Blog - Kissimmee Attorney - Overstreet Law

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:

- Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
- Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
- Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
- Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
- All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
- Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa.

Other details

CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

CBP recommends that all carriers coordinate evacuations with the Bahamian and U.S. government authorities so that CBP facilities are prepared to quickly and efficiently process arriving passengers. Carriers are also reminded of their Notice of Arrival requirements.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the United States.

# # #

September 11, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Espanol Blog

Consideraciones importantes para elegir una entidad comercial

Important Considerations For Choosing A Business Entity

Por: Lic. Jennifer Bondy

Cuando comienza un nuevo negocio, o a veces, cuando su negocio existente crece, o sus activos personales cambian significativamente, es hora de evaluar o reevaluar el tipo de entidad comercial bajo la cual opera su compañía. Muchas pequeñas empresas comienzan como empresas unipersonales debido a la facilidad de establecer y administrar este tipo de entidad comercial. El mejor tipo de entidad comercial para su situación específica logra un equilibrio óptimo entre la facilidad y los gastos involucrados en el cumplimiento de los requisitos legales de configuración y operación; asuntos fiscales; y protección contra responsabilidad. Puede ser una parte complicada del derecho corporativo, y consultar a un abogado de negocios es una forma inteligente de saber qué tipo de entidad comercial tiene más sentido para sus circunstancias específicas.

Formación y requisitos continuos

Una empresa unipersonal no tiene requisitos legales para la formación, aparte de las solicitudes de licencias comerciales locales y la presentación para pagar impuestos estatales y federales, y la regulación para la operación en curso es mínima. Si bien son fáciles y económicas de formar, las empresas individuales pueden exponer al propietario a riesgos innecesarios. Una sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC por sus siglas en inglés) requiere documentación y tarifas más formales para establecer y ejecutar, pero también ofrece más protección para los activos personales del propietario que una empresa unipersonal. Las corporaciones ofrecen protección de activos y ciertas ventajas fiscales, pero son más costosas y complicadas de configurar, y requieren un mantenimiento de registros continuo para cosas como mantener una junta, documentar acciones corporativas o posiblemente realizar reuniones de accionistas.

Asuntos fiscales

La tributación es otra consideración clave al elegir una entidad comercial. Cada tipo de estructura comercial tiene diferentes implicaciones impositivas, como si se pagan impuestos en su declaración de impuestos personal o a través de la entidad comercial; qué gastos pueden ser deducibles para su negocio; y la tasa a la que paga impuestos. Hay muchos factores que pueden afectar sus impuestos, por lo que consultar con un profesional de impuestos sobre cómo funcionaría cada tipo de entidad comercial en su caso es un paso importante en su investigación.

Proteja sus bienes personales contra la responsabilidad

Otro factor importante en la elección de una entidad comercial es la protección de activos. Cada tipo de entidad comercial ofrece un nivel diferente de protección para los activos personales del propietario en el caso de reclamos de responsabilidad o juicios contra la empresa. Una empresa unipersonal puede exponer sus activos personales a responsabilidades comerciales, incluidos los actos de sus empleados. Una Corporación o LLC, si se opera correctamente, puede proteger sus activos personales de las responsabilidades comerciales. También puede considerar el nivel de riesgo general involucrado con su negocio al hacer la selección de su entidad. Una empresa de construcción es más propensa a demandas que, por ejemplo, una pequeña empresa de contabilidad. Si bien los propietarios de ambos probablemente tendrían un seguro para protegerse contra reclamos de responsabilidad, la estructura de entidad correcta también puede proteger sus activos personales si un reclamo excede sus límites de seguro de responsabilidad.

Las leyes relacionadas la negocio y las entidades comerciales son complicados. ¡No intente hacerlo solo!

Aunque encontrará una gran cantidad de consejos genéricos sobre cómo elegir una entidad comercial en línea, el consejo de un abogado experto en negocios puede ayudarle a evitar disputas legales imprevistas y evitar errores costosos. No hay una respuesta única para elegir una entidad comercial, porque la opción “correcta” es un equilibrio entre varios factores y cómo se utilizan a su situación comercial específica. ¡Llámenos al 407-847-5151 o contáctenos en línea o kisslawyer. com/contact/ para una consulta, y le ayudaremos a determinar qué tipo de entidad comercial es mejor para usted y su empresa!

El Osceola Star . August 23-29, 2019.

August 28, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Real Estate

What To Expect During The Home Closing Process

When you are ready to buy your first (or second, or third) home, it’s important that you know what to expect throughout the home closing process, and how working with an experienced real estate attorney helps keep the process running smoothly and protects your rights and interests at every turn.

Contingency Considerations

Most times, when a purchase agreement is made, there are contingencies involved, and the responsibility to clear many of them falls on the buyer’s side of the equation. For example, an inspector of the buyer’s choosing should do a home inspection. This gives you, as the buyer, a clear picture of the state of the house and property and lets you know whether you need to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credit, or, in some cases, whether you may need to pull out of the sale entirely. These are cases where you’ll benefit from having a real estate attorney already on your team, because they can help you negotiate a fair arrangement with the seller.

Other typical contingencies that are part of the home closing process include:

Appraisal Contingencies – A third-party appraiser evaluates the fair market value of the home and property, to verify that the value is in line with the selling price. If the appraised value is lower than the selling price, the buyer has an opportunity to back out of the sale without sacrificing any of the “earnest money” they have put down.
Financing Contingency – If, for some reason, your mortgage financing falls through for the sale, the financing contingency offers some protection. The sales agreement specifies a period of time during which you can pull out of the deal without penalty, if your loan falls through and you can’t find another.
Settlement Contingency – In cases where the buyer is also under contract to sell their current home, they may arrange for a settlement contingency as part of the sales contract for the home they’re buying. If you’re selling your current home, you already have a buyer under contract, and the home inspection contingency has already been removed, a settlement contingency on the property you’re contracting to buy protects you in case the sale of your current home falls through.

Title Search & Insurance

Your mortgage lender will require that you purchase title insurance, to protect you (and your lender) against legal claims from parties that didn’t turn up in the title search. Even if you’re making a cash purchase, title insurance may be a smart investment. In either case, getting a reliable title search from a reputable party goes a long way toward preventing nasty surprises over the claimed ownership of the property.

Mortgage Matters

Once the title is clear, your lender will process your home loan through a process called underwriting. Essentially, this is where the lender verifies that all of the information you provided in your application is correct, and that your situation hasn’t changed significantly since you made the application.

Once your loan is underwritten, the lender will provide you a closing disclosure, which spells out the terms of the loan, exact payments, and closing costs.

A Real Estate Attorney Is Your Best Advocate

From your offer to your final walk-through and final closing meeting, a real estate attorney from Overstreet, Miles, Finkenbinder & Bondy will help you avoid costly mistakes and omissions, and take a proactive role in protecting your interests throughout the home closing process. Call or contact us online for a consultation and to put one of our knowledgeable attorneys to work for you.

August 20, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Immigration

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:

- Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
- Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
- Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
- Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
- All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
- Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa.

Other details

CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

CBP recommends that all carriers coordinate evacuations with the Bahamian and U.S. government authorities so that CBP facilities are prepared to quickly and efficiently process arriving passengers. Carriers are also reminded of their Notice of Arrival requirements.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the United States.

# # #

September 11, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Espanol Blog

Consideraciones importantes para elegir una entidad comercial

Por: Lic. Jennifer Bondy

Cuando comienza un nuevo negocio, o a veces, cuando su negocio existente crece, o sus activos personales cambian significativamente, es hora de evaluar o reevaluar el tipo de entidad comercial bajo la cual opera su compañía. Muchas pequeñas empresas comienzan como empresas unipersonales debido a la facilidad de establecer y administrar este tipo de entidad comercial. El mejor tipo de entidad comercial para su situación específica logra un equilibrio óptimo entre la facilidad y los gastos involucrados en el cumplimiento de los requisitos legales de configuración y operación; asuntos fiscales; y protección contra responsabilidad. Puede ser una parte complicada del derecho corporativo, y consultar a un abogado de negocios es una forma inteligente de saber qué tipo de entidad comercial tiene más sentido para sus circunstancias específicas.

Formación y requisitos continuos

Una empresa unipersonal no tiene requisitos legales para la formación, aparte de las solicitudes de licencias comerciales locales y la presentación para pagar impuestos estatales y federales, y la regulación para la operación en curso es mínima. Si bien son fáciles y económicas de formar, las empresas individuales pueden exponer al propietario a riesgos innecesarios. Una sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC por sus siglas en inglés) requiere documentación y tarifas más formales para establecer y ejecutar, pero también ofrece más protección para los activos personales del propietario que una empresa unipersonal. Las corporaciones ofrecen protección de activos y ciertas ventajas fiscales, pero son más costosas y complicadas de configurar, y requieren un mantenimiento de registros continuo para cosas como mantener una junta, documentar acciones corporativas o posiblemente realizar reuniones de accionistas.

