Tag Archives: bankruptcy attorney

Bankruptcy: Advantages and Alternatives

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Blick Law

With the Holidays quickly approaching, many people are becoming mindful of the expenses related to purchasing gifts for loved ones. It is important to remember, especially for those in financial hardship, to spend responsibly over the holidays; and those who are considering filing Bankruptcy it is even more important to be aware that debt accrued over the holidays may not be discharged through Bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy is a complex area of law and involves many considerations, including whether to file, determining which type of Bankruptcy to file, the use of exemptions, understanding the protections of the Bankruptcy Code and using them to your advantage.

Bankruptcy advantages and alternatives to consider:

Elimination of Debt: The main advantage to filing for bankruptcy is the discharge of most debt. The discharge totally eliminates the obligation to pay many types of debt including your credit card debt, old medical bills, utilities bills, unsecured loans, pay day loans, and most other types of unsecured debt. ***Note: Certain types of debt cannot be avoided by filing for bankruptcy including Student Loans, Child Support and Alimony Payments, Court Fines, DUI judgments against the debtor, and debts incurred by Fraud.

Avoid Creditor Harassment: Once a debtor files for bankruptcy, there is an automatic stay on the collection of debt and most creditors must terminate their collection efforts immediately. The stay is an automatic court order that prohibits all sorts of collection attempts by creditors, and postpones most actions against the debtor, including repossessions, garnishments or attachments, utility shutoffs, foreclosures, and evictions.

Get a Fresh Start: You will be able to pay the things that are important to you, and begin rebuilding your credit in peace!

Alternatives to Consider: Bankruptcy is not the only method of dealing with insurmountable debt, and other methods may be more advantageous for your particular situation. Such alternatives may include an out-of-court settlement with creditors, reduction of payments to creditors, consolidation of debts, or payment of debts by sale of assets or borrowing on assets. However, the availability of these methods varies depending on the severity of your financial difficulties, and also requires cooperation from creditors.

If you are having trouble meeting your debt obligations, consult an experienced Tampa Bankruptcy attorney to discuss your options.

Call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840. Make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with Michael Blickensderfer to see if Bankruptcy is right for you.

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Filing Bankruptcy After the Holidays

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Blick Law

With the Holidays quickly approaching, many people are becoming mindful of the expenses related to purchasing gifts for loved ones and even splurging on deals for themselves on Black Friday. It is important to remember, especially for those in financial hardship to spend responsibly; and for people who are considering Bankruptcy it is even more important to be aware that debt accrued over the holidays may not be dischargeable through Bankruptcy.

If a creditor can prove that credit card charges over the Holidays were made fraudulently with the intent to file Bankruptcy afterward, the debt may survive the Bankruptcy. Generally, the Bankruptcy court will look to see the state of the finances when the charges were made and the nature of the purchases to determine whether Bankruptcy was imminent and the charges were made with the intent to file Bankruptcy.

Many people utilize bankruptcy as a strategy for resolving unmanageable debt. Today, it is more common than most realize and can be a refreshing solution to a debt-ridden life.

When considering Bankruptcy, a Chapter 7 filing is a useful way to discharge of most debt and can relieve the burden of creditor collection attempts. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is generally available when the debtor has little property aside from the basic necessities like furniture and clothing; and the debtor has difficulty making payments on basic expenses, or has very little money left after doing so.

The advantage to filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is that your unsecured debt is completely eliminated, the process is fairly quick, and the automatic stay that takes place after filing prohibits creditors from making collection efforts.

It is important to be aware that while Chapter 7 Bankruptcy may ultimately relieve a debtor of the burden of insurmountable unsecured debt, it is a process that requires the production of several documents and tedious preparation. The more prepared the debtor is, the more seamless the process becomes.

No matter what your situation is, obtaining quality legal consultation from an experienced bankruptcy attorney is beneficial. Contact Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer to assess what option is best for you. Think quick, call Blick!

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What is Bankruptcy?!

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Blick Law

Bankruptcy is a complex area of law and involves many considerations, including whether to file, determining which type of Bankruptcy to file, the use of exemptions, understanding the protections of the Bankruptcy Code and using them to your advantage.

Available Bankruptcy claim types vary depending on your particular position, and understanding the differences is important.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is a liquidation proceeding whereby the debtor turns over all non-exempt property to the bankruptcy trustee who then converts it to cash to pay off the creditors. Usually, within four months the debtor then receives a discharge of all dischargeable debts. These dischargeable debts include your credit card debt, old medical bills, utilities bills, unsecured loans, pay day loans, and most other types of unsecured debt.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is generally available when the debtor has little property aside from the basic necessities like furniture and clothing; and the debtor has difficulty making payments on basic expenses, or has very little money left after doing so.

