Many people mistakenly believe that once you declare bankruptcy, you are left with nothing. This is not true. In fact, Florida law categorically classifies a class of assets that are “exempt” from the effects of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Homestead Exemptions Pursuant to Article X, Section 4 of the...
Understanding the Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is the federal legal process by which consumers and business entities can effectively eliminate all or a part of their pending debts during personal or financial hardships. There are different ways a person or business files for bankruptcy under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code: liquidation (Chapter 7 bankruptcy) and reorganization...
Understanding Premises Liability in Florida
Imagine the following scenario: You walk into a store, a shopping mall, or some other business establishment. Suddenly, you slip on a substance and fall to the ground, suffering a serious back or hip injury. Unfortunately, this type of incident is quite common and can result in significant harm. This...
How to Qualify for Supplemental Security Income in Florida
If you are blind, elderly, and/or disabled and already receiving Social Security disability benefits, you may be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”). SSI does exactly what its name implies - it supplements your income to cover necessary expenses. (more…)
Foreclosure – Do You Need a Lawyer?
If you are behind on your mortgage payments, or already in foreclosure, you may still be deciding whether it makes sense to retain a Florida foreclosure defense attorney. Many people, especially those struggling financially, may be hesitant to speak to a lawyer out of fear of having to pay a...
COPD May Constitute an Impairment for SSD Purposes
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Almost 1.2 million Floridians suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. COPD is an umbrella term that refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult for an individual to breathe. Two of the most common conditions that make up COPD...
Understanding Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
If you operate a business and it is struggling financially, you may be considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Typically, someone who files under Chapter 11 has a business that is generating money but is having serious financial difficulties due to debt obligations that far exceed monthly revenue. Purpose of Chapter 11...
What To Do If Hurt in a Serious Motorcycle Accident
Getting injured in a motorcycle accident can be a devastating, life-altering event. In many cases, when a motorcyclist is hit by a car, truck, or SUV, the person on the motorcycle takes the brunt of the damage. This often results in serious injuries like broken bones, lost limbs, spinal cord...
Understanding Florida’s Bankruptcy Means Test
Deciding to file for bankruptcy is not as simply as filling out a few forms and going to the courthouse. In fact, there are a myriad of rules and regulations that must be met for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to be officially recognized by a Florida court. For example, an...
How Florida’s Minimum Insurance Coverage Limits Can Come Back to Haunt You
You have probably seen the commercials – “We have the cheapest auto insurance around!” and “Don’t let your insurance costs break the bank!” Many auto insurance companies advertise their lowest rate insurance in the hopes of expanding their customer base, but the lowest price policy usually means you are getting...