Category Archives: Chapter 7
Consolidating Credit Card Debt with a HELOC Is a Terrible Idea
Consumer credit card debt continues to climb. In December 2017, consumer credit grew by $18.4 billion to a total of $3.841 trillion. Distressed consumers might be considering debt consolidation with a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan. No matter how precarious your finances, using your home to consolidate credit card… Read More »
Why bankruptcy is not the stigma you might think it is
Many people think of bankruptcy as a weakness or as a moral failing, but this perception is far from accurate. Facts can help rebut criticism. When families in Florida get together for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, holidays and the like, they often catch up on the news. Cousin Jane is getting married, Uncle Pete bought… Read More »
Three signs bankruptcy may be the best path for your business
Deciding to move forward with relief through bankruptcy can be difficult. These three questions can help. Considering filing for bankruptcy is not easy. This is particularly true for those who are attempting to keep a business running. For many entrepreneurs, a business is more than just a professional endeavor. Businesses often have strong personal… Read More »
An introduction to the automatic stay in bankruptcy
An introduction to the automatic stay in bankruptcy The broad cessation of collection activity against the debtor is a huge relief from financial pressure. One of the strongest benefits of filing a petition for bankruptcy is the immediate automatic stay triggered by the filing. The automatic stay is an order of the U.S. Bankruptcy… Read More »
Life after bankruptcy
Some people avoid filing for bankruptcy because of fears about the future but life after bankruptcy may be better than they think. Even as the nation’s economy rebounded from the great recession, many people in Florida continued to experience severe financial challenges. Many factors can contribute to this including job loss, illness, injury, divorce… Read More »
Establishing financial independence after filing bankruptcy in Florida
There are several things those who file bankruptcy can do to reestablish their financial independence and move forward. After filing for personal bankruptcy, many people in Florida wonder how they will reestablish their financial independence, set new goals and move forward. This is especially true since after filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the action remains… Read More »
Preparing for the Chapter 7 meeting of creditors
When filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, debtors are required to attend a meeting of creditors before the case is discharged. People who are seeking reprieve from their heavy financial debt may choose to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Otherwise referred to as liquidation bankruptcy, Chapter 7 allows people in Florida and across the country… Read More »
Divorce and bankruptcy sometimes go hand in hand
The financial strain of divorce can result in a bankruptcy filing or vice versa. For some people, the financial strain caused by a divorce (paying lawyer’s fees, setting up two separate households, and having to pay child support or alimony, among other things) will eventually lead them to a point where a bankruptcy filing… Read More »
How do Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy differ
Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy differ in the way that they address debt, treat personal assets and assess the eligibility of consumers. Each year, thousands of people in Miami and other nearby areas seek relief from debt by filing bankruptcy. In 2015 alone, 22,406 bankruptcy filings were reported in the U.S. Bankruptcy… Read More »
South Florida continues to struggle with foreclosures
According to the most recent data, areas of South Florida are still feeling some aftershocks from the recession of 2008. According to data released by RealtyTrac, one out of every 87 homes in Miami-Date, Palm Beach and Broward counties is in foreclosure, making the area the sixth highest foreclosure rate of all major metro… Read More »