The advantage to filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is that your unsecured debt is completely eliminated, the process is fairly quick, and the automatic stay that takes place after filing prohibits creditors from making collection efforts.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is more of a reorganization process that is available to debtors who have significant equity in a home or other property and want to keep it, or maintain a regular income but simply can’t keep up with the scheduled payments on their debts. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy allows the debtor to restructure the debt to have it paid off over a period of three to five years.

The advantage to filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is that you can maintain your property while spreading out the payments, you will have three to five years to catch up on delinquent accounts, and during that time you will make only one monthly payment to the bankruptcy trustee for payment to all creditors involved.

No matter what your situation is, obtaining quality legal consultation from an experienced bankruptcy attorney is beneficial. Contact Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer to assess what option is best for you. Think quick, call Blick!

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Tampa Attorneys

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Blick Law

Blick Law Firm offers a wide array of legal services to help serve the public including Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Real Estate, and Bankruptcy; we also provide help in Family and Probate Law matters. As a result, our blog topics range from auto accidents to short sales.

Grounded in Christian values, Blick Law Firm strives to not only meet the legal needs of its clients and their families, but also to provide physical and emotional support. We treat each client equally and with the utmost respect; offering high-quality legal representation and counsel to those who need us most. We pride ourselves on our motto of Helping the Hurting, and reach out to the community in a variety of ways.

Our website Blicklawfirm.com provides useful information on our blog that may be helpful in addressing your legal concerns; additionally, we offer details about our services aimed at providing reassurance that your legal needs will be handled effectively. With over 25 years of knowledge and practice, including a broad range of trial and courtroom experience, we will work hard for you.

If you or a loved one have legal concerns and are seeking quality legal representation, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick.

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What not to do when filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Blick Law

Feeling overwhelmed by a massive amount of debt? Feeling the weight of the economy piling on your shoulders?

At Blick Law Firm, we understand that filing for bankruptcy can be a very difficult and emotional process. However, it is important to remember that bankruptcy protects and provides relief for people overwhelmed with debt.

Bankruptcy laws liquidate assets to pay debts or create repayment plans to help people make a fresh, financial start. People with businesses are also able to file bankruptcy for orderly distributions of liquidation or financial re-organization. Most bankruptcy cases are filed under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases, so they cannot be filed in a state court.

The difference between a successful and an unsuccessful bankruptcy claim lies in correctly filing information and paperwork. Make sure you take the proper steps and precautions when filing for bankruptcy. Blick Law Firm has the expertise to assist you with your bankruptcy claim. We guide our clients every step of the way to answer any questions that may arise and ensure your claim is successful.

In today’s economy, filing for bankruptcy is common and often the best alternative. Rise above your current financial situation and take control today. Call Blick Law Firm to set up your FREE consultation to see if you qualify for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.

Some preventative quick tips when filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy:

When filing for bankruptcy…DON’T do anything out of the ordinary in your finances beyond paying your regular bills and household expenses.

DON’T transfer any money or property to any one without first speaking to your chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney.

DON’T omit any information about your finances.

DON’T miss your meeting with the creditors.

DON’T omit any creditor from your bankruptcy filing.

DON’T be afraid or overwhelmed.  Blick Law Firm is here to assist you. Call today to receive your consultation at 813-931-0840. Think quick, call Blick.

 

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What ‘to do’ to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Blick Law

While there may be a stigma to filing chapter 7 bankruptcy, claiming bankruptcy may alleviate everyday stress and financial burdens. If you decide to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy, be mindful to completely and accurately gather and fill out all documents pertaining to your claim.

To seamlessly file your bankruptcy in an accurate and in a timely manner, follow the following key steps for filing chapter 7 bankruptcy with a Tampa bankruptcy attorney.

DO complete the bankruptcy intake packet that you receive on your initial visit at Blick Law Firm.

DO bring all requested documents to your second appointment. **A third appointment may result in an additional fee.

DO value your personal property at garage sale prices your Tampa bankruptcy lawyer can help you keep as much of your personal property as possible.

DO value your cars using the NADA. Also, check with Kelly Blue Book.

DO plan on having a low balance in your checking account the day you file your petition.

DO notify your creditor if you have retained a bankruptcy attorney to assist in your filing process.

DO stop making payments to your credit card accounts.

DO continue making payments on your mortgage and other secured debts.

DO let your Tampa bankruptcy attorney know of any abusive conduct by any debt collector.

DO inform your attorney of any lawsuits in which you might be involved, including personal injury.

DO take your first and second credit counseling classes. Classes in which to attend will be instructed to you by your law firm.

DO bring your driver license and social security card to your appointments and 341 hearing.

DO call Blick Law Firm if you have any questions.

If you are seeking to discharge your debt, contact a Tampa bankruptcy attorney that has the experience and knowledge to accurately file your information. Call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840 to receive your chapter 7 bankruptcy.

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