COVID-19 Archives - The Orlando Law Group

Articles related to legal matters and COVID-19

How Extensions in the CARES Act can Help Hurting Homeowners

All posts, Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Real Estate

COVID-19 has changed our lives as well as our livelihoods. Income sources have taken a massive hit, and with that, rules are having to change, deadlines are having to be extended, and significant changes are being implemented to help families survive during this stressful time.

Although a phased approach is being taken to open the economy back up, it will be a long road back to normalcy and the financial status many maintained before the coronavirus pandemic.

Specific extensions in the CARES Act are designed to help.

The article below details some points about the CARES Act that are important for homeowners.

Section 4022 – Moratorium on Residential Foreclosures

On March 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020, also known as The CARES Act, which provides for financial relief due to the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic. This Act is put into place to do precisely what the name implies. The CARES Act provides care for this who are struggling because of the stress of a halted economy.

Section 4022 focuses on homeowners and provides a moratorium on residential foreclosures for borrowers with federally backed 1-4 family mortgage loans. It addresses the right of a homeowner to request forbearance from payment on these loans.

Understanding the Requirements – Extensions in the CARES Act Regarding the Foreclosure Process

The requirements only apply to federally backed mortgages, which are loans insured or guaranteed by FHA, VA, USDA, or loans that are owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The moratorium does not apply to vacant or abandoned property or private bank loans. Under the Act, no mortgage servicer of any federally backed 1-4 family mortgage loan is permitted to do the following beginning March 18, 2020, and ending May 17, 2020; and now further extended until June 30, 2020:

Initiate any judicial or non-judicial foreclosure process;
File a motion for foreclosure judgment or order of sale; or
Execute a foreclosure-related eviction or foreclosure sale.

Utilizing the Extensions – Requesting a Forbearance

Section 4022 also allows a borrower on a federally backed 1-4 family mortgage loan to request forbearance from payment up to 180 days with the right to request an additional 180-day extension. Section 4023 allows a borrower on certain federally backed multi-family mortgages to request forbearance for up to 30 days with two 30-day extensions. During the term of forbearance, a tenant cannot be evicted or charged late fees. Section 4024 establishes a temporary moratorium on eviction filings for particular single and multi-family housing. During the above referenced period beginning on March 27, 2020, a lessor cannot initiate an eviction for nonpayment of rent. After the moratorium period, the landlord may not evict a tenant unless a 30-day notice is provided to the tenant.

Governor DeSantis also issued Executive Orders 20-94 and 20-121, consistent with the CARES Act, extending the foreclosure moratorium to all foreclosures and tolling residential evictions until June 2, 2020, but did not waive the obligation to make scheduled payments. Many Florida judicial circuits have also entered administrative orders which limit or prohibit foreclosure and eviction actions. These are meant to stave off the process and help families who are struggling to make ends meet.

What About Title Derived Through Foreclosure?

As a result of the federal and state law foreclosure moratoriums, until further notice, you are required to obtain approval from Underwriting to insure the title or issue a policy based on a foreclosure action where the certificate of title or writ of possession was issued after March 18, 2020, but before the expiration of the CARES Act and Executive Orders 20-94 and 20-121, now on June 30, 2020.

Additionally, title to any property derived through a foreclosure initiated during the effective period of the CARES Act and/or Executive Orders 20-94 and 20-121, will not be insurable.

As deadlines get pushed, and laws get stretched to allow for more financial breathing-room, it is essential to keep in mind how these rules apply to your specific situation. We have many questions that come into our office, and we are always honored to take the time and help someone gain clarity. Sometimes, legal rulesets can become cumbersome. That is why our lawyers are professionals at translating the legal jargon into a crystal-clear understanding of the law.

We are here to help you understand how these rules can apply to you. If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can, and we will help you through it.

Critical Advice: Selling Your Home During COVID-19

May 28, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

What to do now if there’s a chance of future bankruptcy

All posts, Bankruptcy, Business Law, Coronavirus, COVID-19

Filing for bankruptcy is on the minds of many people right now. For some, it’s clear that the only solution available to free them from financial hardship is bankruptcy. For others, it might not be a consideration, but should it be?

If you have recently lost your job or the current economic conditions are making it difficult or impossible to pay your debt, it might be advantageous to file for bankruptcy.

In either case, whether you know that bankruptcy is your only option or it is just entering your thinking, it is time to planning strategically. You might need to forget about conventional advice on money management and begin thinking differently.

We’ll explain.

It should be no surprise that we are having this discussion as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The virus and COVID-19 have caused staggering numbers of people to lose their jobs, businesses to shutter operations, and economies around the world to topple.

Some suggest that it could be a year before we see signs of recovery. Maybe longer by some estimations.

So what does this mean for you or your business? If you or your business are struggling to stay afloat, is a bankruptcy on your list of options?

If bankruptcy is in your plan, and it probably should be, here are the things you should be doing right now.

Talk to a bankruptcy lawyer as soon as possible

If you currently cannot pay your debts or you believe that you will soon face insurmountable financial hardship, now is the time to seek out a bankruptcy attorney. A reputable and ethical bankruptcy attorney will offer a free consultation. You will need to understand the types of bankruptcy available to you, the attorney can help with that.

The move that most people make when money gets tight is to get the advice of a financial planning expert. But if bankruptcy is a real possibility, your best move is to speak with a bankruptcy lawyer as soon as possible.

The people who do best after bankruptcy are typically those who worked with a legal expert well in advance of filing.

The strategies you need to employ before filing for bankruptcy are unique to your situation. With the help of a bankruptcy attorney, you’ll be more prepared for what will happen before, during, and after the bankruptcy.

Need to speak to a bankruptcy lawyer? Start here.

Clearly evaluate your situation and don’t rush to file bankruptcy

One of the biggest benefits to working with a bankruptcy lawyer well before filing is the knowledge about the process that professional counsel can share.

Because there are time restrictions on how often you can file for bankruptcy, you’ll want to make sure you are in a position to get rid of the maximum amount of debt.

Also, it is essential to consider what might happen if your financial position changes between now and filing for bankruptcy. If your situation improves, should you back out of filing? If it worsens, should you file more quickly?

Working with an experienced attorney will help clarify the answers to those questions and give you peace of mind as you move forward.

If you have a large amount of cash, it’s time to protect it from creditors

Many people do not realize that if you have stockpiled cash in a checking or savings account, that money can be seized to pay your financial obligations to creditors.

Protecting the money you have is critical.

A bankruptcy attorney might advise that you move that money into something like an individual retirement account. In broad terms, if you were to put the money into a Roth IRA, you could still get access to the money if needed and it would be protected from creditors.

Resist the temptation to sell things to pay your debt

If there is even a chance that you are going to be declaring bankruptcy, selling unused or underused possessions to pay credit card or other debt should be taken off your to-do list.

Why? When you complete a bankruptcy, you will have erased your debt. Paying that debt before filing might feel like you are doing the right thing. But the money you could get from selling things might be better used after the bankruptcy.

Leave your retirement plan alone

It might be tempting to consider taking money out of your retirement accounts to pay debts, student loans, or other secured and unsecured debts. But this is generally something you want to avoid.

Even before coronavirus, bankruptcy lawyers would advise leaving your retirement funds intact because they are generally protected from creditors.

Also, there are new retirement fund coronavirus hardships withdrawals which let people acquire up to $100,000 from their 401(k)s or IRAs without penalty. And while these withdrawals are taxable, if they are paid back within three years there are provisions to reverse that tax.

The problem is, if you are facing bankruptcy, it’s likely that you will not be able to pay back the withdrawal. So, using that money to pay down debt could create further financial hardship in the future. It’s a good idea to avoid that.

Tirelessly explore your forbearance options

If your financial future is cloudy and you are unsure if you will quickly get a job or be re-hired by your employer, exploring forbearance options is important.

In forbearance, a lender will allow you to skip some payments on your loan. Skip does not mean that those payments are erased, but instead means that those payments will need to be made in the future.

