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By Stephen Schahrer
Attorney

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has already had a devastating effect on the local Southwest Florida economy. Many folks in the service industry have been laid off or suffered from severe cuts to working hours and/or pay. Unfortunately, this shutting down of certain local businesses has come toward the end of the season, one of, if not the most lucrative times of the year for those in the service industry in Southwest Florida.

There are a lot of questions and uncertainties about the immediate and long-term future of the nation and the economy including whether there will be additional “shut down” type measures in Florida and how those measures will affect people’s ability to make ends meet. One question that may come to mind is whether you will receive any relief from rent and/or mortgage payments. The good news is that help is on the way as Congress has passed an economic stimulus package to help people cope with the effects of COVID-19.

In the meantime, you may be facing the immediate crisis of not knowing whether you will be able to make your next rent or mortgage payment. Depending on your circumstances, there may be actions you can take to protect your family from facing homelessness in this uncertain time. As discussed in our prior blog, COVID-19 and its related effects may provide a defense to the enforcement of your lease or mortgage. Additionally, in light of the extreme economic hardship faced by many, your bank or landlord may be willing to work with you to keep you in your home.

Whether you are a homeowner or renter, it is important that you obtain advice from experienced legal counsel who can help you navigate these difficult times. The attorneys at Boatman Ricci are here to help. If you need assistance please contact us at (239)-330-1494.

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THIS BLOG IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. THE READER SHOULD CONSULT WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE LEGAL COUNSEL TO DETERMINE HOW APPLICABLE LAWS APPLY TO SPECIFIC FACTS AND SITUATIONS. BLOG POSTS ARE BASED ON THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AT THE TIME THEY ARE WRITTEN. SINCE IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE LAWS OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE PUBLICATION, PLEASE CALL US TO DISCUSS ANY ACTION YOU MAY BE CONSIDERING AS A RESULT OF READING THIS BLOG.

#BoatmanRicci #Coronavirus #COVID19 #Lawyers #Litigation

About the Author
Mr. Schahrer has a diverse professional background including experience working for the Florida State Legislature, the United States Marshals Service headquarters in Washington D.C., and the local non-profit, St. Matthew’s House. He joined Boatman Ricci as a Law Clerk in 2016 and worked with the Firm throughout his time in Law School and then joined the Firm as an Associate Attorney. In his spare time, Mr. Schahrer enjoys training and teaching Martial Arts and spending time with his family in beautiful Naples, FL.