Consumer Information

Protect yourself from loan modification scams

The State Bar of California continues to receive questions regarding the scope and applicability of Senate Bill 94 (SB 94), which took effect October 11, 2009 and prohibits attorneys from charging or collecting legal fees for loan modification services prior to the completion of those services. The following is a summary of the law enacted with the passage of SB 94 and a discussion of some frequently asked questions regarding the impact of the law.

This writing addresses only California attorneys, not any other licensee involved in assisting clients with loan modifications such as real estate agents and brokers.

Pamphlets

Consumer Education Pamphlet Hotline: 888-875-LAWS (888-875-5297)

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How Can I Find and Hire the Right Lawyer? Tips on hiring a lawyer, where to go to find one, what should be in a fee agreement, finding the best match for a client's needs and more.	How Can I Resolve My Dispute Without a Trial? The advantages and disadvantages of staying away from court by using Alternative Dispute Resolution.
What Should I Know If I Am Arrested? Learn about a person's rights when arrested, the definition of bail and how it is set, warrants, the difference between arraignments and preliminary hearings.	What Should I Do If I Have an Auto Accident? Information you should gather at the accident scene as well as reporting requirements and what to do if someone is injured.
How Do I Use the Small Claims Court? An explanation of what small claims court is, money limits for taking a case to small claims court, how to file a claim and more.	What Can I Do If I Can't Pay My Debts? Should you consider filing for bankruptcy? Do you just need more time to get your finances in order? Tips for the overextended.
What Should I Know About Divorce And Custody? The rules of divorce. Different methods of getting a divorce. Annulment versus divorce. Spousal support and more.	Can the Law Help Protect Me From Domestic Violence? Just what does the law consider domestic violence? What can I do if I am a victim? What is the effect of a restraining order? And more.
What Should I Know Before I Rent? If you're a renter you need to know when your landlord can come into your home, whether the owner can lock you out, owners' rights and more.	Can the Client Security Fund Help You? Applying for reimbursement when you lose money because of a lawyer's dishonest conduct.
What Should I Do If I Am A Crime Victim? This pamphlet goes from the first step of reporting a crime to seeking restitution or following the case to its final outcome.	What Should I Know About Serving on a Jury? Jury service is a rare opportunity to make a difference. Learn how the system works and the obligations of you and your employer.
What Can I Do If I Have a Problem With My Lawyer? Find out what's expected of you and your lawyer and what your options are if you have a problem with the bill or representation.	Do I Need a Will? In conjunction with Do I Need a Living Trust? and Do I Need Estate Planning? this pamphlet offers easy-to-understand answers to questions about passing on your assets.
Do I Need Estate Planning? In conjunction with Do I Need a Living Trust? and Do I Need a Will? this pamphlet offers easy-to-understand answers to questions about passing on your assets.	Do I Need a Living Trust? In conjunction with Do I Need a Will? and Do I Need Estate Planning? this pamphlet offers easy-to-understand answers to questions about passing on your assets.
What Are My Rights as an Employee? Can you review your personnel file? What can an employer ask and not ask at a job interview? Can you use sick leave to care for a child? These and other answers in this pamphlet.	What Can a Lawyer Referral Service Do for Me? If you're looking for a lawyer, a legal referral service is one route to go. Find out what a lawyer referral service is and what it can do for you.
How Do I Become a Lawyer? From learning what lawyers do to choosing a law school, this pamphlet guides would-be attorneys through the initial process.	What Should I Know About Elder Abuse? The growing state and national problem of elder abuse -- from financial to physical -- is creating new laws as well as new resources.

Other Publications

Kids & Law : An A-to-Z Guide for Parents (For print or PDF copies: kids@calbar.ca.gov) Addresses a host of issues of interest to parents and kids, from curfews to the Internet.	Seniors & the Law: A Guide for Maturing Californians (For print copies: seniors@calbar.ca.gov) Resources and tips for seniors.
When You Turn 18: A Survival Guide for Teenagers (For print or PDF copies: 18@calbar.ca.gov) Learn about the responsibilities teenagers face when they become adults.	T he State Bar of California - What Does It Do, How Does It Work? (Available online only) From the mission of the State Bar to the discipline system, an overview of the State Bar.