Legally Speaking
In our Legally Speaking Blog, an attorney from the NJSBF Speakers Bureau answers a general legal question.
Please note the information provided in Legally Speaking is general information and does not constitute legal advice, which should only be given by retained counsel.
If you would like to obtain a speaker through our Speakers Bureau, click here.
If you are an attorney (and a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association) and would like to join the Foundation’s Speakers Bureau or take advantage of other volunteer opportunities with the NJSBF, click here.
Am I responsible for fraudulent charges on my credit card if my card was lost, stolen or hacked?
You shouldn’t be. Especially if you notified your credit card company as soon as it is lost or stolen. Credit card companies always have an internal system through which you can challenge the listed charges— Ahmed M. Soliman, Esq., Soliman & Associates, P.C.
Is a landlord liable if a tenant or visitor is injured on a rental property?
Generally, a landlord is responsible to provide a safe and nonhazardous condition. If a tenant or visitor is injured due to a defective stairwell or poor lighting, the landlord can be liable for the injuries caused by such a condition. However, if a tenant or visitor...
What is a limited liability corporation?
A limited liability company, also known as an 'LLC' is a type of corporate structure. It is a hybrid structure that combines characteristics of a corporation with those of partnership or sole proprietorship. LLC members cannot be held personally liable for the...
Can I give my property away before I die to avoid estate taxes?
While gifting assets away during life can be an effective way to reduce or even eliminate estate taxes, there are some limits and pitfalls that one must consider. First, the federal gift tax law imposes limits on the amount that can be given to any one person. This...
What responsibilities do tenants have in keeping a rental property in good shape?
Generally, a tenant, residential or commercial, must not damage or allow the rental property to be damaged. For example the tenant cannot not put holes in walls, remove floor coverings or remove other fixtures. Additionally, if the tenant knows that there is a water...
Does my landlord have an obligation to curb noisy tenants if they disturb other tenants?
Most leases have what is called an implied covenant of "quiet enjoyment." This means that your landlord has an obligation to make sure that no other tenants are infringing upon your rights to enjoy your property. Each town also has local/municipal ordinances that deal...
What do I need to know before buying a home in a development run by a homeowners’ association?
You should request a copy of the HOA's (Home Owners' Association) bylaws and monthly fees. At first, a development can look like a great deal with tons of benefits. However, you are going to be paying monthly HOA fees that continue to increase over time. The bylaws...
Do New Jersey Citizens have the right to obtain their birth records if they were adopted?
Effective January 1, 2017, New Jersey law permits adult adoptees who were born or adopted in New Jersey to request access to their birth records. These requests are made to the New Jersey Registrar of Vital Information. For adoptions that took place prior to August 1,...
How high can a fence be built in a residential area?
The answer depends on your local zoning code. Every municipality has its own zoning code, which is available at the municipal office, and may also be available on the municipal website or on www.generalcode.com. You’ll need to know what your property is zoned, and...
Can I dispute the information in my credit report? If so, how?
Your credit score and credit history is key to your financial health. Making sure that you keep your credit records accurate is very important for your overall financial well-being. Consumers are permitted to dispute information in their credit report and should begin...