If you are a consumer filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your unsecured debt like credit card debt will be eliminated. Secured debt like your car loan or mortgage generally will not be erased. Forbearance on secured loans like these can offer a bit of financial breathing room and allow you to use the money you have to pay for the absolute necessities like food and utilities. You might also need the money to pay your bankruptcy lawyer’s fees and filing fees.

A bankruptcy lawyer can explaing your forbearance options? Start here.

Do this right now

It should be clear that if bankruptcy is even a remote possibility for you, there are many steps you need to take. Being strategic and moving away from the advice you might get in credit counseling will often make things better for you during your bankruptcy proceedings.

Debt relief is on the minds of just about everyone right now. If this is you, talking with a bankruptcy lawyer is something you should do right now.

May 21, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Opening Up Phase One: A Guide to Re-opening Associations

All posts, Business Law, Community, Consumer Law, Coronavirus, COVID-19

As we enter Phase One of re-opening Florida, a question in all of our minds is, how does this affect re-opening associations and our communities? As managers and board members, we are sure you are getting a lot of pressure from both ends of the spectrum. On one end, protect the residents, and on the other, open everything up! While managers and board members certainly have no legal obligation to guarantee the health and safety of their residents, there is a degree of care that is expected given that the Association is responsible for the maintenance and the running of the Association amenities. The Association can be held liable for negligence for failure to take precautionary steps in light of foreseeable harm.

It is accepted that we are amid an international healthcare crisis that has been acknowledged and addressed by our National and State Government officials. With guidelines from the Center for Decease Control (CDC) and State officials, it is reasonable to expect that residents would have a right to hold a Manager and their Association board to a Duty of Care comparable to those standards.

While the board does have the authority to shut the Association amenities down, per the DBPR issued Emergency Order 2020-04 (Florida Statute 718, 719, 720 Board Emergency Powers have the same application under this order as they do under the Statute), we are not saying this is always in the best interest of the Association.

It is a case by case situation and will depend on the amenity, the resources of the Association, the Association documents, the location of the Association, and the particular circumstances affecting that Association. Below are some general guidelines to assist you with beginning your “reopen” discussion. However, we strongly recommend you speak with your attorney before implementing any plan.

Phase One: A Guide to Re-opening Associations Step 1:

Are you insured? It is crucial that the Association contact your insurance agent and determine what exposure the Association, the board members, and managers have by reopening the amenities. Some policies do have bacterial exclusions, but most policies do not have viral or infectious disease exclusions.

Phase One: A Guide to Re-opening Associations Step 2:

Create specific guidelines for each amenity within the Association. Generalized instructions and waivers are easy, but also create more of a gray area, opening the door for potential claims against the Association. Having specific guidelines and exemptions for each amenity shows that the Association took the extra steps to ensure that the residents were aware of the particular restrictions for that amenity and accepted and agreed to abide by the rules for that specific amenity.

Tennis Courts/ Racketball Courts

Require residents to sign a waiver/ disclaimer before use
Post guidelines/rules next to court
Remove observation seating
Limit playtime to allow usage by maximum residents and consider a signup sheet with time slots to avoid gatherings
Provide disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer or require residents to bring their own and wipe down all equipment after use
Require proper social distancing of 6’ at all times

Swimming Pools

Require residents to sign a waiver/ disclaimer before use
Post guidelines/rules next to the pool and within the pool area
Remove all pool furniture and suggest residents bring their own if desired
Close off all areas except the pool and direct access to the pool
Limit the number of residents allowed at a time to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and consider a maximum time limit to allow all residents an opportunity to enjoy the facilities.
Consider a signup sheet with time slots to avoid gatherings and disappointments.
Provide disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer or require residents to bring their own and wipe down all equipment after use
Require proper social distancing of 6’ at all times
Consider having an Association attendant at all times the pool is open to ensure the rules are being followed.

Community Workout Room

Require residents to sign a waiver/ disclaimer before use
Post guidelines/rules next to the workout room and within workout room
Require face mask to be worn when not working out
Require personal gloves to be worn at all times
Limit the number of residents allowed at a time to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and consider a maximum time limit to allow all residents an opportunity to enjoy the facilities.
Consider a signup sheet with time slots to avoid gatherings and disappointments.
Provide disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer or require residents to bring their own and wipe down all equipment after use
Require proper social distancing of 6’ at all times
Consider having an Association attendant at all times the workout room is open to ensure the rules are being followed and equipment is wiped down after each use.

Basketball Courts

Because basketball is a contact sport, we are recommending at this time that basketball courts remain closed.
You can consider removing the rims to ensure that no play will be permitted.
Post clear signs that the court is closed until further notice

Playgrounds

We are recommending at this time that playgrounds and child play areas remain closed.
Post clear signs that the playground/play area is closed until further notice

Spa/Jacuzzi

We are recommending at this time that spas and jacuzzies should remain closed at this time.
Post clear signs that these facilities are closed until further notice

Restaurants

We are recommending at this time that these should remain closed at this time.
Post clear signs that these facilities are closed until further notice

Clubhouse Meeting Rooms

Require residents to sign a waiver/ disclaimer before use
Post guidelines/rules next to the facility and within the facility
Require face masks and gloves to be worn when appropriate
Limit the number of residents/guests allowed at a time to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and consider a maximum time limit to allow all residents an opportunity to enjoy the facilities.
Consider a signup sheet with time slots to avoid gatherings and disappointments
Provide disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer or require residents to bring their own and wipe down all equipment after use
Require proper social distancing of 6’ at all times
No gatherings of over ten individuals at this time per State requirements
Consider having an Association attendant at all times that the facilities are open to ensure the rules are being followed and facilities are properly cleaned after each use.

Dock

Require residents to sign a waiver/ disclaimer prior to use
Post guidelines/rules next to the dock and along the dock
Require residents to wear face masks
Limit the number of residents/guests allowed at a time to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and consider a maximum time limit to allow all residents an opportunity to enjoy the facilities.
Provide disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer or require residents to bring their own and wipe down all equipment after use
Require proper social distancing of 6’ at all times

Your primary objective as managers and board members is to ensure the wellbeing of the residents of your Association. Our objective is dual-focused, the safety of the residents, and also the protection against liability of the Association. Please apply best practices and proper risk management. Speak with your attorney and get an action plan together prior to opening up your amenities to your residents. It will be in the best interest of you and the residents of your Association.

We hope you all stay safe and healthy.

May 11, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Opening Up Phase One: The Rules That You Need to Know

All posts, Business Law, Coronavirus, COVID-19

Today, we have officially entered Phase One of reopening, and as one would expect, there is much anticipation for things to “go back to normal.” We want to stress that this is going to be a very gradual move back into normalcy, and we want to ensure that you understand what this phase entails.

There are still severe measures being taken to help flatten the curve, so we want to encourage you to maintain these regulations. If you are a business, it is a good idea to print this blog off and go over it with your employees. It is only natural that there is still some degree of difficulty with a new normal, and to create a habit, one must consistently remind themselves of the ruleset.

One way we stay strong and focused on these regulations is reminding ourselves about the bravery of the first responders and medical staff that are working so hard to keep patients healthy and safe. It is a simple way to stay motivated as well as embolden the significance of the points below. As always, if you have questions or concerns, our lawyers remain at the ready to help.

Effective today, May 4, 2020, Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-112, shall entail the following:

Restaurants and Food Establishments. Restaurants and food establishments may allow customers to eat and drink on the premises, as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines and limit their occupancy to 25%. This 25% calculation does not include employees. Outdoor seating in a restaurant is permitted only if customers are 6 feet apart, and there are ten people or fewer in one area. Bar counters must remain closed.

Bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Bars, pubs, and nightclubs that derive 50% of their gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages shall continue to suspend the sale of such beverages for on-premises consumption.

Congregation limitation. No more than ten people shall congregate in any public space that does not allow for social distancing.

Travel and Isolation. If you have traveled on a cruise, traveled to any international destination, or have been in any area with a significant presence of COVID-19, you must isolate yourself for 14 days upon return.

Gyms and Fitness Centers. Gyms and fitness centers shall remain closed.

Retail Stores. Retail stores may open as long as they operate at 25% capacity and abide by the safety guidelines established.

