why does the closing attorney need my social security number

Social security numbers are necessary when filing for bankruptcy or in other types of legal representation. Of course, it is up to you when you want to provide it, you may want to wait until you actually retain the attorney. Maybe it is a way for the attorney to determine who is serious about the services he or she offers.

Full Answer

Why do I need a Social Security number for a lawyer?

Aug 31, 2010 · Atlanta closing attorney Camille Brannon of Campbell & Brannon explains why it is a necessity to provide your social security number

How does the closing attorney contact the seller before closing?

Jun 15, 2013 · Without knowing the general nature of your legal concern and reason for the consultation, it is not possible to be definite. For some areas of law, the number can be essential. For instance, the number is needed up front for the disability case reviews I do because I obtain claim files from Social Security.

Do you need a Social Security number to file a lawsuit?

Jan 27, 2010 · Lawyers and financial institutions have a legal obligation to confirm the identity of the people who come to them for services. In such a case it is proper to request a photo id and your SS number. There are always people who will abuse this information, but for the most part banks and lawyers should not be that type.

What happens at the closing of a house sale?

James Zhidun Zhou

I typically ask for social security numbers as well in my consultations regarding bankruptcies but not for criminal defense or civil litigation work. So it depends on what your consultation is for. Social security numbers are necessary when filing for bankruptcy or in other types of legal representation.

Matthew Scott Berkus

Maybe it is a way for the attorney to determine who is serious about the services he or she offers.#N#As has been pointed out, depending on the nature of issue at hand, the SSN may be necessary for the attorney to gather the necessary background to actually help you.

Paula Brown Sinclair

Without knowing the general nature of your legal concern and reason for the consultation, it is not possible to be definite. For some areas of law, the number can be essential. For instance, the number is needed up front for the disability case reviews I do because I obtain claim files from Social Security.

What should a seller know about closing?

5 Things a Seller Should Know About Closing. Selling property does not have to be a stressful process. For most sellers, it can be a matter of signing the paperwork and sitting back to wait for a check. However, often sellers are nervous or apprehensive about what the final closing will bring. Below are 5 things a seller should know about closing. ...

What is the purpose of a 1099?

At the end of the year, Form 1099 is transmitted to the IRS to show the full sales price of the property. Sellers should be aware that whether they will actually end up owing taxes on the proceeds from the sale depends on a number of factors.

Is it legal to ask an attorney to ask questions?

No, it is not illegal. A person can ask for anything, but whether the attorney can force you to produce the information is a different question. Since you want to know if an attorney can ask, the answer is yes he or she can ask. It is legal also for the lawyer to have you ask questions over the phone as well.

Do you have to give your SS number?

You don't have to give your SS#, but more than likely, if you don't, the other side will ask the Court to order you to and if you don't comply with the judge's order, the judge is likely to kick your case out of court. The other side is allowed to discover anything that could likely be admissible in the case. Presuming you have an injury case, almost all your medical records will be indexed by SS# and they will need the number to get those records. Your income records will be indexed that way too. The other side is entitled to get those records if you are claiming injuries and lost income. Good luck.

What happens if you refuse to provide your SSN?

If you refuse to provide your SSN, companies may choose not to do business with you , but there's no law that prevents them from asking for it. These are some examples of businesses that require a Social Security number for legitimate purposes: • Insurance companies.

When was the Identity Theft Task Force established?

Criminals took advantage of that complacency, and as a result, the federal government established the Identity Theft Task Force in 2006. One of the first recommendations the task force made was decreasing the unnecessary use of Social Security numbers.