REAL ESTATE CLOSING PROCESS

The purchase of your new home is the single most expensive obligation that you will undertake in your lifetime. Our office will make this transaction a smooth and less complicated one for you.

With qualified, experienced Attorneys and personnel, we can assist you in closing real estate transactions economically, expeditiously and courteously. Your individual real estate transaction will be handled by an Attorney from the initial contract review to the finalization of all documentation with the appropriate agencies. You will be kept fully informed at each step of the transaction.

To advise you of the real estate process, our office has put together the following list of approximate fees incurred in the transaction.

Estimated Closing Costs for Buyer:

Title Fees - Based on Contract Price at State regulated fees
Mortgage Fees - Varies depending on Lender
Inspection Fees - Depends on Inspections performed and Inspection Company $350.00 to $1,250.00
Recording Fees for mortgage,
Deed and Notice of Settlement - Approx. $100.00
Overnight Delivery Fees - Approx. $40.00 - $80.00
General Legal Office Expenses - Approx. $50.00
Survey (if necessary) - Approx. $450.00

Realtors Commissions - Typically 6% of Contract price
New Jersey real Estate Transfer Tax - based on Contract price
Recording Fees for Canceled mortgages, Liens, releases, etc. - Approx. $50.00 per item to be recorded
Outstanding Real estate Taxes and Utility Charges

Purchase Transaction:
         All Cash - $650.00
         Mortgage Financing - $825.00
Refinance Transactions - $575.00
Sales Transactions - $650.00

PERSONAL INJURY

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Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Personal Injury Related To An Auto Accident

Q: If I am injured, should I seek medical attention?
A: If you sustain an injury, you should seek medical attention immediately in order to properly care for those injuries and in order to have a proper medical examination and evaluation performed by a medical physician.

Q: If I am injured, who will pay my medical bills?
A: The primary or first coverage is with your own Automobile Insurance (i.e. PIP), the first $250 that is incurred is applied to your deductible and then you are responsible for 20% co-pay of $5,000.00 of medical bills incurred (your exposure $1,200.00). All medical bills thereafter will be paid by your insurance company. Secondary coverage is with your Health Insurance Company (HMO) the outstanding bills (deductible and co-pay) should be submitted to that carrier. They may deny coverage if you do not go to your PCP before treating with a therapist for your injuries.

Q: If I am injured, can I make a claim or file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident?
A: It depends on your policy and the nature of your injuries. If you purchase a standard automobile insurance policy, you are required to elect a “tort option” that will determine if you have a right to make a claim. You must either elect the “limitation on lawsuit option” or the “no limitation on lawsuit option”. If you purchase a basic policy, you are assigned the “limitation on lawsuit option”.

Q: What is the “Limitation on Lawsuit Option”?
A: The Lawsuit Limitation Option (also known as the verbal threshold) limits your legal rights to make a claim for monetary damages or to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident unless you sustain a permanent injury that has had serious impact on your life. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT ELECT THE “LIMITATION ON LAWSUIT OPTION”.

Q: What are some examples of injuries that “pierce” the threshold?
A: Some common types of injuries are a fracture, herniated disc and disc bulge. Any type of injury must be established through an evaluation by a medical physician.

Q: What is the “No Limitation on Lawsuit Option”?
A: The no limitation option (also known as “no threshold”) permits you to make a claim or to file a lawsuit against a careless driver for any and all personal injuries. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU ELECT THE “NO LIMITATION ON LAWSUIT OPTION”.

Q: How do I choose the type of automobile insurance coverage that I want for myself and my family?
A: When you purchase or renew your policy, you will be provided with a coverage selection form. We recommend that you make the following selections:

Standard Policy - Yes, minimum coverage of $100,000.00 of liability coverage is suggested.
Basic Policy - No
No Limitation on Lawsuit Option - Yes
Limitation on Lawsuit Option - No
PIP Medical Expenses $250,000.00 - Yes
PIP Medical Expenses $15,000/50,000/75,000/150,000 - No
Uninsured/Underinsured - Yes (With same limits as liability coverage)

If you do not sign the coverage selection form, you will be assigned a standard policy with $250,00 of PIP medical expenses and the lawsuit limitation option.

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1-866-Lead Foot	1-866-Muni Court
(532-3366)	(686-2687)

Court's Jurisdiction:

A Municipal Court Judge has the authority to hear all Motor Vehicle offenses such as speeding, careless driving, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended and no insurance. The Judge also has the power to hear disorderly persons offenses contained in the criminal code , i.e. shop lifting, simple assault, etc.. The Court may also hear other violations such as violation of Town ordinances, and possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Prior to Appearing in Court:

You should immediately send your attorney copies of all tickets or summons received and all other documents that have been provided to you by the Police or the Court. You must also provide your attorney with the names of all potential witnesses and a written, detailed account of the events as they transpired. All conversations with your attorney are strictly confidential and that information will not be given to the prosecutor, the Court or anyone else unless you authorize your attorney to do so.

The Court Appearance:

Appearance in Court on your scheduled hearing date is mandatory. If you are unable to appear, you must notify the Court and demonstrate to the Court that there is good reason why you should be granted an adjournment. If you do not appear in Court, the Judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. On your scheduled hearing date, you should arrive promptly and immediately notify the Court Clerk that you are in attendance for your hearing. Dress appropriately and bring all witnesses, documents, photos, etc. that pertain to your matter. Also, bring money (cash or check) to pay any fines, court costs and restitution that may be levied by the court. The Court requires at least a partial payment on the night of your hearing.

Pleading Guilty or Not Guilty:

Guilty Plea - If you plead guilty, the Court requires that you admit to the offense that you have been charged with. The Court may ask you questions regarding the events and you should be prepared to tell the Court as many mitigating factors or extenuating circumstances as you recall. The Judge will fix your penalty based on this discussion. In the event that you do not have enough money to pay the penalty in full immediately, you must ask the Judge, not the clerk, for monthly or weekly payment schedule.

Not Guilty Plea - If you plead not guilty, a trial will be scheduled where the prosecutor will be required to present the State’s witnesses to offer evidence to prove the charge that has been filed against you. The State must prove all elements of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney will have the opportunity to cross-examine the State’s witnesses. Again, you should provide your attorney with all papers, photos, witnesses and any other evidence that relates to your case so that your attorney may properly defend you. You may testify but you are not required to do so. If you do not agree with the Court’s determination, you have 20 days to appeal. This is a detailed process and you should discuss this matter with your attorney in depth.

After Plea or Trial:

If you plead guilty or are found guilty of a traffic offense, the Division of Motor Vehicles will be notified. The DMV has the authority to impose points, surcharges and possible license suspension. The Court has no involvement with the DMV and its levying of penalties.

Consult an Attorney:

It is recommended that you should consult an attorney regarding Traffic offenses and any other major offenses prior to pleading guilty or representing yourself.

This newsletter is intended to provide a brief explanation of the Municipal Court process. We would be more than happy to meet with you to discuss your individual matter in detail and how the Municipal Court process effects you.