Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Treatment of Automobile Accidents

If a Debtor is in an automobile accident, either before the filing of the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy or after the filing of Chapter 13, proceeds from any personal injury or property settlement arising out of the accident, are included in the Bankruptcy Estate. In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in which the Debtor uses the Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions, there is no Exemption that specifically protects such proceeds arising from the accident. Most of our clients in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, who are involved in an automobile accident, suffer Read More +

in Which Courthouse Should I File Bankruptcy?

Under Title 28, Section 1408, cases under Title 11, are filed in the District Court for the District in which the person or entity filing Bankruptcy has for the prior one hundred eighty (180) days or the longer portion of the prior one hundred eighty (180) days, maintained either one’s domicile, residence, principal place of business OR principal assets. Although “residence” and “domicile” are not specifically defined in the Bankruptcy Code, one’s residence is generally held to be where one lives, or dwells, whereas a 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 +

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 +

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 +

the 20-year Controversy on Judicial Liens; When Does It End?

Many, if not, most Bankruptcy Practitioners would tell you that by law, judgement liens can only encumber property for a 10-year period and receive a one-time extension of 10 more years. This would make the time a lien may last a maximum of 20 years. Fla. Stat. § 55.10(2). However, these people would be technically wrong. The law does not define when the initial begins on a judgement lien. Bankruptcy professionals presume that the lien will be filed as soon as the judgment is entered. Read More +

How to Confirm A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Template

AFTER THE 341 MEETING OF CREDITORS IS COMPLETED, THE CHAPTER 13 TRUSTEE WILL ISSUE EITHER A FAVORABLE OR UNFAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION IN THE DEBTOR(S) CASE. IF THE DEBTOR RECEIVES A FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION THEN THERE IS NO ACTION REQUIRED AS RELATES TO THE CHAPTER 13 TRUSTEE. IF THE DEBTOR RECEIVES AN UNFAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION THEN REVIEW SUCH RECOMMENDATION AND CONTACT THE CLIENT VIA TEXT MESSAGE INFORMING THEM OF WHAT ACTIONS THE DEBTOR NEEDS TO TAKE TO REMEDY THE UNFAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION. ALL CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE DEBTOR SHOULD BE BY Read More +