What You Should Know About Bankruptcy and Your Credit

Unfortunately, 2021 hasn’t been a good year for many people financially. The tough economy has led to furloughs and layoffs, leaving people in a disastrous financial position. Even if you’re lucky enough to have been able to return to work, you may find that you’re still faced with a reduction in pay or hours. When faced with financial issues, you must make some tough decisions at the end of the month. You need to decide which bills to pay now and which ones to pay Read More +

Tampa Bankruptcy Court Leads All Divisions in Middle District of Florida in Filings

The Tampa Bankruptcy Court consistently leads all other divisions in the Middle District of Florida in bankruptcy filings. There are four divisions that comprise the Middle District of Florida. These four divisions include Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando and Fort Myers. For the months of January to September of the calendar year 2021, 5,227 cases were filed in the Tampa Division, whereas Jacksonville received 2,388 cases, Orlando 4,542 cases and Fort Myers 1,309 cases. For the current month of September 2021, Tampa received 528 filings, Jacksonville 232 Read More +

Treatment of Auto Accident That Occurred After the Filing of Bankruptcy

If a Debtor files Bankruptcy and following the filing of the Bankruptcy, the Debtor is in an auto accident, then how such accident is treated by the bankruptcy trustee depends heavily upon whether the Debtor filed a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Bankruptcy Code Section 541(a) states that the commencement or filing of the bankruptcy case creates an estate. This is referred to as the bankruptcy estate. The bankruptcy estate, according to Bankruptcy Code Section 541(a)(1) consists of all legal and equitable interests Read More +

Comparing Credit Cards and Debit Cards

Plastic money or cards be it credit or debit are among the most preferred modes of payment after cash. Over the last few years, there has been a substantial increase in the usage of both types of cards to pay for products and services. Although the debit card has no debt liability, credit card debt is something users need to manage while using for payments. Offered in a range of colors and patterns, they have replaced checkbooks that were widely used a few decades ago. Read More +

Issue of Acreage Limitations in the Claim of the Florida Homestead Exemptions in Federal Bankruptcy Proceedings

My name is Jay Weller, President of the Weller Legal Group PA. I am an attorney that represents Debtors in bankruptcy proceedings in the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court, Tampa Division. For any Debtor with a Homestead, who wants to retain their Homestead, file Bankruptcy, and successfully claim the Florida Homestead Exemption, it is important such Debtor be aware of the acreage limitations imposed by such Exemption. In the State of Florida, its Homestead Exemption limits one Debtor to ½ acre of land if Read More +

Can Bankruptcy Stop an Eviction in Florida?

If you have filed for bankruptcy in Florida, there is an automatic stay that will protect you from eviction unless the landlord has acquired a judgment of possession before you have filed for bankruptcy. Judgment of possession and stay on eviction The judgment of possession is a final court order in the eviction proceeding. Or if the landlord has filed a motion with the court claiming that the tenant has caused damage to the property or has used illegal drugs on the property within the Read More +

Legal Versus Equitable Interests in Bankruptcy

When one files bankruptcy, a bankruptcy estate is created. The bankruptcy estate consists of all legal or equitable interests the debtor possesses in any property, at the time of the filing of the bankruptcy petition [See USC 541(a)(1)]. In bankruptcy, one may have a legal interest in property, or an equitable interest in property. A legal interest is represented by ownership in property that is generally more recognizable by law. If one buys an automobile and titles the automobile in his or her name, then Read More +

Sale of Homestead and Other Assets in Bankruptcy

Debtors in bankruptcy proceedings who desire to sell assets of significant value, whether those assets are considered exempt or not exempt, should obtain appropriate permission from the bankruptcy court before doing so. This advice includes the sale of the homestead in the State of Florida. If you contemplate the sale of homestead property, while in bankruptcy, consult with the bankruptcy attorney first to determine the property procedures and the ramifications of such sale. The first consideration in the sale of homestead property while in bankruptcy Read More +

Factors That Impact Your Bankruptcy Case

Are you struggling to pay your bills? Do you find that you have fallen so far behind that you think you’ll never catch up? Maybe you’re drowning in a mountain of debt. While you may be struggling to keep your head above water financially, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are solutions available for you. One of the solutions you may wish to consider is bankruptcy. This type of insolvency is a welcome source of relief for many people today. There are a Read More +

Recent Executive Orders Regarding Student Loans

President Biden has signed numerous executive orders recently related to student loan forgiveness. The Borrower Defense to Repayment Program, according to a recent article published in Forbes, will allow forgiveness to certain student loan recipients who were defrauded by the colleges or institutions in which they enrolled. This program was enacted by executive order in June 2021. A second executive order, on August 6, 2021, provided for an extension on a previous moratorium providing borrowers were not to be charged federal loans payments, interest, and Read More +