Q.
I am interested in purchasing a condominium in Coral Springs. The individual who owns it wants to use a quit claim deed to convey his title. What is the proper procedure for a quit claim deed to be used and are there any problems with using one?
A.
Normally, you should avoid using a quit claim deed when purchasing property. A quit claim deed contains no guarantees or warranties that the seller has a valid title or any rights to the property he or she is selling. If you want to use a quit claim deed, it must be recorded at the Recording Department of the clerk’s office in West Palm Beach. If you have any questions on the costs in filing a quit claim deed, call the Recording Department at 1-407-355-2991 or 2992.
Q.
I live in Palm Beach County and have been serving as a jury member on a civil case for the past two weeks. My employer has been paying me while I have been at jury duty; however, he informed me that I would be replaced if I did not return to work next week. Can I be fired from my job because I am serving jury duty?
A.
No. It is against the law for you to be dismissed from employment because you are serving jury duty. According to Chapter 40.271, Florida Statutes, no person summoned to serve on the jury may be dismissed from employment, for any cause, because of the nature or length of service upon such jury.
Threats of dismissal from employment, for any cause, by an employer because of the length of service on a jury may be deemed a contempt of court from which the summons was issued.
Q.
I filed for bankruptcy nine years ago. When I apply for credit, I keep getting turned down. I believe that there is false information on my credit report. What can I do?
A.
I suggest you contact a credit agency for a copy of your report. Once you have a copy of your report, you can determine whether the information contained on it is accurate. For a copy of your credit report you can call TRW at 1-714-991-5100.
Mark Bogen is a Boca Raton lawyer. If you have a question, write him at the Sun-Sentinel, 3333 S. Congress Ave., Delray Beach, Fla. 33445.
