Homeowners Ghyath Issak and Barbara Weber hired Laurence Wright to do remodeling work at their residence. They paid him approximately $27,000 over four months. Later, Wright sued them for an additional $11,000.

The homeowners cross-complained for fraud, based on Wright's underreporting of his payroll of only $312 to his workers' compensation insurer and his lack of a contractor's license, as required by state law.

Purchase Bob Bruss reports online.  more...

DEAR BOB: My husband died over a year ago, but his name remains with mine on the deed to my house and a few rental properties. Is there any advantage or disadvantage of leaving his name on these deeds? --Dorothy R.

DEAR DOROTHY: If title to your home was held with your late husband in joint tenancy with right of survivorship (or tenancy by the entireties in states where allowed) or in a revocable living trust, it is a very simple matter to clear the titles of his name. Probate court interference is not required.  more...