disabled Veteran that has filed bankruptcy under Chapter 13. I have questions about the filing and error

When my case was filed neither I nor my attorney were aware of the Haven Act. I would like to know if this can be corrected.

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Jan 23, 2024

Bankruptcy schedules and forms can typically be amended, but there are a number of factors such as where the case is procedural that would be relevant to an informed decision on how to proceed. This forum is not an ideal place to provide you with adequate legal advice as to your pending case; I... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for New York on
Q: I leased a BMW SUV in NY, but the SUV was totaled, and the BMW FS ( NJ) refused to return my prepaid. Where can I sue?

I leased a BMW SUV in NY for 36 months with a huge cash down payment for less monthly payment, but the SUV was totaled in the 13th month, and the BMW FS ( NJ) refused to return my prepaid. They said the down payment is for less monthly payment, it's not prepaid for the lease fee. I'm... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Dec 4, 2023

The cost of a lease is comprised of the vehicle’s depreciation during the term plus a money factor, which is essentially interest (not to mention other fees and taxes). Generally you would be responsible for the term of the lease over the term, but could also be responsible for damage more than... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: Hi, Can I sell my portion of a house in PR?

My mom has a house in PR that she is renting out. She is still alive and has said when she passes she wants me and my sister to have it.

Me and my sister don't agree on what to do with the house. I want to sell it, as I don't want to be a landlord to a house in PR while living in... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Nov 30, 2023

It does not appear you have any interest to sell. Your mother indicating she wants to do something in the future, even if committed to a binding will, does not give you any legal or equitable right to the property.

There are certain things you could do during her lifetime, such as...
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4 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: I live in NY State. I have a question regarding the legality of a letter/document.

My wife and I own a home together in Orange County NY. Many years back, my wife under duress wrote a letter stating that upon the sale of our home, her mother would receive 1/3 of the profit from said sale. Is this letter legal. It was written as an email and only signed by my wife. The document... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Oct 20, 2023

To be enforceable a promise to do something must be supported by a corresponding promise by the other party (e.g. I promise to do A if you promise to do B)--this is often referred to as consideration. So it is unclear whether the promise to pay an amount of money to your wife's mother is... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Contracts for New York on
Q: Did Seller void a contract by not closing in time?

My mother entered a contract to purchase a home. In the document she signed, it states very plainly that closing must be on or before September 22, 2023. My mother was told possession would occur at closing.

The owner of the property was not ready to close on or before September 22nd,... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Oct 16, 2023

I agree with Mr Smollens. It appears from your question that time was not originally made of the essence in the contract (since you said the seller’s attorney “filed time of the essence”), and accordingly their not closing on the date may not have been a breach if you did not provide the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for New York on
Q: Is this fraud and if so, do I have legal recourse to do anything about it?

When my mother died in 2019, I unwittingly inherited a $100K Wells Fargo home equity loan from 2011 that it's my understanding was never paid back, either by her or by my late father. She had been claiming to pay off the loan using my SSI funds, and only in 2022 did I find out that was not... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Sep 19, 2023

While an estate can owe funds for debt of a decedent which can be deducted from the distribution of their assets, you would not be liable on a loan you did not sign (in other words, you cannot “inherit” a loan). You can, however, inherit real estate and that real estate may be encumbered by a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Counter claims left open despite motion to dismiss because they are evidence to the case

A case was filed by plaintiff and in answer to Summons defendant listed 4 counter claims without specific remedies. This is because the value has not been determined. The work is incomplete by plaintiff. Plaintiff has filed a motion to dismiss defendants counter claims. This was a window install... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Sep 16, 2023

I’m not complete sure what your question is. Generally a court does not consider evidence on a motion to dismiss but rather the sufficiency of the complaint itself. So the court would assume that all the facts alleged in the complaint were true for the purpose of the motion and then decide if,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts for New York on
Q: How can my friend be protected for a giving me a short term loan in the event of my demise?

I would use the funds to buy real estate and pay her back with proceeds from the sale of my coop. Her only concern is if something happens to me before I sell my apartment and have the funds to pay her back.