Asuntos fiscales

La tributación es otra consideración clave al elegir una entidad comercial. Cada tipo de estructura comercial tiene diferentes implicaciones impositivas, como si se pagan impuestos en su declaración de impuestos personal o a través de la entidad comercial; qué gastos pueden ser deducibles para su negocio; y la tasa a la que paga impuestos. Hay muchos factores que pueden afectar sus impuestos, por lo que consultar con un profesional de impuestos sobre cómo funcionaría cada tipo de entidad comercial en su caso es un paso importante en su investigación.

Proteja sus bienes personales contra la responsabilidad

Otro factor importante en la elección de una entidad comercial es la protección de activos. Cada tipo de entidad comercial ofrece un nivel diferente de protección para los activos personales del propietario en el caso de reclamos de responsabilidad o juicios contra la empresa. Una empresa unipersonal puede exponer sus activos personales a responsabilidades comerciales, incluidos los actos de sus empleados. Una Corporación o LLC, si se opera correctamente, puede proteger sus activos personales de las responsabilidades comerciales. También puede considerar el nivel de riesgo general involucrado con su negocio al hacer la selección de su entidad. Una empresa de construcción es más propensa a demandas que, por ejemplo, una pequeña empresa de contabilidad. Si bien los propietarios de ambos probablemente tendrían un seguro para protegerse contra reclamos de responsabilidad, la estructura de entidad correcta también puede proteger sus activos personales si un reclamo excede sus límites de seguro de responsabilidad.

Las leyes relacionadas la negocio y las entidades comerciales son complicados. ¡No intente hacerlo solo!

Aunque encontrará una gran cantidad de consejos genéricos sobre cómo elegir una entidad comercial en línea, el consejo de un abogado experto en negocios puede ayudarle a evitar disputas legales imprevistas y evitar errores costosos. No hay una respuesta única para elegir una entidad comercial, porque la opción “correcta” es un equilibrio entre varios factores y cómo se utilizan a su situación comercial específica. ¡Llámenos al 407-847-5151 o contáctenos en línea o kisslawyer. com/contact/ para una consulta, y le ayudaremos a determinar qué tipo de entidad comercial es mejor para usted y su empresa!

El Osceola Star . August 23-29, 2019.

August 28, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Real Estate

What To Expect During The Home Closing Process

When you are ready to buy your first (or second, or third) home, it’s important that you know what to expect throughout the home closing process, and how working with an experienced real estate attorney helps keep the process running smoothly and protects your rights and interests at every turn.

Contingency Considerations

Most times, when a purchase agreement is made, there are contingencies involved, and the responsibility to clear many of them falls on the buyer’s side of the equation. For example, an inspector of the buyer’s choosing should do a home inspection. This gives you, as the buyer, a clear picture of the state of the house and property and lets you know whether you need to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credit, or, in some cases, whether you may need to pull out of the sale entirely. These are cases where you’ll benefit from having a real estate attorney already on your team, because they can help you negotiate a fair arrangement with the seller.

Other typical contingencies that are part of the home closing process include:

Appraisal Contingencies – A third-party appraiser evaluates the fair market value of the home and property, to verify that the value is in line with the selling price. If the appraised value is lower than the selling price, the buyer has an opportunity to back out of the sale without sacrificing any of the “earnest money” they have put down.
Financing Contingency – If, for some reason, your mortgage financing falls through for the sale, the financing contingency offers some protection. The sales agreement specifies a period of time during which you can pull out of the deal without penalty, if your loan falls through and you can’t find another.
Settlement Contingency – In cases where the buyer is also under contract to sell their current home, they may arrange for a settlement contingency as part of the sales contract for the home they’re buying. If you’re selling your current home, you already have a buyer under contract, and the home inspection contingency has already been removed, a settlement contingency on the property you’re contracting to buy protects you in case the sale of your current home falls through.

Title Search & Insurance

Your mortgage lender will require that you purchase title insurance, to protect you (and your lender) against legal claims from parties that didn’t turn up in the title search. Even if you’re making a cash purchase, title insurance may be a smart investment. In either case, getting a reliable title search from a reputable party goes a long way toward preventing nasty surprises over the claimed ownership of the property.

Mortgage Matters

Once the title is clear, your lender will process your home loan through a process called underwriting. Essentially, this is where the lender verifies that all of the information you provided in your application is correct, and that your situation hasn’t changed significantly since you made the application.

Once your loan is underwritten, the lender will provide you a closing disclosure, which spells out the terms of the loan, exact payments, and closing costs.

A Real Estate Attorney Is Your Best Advocate

From your offer to your final walk-through and final closing meeting, a real estate attorney from Overstreet, Miles, Finkenbinder & Bondy will help you avoid costly mistakes and omissions, and take a proactive role in protecting your interests throughout the home closing process. Call or contact us online for a consultation and to put one of our knowledgeable attorneys to work for you.

August 20, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Immigration

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:

- Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
- Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
- Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
- Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
- All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
- Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa.

Other details

CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

CBP recommends that all carriers coordinate evacuations with the Bahamian and U.S. government authorities so that CBP facilities are prepared to quickly and efficiently process arriving passengers. Carriers are also reminded of their Notice of Arrival requirements.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the United States.

# # #

September 11, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Espanol Blog

Consideraciones importantes para elegir una entidad comercial

Por: Lic. Jennifer Bondy

Cuando comienza un nuevo negocio, o a veces, cuando su negocio existente crece, o sus activos personales cambian significativamente, es hora de evaluar o reevaluar el tipo de entidad comercial bajo la cual opera su compañía. Muchas pequeñas empresas comienzan como empresas unipersonales debido a la facilidad de establecer y administrar este tipo de entidad comercial. El mejor tipo de entidad comercial para su situación específica logra un equilibrio óptimo entre la facilidad y los gastos involucrados en el cumplimiento de los requisitos legales de configuración y operación; asuntos fiscales; y protección contra responsabilidad. Puede ser una parte complicada del derecho corporativo, y consultar a un abogado de negocios es una forma inteligente de saber qué tipo de entidad comercial tiene más sentido para sus circunstancias específicas.

Formación y requisitos continuos

Una empresa unipersonal no tiene requisitos legales para la formación, aparte de las solicitudes de licencias comerciales locales y la presentación para pagar impuestos estatales y federales, y la regulación para la operación en curso es mínima. Si bien son fáciles y económicas de formar, las empresas individuales pueden exponer al propietario a riesgos innecesarios. Una sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC por sus siglas en inglés) requiere documentación y tarifas más formales para establecer y ejecutar, pero también ofrece más protección para los activos personales del propietario que una empresa unipersonal. Las corporaciones ofrecen protección de activos y ciertas ventajas fiscales, pero son más costosas y complicadas de configurar, y requieren un mantenimiento de registros continuo para cosas como mantener una junta, documentar acciones corporativas o posiblemente realizar reuniones de accionistas.

Asuntos fiscales

La tributación es otra consideración clave al elegir una entidad comercial. Cada tipo de estructura comercial tiene diferentes implicaciones impositivas, como si se pagan impuestos en su declaración de impuestos personal o a través de la entidad comercial; qué gastos pueden ser deducibles para su negocio; y la tasa a la que paga impuestos. Hay muchos factores que pueden afectar sus impuestos, por lo que consultar con un profesional de impuestos sobre cómo funcionaría cada tipo de entidad comercial en su caso es un paso importante en su investigación.

Proteja sus bienes personales contra la responsabilidad

Otro factor importante en la elección de una entidad comercial es la protección de activos. Cada tipo de entidad comercial ofrece un nivel diferente de protección para los activos personales del propietario en el caso de reclamos de responsabilidad o juicios contra la empresa. Una empresa unipersonal puede exponer sus activos personales a responsabilidades comerciales, incluidos los actos de sus empleados. Una Corporación o LLC, si se opera correctamente, puede proteger sus activos personales de las responsabilidades comerciales. También puede considerar el nivel de riesgo general involucrado con su negocio al hacer la selección de su entidad. Una empresa de construcción es más propensa a demandas que, por ejemplo, una pequeña empresa de contabilidad. Si bien los propietarios de ambos probablemente tendrían un seguro para protegerse contra reclamos de responsabilidad, la estructura de entidad correcta también puede proteger sus activos personales si un reclamo excede sus límites de seguro de responsabilidad.

