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 +

How Bankruptcy May Affect Your Job Prospects

While bankruptcy is invaluable in that it offers you the opportunity to start over financially there are also some consequences that accompany it. One of the most important things you need to consider here is how your job opportunities, both now and in the future, will be affected. Can I be fired for filing for bankruptcy? If you live in America you typically won’t be fired if you file for liquidation. Under federal employment discrimination laws, your job will be protected. This means that even Read More +

Discharge of Student Loans in Bankruptcy Proposal in New Bill Before Congress

A new bill being presented to Congress will permit the discharge of student loans in bankruptcy provided certain conditions are met. The bill, sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin and Senator John Cornyn, is titled the Fresh Start In Bankruptcy Act. Under the current bankruptcy laws, it is quite difficult to discharge a student loan in bankruptcy. Generally, the debtor must bring an adversary proceeding and obtain a finding from a bankruptcy judge that the student loan constitutes an undue hardship. The undue hardship standard is Read More +