Museums and Libraries. Museums and libraries can open as long as they operate at 25% capacity, but all interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, must remain closed.

Medical Procedures. Elective medical procedures may resume. Ambulatory surgical centers, office surgery centers, dental offices, orthodontic offices, endodontic offices or other health care practitioner offices can perform procedures if

the facility can be converted to assist with the treatment of COVID-19 patients in a surge capacity situation;
the facility has adequate personal protective equipment;
the facility has not sought additional federal, state, or local government assistance regarding personal protective equipment supplies; and
the facility has not refused to provide support to or engage with assisted living facilities or long-term care residential providers.

Recommendations during this Phase One:

Act Reasonably. Courts will look to the reasonable person standard when evaluating the actions of business owners and their compliance with the administrative orders, so do your absolute best to adhere to the safety guidelines set out.
Administrative Orders. Owners should print out a copy of the most recent order and go over it with their employees.
Be Consistent. Business owners must be consistent with their actions and the procedures they implement from this moment forward.
Consider releases. There are releases you can create for both clients and customers (hair salons, doctors’ offices, gyms, and medical spas). This will not eliminate all liability, but it will show that you have made both employees and customers aware of any possible dangers.
Establish Policies. Every business should have a policy in place for not only their employees but for their clients and customers as well. (ex. when and how you allow your employees to work)
Medical Information. Medical information collected from your employees must remain private. HIPAA law must still be adhered to, even if an employer is only taking temperatures of its employees.
Stay Safe. Business owners must continue to adhere to the administrative orders so that you can remain open. (Keep masks on and remain 6 feet apart)
Insurance Agent. We recommend giving your insurance agent a call to discuss what you must do to remain covered under your policy.
Workers’ Compensation. Workers’ compensation claims are “no-fault”, so we recommend that you ask your insurance agency whether there is some type of coverage preclusion for your specific policy or whether you can get a rider (an insurance policy provision that adds benefits or amends the terms of your insurance policy).
Keep Records. Keep a record of all the safety measures you have implemented in your business and all that you require of your employees. This may come in handy if any issue should arise in the future.

It is important to remember that the safety of the public is essential at this time, so make sure you are adhering to the social distancing guidelines, as well as any current or future Administrative Orders executed. Should you have any questions or want to discuss a matter you are currently dealing with, we encourage you to give The Orlando Law Group, PL a call at 407-512-4394 today, to schedule a consultation.

We hope you all stay safe and healthy.

May 4, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Gig-Workers And COVID-19 Unemployment – What You Need To Know

All posts, Business Law, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Personal

COVID-19 Unemployment Assistance for Gig Workers and Freelancers

Ambiguous statutory language is consistently being clarified to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic on both the Federal and local levels. So many individuals are asking themselves if they can collect unemployment, and recently it has come to light that app-based drivers, as well as gig workers, are eligible for unemployment benefits.

According to the federal government, if you are an independent contractor and you have experienced a “significant diminution of work as a direct result of COVID-19,” then you could potentially collect unemployment. These provisions fall under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

The Department of Labor has been informed that clarity will be necessary when it comes to broad and ambiguous language that could lead to states not offering benefits to contractors that the law was intended to protect.

COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Benefits Confusion

However, there is a lot of confusion around who is eligible to collect. One common questions are: do you have to test positive to potentially drawn unemployment? Not necessarily.

The difficulty is due to language in the section states that a nonemployee ride-hailing driver may not be able to gain unemployment unless “He or she has been forced to suspend operations” due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

There have indeed been “Additional criteria to cover gig workers.” For so many individuals, clarity is going to become power in this situation. If you are a driver and your business has been affected by COVID-19, do you have a chance at qualifying for unemployment?

There are some companies providing benefits for those affected by COVID-19. If diagnosed with COVID-19, companies like Uber, Instacart, and Door Dash are offering two weeks of financial assistance. Under the criteria used by the ADP Research Institute, one in six workers count as gig workers in the United States.

That equates to more than 25 million Americans. That is a massive percentage of the workforce. And programs are being put into place to alleviate the hardships they are going to experience or have already gone through.

Florida and COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits for Gig-Workers and the Self-Employed

In terms of Florida, studies have suggested that gig workers and the self-employed make up a fifth of the state’s workforce. Drivers for Lyft and Uber have had some confusion, only because although they do not qualify for typical unemployment benefits given by the state, they do qualify for assistance that is being provided during the pandemic. Getting that assistance has been another story altogether.

As one would expect, online portals are having trouble shouldering the number of individuals filing for this assistance.

With confusing processes and ambiguous language, there has been a rise in panic for people reaching out for help. One of the essential actions you will take is that of utilizing and having resources that you trust who are dealing with these changes every single day. That is why we are here to help you.

One of the most significant hardships that individuals are facing is how much time it takes to go through the process to get the assistance that they need. One individual, who is using the name Ted and keeping his last name private to preserve potential job prospects in the future, charted his process.

Ted was attempting to apply for unemployment benefits during coronavirus COVID-19. He has been forced to stay home and could not work due to the quarantine.

Ted was hoping to collect a few weeks of unemployment at the reported rate of $600 per week.

He made over 900 calls in 6 days and was only able to get through when he entered his social security number on the phone. After that, he was told that he would get half the assistance, but another portion would have to be registered for later because the program was not instituted yet.

Receiving benefits in Florida for Gig-Workers and Freelancers

The truth is that time is not going to be on our side when it comes to the inundation these programs are facing. It is true that, for many families, they need assistance immediately, and the ambiguity does not help them understand if they qualify or not.

As always, we are staying close to every situation, and we want to know the questions that you have. Utilize your allied resources at this time and give us a call if you begin to run into complications or feel that legally you need advice. We are here to help, and we take great pride in the fact that one conversation with us can change your future.

There are no dumb questions during this time, and if you are struggling to understand what to do next, we are here to help you. Call our office right now at (407) 512-4394 and ask to speak with an employment lawyer.

Child Support Reduction and Suspension During COVID-19

April 29, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Breaching Contracts: How the FORCE MAJEURE CLAUSE can help you!

All posts, Business Law, Coronavirus, COVID-19

Right now, Coronavirus has forced businesses to reevaluate the contracts that legally bind them to making regular payments. They are looking at the fine print in order to try and see what options they have, and that’s where clauses that allow them to breach their contract have become instantaneously interpretable. COVID-19 has caused extensive economic strife, and we’re going to be seeing the residual effects ripple throughout our world for quite some time. We’re arming each other with the most powerful arsenal: knowledge.

From production to distribution, wholesale to retail, all around the world businesses are shutting down and ceasing work. Without an income source, these businesses may not be able to pay their bills. With COVID-19 seemingly becoming a bigger threat, there is not a guaranteed return date and no end in sight for their financial struggles. It’s time to use all that we can to ease the hardships that are impeding immediate relief. Many businesses are now turning to the fine print of their contract or leases to determine if they have a “force majeure clause,” and whether that clause would apply to their situation under COVID-19.

Force majeure translates from French as “superior force.” A force majeure clause is a provision in a contract that excuses a party’s performance of contractual obligations when unforeseen circumstances arise that are not at the control of either side of the contract. These circumstances, often termed “acts of god” create situations that make performance under the contract commercially impracticable, illegal, or impossible. These clauses are very common in many types of contracts, but often these clauses are removed or modified to a version that would not apply to the COVID-19 virus. Force majeure clauses are typically applied to contracts for goods and services rather than a contract to pay money. These clauses are often overlooked in contracts because it relates to “unforeseen circumstances,” which, believe it or not, are regularly unnoticed as a necessary clause in the lease or contract. As many people are now finding out, these clauses play a vital role in governing a contract during the unforeseeable. You never think that the unthinkable will happen until it does. That’s where great lawyers take a closer look to decipher the intent behind the language within the contract. The time is now to seek clarification, and the fine print is more relevant than it ever had been.

