Did you know that there is a difference between a mediation in a foreclosure lawsuit and a mediation in every other type of lawsuit? Unfortunately, the foreclosure mediation process in Florida has become tainted to the point where it is really just an analysis of whether the borrower has produced documents to the lender. There is rarely a decision or agreement that is reached at a foreclosure mediation. While settlement is never guaranteed in mediation, I have never had a foreclosure mediation result in settlement on the day of mediation, except for one case where the lender was a credit union. For questions about the mediation process, or foreclosures in general, please email me at Shawn@YesnerLaw.com, or visit the website at www.yesnerlaw.com.

In episode 18 of the podcast, we discuss bankruptcy. What are the reasons that someone might want to file? What are some issues a debtor might encounter? We've posted other episodes of the podcast that deal with specific bankruptcy issues, and have more planned. This episode, however, is a bit more generic. We would love your feedback on the podcast in general, or on this episode, and please connect with us on Facebook, Google+ or Linkedin. If you have specific questions, please contact me at Shawn@YesnerLaw.com or www.YesnerLaw.com.

In this week's episode of the podcast, we talk about how I use systems to structure a client's experience with the office, based on lessons I learned while running. In 2014, I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and my sugar levels were dangerously high. Those who know me, know my fear of needles, so it was easy to start a diet and exercise regiment to ward off high cholesterol, high sugar and the results that come with them. I enjoy running 5 and 10k races (and now include swimming laps training for a triathlon) because the time alone helps me to think about ways that I can improve processes here at the office. The time helps me think about the importance of setting goals and measuring my results. I appreciate your indulgence in deviating from the legal podcast content for one week and I hope you enjoy this episode. If you have topics that would make good content, please email me at Shawn@YesnerLaw.com, or visit the website at www.yesnerlaw.com. Also connect with me on Facebook, www.facebook.com/yesnerlaw.

In this week's episode of the Yesner Law podcast, we discuss a potentially scary issue for people filing bankruptcy. What happens when the debtor's house is upside down, behind in payments, and maybe even in foreclosure, and the homeowner wants to use the bankruptcy to surrender the house? Sometimes, the trustees sell the house to an investor, who then rents the house for cash flow until the bank forecloses. While this may seem unfair, it is proper under the Bankruptcy Code and Rules (at least here in Tampa Bay). We discuss when this might happen, and what options the homeowner has to try to avoid this situation. If you have stories where this has happened to someone you know, please share those stories on our social media sites - https://www.facebook.com/yesnerlaw. Or send me an email at Shawn@Yesnerlaw.com.

In this episode of the Yesner Law Podcast, we talk about the differences between the Florida Homestead Exemption, and the Homestead Exemption in Florida. What is the difference? One is based on Florida's Constitution and Statutes, while the other is a reduction of the taxable value of the home. The two are related just less so than people think. To find out more, please visit our website. We have many blogs discussing the homestead exemption, including http://www.yesnerlaw.com/blog/2013/05/homestead-asset-protection-strategies.shtml, or you can send me an email at Shawn@Yesnerlaw.com.

What happens when a creditor charges off a debt? Does the borrower still owe it? Does it report on credit? Can the creditor sue for it? We answer these questions and more in this episode of the Yesner Law Podcast. Many people get confused on what happens when a debt is "charged off." We hope you enjoy this episode and if you have questions, please email me at Shawn@YesnerLaw.com, or visit the website at www.yesnerlaw.com.

In lucky episode 13 of the Yesner Law Podcast (one-quarter of the way through a full year of episodes!) we discuss partition lawsuits. Partition lawsuits are for people who jointly own property and cannot decide what to do with it. Typically, it involves family members who inherit property and one wants to live there and another wants to sell. If you have questions about partition, real estate litigation, or any other areas of law, please let me know at Shawn@YesnerLaw.com, or visit the website at www.YesnerLaw.com.

Episode 12 of the Yesner Law Podcast is an interview with Tiffanie Kellog. Tiffanie is dedicated to helping others make more money in less time so they can have more fun. Tiffanie is the #1 trainer in the United States for The Referral Institute, and a trainer for BNI. Tiffanie is also an author and, in this episode, we discuss her new book 4 1/2 Networking Mistakes, which you can order on Amazon. For more information, please visit our website, www.yesnerlaw.com, or email me at Shawn@Yesnerlaw.com.

Interpleader is the type of lawsuit that is filed when a real estate transaction is cancelled and the buyer and seller disagree as to who is at fault, and therefore who should get the good faith deposit held by the title company. The problem is that the title company, even if it is an attorney who represents one party, does not have the authority to determine which party is at fault and which party should keep the deposit. Therefore, the title company files an Interpleader Action and deposits the money with the Clerk of Court, to then let the Court decide who is entitled to a return of the good faith deposit. If you have comments on this podcast, or questions, please email me at Shawn@Yesnerlaw.com or visit our website at www.yesnerlaw.com.

In this episode of the Yesner Law Podcast, we interview Lee R. Carr, II. Lee practices elder law, estate planning and probate law. Lee helps answer what happens when one spouse dies, leaving the other to help maintain and make payments on the house. Whether the surviving spouse should keep the house, sell the house, modify the loan, etc., are all questions that arise in this unfortunate time, and we can help answer those questions. We welcome suggestions on this episode or future content at Shawn@YesnerLaw.com or www.yesnerlaw.com.

In this episode, I talk about a subject that is personal to me because it happened to a friend of mine. What happens when the spouse who signed the loan and mortgage dies, leaving behind a spouse who is not listed as a borrower on the loan? To find out more information about loan modifications, please visit the website at http://www.yesnerlaw.com/Debt-Alternatives/Loan-Modification.shtml, or send me an email at Shawn@YesnerLaw.com.