Las leyes relacionadas la negocio y las entidades comerciales son complicados. ¡No intente hacerlo solo!

Aunque encontrará una gran cantidad de consejos genéricos sobre cómo elegir una entidad comercial en línea, el consejo de un abogado experto en negocios puede ayudarle a evitar disputas legales imprevistas y evitar errores costosos. No hay una respuesta única para elegir una entidad comercial, porque la opción “correcta” es un equilibrio entre varios factores y cómo se utilizan a su situación comercial específica. ¡Llámenos al 407-847-5151 o contáctenos en línea o kisslawyer. com/contact/ para una consulta, y le ayudaremos a determinar qué tipo de entidad comercial es mejor para usted y su empresa!

El Osceola Star . August 23-29, 2019.

August 28, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Real Estate

What To Expect During The Home Closing Process

When you are ready to buy your first (or second, or third) home, it’s important that you know what to expect throughout the home closing process, and how working with an experienced real estate attorney helps keep the process running smoothly and protects your rights and interests at every turn.

Contingency Considerations

Most times, when a purchase agreement is made, there are contingencies involved, and the responsibility to clear many of them falls on the buyer’s side of the equation. For example, an inspector of the buyer’s choosing should do a home inspection. This gives you, as the buyer, a clear picture of the state of the house and property and lets you know whether you need to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credit, or, in some cases, whether you may need to pull out of the sale entirely. These are cases where you’ll benefit from having a real estate attorney already on your team, because they can help you negotiate a fair arrangement with the seller.

Other typical contingencies that are part of the home closing process include:

Appraisal Contingencies – A third-party appraiser evaluates the fair market value of the home and property, to verify that the value is in line with the selling price. If the appraised value is lower than the selling price, the buyer has an opportunity to back out of the sale without sacrificing any of the “earnest money” they have put down.
Financing Contingency – If, for some reason, your mortgage financing falls through for the sale, the financing contingency offers some protection. The sales agreement specifies a period of time during which you can pull out of the deal without penalty, if your loan falls through and you can’t find another.
Settlement Contingency – In cases where the buyer is also under contract to sell their current home, they may arrange for a settlement contingency as part of the sales contract for the home they’re buying. If you’re selling your current home, you already have a buyer under contract, and the home inspection contingency has already been removed, a settlement contingency on the property you’re contracting to buy protects you in case the sale of your current home falls through.

Title Search & Insurance

Your mortgage lender will require that you purchase title insurance, to protect you (and your lender) against legal claims from parties that didn’t turn up in the title search. Even if you’re making a cash purchase, title insurance may be a smart investment. In either case, getting a reliable title search from a reputable party goes a long way toward preventing nasty surprises over the claimed ownership of the property.

Mortgage Matters

Once the title is clear, your lender will process your home loan through a process called underwriting. Essentially, this is where the lender verifies that all of the information you provided in your application is correct, and that your situation hasn’t changed significantly since you made the application.

Once your loan is underwritten, the lender will provide you a closing disclosure, which spells out the terms of the loan, exact payments, and closing costs.

A Real Estate Attorney Is Your Best Advocate

From your offer to your final walk-through and final closing meeting, a real estate attorney from Overstreet, Miles, Finkenbinder & Bondy will help you avoid costly mistakes and omissions, and take a proactive role in protecting your interests throughout the home closing process. Call or contact us online for a consultation and to put one of our knowledgeable attorneys to work for you.

August 20, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Immigration

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:

- Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
- Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
- Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
- Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
- All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
- Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa.

Other details

CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

CBP recommends that all carriers coordinate evacuations with the Bahamian and U.S. government authorities so that CBP facilities are prepared to quickly and efficiently process arriving passengers. Carriers are also reminded of their Notice of Arrival requirements.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the United States.

# # #

September 11, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Espanol Blog

Consideraciones importantes para elegir una entidad comercial

Por: Lic. Jennifer Bondy

Cuando comienza un nuevo negocio, o a veces, cuando su negocio existente crece, o sus activos personales cambian significativamente, es hora de evaluar o reevaluar el tipo de entidad comercial bajo la cual opera su compañía. Muchas pequeñas empresas comienzan como empresas unipersonales debido a la facilidad de establecer y administrar este tipo de entidad comercial. El mejor tipo de entidad comercial para su situación específica logra un equilibrio óptimo entre la facilidad y los gastos involucrados en el cumplimiento de los requisitos legales de configuración y operación; asuntos fiscales; y protección contra responsabilidad. Puede ser una parte complicada del derecho corporativo, y consultar a un abogado de negocios es una forma inteligente de saber qué tipo de entidad comercial tiene más sentido para sus circunstancias específicas.

Formación y requisitos continuos

Una empresa unipersonal no tiene requisitos legales para la formación, aparte de las solicitudes de licencias comerciales locales y la presentación para pagar impuestos estatales y federales, y la regulación para la operación en curso es mínima. Si bien son fáciles y económicas de formar, las empresas individuales pueden exponer al propietario a riesgos innecesarios. Una sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC por sus siglas en inglés) requiere documentación y tarifas más formales para establecer y ejecutar, pero también ofrece más protección para los activos personales del propietario que una empresa unipersonal. Las corporaciones ofrecen protección de activos y ciertas ventajas fiscales, pero son más costosas y complicadas de configurar, y requieren un mantenimiento de registros continuo para cosas como mantener una junta, documentar acciones corporativas o posiblemente realizar reuniones de accionistas.

Asuntos fiscales

La tributación es otra consideración clave al elegir una entidad comercial. Cada tipo de estructura comercial tiene diferentes implicaciones impositivas, como si se pagan impuestos en su declaración de impuestos personal o a través de la entidad comercial; qué gastos pueden ser deducibles para su negocio; y la tasa a la que paga impuestos. Hay muchos factores que pueden afectar sus impuestos, por lo que consultar con un profesional de impuestos sobre cómo funcionaría cada tipo de entidad comercial en su caso es un paso importante en su investigación.

Proteja sus bienes personales contra la responsabilidad

Otro factor importante en la elección de una entidad comercial es la protección de activos. Cada tipo de entidad comercial ofrece un nivel diferente de protección para los activos personales del propietario en el caso de reclamos de responsabilidad o juicios contra la empresa. Una empresa unipersonal puede exponer sus activos personales a responsabilidades comerciales, incluidos los actos de sus empleados. Una Corporación o LLC, si se opera correctamente, puede proteger sus activos personales de las responsabilidades comerciales. También puede considerar el nivel de riesgo general involucrado con su negocio al hacer la selección de su entidad. Una empresa de construcción es más propensa a demandas que, por ejemplo, una pequeña empresa de contabilidad. Si bien los propietarios de ambos probablemente tendrían un seguro para protegerse contra reclamos de responsabilidad, la estructura de entidad correcta también puede proteger sus activos personales si un reclamo excede sus límites de seguro de responsabilidad.

Las leyes relacionadas la negocio y las entidades comerciales son complicados. ¡No intente hacerlo solo!

Aunque encontrará una gran cantidad de consejos genéricos sobre cómo elegir una entidad comercial en línea, el consejo de un abogado experto en negocios puede ayudarle a evitar disputas legales imprevistas y evitar errores costosos. No hay una respuesta única para elegir una entidad comercial, porque la opción “correcta” es un equilibrio entre varios factores y cómo se utilizan a su situación comercial específica. ¡Llámenos al 407-847-5151 o contáctenos en línea o kisslawyer. com/contact/ para una consulta, y le ayudaremos a determinar qué tipo de entidad comercial es mejor para usted y su empresa!

El Osceola Star . August 23-29, 2019.

August 28, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Real Estate

What To Expect During The Home Closing Process

When you are ready to buy your first (or second, or third) home, it’s important that you know what to expect throughout the home closing process, and how working with an experienced real estate attorney helps keep the process running smoothly and protects your rights and interests at every turn.

Contingency Considerations

Most times, when a purchase agreement is made, there are contingencies involved, and the responsibility to clear many of them falls on the buyer’s side of the equation. For example, an inspector of the buyer’s choosing should do a home inspection. This gives you, as the buyer, a clear picture of the state of the house and property and lets you know whether you need to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credit, or, in some cases, whether you may need to pull out of the sale entirely. These are cases where you’ll benefit from having a real estate attorney already on your team, because they can help you negotiate a fair arrangement with the seller.