Depending on the wording of the clause in the contract, a force majeure clause can have a variety of outcomes including excusing a party from performing under a contract, suspension of performance, giving one or both of the parties an option to terminate the contract, or a substitution of performance under a contract. Courts will often construe force majeure clauses narrowly based on their writing, and most contracts do not adequately anticipate pandemics. If the clause in your writing is narrowly written, the courts are likely to enforce it narrowly; however, if your clause is too general, it may not have the sufficient wording to encompass your specific force majeure need. The perfect force majeure clause is somewhere in the middle, between narrow and generally written. We are in an unprecedented circumstance with COVID-19, so having someone utilize their experience to look at how your clause might be interpreted would be a good idea.

Force majeure clauses are not limited to commercial contracts. These clauses can be found attached to contracts in virtually every industry. If you are a tenant that is out of work due to COVID-19, are you required to pay rent? If you are a buyer under a purchase and sale agreement for a house but can no longer qualify for the mortgage, are you required to perform under the contract? Questions such as these could be easily answered if you resort to a properly written force majeure clause. If your lease or contract is missing the clause entirely or if the clause is written in a way that you are unsure whether it fits the COVID-19 crisis, it will take a deeper look into the fine print and meaning of the clause in your particular contract.

When this virus is over, we are likely going to see a flood of evictions, foreclosures, and breach of contract actions using force majeure as a defense. COVID-19 related damages will likely be upheld in many of these actions with a properly written force majeure clause; however, the majority of contracts will be rejected due to their inadequate wording. It would be wise to have your contract reviewed by an attorney as early as possible to determine exactly how to proceed under the language within the contract. It’s all about how you interpret the wording, and that’s what lawyers do best. We specialize in helping you get ahead of the situation, no matter how complicated. Many times, it’s all about keeping an open mind and taking advantage of our experience. If you are questioning whether your force majeure clause is enforceable, make sure to give The Orlando Law Group a call today. We’re staying apprised to the needs of the people and making sure that we help wherever we can.

April 23, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Critical Advice: Selling Your Home During COVID-19 from Real Estate Pros

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Real Estate

You’ve decided to sell your house, but the market lost its influx of buyers due to fear induced by the coronavirus. There are many things we cannot plan for when it comes to being in the mind of the buyer, but if we hit specific standards during the sales process, it may not matter.

There are indeed ways to conduct Real Estate on a high level during chaotic times. You must be patient and cunning, two traits that often feel mutually exclusive. Perhaps circumstances out of your hands have prompted the sale, and you cannot simply take the house off the market.

There comes a time in business when we each are forced to commit to our decisions, despite external circumstances. That’s when we get very good at what we do.

This article is dedicated to hints that will help you navigate a complicated market. It doesn’t take a pandemic to have sellers face hardship. Complications could arise for any reason, and so many times, sellers must come back to reality and restructure their goals. During the Great Recession, many people faced difficulties getting their property situated correctly in the market. For many, it took months before getting offers and weeks after that to get an executed contract. It can be a stressful process, especially with a family facing uncertainty. It’s all about having your rules that work and having a scientific, learning-based approach. These five tips can be used to your advantage and help you through the trials and tribulations.

Make Sure That the Price is Right – This is both a reference to the classic TV Show, but also a recommendation to set your sales price competitively. You need to price the home at a place where you get attention in a drifting market. If you price too high, it will be like you never even put the house on the market at all, and you won’t get the attention you need to sell faster. Always consult real, sold comparable properties. Do not just go off what else is listed because there are no rules that keep someone from putting their home on the market with a price that’s too high. Be the one that prices your home right, and you’ll be the next in line for a serious offer.
Become a Perfectionist – This may sound a bit excessive, but you will have potential buyers that are just as excessive with their attention to detail. In a strenuous market, every single point of interest has significance, and it is worth your time to compare your property visually to all the competition out there. Being competitive always comes down to the details, and we encourage you to do everything in your power to compete. If it’s something that wouldn’t make or break a sale for you, that doesn’t mean your buyers won’t care about it. Everyone has different priorities when it comes to the purchases they make, and many times conducting business on a high level is about being able to think outside of our perspective.
Tour Your Own Home – Take a drive outside, and once you’ve gotten into the mindset of a potential buyer, take a walkthrough of your abode. Be critical of the details. If the door gets stuck, it may not have bothered you after years of living there, but it’ll stand out as a rough first impression. Speaking of, pay close attention to the front of the house. First impressions are everything, and giving a little bit of T.L.C. to the landscaping can add so much curb appeal. Take a weekend and see what you can add that doesn’t break the bank. A clean, minimalistic approach will be the best for having buyers envision their designs and potential plans.
Have a Solid Copilot, but Never Fly Blind – Hiring an excellent Real Estate agent that is going to offer incredible advice can be your most significant advantage in the market. One of your biggest disadvantages could be just letting them handle it and clocking out of the details of the sale. You want to keep a close eye on the week-to-week movement your property undergoes on the market. Many times, clients hire a Real Estate agent based on the feeling they get when talking to them. This can lead to a tendency to lean away from the hard questions. We want you to lean into those discussions. Your agent is there to help you navigate tough waters, and they should always be okay with discussing options, opinions, and points of view that differ with their own.
Waiting For More Money Could Mean More Hardship – Ironically, we always consider money to be more valuable than time, even when it costs us money. Deciding to walk away from a sale because you feel like you deserve $5,000 could cost you a serious buyer. In a market where the next potential buyer could be weeks away from walking into your home, you’ll spend that much money searching for another serious offer. Don’t always let numbers stop a good meeting of the minds and keep challenging yourself to think from the buyer’s point of view. It could mean taking a serious offer despite it not being up to your asking price. The highest offer isn’t always the best, and although that sounds counteractive, time is always an easily forgotten factor. The best offer is the one that can close, and that saves you time, energy, and money spent in the future.

These are five tips to always keep in consideration when conducting Real Estate, but they are especially important to remember when the market shifts. The housing market is still affected by external forces, and COVID-19 is no different. These are ways you can keep a certain level of control over your circumstances. We are here always to help you and have myriad of incredible business professionals to recommend, including Realtors! Keep your head held high, your faith filled full, and your goals gradually going. You’ll get to where you need to be in time.

April 21, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Sick Leave and the Families First Coronavirus Act: Do You Qualify?

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Family Law

Those being affected by the coronavirus are going to struggle with their health as well as time away from work. That’s why this new sick leave policy works to help them through the loss of time devoted to their work.

There are many questions out there and multiple sources for information.

We’re striving to provide you with accurate articles that detail real solutions to uncertain situations. Things are changing every single week, and we’re keeping apprised to the current state of affairs to help you stay in the know.

It’s all about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which requires private employers to provide employees affected by the coronavirus with sick leave. There are exceptions for health care providers, emergency responders, as well as certain small businesses. If you’re a full-time worker, you can qualify for up to 80 hours of sick leave. Part-time workers can qualify for the average number of hours they worked over two weeks.

There are only certain situations where a worker can take paid sick leave.

A worker can take paid sick leave under certain conditions. They are the following:

The worker is subject to a federal, state, or local coronavirus quarantine or isolation order.
A health care provider has advised the worker to self-quarantine due to coronavirus concerns.
The employee is in the middle of seeking a medical diagnosis due to experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
The worker is taking care of an individual who has been subjected to a coronavirus-related federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order, or who has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine.
The worker is caring for a son or daughter because the child’s school or daycare has been closed, or the child’s care provider is unavailable.

If a worker is sick or quarantined, they will get their full pay while on coronavirus leave, up to $511 per day, which would equate to $5110 in total for two weeks. If a worker is caring for another person or on leave because of an HHS-specified condition, they could be entitled to two-thirds of their regular pay while on leave, which would be up to $200 per day, which equates to $2000 in total for the two weeks.

New policies are being enacted every week

It’s so essential that you know your rights and what you could potentially be entitled to. These are truly new waters for us all to navigate, and we are well-aware that there will be a multitude of questions moving forward.

We want to remind you that we are here to help. Even if that means having a conversation and listening to your story to understand better the processes that you’re undertaking, consulting one of our legal professionals is never a bad idea. We are encouraging you to keep your health, your family’s health, and your livelihood as top priorities. Do not let new procedures and policies get swept under the rug and stay close to sources that you trust during this time. We will consistently be updating you with more information, and we can assure you that we will get through this together.

