Fransen & Molinaro now referring non-Calif homeowners to law firms within their respective states

[disarm]

Just got off the phone with Fransen & Molinaro. Apparently the California Attorney General is now mandating that California-based law firms specializing in loan modifications must refer out-of-state homeowners to law firms within their respective states. This may be a double edge sword in that the non-California law firms may not have the experience in dealing with Countrywide. The positive side is that our Illinois AG has come down hard on Countrywide (and others) and hopefully the law firms here will be more familar with Illinois dealings specific to Countrywide.

[Paul Molinaro Esq.]

Not a mandate that I know of, just good practice as each state its own laws and the field is so rapidly changing that a good mortgage law practitioner needs to be on top of every new statute and case coming out... almost on a daily basis in some instances.
- Paul

[ELENA7077]

I was just told by one of your asst-Rick yesterday 3-25-09. I am in Florida what should i do now??

[disarm]

I understand that Fransen & Molinaro will have a referral list of law firms by states. I'll be talking with FM today and share what I learn on the referrals.

[ELENA7077]

that would be great!

[Paul Molinaro Esq.]

Just to be clear, any clients, potential clients, or anyone reading this post, or anyone at all... you are in charge of, and ultimately responsible for, where you go for help.

This forum is great for do-it-yerselfers. If you get the knowledge and have the time, you might do just as well as anyone you hire.

This forum is great for getting the down-low on non-profits. Many of these people know their stuff, have great connections, and can get the job done, for free or very little cost.

This forum is great for sharing the scoop on attorneys. Most charge (hopefully a reasonable amount), but you should get FULL legal services, not just a shot at a loan mod.

What choice you make should depend on your situation. As for out-of-state attorneys, we are putting together a list of who we would do business with, if we were a borrower. That does not mean we take responsibility for these out-of-state lawyers, but if someone wants our opinion, we want to have one based on actual facts that we gathered.

Now, get back to doing your research.

- Paul

[disarm]

Thank you Paul.

Of course due diligence is in order when seeking legal counsel. It's a great service your firm is providing for the out-of-state referral list.

Your aforementioned full disclosure and hold harmless is duly noted for the record.

All the best.

[ELENA7077]

I have a question please, how would I check out a attorney in FL? I did a Google the FL bar with no result for that attorney.
fficeffice" />>>

[Paul Molinaro Esq.]

Go to the state bar website for that state and try again. Double check the spelling, make sure you did not type in a nick name. Also, Google the name plus the word "attorney" or the word "lawyer" and see what you get. If it really is not there, that would be a RED FLAG.
- Paul

[ELENA7077]

Thank you, I did go on Google with his name "Attorney & or Lawyer" no t to much info there only address, phone. I did go into his office yesterday and only got to talk with the asst. and got the paper work to fill in. not sure about this mix signals.