Anxious Eagle

  When considering bankruptcy, many Florida residents are understandably concerned about how it will impact their credit score and what will happen to their assets, such as their homes and vehicles. These are crucial questions, and understanding the answers can help you make informed decisions about your financial future. In this post, we’ll address these common concerns, providing clarity on what to expect when you file for bankruptcy.   How Will Bankruptcy Affect My Credit Score?               One of the primary concerns for individuals considering bankruptcy is the impact it will have on their credit score. While it is true that bankruptcy can significantly lower your credit score, the reality is that if you are already struggling with debt, your credit score may already be low due to missed payments, high credit utilization, and other financial issues.   Duration of Impact               The ...

                Litigation can be a daunting experience, especially when personal matters such as debt relief or family law are involved. The stress can become overwhelming, impacting not just your emotional well-being but also your ability to make clear decisions. Understanding the sources of this stress and developing strategies to manage it effectively is crucial to navigating the litigation process successfully.   Understanding Litigation Stress               Litigation, by its nature, is adversarial and can often feel like an invasion into your personal life. You might find yourself worried about outcomes, financial costs, or the impact on your personal relationships. The uncertainty of the legal process can also heighten stress levels, as you may feel out of control or unsure about what comes next.               Additionally, litigation can demand significant ti...

                If you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident in Florida and don't have insurance, the consequences can be severe. If a judgment has been entered against you as a result of the accident, you may be facing the suspension of your driver's license. Under Florida Statutes § 324.121, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is required to suspend your driving privileges if you fail to satisfy the judgment. This suspension can severely impact your daily life, from commuting to work to fulfilling family responsibilities.                                           However, you have options to regain your driving privileges.   Option 1: Proposing a Payment Plan with the Judgment Creditor               One potential solution is to negotiate a pa...

                For many individuals in the Tampa Bay area, managing credit card debt can quickly become overwhelming. Whether it's due to unexpected expenses, medical bills, or simply the accumulation of interest over time, finding a way out of this financial burden can feel like an impossible task. If you're struggling to keep up with your payments and feel like you're drowning in debt, bankruptcy might be a solution worth considering. However, understanding the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is crucial in deciding which path is right for you.    Understanding Bankruptcy Basics               Before diving into the specifics of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, it's essential to understand what bankruptcy is and what it isn't. Bankruptcy is a legal process designed to help individuals who are unable to repay their debts. It's a way to get a fresh financial start by either wiping ...

The Full Effect of Covid-19 is Beginning to Hit For the past year, many Floridians have either shifted to work-from-home positions or have lost their jobs completely. While these jobs have not made a full comeback, evictions and repossessions have. This has created an unbalanced scale for many; and masses of households are starting to feel the full effect of what the pandemic has done to our local and national economies.  While some households have managed to survive on a mixture unemployment and credit card debt, many are finding that the debt is starting to add up. Based on my consumer law experience, it becomes more difficult to deal with creditors once people get so far behind; the higher the mountain grows, the harder it is to climb.  We, and many other firms, are predicting a wave of bankruptcies once the reality fully sets in. It is important to remember that filing for bankruptcy is not free. Our firm keeps the process as affordable as we can, however there is no way t...

  The Best Way to Manage Your 2021 Finances From a Bankruptcy Attorney After being a Bankruptcy Attorney for over 22 years, I have seen countless financial situations, each unique in their own way. Still, I have been able to advise my clients well using the following general "rules": Be honest with yourself Most people aren't aware of how they are doing financially until they sit down and evaluate them impartially. This often involves looking at your bank statements to see how much money you have coming in, and exactly where it goes. If you see large amounts of spending at fancy restaurants, shopping plazas, or the like - it's time to evaluate if this is sustainable for you and your goals in the long-run.  Work Smarter, Not Harder Most of the time, it's better to have 2 lines of credit at 25% or less of their limits, rather than 1 line at 50%. This is not advisement to open a lot of credit accounts, but rather a way to view your finances and/or debts from a differ...