April 17, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

The Paycheck Protection Program Has Run Out of Money. What now?

All posts, Bankruptcy, Coronavirus, COVID-19

It seemed extremely promising. The Paycheck Protection Program was the cornerstone of the federal government’s stimulus package designed to assist small businesses and their employees during this unprecedented shutdown and quarantine.

What is the Paycheck Protection Program?

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a federal government loan created to give an immediate incentive for small businesses to retain their workers by keeping them on the company’s payroll.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) had planned to forgive the loans if the company was able to keep all employees on the payroll for eight weeks. The money from the loan was intended to be used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

What happened to the Paycheck Protection Program?

The short answer is that the PPP has run out of money. Thousands of businesses who qualified as potential borrowers are now unable to access funds through the now cash-empty program.

On April 16, 2020, The SBA announced that the Paycheck Protection Program would no longer be accepting applications from businesses seeking aid.

The shuttering of the $349 billion program leaves legions of businesses out in the cold. Many of these business owners were attracted to the program. It was designed to assist financially during the coronavirus-induced economic slowdown.

According to the SBA, the agency has approved more than 1.6 million PPP loan applications. The total of the requested funds amasses to a wallet-thinning $340 billion. That money is slated to be distributed by close to 5000 lending organizations.

Most borrowers are currently in a wait-and-see mode as they check their bank accounts for the loan deposit.

While it is impressive that the oft-criticized SBA was able to organize and implement this program in such short order, that’s no consolation to the business owners who were counting on the funds to keep the lights on, quite literally.

I applied but never got approved, or I never got to apply for the PPP. What do I do now?

The hard message is that the further away you are from loan approval, the less likely it is that you will see even a thin dime from the PPP.

While the SBA made their announcement on April 16, it’s likely that that 1.6 million applications were submitted and earmarked days ago. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer aside from “ask your banker” about the status and likelihood of your loan.

So, if you are in the group that will not be funded, it’s time to start exploring other options. If you are driven to keep your business going through this economic slump, you are going to need to find a way to acquire funds. The Florida Bridge loan is also out of money but may receive additional funding. This was limited at $50,000; however. There are also additional SBA loan products which are traditional non-forgivable loans which still appear to be available at least for now.

Refinancing existing debt and/or liquidating unused assets is another approach. However, if neither of these options will help, bankruptcy might be an option. At a minimum, the protection the bankruptcy can offer you might give you the foothold you need to reorganize and come out of this above water.

We are offering a free 15-minute strategy session for businesses that are facing difficult choices because of financial or legal hardships. Give us a call at (407) 512-4394 and ask to speak to one of our business lawyers. This no-obligation session is designed to help you see your options more clearly.

April 16, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Answered Questions Regarding Orange and Osceola Court Proceedings

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19

For people who have court cases pending or their lives create issues during the COVID-19 crisis, it has been uncertain when they can get their date in court. This week the Chief Judge of Orange and Osceola has provided some clarity, and we want to pass that information on to our clients.

It is important to note that only essential workers are in the courthouse currently. Nearly every division is operational. For domestic violence as well as civil cases, hearings are being conducted on video or over the phone. In relation to court proceedings, they are working on two platforms: Cisco WebEx and Microsoft Teams for video conferencing, so clients will need this to participate.

In domestic divisions, the courts in both Orange and Osceola county are working to do things as uniformly as possible and make the procedure as consistent as they can. For a state, the circuits are created individually, and this leads to inconsistency across circuit lines, so this information might not be the same in other counties.

Below, you will find some questions that you might have answered:

Question: For clients that have a violation of probation and are currently incarcerated, how would their situation be handled?

Courts are conducting any hearings that they can by using video communications between the jailhouse and Osceola county.

Question: Has Orange and Osceola established protocol for emergency injunctions?

Emergency procedures are in place if there was a request for an injunction, but they depend on the nature of the matter and if it relates to orders that were entered because of the pandemic itself.

Question: What about the temporary modifications to child support?

The courts have stated that they have gone as far as they can go with the temporary pandemic order that has been issued. Concerning child support modifications, the judges feel that filing the motions will be helpful. To figure out what is going on, 15-minute case management conferences can be set. Therefore do not wait if you have this issue.

Question: How will civil and probate hearings be run?

Zoom hearings will be the answer. Usual meet and conference procedures will be coordinated. Traffic court hearings will be run remotely as well.

Question: Are domestic judges in Osceola county accepting email for final judgments for fully settled dissolution matters?

Not only are they accepting emails for this, but email is preferred so that no one is required to touch paper.

Question: How will evidentiary issues be handled?

Video hearings will be entertained for injunction hearings if lawyers on both sides agree. They must deliver evidence to the judge ahead of time.

Question: Can a clerk administer an oath remotely?

A new supreme court order allows for documents to be executed without a notary.

Question: Are there new procedures for entries of default for domestic relations issues?

Earlier fault hearings were canceled, but now there is a concerted effort to schedule them telephonically. If they do not call in, then the party will be in default.

Question: How will time-sharing work via video conferencing?

Supervised visitation will be done through video conferencing. The courts are working on getting a process instilled that will allow for supervised visits to take place over a video conference. If your clients have family ties, there is a process being set into motion that will allow for visitation to exist for 15 minutes, twice a week. The cost of these visits has gone down from $20 to $10.

Changes will continue to occur. We will keep up to date including checking on processes in our neighboring counties.

Is there a question you have that isn’t answered here?

Because we are an essential business, we are working and fully staffed. Please reach out to us with your question.

You can contact us through traditional methods, by phone at (407) 512-4394, or on our Facebook page

April 16, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Real Estate Changes and Updates Due to COVID-19

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Real Estate

Our New Normal

When a new normal forces industry to adopt new ways of doing certain actions, we employ technology. Ideally, there would be flowers and gifts at the closing table and opportunities for celebration between the agents and their clients; however, these are different times. These are the days of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Drive Up Closings are being employed to help with social distancing, and yet that doesn’t stop great agents from sitting in their car nearby to offer any advice and assistance necessary. The agents make sure to stay the standard six feet away, but their presence is welcomed, even if it’s just to show support for their clients.

Glass Half Full

The good news is that buyers and sellers can still close transactions. Real Estate hasn’t stopped, and transactions shouldn’t be held up due to the need for social distancing. Real Estate closings tell the same tale being told throughout every single industry: “How do we accomplish our tasks in new ways that help us remain remote?”

Unfortunately some counties locally have closed their recording office or other offices which deal with re-zoning and other related real estate issues which have impacted our ability to close on a case by case basis. Probate courts have mostly remained open for short, phone hearings which have allowed us to move forward for hearings to free up the sale and closing of homestead and other properties impacted by probates. Family law has mostly slowed to a stop, but in the next week should start again with video hearings which should help properties tied up in a divorce to get moving again. The key is to be very proactive if your transaction is challenging in any way.

As we push to help properties to close, at home closings are taking place, and if clients come into the office measures are being taken to insure sanitization, social distancing and the least contact possible.. Anyone deemed non-essential to the process is being asked to video conference into the meeting if they want to be involved. One of the ways in which we can do our best to cope with change is by being flexible. There are many documents that can be signed electronically, but lenders do require some to be signed in person. This may change in the future, given the fact that signing electronically could potentially mitigate having to meet, but the liability could be too much to shoulder. For the time being, we will work hard to do the most remotely that each industry can, while also maintaining the due diligence of the task itself. We have done our best to start using On Line notary, but a few clients have had challenges with the software, so we need to not wait until the final hour to get documents signed. Again being proactive is key.

Future Forecast

It is incredible to see industries doing all that they can to stay open while also maintaining guidelines that will help flatten the curve. Our prediction is that many places will similarly begin to start using remote and drive-up services. Although some work must take place in person, it doesn’t mean that you absolutely must be closer than six feet from other parties.

Will things ever go back to normal? We are of the mindset that business will slowly begin to get back to standard operating procedures, but it may take some time. We want to put everyone’s health as a top priority and adapt as much of our normal practices that we can to help better the comfort and confidence of our clients. Every industry will have to change.