Other typical contingencies that are part of the home closing process include:

Appraisal Contingencies – A third-party appraiser evaluates the fair market value of the home and property, to verify that the value is in line with the selling price. If the appraised value is lower than the selling price, the buyer has an opportunity to back out of the sale without sacrificing any of the “earnest money” they have put down.
Financing Contingency – If, for some reason, your mortgage financing falls through for the sale, the financing contingency offers some protection. The sales agreement specifies a period of time during which you can pull out of the deal without penalty, if your loan falls through and you can’t find another.
Settlement Contingency – In cases where the buyer is also under contract to sell their current home, they may arrange for a settlement contingency as part of the sales contract for the home they’re buying. If you’re selling your current home, you already have a buyer under contract, and the home inspection contingency has already been removed, a settlement contingency on the property you’re contracting to buy protects you in case the sale of your current home falls through.

Title Search & Insurance

Your mortgage lender will require that you purchase title insurance, to protect you (and your lender) against legal claims from parties that didn’t turn up in the title search. Even if you’re making a cash purchase, title insurance may be a smart investment. In either case, getting a reliable title search from a reputable party goes a long way toward preventing nasty surprises over the claimed ownership of the property.

Mortgage Matters

Once the title is clear, your lender will process your home loan through a process called underwriting. Essentially, this is where the lender verifies that all of the information you provided in your application is correct, and that your situation hasn’t changed significantly since you made the application.

Once your loan is underwritten, the lender will provide you a closing disclosure, which spells out the terms of the loan, exact payments, and closing costs.

A Real Estate Attorney Is Your Best Advocate

From your offer to your final walk-through and final closing meeting, a real estate attorney from Overstreet, Miles, Finkenbinder & Bondy will help you avoid costly mistakes and omissions, and take a proactive role in protecting your interests throughout the home closing process. Call or contact us online for a consultation and to put one of our knowledgeable attorneys to work for you.

August 20, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Immigration

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:

- Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
- Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
- Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
- Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
- All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
- Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa.

Other details

CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

CBP recommends that all carriers coordinate evacuations with the Bahamian and U.S. government authorities so that CBP facilities are prepared to quickly and efficiently process arriving passengers. Carriers are also reminded of their Notice of Arrival requirements.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the United States.

# # #

September 11, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Espanol Blog

Consideraciones importantes para elegir una entidad comercial

Por: Lic. Jennifer Bondy

Cuando comienza un nuevo negocio, o a veces, cuando su negocio existente crece, o sus activos personales cambian significativamente, es hora de evaluar o reevaluar el tipo de entidad comercial bajo la cual opera su compañía. Muchas pequeñas empresas comienzan como empresas unipersonales debido a la facilidad de establecer y administrar este tipo de entidad comercial. El mejor tipo de entidad comercial para su situación específica logra un equilibrio óptimo entre la facilidad y los gastos involucrados en el cumplimiento de los requisitos legales de configuración y operación; asuntos fiscales; y protección contra responsabilidad. Puede ser una parte complicada del derecho corporativo, y consultar a un abogado de negocios es una forma inteligente de saber qué tipo de entidad comercial tiene más sentido para sus circunstancias específicas.

Formación y requisitos continuos

Una empresa unipersonal no tiene requisitos legales para la formación, aparte de las solicitudes de licencias comerciales locales y la presentación para pagar impuestos estatales y federales, y la regulación para la operación en curso es mínima. Si bien son fáciles y económicas de formar, las empresas individuales pueden exponer al propietario a riesgos innecesarios. Una sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC por sus siglas en inglés) requiere documentación y tarifas más formales para establecer y ejecutar, pero también ofrece más protección para los activos personales del propietario que una empresa unipersonal. Las corporaciones ofrecen protección de activos y ciertas ventajas fiscales, pero son más costosas y complicadas de configurar, y requieren un mantenimiento de registros continuo para cosas como mantener una junta, documentar acciones corporativas o posiblemente realizar reuniones de accionistas.

Asuntos fiscales

La tributación es otra consideración clave al elegir una entidad comercial. Cada tipo de estructura comercial tiene diferentes implicaciones impositivas, como si se pagan impuestos en su declaración de impuestos personal o a través de la entidad comercial; qué gastos pueden ser deducibles para su negocio; y la tasa a la que paga impuestos. Hay muchos factores que pueden afectar sus impuestos, por lo que consultar con un profesional de impuestos sobre cómo funcionaría cada tipo de entidad comercial en su caso es un paso importante en su investigación.

Proteja sus bienes personales contra la responsabilidad

Otro factor importante en la elección de una entidad comercial es la protección de activos. Cada tipo de entidad comercial ofrece un nivel diferente de protección para los activos personales del propietario en el caso de reclamos de responsabilidad o juicios contra la empresa. Una empresa unipersonal puede exponer sus activos personales a responsabilidades comerciales, incluidos los actos de sus empleados. Una Corporación o LLC, si se opera correctamente, puede proteger sus activos personales de las responsabilidades comerciales. También puede considerar el nivel de riesgo general involucrado con su negocio al hacer la selección de su entidad. Una empresa de construcción es más propensa a demandas que, por ejemplo, una pequeña empresa de contabilidad. Si bien los propietarios de ambos probablemente tendrían un seguro para protegerse contra reclamos de responsabilidad, la estructura de entidad correcta también puede proteger sus activos personales si un reclamo excede sus límites de seguro de responsabilidad.

Las leyes relacionadas la negocio y las entidades comerciales son complicados. ¡No intente hacerlo solo!

Aunque encontrará una gran cantidad de consejos genéricos sobre cómo elegir una entidad comercial en línea, el consejo de un abogado experto en negocios puede ayudarle a evitar disputas legales imprevistas y evitar errores costosos. No hay una respuesta única para elegir una entidad comercial, porque la opción “correcta” es un equilibrio entre varios factores y cómo se utilizan a su situación comercial específica. ¡Llámenos al 407-847-5151 o contáctenos en línea o kisslawyer. com/contact/ para una consulta, y le ayudaremos a determinar qué tipo de entidad comercial es mejor para usted y su empresa!

El Osceola Star . August 23-29, 2019.

August 28, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Real Estate

What To Expect During The Home Closing Process

When you are ready to buy your first (or second, or third) home, it’s important that you know what to expect throughout the home closing process, and how working with an experienced real estate attorney helps keep the process running smoothly and protects your rights and interests at every turn.

Contingency Considerations

Most times, when a purchase agreement is made, there are contingencies involved, and the responsibility to clear many of them falls on the buyer’s side of the equation. For example, an inspector of the buyer’s choosing should do a home inspection. This gives you, as the buyer, a clear picture of the state of the house and property and lets you know whether you need to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credit, or, in some cases, whether you may need to pull out of the sale entirely. These are cases where you’ll benefit from having a real estate attorney already on your team, because they can help you negotiate a fair arrangement with the seller.

Other typical contingencies that are part of the home closing process include:

Appraisal Contingencies – A third-party appraiser evaluates the fair market value of the home and property, to verify that the value is in line with the selling price. If the appraised value is lower than the selling price, the buyer has an opportunity to back out of the sale without sacrificing any of the “earnest money” they have put down.
Financing Contingency – If, for some reason, your mortgage financing falls through for the sale, the financing contingency offers some protection. The sales agreement specifies a period of time during which you can pull out of the deal without penalty, if your loan falls through and you can’t find another.
Settlement Contingency – In cases where the buyer is also under contract to sell their current home, they may arrange for a settlement contingency as part of the sales contract for the home they’re buying. If you’re selling your current home, you already have a buyer under contract, and the home inspection contingency has already been removed, a settlement contingency on the property you’re contracting to buy protects you in case the sale of your current home falls through.

Title Search & Insurance

Your mortgage lender will require that you purchase title insurance, to protect you (and your lender) against legal claims from parties that didn’t turn up in the title search. Even if you’re making a cash purchase, title insurance may be a smart investment. In either case, getting a reliable title search from a reputable party goes a long way toward preventing nasty surprises over the claimed ownership of the property.

Mortgage Matters

Once the title is clear, your lender will process your home loan through a process called underwriting. Essentially, this is where the lender verifies that all of the information you provided in your application is correct, and that your situation hasn’t changed significantly since you made the application.

Once your loan is underwritten, the lender will provide you a closing disclosure, which spells out the terms of the loan, exact payments, and closing costs.

A Real Estate Attorney Is Your Best Advocate

From your offer to your final walk-through and final closing meeting, a real estate attorney from Overstreet, Miles, Finkenbinder & Bondy will help you avoid costly mistakes and omissions, and take a proactive role in protecting your interests throughout the home closing process. Call or contact us online for a consultation and to put one of our knowledgeable attorneys to work for you.

August 20, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Immigration

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:

- Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
- Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
- Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
- Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
- All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
- Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa.

