ANNOUNCEMENTS
January 1st, 2012
Gary H. Branfeld is a welcomed addition to Smith Alling, P.S. this new year. Mr. Branfeld brings forth a well running practice and years of experiernce. His practice is focused on real estate and business transactions, complex litigation title disputes, and the representation of creditors and business debtors in bankruptcy.
Mr. Branfeld graduated from the University of Oregon, 1970, B.S. Political Science and later from the formerly known University of Puget Sound School of Law, 1975 With Distinction.
July 11th, 2011
Public News Service-WA
July 11, 2011
WA Foreclosure Fairness Act Takes Effect
TACOMA, Wash. - More time to decide how to handle a pending foreclosure, and a better opportunity to negotiate with lenders. Those are the advantages for troubled homeowners when Washington's new Foreclosure Fairness Act takes effect this month, on July 22. The state law will require that banks send a letter to people facing foreclosure, spelling out their options for mediation and counseling, and offering to schedule a meeting where the lender and debtor can discuss the situation face-to-face.
These types of recourse have always been available, says Jordan Foster, a consumer law attorney with the Tacoma firm Smith Alling – it's just that panicked homeowners often get the run-around from lenders and do not know how to proceed.
"A lot of people are so unfamiliar with the process that they don't realize there are a lot of options out there for them. A lot of people end up either just walking away or moving out, without even contacting the bank and seeing what options they might have."
Now, explains Foster, the options will be listed clearly in the initial letter - although time is still critical under the new law. The homeowner has 30 days after receiving the letter to request the meeting or their bank can proceed with foreclosure.
An attorney or a housing counselor can represent homeowners at the meeting or in mediation. The housing counselors must be approved by either HUD or the Washington Housing Finance Commission.
Foster thinks the new law will help more people avoid foreclosure. He says plenty need it.
"I haven't seen any slowdown. I still get probably at least one call a week from either a potential new client, a client referral or a friend referral - someone facing either potential foreclosure or their house is 'underwater' - and they want to know what their options are."
The Washington Department of Commerce offers information about the new law online at www.commerce.wa.gov.
Story by Chris Thomas, Public News Service - WA
March 4th, 2011
Smith Alling is excited to announce that our new associate Peter Marcek was admitted to the Washington State Bar association on November 10, 2010. Peter is a 2010 graduate of Seattle University School of Law and lives in Seattle. Peter's practice focuses on Real Property, Business and Construction litigation.
January 1st, 2011
The attorneys of Smith Alling Lane and Maher Ahrens Foster Shillito are pleased to announce the formation of Smith Alling. The new Smith Alling will be located in the heart of downtown Tacoma and includes attorneys practicing in the areas of Business, Employment, Real Property, Construction, Estate Planning and administration, Personal Injury and Family Law. The new Smith Alling will consist of 9 shareholders, 2 associates, and 10 staff members. Smith Alling is currently accepting new clients. Please explore our website for further information about our attorneys.
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