We Are Here to Help

With everything going through a period of change, it’s important to remember that we are all here to help you. Even if it’s questions you have about how technology will affect your industry and how COVID-19 could play a role on the business that you work in, we’re happy to help you navigate those waters. We view ourselves as more than just lawyers for our clients. We’re resources for rules that can be made to work in your favor, and many times a conversation with us helps someone find comfort, confidence, and clarity. Once this is all over, we’ll find a significant emphasis on the shaking of hands, the closeness of friendship, and the ability to be together more often. For now, we must work hard to flatten the curve, adhere to social distancing guidelines, and stay as healthy as humanly possible.

April 13, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Don’t Spend That SBA $10,000 Disaster Loan Just Yet

All posts, Business Law, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Employment Law

What is the SBA $10,000 DIsaster Loan?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has responded to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by offering small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

An important aspect of the loan has received an enormous amount of attention. That component is an advance on the loan of “up to $10,000.” The advance is supposed to be available following a successful application for the SBA loan.

The advance is intended to provide financial relief to businesses. Especially to those that are experiencing lost revenue during the Coronavirus pandemic.

No need to be a master of the English language to note the words “up to” in that statement. That escape hatch phrase goes a long way in allowing the SBA to do some pretty crafty things with the loan and the advance. As you’ll see later in this article, the SBA’s recent clarifications of the wording of the advance heavily leverage the phrase “up to.”

The reason this part of the Disaster Loan is important is that the SBA has suggested the advance will not have to be paid back.

Where’s my $10,000 Disaster Loan advance?

If you are asking this quesion, you are not alone. As far as we can tell, no one has received their advance or Disaster Loan yet. Loan applicants across the country are scratching their heads because the SBA initially suggested that the $10,000 grant wuld be available three days after the application.

You read that correctly, three days. A lofty goal by anyone’s standards. The SBA quickly, and with much public criticism, realized their gaff and removed the “three days” language from their website and application.

The website now reads: “The Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance funds will be made available within days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.”

While no one really knows where your Disaster Loan advance is, we do know this, it’s probably not in your bank account. Yet.

It’s worthwhile to note that the $10,000 grant might be more of a wish list than a dream come true.

The SBA clarifies what “up to” means.

Earlier I noted that the SBA included the phrase “up to” in the description of the $10,000 advance. This week, in a statement from the SBA’s Massachusetts District Office, it was clarified that the SBA plans to limit the scope of the economic injury disaster loans. Even though these loans, advances, and grants are meant to provide businesses with immediate, emergency cash, that cash might be a lot less than many are expecting.

The Massachusetts Office of the SBA clarified that a business will receive $1000 for each employee, up to $10,000. The language of the statement suggested that this clarification affects businesses nation-wide.

So, if you are a business with, one employee, you can expect (at this time) a $1000 check. If your business has 4 employees, your check will be for $4000.

Remember, this is capped at $10,000, so if you have 15 employees, you will still only get a $10,000 advance or grant.

The relationship to other loan programs.

Adding complexity into the mix is how the SBA’s Disaster Loan relates to other programs, like the paycheck protection program (PPP).

Things seem to get more clear day by day and the current landscape suggests that the SBA Disaster Loan can be rolled into a PPP loan. The grant will be subtracted from the amount that gets forgiven.

What should you do right now?

First of all, if you have not applied for the SBA Disaster Loan with up to $10,000 in grant/advance funds, you should do so. Click through to our COVID-19 portal of legal information to find the link.

Next, it’s time to be patient. We are in an ever-changing set of conditions and things change hour-by-hour. Once you’ve applied, all you can do is wait and see.

What will be interesting to many is how much of an advance will be given out. Will it really be only $1000 per employee? Patience and time will tell us.

April 10, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Child Support Reduction/Suspension During COVID-19

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Divorce, Family Law, Personal

We at the Orlando Law Group understand that this is an incredibly tumultuous time for the world, a time where feelings of stress and uncertainty often cloud even the most optimistic of views.

If we can provide even a little bit of clarity for not only our clients but those out there dealing with issues of child support with reduced income, we will have done our job.

What happens if a parent who pays child support has been involuntarily terminated?

In a time where hundreds of thousands of people are being let go from their jobs, thus losing their steady stream of income, the Courts look to a party’s individual circumstances to determine whether or not their child support obligation should be temporarily suspended.

Temporary relief from child support is possible where the paying parent has been involuntarily terminated, he/she has searched thoroughly for a new job, the paying parent has depleted their assets, and their unemployment benefits have expired.

Such relief may also be possible where there has been a significant, permanent reduction in income. If, however, the reduction is only temporary, the courts ultimately have the power to suspend payments.

It is important to note that a parent who is temporarily unemployed may not be subject to contempt proceedings for failure to make child support payments, based on the fact that the unemployment is the root cause of his/her inability to pay.

Additionally, Courts hold that a parent’s temporary relief from child support payments shall only be effective during the time in which it was reasonably necessary for them to gain employment. You have to file a Motion to reduce child support right away and try to get a hearing because all obligations will keep being due until the obligation is reduced.

In the event that you had money coming out of a paycheck and you do not work at that company any longer, the Department of Revenue can suspend your license or pursue you for not paying. We hope they will slow this process during this time, but you still have to be proactive as failure to pay can result in license suspension and in the worst-case scenario jail.

Quire often, Judges are understanding, but they prefer when people are proactive.

What happens to payment of back child support?

Where the loss of the paying parent’s job is definite and the court has temporarily reduced the paying parent’s child support, they shall not be required to pay any amounts that are owed (arrearages), if they are currently making the reduced child support payments ordered by the Court.

Again, you need a court order to reduce the amount of support.

What happens if a parent is voluntarily unemployed?

Where a paying parent has created circumstances that a Court believes may amount to voluntary unemployment, the court may impute income (assign an income amount for the parent) sufficient to continue the current child support payments.

A modification of child support may be done by the court to reflect payments the parent could make if he/she was not voluntarily employed.

Therefore, if you are a parent that has made an exhaustive effort to seek employment and are truly struggling to pay your current child support amount, the court may have the ability to temporarily suspend or reduce such payments until you are reemployed.

It is important to understand that a parent’s obligation to support their child terminates at death, so the temporary suspension of such support will only be granted if the Court finds it absolutely necessary.

In conclusion, if you have any questions regarding your child support payments, or if you need assistance with temporarily suspending them, please do not hesitate to contact a family law attorney at The Orlando Law Group at 407.512.4394 to schedule a consultation today.

April 10, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Title Insurance Truth or Dare…featuring RON

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Personal, Real Estate

Okay, it’s time for some truth serum. The Title Insurance Industry is a business that is continually evolving. Real Estate Agents must deal with title companies, and their clients get title insurance on every transaction they handle. While we socially distance ourselves due to the Coronavirus, it’s a perfect time to level up what we do and how we do it. There may be a thousand ways everyone else accomplishes a task, but the way you’re going to stand out and innovate is by finding that one way that no one thought about.

In this article, we will be diving into the truths that have prevailed within the business of Title Insurance. We will also look at how to be daring enough to use them to your advantage.

If you work as a Real Estate Agent, in the field of Title Insurance, or are simply an entrepreneur looking to create some innovative tactics while you’re at home staying socially distant, you’ll find something useful. You will be challenged, and each of our truths is partnered with a dare for you to try out. Take a scientific approach and grow through experimentation. We will say this: to the daring always go the spoils.