Other details

CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

CBP recommends that all carriers coordinate evacuations with the Bahamian and U.S. government authorities so that CBP facilities are prepared to quickly and efficiently process arriving passengers. Carriers are also reminded of their Notice of Arrival requirements.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the United States.

# # #

September 11, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Espanol Blog

Consideraciones importantes para elegir una entidad comercial

Por: Lic. Jennifer Bondy

Cuando comienza un nuevo negocio, o a veces, cuando su negocio existente crece, o sus activos personales cambian significativamente, es hora de evaluar o reevaluar el tipo de entidad comercial bajo la cual opera su compañía. Muchas pequeñas empresas comienzan como empresas unipersonales debido a la facilidad de establecer y administrar este tipo de entidad comercial. El mejor tipo de entidad comercial para su situación específica logra un equilibrio óptimo entre la facilidad y los gastos involucrados en el cumplimiento de los requisitos legales de configuración y operación; asuntos fiscales; y protección contra responsabilidad. Puede ser una parte complicada del derecho corporativo, y consultar a un abogado de negocios es una forma inteligente de saber qué tipo de entidad comercial tiene más sentido para sus circunstancias específicas.

Formación y requisitos continuos

Una empresa unipersonal no tiene requisitos legales para la formación, aparte de las solicitudes de licencias comerciales locales y la presentación para pagar impuestos estatales y federales, y la regulación para la operación en curso es mínima. Si bien son fáciles y económicas de formar, las empresas individuales pueden exponer al propietario a riesgos innecesarios. Una sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC por sus siglas en inglés) requiere documentación y tarifas más formales para establecer y ejecutar, pero también ofrece más protección para los activos personales del propietario que una empresa unipersonal. Las corporaciones ofrecen protección de activos y ciertas ventajas fiscales, pero son más costosas y complicadas de configurar, y requieren un mantenimiento de registros continuo para cosas como mantener una junta, documentar acciones corporativas o posiblemente realizar reuniones de accionistas.

Asuntos fiscales

La tributación es otra consideración clave al elegir una entidad comercial. Cada tipo de estructura comercial tiene diferentes implicaciones impositivas, como si se pagan impuestos en su declaración de impuestos personal o a través de la entidad comercial; qué gastos pueden ser deducibles para su negocio; y la tasa a la que paga impuestos. Hay muchos factores que pueden afectar sus impuestos, por lo que consultar con un profesional de impuestos sobre cómo funcionaría cada tipo de entidad comercial en su caso es un paso importante en su investigación.

Proteja sus bienes personales contra la responsabilidad

Otro factor importante en la elección de una entidad comercial es la protección de activos. Cada tipo de entidad comercial ofrece un nivel diferente de protección para los activos personales del propietario en el caso de reclamos de responsabilidad o juicios contra la empresa. Una empresa unipersonal puede exponer sus activos personales a responsabilidades comerciales, incluidos los actos de sus empleados. Una Corporación o LLC, si se opera correctamente, puede proteger sus activos personales de las responsabilidades comerciales. También puede considerar el nivel de riesgo general involucrado con su negocio al hacer la selección de su entidad. Una empresa de construcción es más propensa a demandas que, por ejemplo, una pequeña empresa de contabilidad. Si bien los propietarios de ambos probablemente tendrían un seguro para protegerse contra reclamos de responsabilidad, la estructura de entidad correcta también puede proteger sus activos personales si un reclamo excede sus límites de seguro de responsabilidad.

Las leyes relacionadas la negocio y las entidades comerciales son complicados. ¡No intente hacerlo solo!

Aunque encontrará una gran cantidad de consejos genéricos sobre cómo elegir una entidad comercial en línea, el consejo de un abogado experto en negocios puede ayudarle a evitar disputas legales imprevistas y evitar errores costosos. No hay una respuesta única para elegir una entidad comercial, porque la opción “correcta” es un equilibrio entre varios factores y cómo se utilizan a su situación comercial específica. ¡Llámenos al 407-847-5151 o contáctenos en línea o kisslawyer. com/contact/ para una consulta, y le ayudaremos a determinar qué tipo de entidad comercial es mejor para usted y su empresa!

El Osceola Star . August 23-29, 2019.

August 28, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Real Estate

What To Expect During The Home Closing Process

When you are ready to buy your first (or second, or third) home, it’s important that you know what to expect throughout the home closing process, and how working with an experienced real estate attorney helps keep the process running smoothly and protects your rights and interests at every turn.

Contingency Considerations

Most times, when a purchase agreement is made, there are contingencies involved, and the responsibility to clear many of them falls on the buyer’s side of the equation. For example, an inspector of the buyer’s choosing should do a home inspection. This gives you, as the buyer, a clear picture of the state of the house and property and lets you know whether you need to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credit, or, in some cases, whether you may need to pull out of the sale entirely. These are cases where you’ll benefit from having a real estate attorney already on your team, because they can help you negotiate a fair arrangement with the seller.

Other typical contingencies that are part of the home closing process include:

Appraisal Contingencies – A third-party appraiser evaluates the fair market value of the home and property, to verify that the value is in line with the selling price. If the appraised value is lower than the selling price, the buyer has an opportunity to back out of the sale without sacrificing any of the “earnest money” they have put down.
Financing Contingency – If, for some reason, your mortgage financing falls through for the sale, the financing contingency offers some protection. The sales agreement specifies a period of time during which you can pull out of the deal without penalty, if your loan falls through and you can’t find another.
Settlement Contingency – In cases where the buyer is also under contract to sell their current home, they may arrange for a settlement contingency as part of the sales contract for the home they’re buying. If you’re selling your current home, you already have a buyer under contract, and the home inspection contingency has already been removed, a settlement contingency on the property you’re contracting to buy protects you in case the sale of your current home falls through.

Title Search & Insurance

Your mortgage lender will require that you purchase title insurance, to protect you (and your lender) against legal claims from parties that didn’t turn up in the title search. Even if you’re making a cash purchase, title insurance may be a smart investment. In either case, getting a reliable title search from a reputable party goes a long way toward preventing nasty surprises over the claimed ownership of the property.

Mortgage Matters

Once the title is clear, your lender will process your home loan through a process called underwriting. Essentially, this is where the lender verifies that all of the information you provided in your application is correct, and that your situation hasn’t changed significantly since you made the application.

Once your loan is underwritten, the lender will provide you a closing disclosure, which spells out the terms of the loan, exact payments, and closing costs.

A Real Estate Attorney Is Your Best Advocate

From your offer to your final walk-through and final closing meeting, a real estate attorney from Overstreet, Miles, Finkenbinder & Bondy will help you avoid costly mistakes and omissions, and take a proactive role in protecting your interests throughout the home closing process. Call or contact us online for a consultation and to put one of our knowledgeable attorneys to work for you.

August 20, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Immigration

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:

- Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
- Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
- Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
- Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
- All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
- Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa.

Other details

CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

CBP recommends that all carriers coordinate evacuations with the Bahamian and U.S. government authorities so that CBP facilities are prepared to quickly and efficiently process arriving passengers. Carriers are also reminded of their Notice of Arrival requirements.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the United States.

# # #

September 11, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Espanol Blog

Consideraciones importantes para elegir una entidad comercial

Por: Lic. Jennifer Bondy

Cuando comienza un nuevo negocio, o a veces, cuando su negocio existente crece, o sus activos personales cambian significativamente, es hora de evaluar o reevaluar el tipo de entidad comercial bajo la cual opera su compañía. Muchas pequeñas empresas comienzan como empresas unipersonales debido a la facilidad de establecer y administrar este tipo de entidad comercial. El mejor tipo de entidad comercial para su situación específica logra un equilibrio óptimo entre la facilidad y los gastos involucrados en el cumplimiento de los requisitos legales de configuración y operación; asuntos fiscales; y protección contra responsabilidad. Puede ser una parte complicada del derecho corporativo, y consultar a un abogado de negocios es una forma inteligente de saber qué tipo de entidad comercial tiene más sentido para sus circunstancias específicas.

Formación y requisitos continuos

Una empresa unipersonal no tiene requisitos legales para la formación, aparte de las solicitudes de licencias comerciales locales y la presentación para pagar impuestos estatales y federales, y la regulación para la operación en curso es mínima. Si bien son fáciles y económicas de formar, las empresas individuales pueden exponer al propietario a riesgos innecesarios. Una sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC por sus siglas en inglés) requiere documentación y tarifas más formales para establecer y ejecutar, pero también ofrece más protección para los activos personales del propietario que una empresa unipersonal. Las corporaciones ofrecen protección de activos y ciertas ventajas fiscales, pero son más costosas y complicadas de configurar, y requieren un mantenimiento de registros continuo para cosas como mantener una junta, documentar acciones corporativas o posiblemente realizar reuniones de accionistas.

