Reasons Why People File for Bankruptcy

Why people file bankruptcy suits in the U.S. these days have been reported by the media citing the reason as medical problems in most cases. It is believed the people that file for bankruptcy in most cases have medical debts. However, oddly almost all the households are dealing with medical debts of some sort. It does not necessarily mean that medical debts cause households to file bankruptcy. Some other surveys indicate that there are different stories among bankruptcy filers. Let’s look at the common reasons Read More +

Effect of Conversion of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Code Section 348(f) states when a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is converted to a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, the Bankruptcy Estate does not include property acquired by the Debtor after the original Chapter 13 Bankruptcy was filed. This is an interesting element of Bankruptcy Law because in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy the Bankruptcy Estate can include property or assets that are held by the Debtor both before the filing of the Bankruptcy and after the filing of the Bankruptcy, during the entire term of the Chapter Read More +

Can I File for Bankruptcy If I Lose My Job?

Many individuals in Florida found themselves unemployed once the epidemic hit. About 13.5% of the entire nation’s workforce, which equals out to be approximately 22 million people, were forced to file for unemployment benefits once the Coronavirus took its toll, according to the United States Department of Labor. With new strains of the virus popping up, many individuals have used bankruptcy as a means to erase their debts. Debts continue to rise for many people, yet they are uncertain about filing for bankruptcy as they Read More +

Alternatives to Paying the Collection Agencies

It can be truly unpleasant to deal with collection agencies. A lot of people wonder how their debt became the business of a collection agency in the first place? In most cases, the creditors such as credit card companies or some other organization you have received services from, send the debt to the collection agency after four months of non-payment. If the creditor tried to contact you to seek payment in this period and failed to do so he will send the case to a Read More +

the Effects of Bankruptcy on Your Credit Report

Your credit score is more important than ever before, affecting everything from your job prospects to your credit card interest rates. Many people use their energy to acquire and keep the best credit score possible, but sometimes this isn’t possible due to an unforeseen event. When this happens, you may need to file for liquidation. How the Bankruptcy Process Works When you take out a credit card or loan, it’ll be listed on your credit report. If you can’t pay, the information will fall off 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 +

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 +