Angela Barker On The Move

Weathering These Tough Times

Angela S. Barker was one of several expert speakers who dispensed valuable advice on getting ahead in the profession at the 2010 New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting.

Building a Successful Practice

Angela Barker Featured in Elder Law Committee Newsletter

Angela Barker is featured in the GP/Solo Elder Law Committee newsletter for July 2008. Her article “Ten Things to Do to Prepare a Will for Probate” discusses and explains how the executor of a will should prepare for probate. Angela’s concise and clear explanation of this legal matter makes it easier for families to understand the legal process and to cope with the loss of a family member.

Ten Things to Do to Prepare a Will For Probate

If you are the executor of a will there are many things you must do to get that will ready for probate. Probate means the process by which the deceased's assets are gathered, outstanding debts, taxes and expenses of the funeral and the probate process are paid, and the assets are distributed to the beneficiaries in the will. Following here are the top 10 things needed to prepare for probate.

1. Get names and addresses of all person named in the will;


2. Determine if the deceased has any pending financial or legal matters requiring immediate attention;


3. Arrange for a meeting with everyone named in the will;


4. Gather, do not destroy, any of the deceased records, tax returns, checks or other documents;


5. Get Death Certificates (from funeral home);


6. Keep careful records of all funeral related expenses;


7. Don't pay debts unless truly necessary;


8. Change locks on the door if deceased lived alone;


9. Secure valuable items;


10. Notify insurance carriers of the recent death.

Source: Law Office of Angela Barker & Associates | 67 Wall Street | Suite 2211 | New York | NY

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Angela Barker Speaks Out on Real Estate

Borrowers Still Slow to Get Help

A recent article in The New York Times states that despite the vast publicity about ways to avoid foreclosure, most borrowers remain unaware that their lenders are willing to help them.

Indeed, the article cites a recent report released by Freddie Mac, one of the two government-sponsored businesses that acquired mortgages from lenders and sell them to investors, which states that 57 percent of delinquent borrowers did not know about the various options lenders offer to delinquent borrowers.

In this slow real estate market it is to no one’s advantage to foreclose on a home. Moreover, many lawyers’ associations have formed task forces to assist buyers in saving their homes. If you are falling behind on your mortgage payments, contact your lender. In addition, contact your local lawyers’ bar association and ask them for a referral to a foreclosure prevention task force in your area.

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Source: Law Trends & News - Practice area Newsletter