Asuntos fiscales

La tributación es otra consideración clave al elegir una entidad comercial. Cada tipo de estructura comercial tiene diferentes implicaciones impositivas, como si se pagan impuestos en su declaración de impuestos personal o a través de la entidad comercial; qué gastos pueden ser deducibles para su negocio; y la tasa a la que paga impuestos. Hay muchos factores que pueden afectar sus impuestos, por lo que consultar con un profesional de impuestos sobre cómo funcionaría cada tipo de entidad comercial en su caso es un paso importante en su investigación.

Proteja sus bienes personales contra la responsabilidad

Otro factor importante en la elección de una entidad comercial es la protección de activos. Cada tipo de entidad comercial ofrece un nivel diferente de protección para los activos personales del propietario en el caso de reclamos de responsabilidad o juicios contra la empresa. Una empresa unipersonal puede exponer sus activos personales a responsabilidades comerciales, incluidos los actos de sus empleados. Una Corporación o LLC, si se opera correctamente, puede proteger sus activos personales de las responsabilidades comerciales. También puede considerar el nivel de riesgo general involucrado con su negocio al hacer la selección de su entidad. Una empresa de construcción es más propensa a demandas que, por ejemplo, una pequeña empresa de contabilidad. Si bien los propietarios de ambos probablemente tendrían un seguro para protegerse contra reclamos de responsabilidad, la estructura de entidad correcta también puede proteger sus activos personales si un reclamo excede sus límites de seguro de responsabilidad.

Las leyes relacionadas la negocio y las entidades comerciales son complicados. ¡No intente hacerlo solo!

Aunque encontrará una gran cantidad de consejos genéricos sobre cómo elegir una entidad comercial en línea, el consejo de un abogado experto en negocios puede ayudarle a evitar disputas legales imprevistas y evitar errores costosos. No hay una respuesta única para elegir una entidad comercial, porque la opción “correcta” es un equilibrio entre varios factores y cómo se utilizan a su situación comercial específica. ¡Llámenos al 407-847-5151 o contáctenos en línea o kisslawyer. com/contact/ para una consulta, y le ayudaremos a determinar qué tipo de entidad comercial es mejor para usted y su empresa!

El Osceola Star . August 23-29, 2019.

August 28, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Real Estate

What To Expect During The Home Closing Process

When you are ready to buy your first (or second, or third) home, it’s important that you know what to expect throughout the home closing process, and how working with an experienced real estate attorney helps keep the process running smoothly and protects your rights and interests at every turn.

Contingency Considerations

Most times, when a purchase agreement is made, there are contingencies involved, and the responsibility to clear many of them falls on the buyer’s side of the equation. For example, an inspector of the buyer’s choosing should do a home inspection. This gives you, as the buyer, a clear picture of the state of the house and property and lets you know whether you need to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credit, or, in some cases, whether you may need to pull out of the sale entirely. These are cases where you’ll benefit from having a real estate attorney already on your team, because they can help you negotiate a fair arrangement with the seller.

Other typical contingencies that are part of the home closing process include:

Appraisal Contingencies – A third-party appraiser evaluates the fair market value of the home and property, to verify that the value is in line with the selling price. If the appraised value is lower than the selling price, the buyer has an opportunity to back out of the sale without sacrificing any of the “earnest money” they have put down.
Financing Contingency – If, for some reason, your mortgage financing falls through for the sale, the financing contingency offers some protection. The sales agreement specifies a period of time during which you can pull out of the deal without penalty, if your loan falls through and you can’t find another.
Settlement Contingency – In cases where the buyer is also under contract to sell their current home, they may arrange for a settlement contingency as part of the sales contract for the home they’re buying. If you’re selling your current home, you already have a buyer under contract, and the home inspection contingency has already been removed, a settlement contingency on the property you’re contracting to buy protects you in case the sale of your current home falls through.

Title Search & Insurance

Your mortgage lender will require that you purchase title insurance, to protect you (and your lender) against legal claims from parties that didn’t turn up in the title search. Even if you’re making a cash purchase, title insurance may be a smart investment. In either case, getting a reliable title search from a reputable party goes a long way toward preventing nasty surprises over the claimed ownership of the property.

Mortgage Matters

Once the title is clear, your lender will process your home loan through a process called underwriting. Essentially, this is where the lender verifies that all of the information you provided in your application is correct, and that your situation hasn’t changed significantly since you made the application.

Once your loan is underwritten, the lender will provide you a closing disclosure, which spells out the terms of the loan, exact payments, and closing costs.

A Real Estate Attorney Is Your Best Advocate

From your offer to your final walk-through and final closing meeting, a real estate attorney from Overstreet, Miles, Finkenbinder & Bondy will help you avoid costly mistakes and omissions, and take a proactive role in protecting your interests throughout the home closing process. Call or contact us online for a consultation and to put one of our knowledgeable attorneys to work for you.

August 20, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Immigration

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:

- Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
- Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
- Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
- Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
- All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
- Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa.

Other details

CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

CBP recommends that all carriers coordinate evacuations with the Bahamian and U.S. government authorities so that CBP facilities are prepared to quickly and efficiently process arriving passengers. Carriers are also reminded of their Notice of Arrival requirements.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the United States.

# # #

September 11, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Espanol Blog

Consideraciones importantes para elegir una entidad comercial

Por: Lic. Jennifer Bondy

Cuando comienza un nuevo negocio, o a veces, cuando su negocio existente crece, o sus activos personales cambian significativamente, es hora de evaluar o reevaluar el tipo de entidad comercial bajo la cual opera su compañía. Muchas pequeñas empresas comienzan como empresas unipersonales debido a la facilidad de establecer y administrar este tipo de entidad comercial. El mejor tipo de entidad comercial para su situación específica logra un equilibrio óptimo entre la facilidad y los gastos involucrados en el cumplimiento de los requisitos legales de configuración y operación; asuntos fiscales; y protección contra responsabilidad. Puede ser una parte complicada del derecho corporativo, y consultar a un abogado de negocios es una forma inteligente de saber qué tipo de entidad comercial tiene más sentido para sus circunstancias específicas.

Formación y requisitos continuos

Una empresa unipersonal no tiene requisitos legales para la formación, aparte de las solicitudes de licencias comerciales locales y la presentación para pagar impuestos estatales y federales, y la regulación para la operación en curso es mínima. Si bien son fáciles y económicas de formar, las empresas individuales pueden exponer al propietario a riesgos innecesarios. Una sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC por sus siglas en inglés) requiere documentación y tarifas más formales para establecer y ejecutar, pero también ofrece más protección para los activos personales del propietario que una empresa unipersonal. Las corporaciones ofrecen protección de activos y ciertas ventajas fiscales, pero son más costosas y complicadas de configurar, y requieren un mantenimiento de registros continuo para cosas como mantener una junta, documentar acciones corporativas o posiblemente realizar reuniones de accionistas.

Asuntos fiscales

La tributación es otra consideración clave al elegir una entidad comercial. Cada tipo de estructura comercial tiene diferentes implicaciones impositivas, como si se pagan impuestos en su declaración de impuestos personal o a través de la entidad comercial; qué gastos pueden ser deducibles para su negocio; y la tasa a la que paga impuestos. Hay muchos factores que pueden afectar sus impuestos, por lo que consultar con un profesional de impuestos sobre cómo funcionaría cada tipo de entidad comercial en su caso es un paso importante en su investigación.

Proteja sus bienes personales contra la responsabilidad

Otro factor importante en la elección de una entidad comercial es la protección de activos. Cada tipo de entidad comercial ofrece un nivel diferente de protección para los activos personales del propietario en el caso de reclamos de responsabilidad o juicios contra la empresa. Una empresa unipersonal puede exponer sus activos personales a responsabilidades comerciales, incluidos los actos de sus empleados. Una Corporación o LLC, si se opera correctamente, puede proteger sus activos personales de las responsabilidades comerciales. También puede considerar el nivel de riesgo general involucrado con su negocio al hacer la selección de su entidad. Una empresa de construcción es más propensa a demandas que, por ejemplo, una pequeña empresa de contabilidad. Si bien los propietarios de ambos probablemente tendrían un seguro para protegerse contra reclamos de responsabilidad, la estructura de entidad correcta también puede proteger sus activos personales si un reclamo excede sus límites de seguro de responsabilidad.

Las leyes relacionadas la negocio y las entidades comerciales son complicados. ¡No intente hacerlo solo!

