Legal News Headlines by Lawyers.com

03.12.2010

Parents Run Risks Helping Kids Buy A Home "Co-Sign' No Open Sesame Clock ticking for tax credit, down payment rules loom; but don't write a check yet

The end of the federal tax credit for homebuyers is fast approaching. That means crunch time for parents who want to help their kids buy a place as inexpensively as possible. First-timers comprised 47% of all buyers last year, according to the National Association of Realtors. That's the highest percentage on record. Many young buyers are getting down payment money from parents, some of whom are co-signing loans too. But parents, grandparents and other relatives who want to help should educate themselves before jumping in, for everybody's safety. Gifting Game Takes Strategy Loan rules have tightened in the past year, say mortgage specialists and real estate agents, and present a moving target. Buyers with gift money or a possible co-signer must meet specific requirements.

03.12.2010

Autism-study doctor facing grant probe; Accusations over funds stir those who reject that there is no vaccine link to the disorder.

A Danish scientist involved in two major studies that debunked any linkage of vaccines to autism is suspected of misappropriating $2 million in U.S. grants at his university in Denmark. Poul Thorsen, a medical doctor and Ph.D., was an adjunct professor at the Drexel University School of Public Health for several months before resigning Tuesday. On Jan. 22, Aarhus University said that it had uncovered a "considerable shortfall" in grant money from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a research program that Thorsen had directed. The university referred the matter to police, who are conducting an investigation.

03.12.2010

Some firms try to box out March Madness

Symptoms of March Madness are easy to spot. Lunches coinciding with first-round games run loooong. Heating food in the microwave --- near the TV --- seems to take as long as a standard oven.