Truth: Good Communication is Key – This might seem simple, but anyone who has worked in Title will understand that it’s those who communicate well that stay in the game. Communication is all about being thorough, and at the same time caring about who you’re working with. We dare you to get to know everyone involved, that way you can be completely aware of any situation that might arise. Having systems and processes in place to make sure you’re following procedures is just the beginning. Information is vital, and although text can be the easiest way to expedite responses, nothing beats a good conversation over the phone or in person. Right now, due to the Coronavirus, even avenues like Zoom are a better way for someone to see your face without having to be in the same room.
Truth: Set Expectations and Have Checklists – So many individuals have to work from home right now because of COVID-19. Without checklists and working documents, that can be difficult. Working documents are real weapons in business. Checklists keep order to what can quickly become a chaotic process. We dare you to have templates on your computer of checklists, and we double dare you to print them off! There’s no better feeling than being able to check off a box and look at your checklist, knowing everything has been completed. Also, save some room for custom points you can add that the clients specifically want or need taken care of. Working documents are made to be worked on and evolved.
Truth: Get to know RON – What is RON? Who is RON? Is he Harry Potter’s best friend? Yes, but not this RON. You are probably curious as to how notarization is going to work during the COVID-19, socially distant world we’re experiencing. RON or Remote Online Notarization is going to become your best friend in this scenario, and especially as we have to stay distant to flatten the curve of this virus. Taking advantage of technology can be arduous, but it’s always worth it eventually. We dare you to try new avenues of technology that make your job that much easier. Work with a title company that is taking advantage of RON (we are)!
Truth: Create Your Special Recipe – This is something that requires a little bit of creative work. Create something unique that only you do as a Realtor, Title Agent, or business entrepreneur. This could be a gift that you present at the end; it could be a program where you follow up after the closing has taken place, or it could be a special place you take everyone for lunch once the victory has been achieved. Even if you can’t take them to lunch because of COVID-19, perhaps a Zoom happy hour where you can speak about the future and celebrate the transaction completed will be perfect. The point is to make them feel like this particular action is unique to your business (hopefully it is). We dare you to make it as personal as possible. It’ll help you stand out, as well as build strong ties with those that you do business with.

We work with a vast array of agents, and just like Real Estate and Law, The Title Insurance Industry is dependent upon the Title worker. It’s all about the level that you want to achieve, and we want to encourage you always to have the mindset of leveling up what you do.

Seek out your truths and the truths that others have discovered and dare yourself to try new things. Right now, everyone has to adopt new strategies and plan because of how the virus has changed our daily lives. We must remain hopeful. Innovate, recalibrate, and formulate processes that both take inspiration from your heroes and make you an inspiration for others. When it’s all said and done, add your flourish, and dare the world to do the same.

April 9, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Estate Planning: The Will to Plan Now Makes for an Optimistic Tomorrow

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Personal, Wills, Trusts & Estates

During this time, we’ve been focusing on ways that we can help you feel safe, confident, and connected despite the difficulties so many are experiencing. We know that, for many individuals, the only way to combat uncertainty is by taking care of the things you can control. That’s why we believe that a Will is actual mental medicine for your tomorrow.

It’s the best way to know that your assets are protected and that your legacy will continue the way you want it to. The good news is that, even if you do not feel comfortable coming into our office, we can handle the process completely online using an online notary.

We have had a massive influx of these clients in the past week, and each one has helped us understand that right now, planning is giving them a sense of calm about their present and their future. This overall sense of settled is something that is hard to come by right now, and we are so grateful to help families and individuals get these forms in order.

You can call through video chat, which has now become the standard means of communication around the world, and we will take you through each step and follow our thorough approach to getting everything you need communicated and taken care of with the help of RON (Remote Online Notarization).

Below, you will find three benefits of getting these forms completed with our assistance. Right now, it’s about the control we can have over our future. We don’t know what tomorrow may bring, but with a Will and a plan, we know that we have some control over what the future holds in store.

Three Benefits to Getting a Will Completed Today:

Peace of Mind – There are a few things in our world that are priceless. One of them is peace of mind. For many of us, stress holds space in our minds unless we plan a way to add some control to our future.
Healthcare Assistance – Knowing that you have the specific people designated to make Healthcare decisions and having them aware adds a level of comfort to any situation.
Avoiding Conflict Between Family Members – By having everything in order, you avoid any potential conflict that might arise. You want your family to be able to focus on grieving, not making difficult decisions.

Another aspect of estate planning that helps you feel confident is the employment of Healthcare Directives. The Healthcare Surrogate Form gives your agent the authority to make healthcare decisions for you. If a doctor finds you mentally incapacitated, these forms will be vital to making decisions about your health.

We cannot stress the fact that these forms protect you and your family from unwanted stress, conflict, and complications. Below, you will find three concrete reasons why Healthcare Directives work in your favor.

Estate Planning: Three Ways Healthcare Directives Help You:

Worry Less – When you’re sick, you don’t have to worry about making any financial decisions. At any point, if you needed someone to help you with making those decisions, they can do that.
Less Limits – People aren’t being allowed into hospitals at this time unless they are sick. This can complicate measures, and by having structures and documents already in place, you don’t have to scramble last minute, which can add to your worry.
Better Systems – Stress can create sickness. Getting these documents in place can diminish your stress at a time where stress feels like a constant state of being. There are aspects of the future that we can’t control, but this is something you can, and the comfort of control truly helps your immune system stay strong.

A Will was built to allow you to have the most control over your legacy. It is just as much about you preserving your goals for your assets as it is about allowing there to be no conflict between loved ones in the event of your passing. It brings our clients great comfort to have these documents in place, and we feel it is our honor to give them a tomorrow they can enjoy more and worry less about.

April 7, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

The Truth About Getting a Divorce During Coronavirus

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Family Law, Personal

If you are thinking about or searching for information on getting a divorce during coronavirus, this article is written for you. In reality, getting a divorce during a pandemic that has closed down many businesses and brought normal life to a halt can seem overwhelming.

You are probably weighing many options. Should you wait until the coronavirus lockdown passes before you proceed with a divorce? If you and your spouse are living together, what arrangements need to be made while we are on a stay-at-home order?

For those with children, how can you successfully co-parent during coronavirus or COVID-19 restrictions? Is your mental health at risk while being confined and a divorce is the only clear path to healing? While there are no easy answers to those questions and your individual situation plays a large role in your next steps, here are some guidelines.

The divorce lawyers who focus on family law at the Orlando Law Group report that the divorce rate during any type of crisis tends to go up. Divorce during coronavirus is no different and we are already seeing increasing numbers of phone calls and communications from people who are interested in filing for divorce.

The truth is, divorce is an aspect of life and when there is the added stress of a trying situation, like that during a global pandemic, it shines a spotlight on the existing problems. Being restricted with family members and your significant other from leaving that house places many people in a stressful environment. In your home, social distance can only go so far.

If you and your spouse already were not getting along and divorce was in the conversation, being together without a break can exacerbate the situation. If it is insurmountable, the only logical move would be to take the next step towards a divorce.

Some situations are more urgent. If there is physical or mental abuse, moving forward quickly might be a necessity. There are different levels and classifications of abuse. If you are being physically harmed by your spouse or if you live with a narcissist who mentally abuses you, life with restrictions of social interaction outside the home can become intolerable.

In these cases getting a divorce in general needs to be accelerated, and getting a divorce during coronavirus should happen as quickly as possible so that you can be removed from the abusive situation.

How can you move forward with a divorce during coronavirus pandemic?

The global pandemic is shaping our lives in a very dynamic way. It seems that every day we get new information from our state government and the White House. We need to be mindful that what is true today, might not be so tomorrow.

If you are in a position where you want or need to file for divorce dung COVID-19 and coronavirus, you have the right to do so. The Orlando Law Group has been deemed an “essential” business during the stay-at-home order and we are continuing operations from our offices.

We can start the divorce process over the phone or over a video conference. Our offices are being cleaned with the most strict methods and we can even organize for drive-up legal and notary services in our parking lots for your social distancing convenience.

Ultimately, getting a divorce during coronavirus is a bit more difficult than during times without pandemic regulations, but that’s why we are here. We help our clients through the most difficult times.

The first step is to reach out and contact or call us. We’ll guide you from there.

April 6, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

What To Do If You Are In An Accident During COVID-19 and Coronavirus?

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Personal Injury

April 3, 2020/by Christopher Prouty

CORONAVIRUS EVICTIONS: Being Aware of Potential Pitfalls

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Personal, Probate

With the State of Florida enacting a mandatory stay home order in effect as of 12:01 AM, Friday morning, we have been speaking with many landlords and tenants regarding what rights they have during this trying time. The coronavirus outbreak has brought many business issues to light.

On one hand, many businesses have shut down during this time, leaving many tenants without the income source they survive on.

