Fort Lauderdale Bankruptcy Blog
Bankrupcty filings and automatic stays
In Florida and across the US, bankruptcy is filed in federal court and follows the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. Under this procedure, bankruptcy courts follow the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that was established in 1978. Bankruptcy may be filed under Chapters 11, 7...
The importance of paying down credit card debt
Ideally, you will take steps to both build an emergency savings fund and pay down your debt as soon as possible. However, it is important to note that not all debts are created equal. In most cases, it is better to focus on paying off lenders in Florida or elsewhere...
Strategies to clear overwhelming debt include bankruptcy
Floridians who are confronted with overwhelming debt will consider many options to improve their circumstances. While bankruptcy is a definite alternative, some will try other strategies first. Regardless of how the person tries to get on stronger financial ground, it...
How creditors can protect their rights in a bankruptcy case
If an individual decides to declare bankruptcy, that person's creditors may be asked to file proofs of claim. A proof of claim document will indicate how much a creditor is owed as well as whether the debt is secured or unsecured. Creditors will also need to confirm...
Bankruptcy may not be a disqualifying employment event
A Florida bankruptcy filing may not be as bad for employment prospects as originally thought. New research shows that bankruptcy in one's credit history may not materially impact their chances of being able to find a job or even keeping the one that they already have....
More older Americans filing for bankruptcy
In Florida and across the country, a growing number of Americans over 55 are filing for bankruptcy, while the rate is increasing even more quickly for those 65 and older. Since 1991, the number of people in this demographic seeking a fresh financial start has gone up...
What to know about Chapter 13 repayment plans
If you are going to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Florida or most other states, you must submit a payment plan as part of the application. In some cases, you'll have 15 days from filing for reorganization bankruptcy to do so. Understanding the different types of...
The consequences of ignoring an automatic stay
When Florida consumers file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions, what is known as an automatic stay is issued. This is a court order that requires creditors to put an immediate halt to all of their collection efforts. Automatic stays put an end to daily...
Credit card debt rises with the holiday season
Some Florida consumers are struggling with overwhelming debt that is difficult to repay, especially in the months following the holiday season. According to the Federal Reserve, credit card debt rose by the largest sum in a single month in over 20 years in December...
A debtor’s rights under the FDCPA
Florida residents and others who owe money to creditors could be contacted by a debt collection agency. A debt collection agency must generally follow Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) guidelines when interacting with a debtor. Under FDCPA rules, a debtor...
