"The respondent failed to keep adequate records and lost track of the escrow funds owed to the prospective buyer during a period when the respondent was alcohol and drug dependent,'' the board wrote in its summary of the disciplinary case.

We are asking the court to order Al Jazeera America to stop wrongfully withholding the escrow funds that belong to Current's former shareholders."

The allegations involve the disposition of escrow funds, the developers' obligation to complete construction and their refusal to relinquish control of the property to those who bought and reside in the units.

Escrow funds also were used to help purchase a machine to aid Olive Plaza residents with eye conditions.

"The province and the governor had no involvement in that [escrow agreement]," said Ongsiako, noting that the province had never benefited from the escrow funds.

Basically, the suit states, the defendants misused escrow funds.

On or before October 20 the LIA will escrow funds or establish an irrevocable letter of credit or bank guarantee arrangement for the purchase of Verenex at the time the definitive agreement is signed.

If the amount of the contract is substantial, consider mitigating your risk by requiring escrow funds (can be deposited with an escrow agent or law firm) or collateral (an asset that creditors agree to allow you to have if they don't pay).