Aunque encontrará una gran cantidad de consejos genéricos sobre cómo elegir una entidad comercial en línea, el consejo de un abogado experto en negocios puede ayudarle a evitar disputas legales imprevistas y evitar errores costosos. No hay una respuesta única para elegir una entidad comercial, porque la opción “correcta” es un equilibrio entre varios factores y cómo se utilizan a su situación comercial específica. ¡Llámenos al 407-847-5151 o contáctenos en línea o kisslawyer. com/contact/ para una consulta, y le ayudaremos a determinar qué tipo de entidad comercial es mejor para usted y su empresa!

El Osceola Star . August 23-29, 2019.

August 28, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Real Estate

What To Expect During The Home Closing Process

When you are ready to buy your first (or second, or third) home, it’s important that you know what to expect throughout the home closing process, and how working with an experienced real estate attorney helps keep the process running smoothly and protects your rights and interests at every turn.

Contingency Considerations

Most times, when a purchase agreement is made, there are contingencies involved, and the responsibility to clear many of them falls on the buyer’s side of the equation. For example, an inspector of the buyer’s choosing should do a home inspection. This gives you, as the buyer, a clear picture of the state of the house and property and lets you know whether you need to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credit, or, in some cases, whether you may need to pull out of the sale entirely. These are cases where you’ll benefit from having a real estate attorney already on your team, because they can help you negotiate a fair arrangement with the seller.

Other typical contingencies that are part of the home closing process include:

Appraisal Contingencies – A third-party appraiser evaluates the fair market value of the home and property, to verify that the value is in line with the selling price. If the appraised value is lower than the selling price, the buyer has an opportunity to back out of the sale without sacrificing any of the “earnest money” they have put down.
Financing Contingency – If, for some reason, your mortgage financing falls through for the sale, the financing contingency offers some protection. The sales agreement specifies a period of time during which you can pull out of the deal without penalty, if your loan falls through and you can’t find another.
Settlement Contingency – In cases where the buyer is also under contract to sell their current home, they may arrange for a settlement contingency as part of the sales contract for the home they’re buying. If you’re selling your current home, you already have a buyer under contract, and the home inspection contingency has already been removed, a settlement contingency on the property you’re contracting to buy protects you in case the sale of your current home falls through.

Title Search & Insurance

Your mortgage lender will require that you purchase title insurance, to protect you (and your lender) against legal claims from parties that didn’t turn up in the title search. Even if you’re making a cash purchase, title insurance may be a smart investment. In either case, getting a reliable title search from a reputable party goes a long way toward preventing nasty surprises over the claimed ownership of the property.

Mortgage Matters

Once the title is clear, your lender will process your home loan through a process called underwriting. Essentially, this is where the lender verifies that all of the information you provided in your application is correct, and that your situation hasn’t changed significantly since you made the application.

Once your loan is underwritten, the lender will provide you a closing disclosure, which spells out the terms of the loan, exact payments, and closing costs.

A Real Estate Attorney Is Your Best Advocate

From your offer to your final walk-through and final closing meeting, a real estate attorney from Overstreet, Miles, Finkenbinder & Bondy will help you avoid costly mistakes and omissions, and take a proactive role in protecting your interests throughout the home closing process. Call or contact us online for a consultation and to put one of our knowledgeable attorneys to work for you.

August 20, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Immigration

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:

- Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
- Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
- Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
- Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
- All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
- Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa.

Other details

CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

CBP recommends that all carriers coordinate evacuations with the Bahamian and U.S. government authorities so that CBP facilities are prepared to quickly and efficiently process arriving passengers. Carriers are also reminded of their Notice of Arrival requirements.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the United States.

# # #

September 11, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Espanol Blog

Consideraciones importantes para elegir una entidad comercial

Por: Lic. Jennifer Bondy

Cuando comienza un nuevo negocio, o a veces, cuando su negocio existente crece, o sus activos personales cambian significativamente, es hora de evaluar o reevaluar el tipo de entidad comercial bajo la cual opera su compañía. Muchas pequeñas empresas comienzan como empresas unipersonales debido a la facilidad de establecer y administrar este tipo de entidad comercial. El mejor tipo de entidad comercial para su situación específica logra un equilibrio óptimo entre la facilidad y los gastos involucrados en el cumplimiento de los requisitos legales de configuración y operación; asuntos fiscales; y protección contra responsabilidad. Puede ser una parte complicada del derecho corporativo, y consultar a un abogado de negocios es una forma inteligente de saber qué tipo de entidad comercial tiene más sentido para sus circunstancias específicas.

Formación y requisitos continuos

Una empresa unipersonal no tiene requisitos legales para la formación, aparte de las solicitudes de licencias comerciales locales y la presentación para pagar impuestos estatales y federales, y la regulación para la operación en curso es mínima. Si bien son fáciles y económicas de formar, las empresas individuales pueden exponer al propietario a riesgos innecesarios. Una sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC por sus siglas en inglés) requiere documentación y tarifas más formales para establecer y ejecutar, pero también ofrece más protección para los activos personales del propietario que una empresa unipersonal. Las corporaciones ofrecen protección de activos y ciertas ventajas fiscales, pero son más costosas y complicadas de configurar, y requieren un mantenimiento de registros continuo para cosas como mantener una junta, documentar acciones corporativas o posiblemente realizar reuniones de accionistas.

Asuntos fiscales

La tributación es otra consideración clave al elegir una entidad comercial. Cada tipo de estructura comercial tiene diferentes implicaciones impositivas, como si se pagan impuestos en su declaración de impuestos personal o a través de la entidad comercial; qué gastos pueden ser deducibles para su negocio; y la tasa a la que paga impuestos. Hay muchos factores que pueden afectar sus impuestos, por lo que consultar con un profesional de impuestos sobre cómo funcionaría cada tipo de entidad comercial en su caso es un paso importante en su investigación.

Proteja sus bienes personales contra la responsabilidad

Otro factor importante en la elección de una entidad comercial es la protección de activos. Cada tipo de entidad comercial ofrece un nivel diferente de protección para los activos personales del propietario en el caso de reclamos de responsabilidad o juicios contra la empresa. Una empresa unipersonal puede exponer sus activos personales a responsabilidades comerciales, incluidos los actos de sus empleados. Una Corporación o LLC, si se opera correctamente, puede proteger sus activos personales de las responsabilidades comerciales. También puede considerar el nivel de riesgo general involucrado con su negocio al hacer la selección de su entidad. Una empresa de construcción es más propensa a demandas que, por ejemplo, una pequeña empresa de contabilidad. Si bien los propietarios de ambos probablemente tendrían un seguro para protegerse contra reclamos de responsabilidad, la estructura de entidad correcta también puede proteger sus activos personales si un reclamo excede sus límites de seguro de responsabilidad.

Las leyes relacionadas la negocio y las entidades comerciales son complicados. ¡No intente hacerlo solo!

Aunque encontrará una gran cantidad de consejos genéricos sobre cómo elegir una entidad comercial en línea, el consejo de un abogado experto en negocios puede ayudarle a evitar disputas legales imprevistas y evitar errores costosos. No hay una respuesta única para elegir una entidad comercial, porque la opción “correcta” es un equilibrio entre varios factores y cómo se utilizan a su situación comercial específica. ¡Llámenos al 407-847-5151 o contáctenos en línea o kisslawyer. com/contact/ para una consulta, y le ayudaremos a determinar qué tipo de entidad comercial es mejor para usted y su empresa!

El Osceola Star . August 23-29, 2019.

August 28, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Real Estate

What To Expect During The Home Closing Process

When you are ready to buy your first (or second, or third) home, it’s important that you know what to expect throughout the home closing process, and how working with an experienced real estate attorney helps keep the process running smoothly and protects your rights and interests at every turn.

Contingency Considerations

Most times, when a purchase agreement is made, there are contingencies involved, and the responsibility to clear many of them falls on the buyer’s side of the equation. For example, an inspector of the buyer’s choosing should do a home inspection. This gives you, as the buyer, a clear picture of the state of the house and property and lets you know whether you need to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credit, or, in some cases, whether you may need to pull out of the sale entirely. These are cases where you’ll benefit from having a real estate attorney already on your team, because they can help you negotiate a fair arrangement with the seller.

Other typical contingencies that are part of the home closing process include:

Appraisal Contingencies – A third-party appraiser evaluates the fair market value of the home and property, to verify that the value is in line with the selling price. If the appraised value is lower than the selling price, the buyer has an opportunity to back out of the sale without sacrificing any of the “earnest money” they have put down.
Financing Contingency – If, for some reason, your mortgage financing falls through for the sale, the financing contingency offers some protection. The sales agreement specifies a period of time during which you can pull out of the deal without penalty, if your loan falls through and you can’t find another.
Settlement Contingency – In cases where the buyer is also under contract to sell their current home, they may arrange for a settlement contingency as part of the sales contract for the home they’re buying. If you’re selling your current home, you already have a buyer under contract, and the home inspection contingency has already been removed, a settlement contingency on the property you’re contracting to buy protects you in case the sale of your current home falls through.

