HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION DEBT COLLECTION: A BASIC SUMMARY
January 19, 2015 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.by: Karen Kurth and Timothy Erb For most homeowners associations, owners of property within the association are bound to pay annual or monthly assessments to the association to cover common expenses incurred by the association to operate the association. The amount and nature of the common expenses will vary depending upon whether or not the association is a condominium, attached town-home, detached town-home or single family home association. Such common expenses often cover costs incurred by the association related to insurance, maintenance, property management, and other costs incurred by the association to own or maintain common elements. The declaration, which is recorded against title to the property, not only typically requires each owner to pay assessments, but also specifies the items the association is to maintain, insure or otherwise address. These expenditures comprise the common expenses. The declaration may specify that each property owner is to pay an equal share of common expenses or some other allocation of common expenses which is based upon differences in square footage, architectural product or other similar rational distinctions. The declaration and/or statutory authority may also specify that the owner is also required to pay late payment fees and attorneys’ fees incurred by the association to collect the unpaid assessments and that such fees become part of…
Read MoreWhat Are the Steps in a Divorce Proceeding?
January 12, 2015 | Elizabeth A. SchadingIn the state of Minnesota, a divorce is called a ”dissolution of marriage.” Barring a justifiable emergency, in order to be eligible for a divorce, either you or your spouse must be living in the state for at least 180 days. Just like in any other state getting a divorce in Minnesota can be a lengthy process that may take several months to several years to complete. We understand that the decision to divorce can be a difficult decision to make. The attorneys at Barna, Guzy & Steffen have over 80 years of combined experience in family and divorce law. If you’d like to speak with an attorney, contact BGS today at (763) 780-8500. Before we discuss the actual steps in a divorce proceeding, let’s cover a few basics. What You Need to Know about divorce in Minnesota If you have children or significant property, the divorce will be more complicated. If you and your spouse can come to an agreement on child custody issues and/or how to divide your property, the divorce can move along quickly. If you have children, the court will require you to attend a certified divorce education program. Steps in a Minnesota Divorce Proceeding There are four basic steps in the state’s divorce proceeding: Summons and Petition To…
Read MoreAttorney Thomas R. Wentzell joins Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
December 15, 2014 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Barna, Guzy & Steffen LTD. announces the addition of a new associate to our firm. Thomas R. Wentzell has joined the firm’s Real Estate and Banking Law departments. He will be working closely with attorneys practicing in the firm’s growing Real Estate and Banking areas serving existing clients and enhancing the firm’s ability to serve new areas of the community. Tom was a law clerk for Barna, Guzy & Steffen’s Business and Employment Law Litigation group from January 2012-April 2013 while he was completing his law degree at University of St. Thomas School of Law. He is returning to the firm from his recent position as a Compliance Analyst at Ameriprise Financial in Minneapolis. Tom graduated cum laude from University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2013 ranked 18 of 156. He was a recipient of the Dean’s Award (highest grade in class) – Lawyering Skills I, made the Dean’s list and received a President’s Scholarship. Tom earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from St. John’s University in 2007 where he graduated magna cum laude, received All-College Honors and played Varsity football. He is excited about this new opportunity in his legal career and says, “Coming back to BGS, I am looking forward to helping clients and growing professionally. I…
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