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 +

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 +

Middle District of Florida New Rules and Procedures for Chapter 13 Trustees in Bankruptcy Cases

Recently the Middle District of Florida’s Chapter 13 Trustees updated their expectations and rules of debtors and their counsel. From procedures in reference to tax returns to discouragements, there have been some new hurdles added to getting a bankruptcy confirmed. As a part of the new regulations, the Chapter 13 Trustees are requiring the last four (4) digits of the debtor or debtors’ social security number be redacted, along with the names of any children listed in the tax returns. Also, any account numbers on Read More +

Steps for Life After Bankruptcy Discharge

After you have found yourself to be on the successful side of a bankruptcy case in Florida, you are likely to be mighty relieved. This is the first good news you must have heard after struggling financially for a long time. Many people are surprised to find out that what they envisaged to be a straightforward procedure rather has turned out to be a massive challenge at every turn. If you are on the other side of bankruptcy, it means you are in contrast with Read More +

Tampa Bankruptcy Attorney on 100% Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plans

In the practice of bankruptcy law, attorneys will sometimes refer to a 100% Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan. This generally means that the debtor or the bankruptcy filer must pay 100% of the full balances owed to his or her unsecured creditors. Most bankruptcy filers who are in a 100% plan are paying such unsecured creditors in full, because the filer or debtor has significant disposable income, to the extent that the debtor is able to pay his or her unsecured creditors in full. In the Read More +