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Sep 14, 2023

You can grant your the person loaning money a security interest in the real property. This gives the creditor a lien in the property and priority against unsecured creditors or secured creditors who come later in time. You would want to consult an attorney to have the correct forms prepared and... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Is there a minimum repayment plan amount when filing a ch13 in NY Southern District court ?

I have only unsecured debt. My disposable income is around $80, would my plan be accepted? I’m under the median income. Had a ch7 discharged less than 8 years ago. Being sued by creditors. I don’t have any non exempt assets.

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Aug 28, 2023

There is no per se minimum but of course it depends on the circumstances. I don’t see any inherent issue with an $80/month payment under the situation you described, but you should certainly seek the counsel of a qualified attorney to avoid the many potential pitfalls in bankruptcy... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Collections and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: How do i stop collection agency harassment? In addition to calling me several times a day they also contact others

They also call family members about me. If i answer the phone no one responds. They either hang up or just breathe into the phone

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Aug 27, 2023

I agree with Mr Lanin. It may also be helpful to contact a qualified attorney, either to review the harassing contact that the debt collectors have made (which may violate various provisions of New York or federal law), and to review your financial situation overall to determine the best course of... View More

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6 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Filed ch7 bankruptcy 5 yrs ago. Need to file again. Unsecured debt only, under median income no disposable income.

My chapter 7 filed and discharged 5 years ago. My income is under the median income for my state. I have no non exempt assets and only have unsecured non priority debt. I have very little disposable income. Is chapter 13 an option? Would I be able to propose to pay 0.00 to unsecured claims?

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Aug 17, 2023

I agree with Mr. Winterstein that the best initial course of action is to consult with an experienced attorney.

While a plan payment of zero for a particular month is not prohibited by the bankruptcy code, plans of repayment must be filed in good faith. A plan proposing to pay zero is...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: How do I add my mother to the deed of my home? I want to buyout my ex-husband's interest in the home & need her on there

I'm going through a divorce and am buying out my husband's interest in the home. My mom will be my co-borrower. The Bank states that I need to add my mother to the deed first before I am able to apply for a home equity loan. What documents do I need to in order to add her to the deed? I... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Jul 19, 2023

Both the RP 5217 and the TP 584 need to be prepared and submitted with the deed for filing. Pay close attention to the grantors (must be the same as the deed from which the owners’ acquired title) and to the grantees (to ensure you are taking title how you wish). Consider hiring an attorney,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: If my case is dismissed in a summary judgment can I use the savings statue CPLR 205A.

My case has two defendants. My case was dismissed because the Judge stated I did not state a cause of action.

The second defendant's case was dismissed on a summary judgment. Can I bring them both back under the

Savings Statue, CPLR 205A? Or can I bring them back again... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Jul 19, 2023

While CPLR 205-a may apply strictly to extend the statute of limitations (if you are past it), it does not get around res judicata, which is a doctrine that bars re-litigation of matters that have already been decided.

You would also have to look at the order dismissing the case to see if...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Divorce for New York on
Q: Can I file for bankruptcy without my spouse while we're starting an uncontested divorce process?

I can't afford to survive with all the debt incurred while married. He does not want to file for bankruptcy, but I do. Is that possible while starting the divorce process and how would that affect the process of an uncontested divorce?

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Jun 19, 2023

You can file a bankruptcy, but there may (or may not) be reasons to wait until the divorce is finalized. There are a lot of factors that go into when to file a bankruptcy, under what chapter, etc., and major life changes like a divorce are intertwined with those factors. The best advise you will... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure for New York on
Q: Does anyone see the expiration of the Statute of Limitations?

The Lender brought a prior action on 06/10/2010, according to FAPA the Statute of Limitations began to run as this action was voluntarily dismissed by Lender. This was not dismissed by a Court.

The Lender started a new action with Lis Pendens, Summons & Complaint on 03/30/2011; however,... View More

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Jun 19, 2023

Your question presents a complicated factual scenario; it is unclear for example, when the case you are asking about was filed. You indicate that the second case was filed in 2011, but also that a lis pendens was filed in 2016. Was that LP filed in connection with a third case? Statutes of... View More

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