These tenants want to know whether they are at risk of being kicked on the street. On the other hand, landlords are still required to pay any mortgages and other expenses that they owe on the house. Many landlords cannot afford to keep their rental houses without the income they generate. What has the State of Florida said?

Attempts to Stop Coronvirus Evictions

While many politicians would like to halt evictions and have urged the Governor to impose a statewide moratorium on evictions, as of today the State of Florida has not officially issued any such order. Currently, each county is at the discretion to enter their own orders restricting court access and filings.

For example, Seminole, Brevard, and Osceola counties have suspended evictions until April 15. Orange County has suspended evictions through April 17. Without a statewide order, you need to be aware of what orders have been passed in the county you reside in.

Meanwhile, the Florida Supreme Court has issued the following Administrative Order, “given the exigencies of the public health emergency, the requirement in Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.580(a) for the clerk to issue a writ of possession “forthwith” shall be suspended through the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2020, or as provided by subsequent order.” https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/content/download/632431/7186205/AOSC20-17.pdf.

What this means is that the State of Florida is not currently requiring counties to follow the eviction process under the Florida Statutes. However, this order only suspends the requirementfor a Clerk of Court to issue the Writ of Possession, it does not suspend or prohibit a county’s ability to enter such a writ.

Without a State ordered mandate, each county is left to decide what is best for their residents. If you are a tenant, should you be worried about being evicted if you are unable to pay the rent during the COVID-19 scare? Likely not, but until the State of Florida puts forth a statewide mandate, it is dependent on the county you live in and there is not a set answer at this time.

What To Do About Rent During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Even though your landlord may not be able to evict you at this time, that does not necessarily mean you will not be liable for the rent payment during this period. It is going to be interesting to see how this plays out from a landlord-tenant perspective because a situation like this has never occurred during our lifetimes. Most likely the tenant will be responsible for the missed rent because the relationship is governed by the lease between the parties.

One question that is raised is whether the landlord will be able to file for eviction immediately after the virus threat is over, or whether the tenant will have a period of leniency in which to make payments to the landlord for the back rent. Without a steady source of income, many tenants will not be able to make a lump-sum payment of past due rent, and many tenants may not be able to climb out of the hole at all.

With the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the risk of the virus spreading if tenants are thrown onto the street, the State of Florida will likely enter an order shortly that sets clear precedence for how the landlord/tenant relationship will be handled during this time.

The potential pitfalls created by this virus will hopefully be addressed by an Order put forth from the State of Florida. As always, we will remain apprised to the situation in order to be your source for navigating any changes that happen.

April 2, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Before You Pay Your Bills with your Stimulus Check…Read This…

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Personal

With times of uncertainty come all new ways of protecting your future, and there are many individuals out there who will be receiving a stimulus check that they can put towards oh so many provisions. We want to caution you on planning without speaking with one of our Lead Attorneys: Sophia Dean. She specializes in helping your money go the farthest, to get you in the best situation moving forward.

Depending on what your situations is, there could be two potential uses of your stimulus money. It could be used to provide some relief towards your debt, or it could be used to buy necessities. Of course, without a plan, usually money gets spent; however, we want to encourage you to reach out to us to have a conversation if you’re not sure about the future and how to spend that money.

Below, you will find some ways in which Stimulus Check money will most likely be utilized:

Basic Needs: This is a time in which you must take care of yourself, and if you absolutely need to spend that money, then supplies are your priority.
Put It Towards Your Taxes: The government has extended the deadline to pay taxes back to July 15^th
Use it to Strengthen Your Emergency Fund: You can use your check towards making your emergency savings stronger.
Investing It: Investments, especially in Real Estate, are how individuals find the arbitrage of passive income.
Lower Your Student Debt: With interest payments suspended, you can make payments towards the premium. Lowering your principal balance could mean smaller interest payments once interest rates are put back into place.
Paying off debts: If the amount owed in debt is not significant, this might be the right move, but not always.

When it comes to money, we always recommend planning over anything else. Having a focused roadmap to success takes a team, and we are here to help you navigate these uncertain times. For us, we believe that our experiences translate to advantages and victories for you. We want you to utilize the fact that we have encountered many situations, and that every single one has taught us something new. The commonality between them all is that ideas in a vacuum are less powerful than ones formulated using a team. The adage: “Two heads are better than one,” remains true, especially in finance.

So before you pay your debts with your Stimulus Check, consult with us. All it takes is one new conversation, one new plan, and someone that has your best interest in mind and that works within the legal system every single day. That’s us, and we promise that we will do our best to never steer you wrong.

March 31, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group

Coronavirus: New Laws Will Accommodate Families

All posts, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Personal

We are consistently here to provide you with information that can help you navigate this difficult time.

Below, we are going to discuss acts that are being expanded.

These laws provide coverage, especially to those who must be out of work due to health-related issues.

Keep in mind that you always want to consult a lawyer about every legal decision, and with things changing by the day, we understand that information is power. Below, we will detail the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, and the potential changes could help you get the most out of your job while staying healthy and protected during the pandemic.

Expanded Coverage and Eligibility – The Act significantly amends and expands FMLA on a temporary basis. The current employee threshold for FMLA coverage would change from only covering employers with 50 or more employees to instead covering those employers with fewer than 500 employees.

It also lowers the eligibility requirement such that any employee who has worked for the employer for at least 30 days before the designated leave may be eligible to receive paid family and medical leave. As a result, thousands of employers not previously subject to the FMLA may be required to provide job-protected leave to employees for a COVID-19 coronavirus-designated reason.

However, the Act now includes language allowing the Secretary of Labor to exclude healthcare providers and emergency responders from the definition of employees.

These occupations are allowed to take such leave. The Act also appears to exempt small businesses with fewer than 50 employees if the required leave would jeopardize the viability of their business.

Reasons for Emergency Leave – Any individual employed by the employer for at least 30 days (before the first day of leave) may take up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave to allow an employee, who is unable to work or telework, to care for the employee’s child (under 18 years of age).

If the child’s school or place of care is closed or the childcare provider is unavailable due to a public health emergency. This is now the only qualifying need for Emergency FMLA and a significant change from the prior version of the bill passed by the House over the weekend, which contained several other COVID-19-related reasons to provide Emergency FMLA.

Paid Leave – Another significant change from the prior version passed from the House is the reduction of the unpaid period of Emergency FMLA. Now, the first ten days (rather than 14 days) of Emergency FMLA may be unpaid.

During these ten days, an employee may elect to substitute any accrued paid leave (like a vacation or sick leave) to cover some or all of the 10-day unpaid period.

After the ten days, the employer generally must pay full-time employees at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate for the number of hours the employee would otherwise be regularly scheduled.

The new Act now limits this pay entitlement to $200 per day and $10,000 in the aggregate per employee.

Calculating Pay for Non-Full Time Employees – Employees who work a part-time or irregular schedule are entitled to be paid based on the average number of hours the employee worked for the six months before taking Emergency FMLA.

Employees who have worked for less than six months before leave are entitled to the employee’s reasonable expectation at the hiring of the average number of hours the employee would generally be scheduled to work.

Job Restoration – Employers with 25 or more employees will have the same obligation as under traditional FMLA to return any employee who has taken Emergency FMLA to the same or equivalent position upon the return to work.

However, employers with fewer than 25 employees are generally excluded from this requirement if the employee’s position no longer exists following the Emergency FMLA leave due to an economic downtown or other circumstances caused by a public health emergency during the period of Emergency FMLA.

This exclusion is subject to the employer making reasonable attempts to return the employee to an equivalent position and requires an employer to make efforts to return the employee to work for up to a year following the employee’s leave.

Effective Date and Expiration – The president signed the legislation on the evening of March 18, which means the leave provisions will go into effect on April 2.

There are different portions of this Act that we will discuss in the future. What does it all mean for you? It means that you could potentially be entitled to benefits that weren’t available before.

As always, if you have questions, we are here to help and disseminate information that may apply to your current situation. Do not hesitate to reach out. We are committed to consistently being your source for knowledge and how the laws are changing to help you.

March 24, 2020/by The Orlando Law Group