Title Search & Insurance

Your mortgage lender will require that you purchase title insurance, to protect you (and your lender) against legal claims from parties that didn’t turn up in the title search. Even if you’re making a cash purchase, title insurance may be a smart investment. In either case, getting a reliable title search from a reputable party goes a long way toward preventing nasty surprises over the claimed ownership of the property.

Mortgage Matters

Once the title is clear, your lender will process your home loan through a process called underwriting. Essentially, this is where the lender verifies that all of the information you provided in your application is correct, and that your situation hasn’t changed significantly since you made the application.

Once your loan is underwritten, the lender will provide you a closing disclosure, which spells out the terms of the loan, exact payments, and closing costs.

A Real Estate Attorney Is Your Best Advocate

From your offer to your final walk-through and final closing meeting, a real estate attorney from Overstreet, Miles, Finkenbinder & Bondy will help you avoid costly mistakes and omissions, and take a proactive role in protecting your interests throughout the home closing process. Call or contact us online for a consultation and to put one of our knowledgeable attorneys to work for you.

August 20, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Immigration

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Traveling to the United States

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful and orderly arrival to the United States.

Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.
Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.
Detailed information on all visa application requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas.
Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements:

- Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa);
- Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian;
- Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (click here);
- Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration;
- All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months;
- Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S.

The bottom line is that all travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor’s visa. Travelers who would otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor’s visa.

Other details

CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

CBP recommends that all carriers coordinate evacuations with the Bahamian and U.S. government authorities so that CBP facilities are prepared to quickly and efficiently process arriving passengers. Carriers are also reminded of their Notice of Arrival requirements.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the United States.

# # #

September 11, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Espanol Blog

Consideraciones importantes para elegir una entidad comercial

Por: Lic. Jennifer Bondy

Cuando comienza un nuevo negocio, o a veces, cuando su negocio existente crece, o sus activos personales cambian significativamente, es hora de evaluar o reevaluar el tipo de entidad comercial bajo la cual opera su compañía. Muchas pequeñas empresas comienzan como empresas unipersonales debido a la facilidad de establecer y administrar este tipo de entidad comercial. El mejor tipo de entidad comercial para su situación específica logra un equilibrio óptimo entre la facilidad y los gastos involucrados en el cumplimiento de los requisitos legales de configuración y operación; asuntos fiscales; y protección contra responsabilidad. Puede ser una parte complicada del derecho corporativo, y consultar a un abogado de negocios es una forma inteligente de saber qué tipo de entidad comercial tiene más sentido para sus circunstancias específicas.

Formación y requisitos continuos

Una empresa unipersonal no tiene requisitos legales para la formación, aparte de las solicitudes de licencias comerciales locales y la presentación para pagar impuestos estatales y federales, y la regulación para la operación en curso es mínima. Si bien son fáciles y económicas de formar, las empresas individuales pueden exponer al propietario a riesgos innecesarios. Una sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC por sus siglas en inglés) requiere documentación y tarifas más formales para establecer y ejecutar, pero también ofrece más protección para los activos personales del propietario que una empresa unipersonal. Las corporaciones ofrecen protección de activos y ciertas ventajas fiscales, pero son más costosas y complicadas de configurar, y requieren un mantenimiento de registros continuo para cosas como mantener una junta, documentar acciones corporativas o posiblemente realizar reuniones de accionistas.

Asuntos fiscales

La tributación es otra consideración clave al elegir una entidad comercial. Cada tipo de estructura comercial tiene diferentes implicaciones impositivas, como si se pagan impuestos en su declaración de impuestos personal o a través de la entidad comercial; qué gastos pueden ser deducibles para su negocio; y la tasa a la que paga impuestos. Hay muchos factores que pueden afectar sus impuestos, por lo que consultar con un profesional de impuestos sobre cómo funcionaría cada tipo de entidad comercial en su caso es un paso importante en su investigación.

Proteja sus bienes personales contra la responsabilidad

Otro factor importante en la elección de una entidad comercial es la protección de activos. Cada tipo de entidad comercial ofrece un nivel diferente de protección para los activos personales del propietario en el caso de reclamos de responsabilidad o juicios contra la empresa. Una empresa unipersonal puede exponer sus activos personales a responsabilidades comerciales, incluidos los actos de sus empleados. Una Corporación o LLC, si se opera correctamente, puede proteger sus activos personales de las responsabilidades comerciales. También puede considerar el nivel de riesgo general involucrado con su negocio al hacer la selección de su entidad. Una empresa de construcción es más propensa a demandas que, por ejemplo, una pequeña empresa de contabilidad. Si bien los propietarios de ambos probablemente tendrían un seguro para protegerse contra reclamos de responsabilidad, la estructura de entidad correcta también puede proteger sus activos personales si un reclamo excede sus límites de seguro de responsabilidad.

Las leyes relacionadas la negocio y las entidades comerciales son complicados. ¡No intente hacerlo solo!

Aunque encontrará una gran cantidad de consejos genéricos sobre cómo elegir una entidad comercial en línea, el consejo de un abogado experto en negocios puede ayudarle a evitar disputas legales imprevistas y evitar errores costosos. No hay una respuesta única para elegir una entidad comercial, porque la opción “correcta” es un equilibrio entre varios factores y cómo se utilizan a su situación comercial específica. ¡Llámenos al 407-847-5151 o contáctenos en línea o kisslawyer. com/contact/ para una consulta, y le ayudaremos a determinar qué tipo de entidad comercial es mejor para usted y su empresa!

El Osceola Star . August 23-29, 2019.

August 28, 2019/by Overstreet Law

Real Estate

What To Expect During The Home Closing Process

When you are ready to buy your first (or second, or third) home, it’s important that you know what to expect throughout the home closing process, and how working with an experienced real estate attorney helps keep the process running smoothly and protects your rights and interests at every turn.

Contingency Considerations

Most times, when a purchase agreement is made, there are contingencies involved, and the responsibility to clear many of them falls on the buyer’s side of the equation. For example, an inspector of the buyer’s choosing should do a home inspection. This gives you, as the buyer, a clear picture of the state of the house and property and lets you know whether you need to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credit, or, in some cases, whether you may need to pull out of the sale entirely. These are cases where you’ll benefit from having a real estate attorney already on your team, because they can help you negotiate a fair arrangement with the seller.

Other typical contingencies that are part of the home closing process include:

Appraisal Contingencies – A third-party appraiser evaluates the fair market value of the home and property, to verify that the value is in line with the selling price. If the appraised value is lower than the selling price, the buyer has an opportunity to back out of the sale without sacrificing any of the “earnest money” they have put down.
Financing Contingency – If, for some reason, your mortgage financing falls through for the sale, the financing contingency offers some protection. The sales agreement specifies a period of time during which you can pull out of the deal without penalty, if your loan falls through and you can’t find another.
Settlement Contingency – In cases where the buyer is also under contract to sell their current home, they may arrange for a settlement contingency as part of the sales contract for the home they’re buying. If you’re selling your current home, you already have a buyer under contract, and the home inspection contingency has already been removed, a settlement contingency on the property you’re contracting to buy protects you in case the sale of your current home falls through.

Title Search & Insurance

Your mortgage lender will require that you purchase title insurance, to protect you (and your lender) against legal claims from parties that didn’t turn up in the title search. Even if you’re making a cash purchase, title insurance may be a smart investment. In either case, getting a reliable title search from a reputable party goes a long way toward preventing nasty surprises over the claimed ownership of the property.

Mortgage Matters

Once the title is clear, your lender will process your home loan through a process called underwriting. Essentially, this is where the lender verifies that all of the information you provided in your application is correct, and that your situation hasn’t changed significantly since you made the application.

Once your loan is underwritten, the lender will provide you a closing disclosure, which spells out the terms of the loan, exact payments, and closing costs.

A Real Estate Attorney Is Your Best Advocate

From your offer to your final walk-through and final closing meeting, a real estate attorney from Overstreet, Miles, Finkenbinder & Bondy will help you avoid costly mistakes and omissions, and take a proactive role in protecting your interests throughout the home closing process. Call or contact us online for a consultation and to put one of our knowledgeable attorneys to work for you.

August 20, 2019/by Overstreet Law

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