Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Homeownership Counseling Requirements
There are specific requirements dictated by the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z) and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or “RESPA” (Regulation X). These requirements – and others – dictate working with a Columbus Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) lawyer if you have any questions or concerns about federal consumer protection laws that… Read More »
New Consumer Protection Law “INFORM” Act Goes Into Effect
A new consumer protection law that went into effect in late June protects consumers from counterfeit, unsafe, and/or stolen goods: The Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) for Consumers Act places requirements on all online marketplaces concerning “high-volume” third-party sellers who sell new consumer products online regarding the disclosure, safeguarding, and… Read More »
The Importance of Working with the Right Business Counsel
The importance of the right legal team, advice, and strategy for business owners cannot be overemphasized. Because costs can get out of hand when running a business, it is common for many to try and cut corners, especially when it comes to business insurance and legal expenses. However, this can be outright dangerous because… Read More »
“As-Is” Addendums in Real Estate Purchase Contracts
Caution should be exercised, and buyers should work with experienced real estate attorneys, when considering purchasing home from business entities or individuals who recently purchased and renovated the property with a contract and an attached addendum making the sale “as-is” and releasing the seller(s) from any issues related to the renovation, including any compliance… Read More »
Have You Received a Subpoena or Been Sued by Strike 3 Holdings, LLC in Ohio? What You Need to Know
Strike 3 Holdings, LLC has become notorious for filing copyright infringement lawsuits across several states, including Ohio. Targeting individuals identified only as “John Doe” defendants, these lawsuits revolve around alleged violations of Strike 3’s copyrights through peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing. New Strike 3 Holdings Cases Filed in Ohio Ohio residents who have received notices from… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court Rules on Property Tax Foreclosure Across Country
Foreclosure filings in Ohio and elsewhere are unfortunately up, with more than 35,000 nationwide filed in one month, including auctions, bank repossessions, and default notices. Sadly, this recent increase indicates a growing trend. Ohio in particular came in as one of the states with the highest overall foreclosure rates, with one in every 2,478… Read More »
Contractor Disputes & Mechanic’s Liens in Ohio
In late June, one Ohio court ordered a home improvement contractor – Neil Wolfe and his company, Neil Construction – who violated Ohio’s consumer protection laws over 70 times to pay more than $625,000 in restitution to 19 consumers that the contractor defrauded, as well as $1,775,000 in civil penalties, or $25,000 per violation…. Read More »
Mortgage Refinancing Mistakes to Avoid
As Columbus foreclosure defense attorneys, we assist a number of clients with mortgage refinancing each year, as this can help homeowners avoid foreclosure, in some circumstances. It is wise to work with a professional when it comes to the refinancing process so that you make sure that it is done correctly and you don’t… Read More »
Consumer Protection Litigation Over Misleading Climate Claims Is Exploding
A new report highlights growing trends in these consumer protection lawsuits focused on climate-related “greenwashing,” most of which were brought in 2021-2022. More and more consumer lawsuits against companies alleging “climate-washing” (or false claims) every day, and now it appears that complicit ad and PR firms could also be complicit. These claims center around… Read More »
Experian & Others Sued for Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Credit reporting companies like Experian have faced a number of inquiries – and lawsuits – involving consumer claims within the last few years. As of May, one class action lawsuit brought in federal court alleged that the company specifically failed to adequately investigate dispute letters over credit report inaccuracies in violation of the Fair… Read More »