Tag Archives: helping the hurting

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy | Bankruptcy Attorney

Chapter7BankruptcyChapter 7 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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Bankruptcy Attorneys Tampa | Discharge Debt | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy AttorneysGet a start today and eliminate debt! The main advantage to filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy is the discharge of most debt in order to pay the things that are important to you, and begin rebuilding your credit again!

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.

What does it mean to discharge your debt?
When you are in the process of filing for bankruptcy, the entire process is usually completed within four months, and the debtor then receives a discharge of all dischargeable debts. 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.

What are you able to discharge when filing for bankruptcy?bankruptcy chapter 7
The discharge totally eliminates the obligation to pay many types of debt including: credit card debt, old medical bills, utilities bills, unsecured loans, pay day loans, and most other types of unsecured debt.

Are all types of debt dischargeable?
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.

filing for bankruptcy tampaWhy hire a bankruptcy attorney?

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 that is why a trusted bankruptcy attorney may be beneficial in walking you through the process.

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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Hire a Real Estate Attorney | Home Buying | Title Insurance

slide_6Buying a home is a complex process and in order to ensure your future investment is a secure and legal, hiring a real estate attorney to handle the purchase of your home should be considered.

Many times a home buyer may seek counsel from a title agency or realtor. In fact, Florida does not require you to hire an attorney for a title closing like many states. While that may be the case in Florida, those using a real estate or title agent alone need to be aware of the risks involved.

The Law

A title company or realtor may not advise you legally regarding any matters related to your home purchase. The process of purchasing a home is complex and a company that you hire should be able to provide you with legal direction and abide by state ethical standards; these qualities cannot be upheld simply by a real estate agent.

What is Title Insurance?  

Title insurance is a rarely understood protection necessary when purchasing a new home or property. Contrary to other forms of insurance that protect against future loss or damage, Title Insurance protects against past events that may cause loss or damage after the purchase of new property due to a failure or defect of the title.

For instance, when purchasing Title Insurance, the title company will conduct a search of public land records to discover potential matters affecting the title of the property. Common issues include: improperly prepared deeds, open mortgages, wills, probate proceedings, outstanding judgments or tax liens against the property or individuals, covenants and restrictions, and easements. After the records search, the buyer is then issued the Title Insurance.

While the records search conducted by the title company is generally exhaustive, many problems can still exist and affect the validity of the title. Disputes can still arise due to mistakes in the public record, previously undisclosed heirs claiming to own the property, and fraud…. These hidden hazards do exist, and Title Insurance will protect you against these potential problems and pay for any legal fees involved in defending a claim.

Real Estate Agents

Real estate lawyers are obligated by law to fully disclose legal options for the home buyer, unlike realtors or title companies that are prohibited from giving legal advice without a license to practice law. The comfort of knowing your best legal options when purchasing a home may be a big factor for overall security and peace of mind.

An experienced real estate attorney can provide professional legal advice, and interpret the very complicated language involved in most Closing documents. The attorney is also capable of identifying potential problems with your purchase documentation, and can save you the hassle of dealing with unexpected complications that may arise during the Real Estate purchase process.TAMPA-LAW-FIRM, CHRISTIAN-LAWYERS, CHRISTIAN-ATTORNEY, BLICK-LAW-FIRM

It is important to not only seek a title company for protection when purchasing a new home, but also making sure that the title company has an experienced and competent real estate attorney.

A real estate lawyer that handles and serves clients in title services is able to take legal action as needed to protect clients from any future problems that may arise. An attorney can properly analyze your housing situation to handle any issues, insuring you and your loved ones a secure real estate closing for your new home.

Educate Yourself

A Real Estate Closing is the final step of the home purchase process, whereby the buyer and seller sign the papers to transfer the ownership of the home. In order to complete this final phase of the purchase process, it is important to understand the timeline of requirements that take place leading up to the Closing.

imagesFirst, a buyer must open an escrow account with a neutral third party, whereby the buyer provides earnest money to be held in consideration of the purchase in order to demonstrate good-faith that the buyer fully intends on completing the sale.

Following the opening of an escrow account, the buyer then needs to take 5 necessary steps to protect their interest in the home. These 5 steps are as follows:

  • Completing a Title search
  • Purchasing Title Insurance
  • Completing a Home inspection and Pest inspection
  • Negotiating the Closing costs; and
  • Locking the interest rate of the mortgage.

These steps are important in the completion of any Real Estate transaction, and many times it is important for the buyer to seek legal counsel prior to moving forward with the purchase process.

At Blick Law Firm we provide title insurance and escrow services to clients throughout the entire State of Florida. Call us today at 813-931-0840. Make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Blick Law Firm seeks to help the hurting and those in need. Think quick, call Blick!

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5 Maneras que pueden perjudicar a su reclamo de Accidente automovilístico | Firma de abogados de Tampa

thumbnail.aspxLos Accidentes de auto pueden ser devastadores, y las heridas en un accidente pueden comenzar una línea de tiempo de tratamiento y terapia que puede tomar meses en completarse.

Si usted está implicado en un accidente automovilístico, es muy importante saber qué medidas se pueda comprometer a protegerse y evitar daños a su caso de lesiones potenciales. Muchas personas no están consciente de que hay varias maneras que  pueden dañar su reclamo automovilístico en la Florida . Aquí están algunos puntos importantes que le ayudarán a asegurar que su reclamo sea exitoso:

1. Revelar información a través de Los medios de Comunicación Social: generación de hoy es tecnológicamente inteligente, es un hecho que  los abogados del lado contrario o las compañías de seguros utilizan para beneficio de ellos. Personas pueden actualizar su estado de, tweet, escribir cualquier información o consultar en lugares en tiempo presente, esto es susceptible al público para crear un imagen negativa. En un caso de accidente de auto,l a investigación por Internet puede ayudar a demostrar que no esta  tan lesionado para su reclamo automovilístico.

Es importante entender que lo que publiques en tweet potencialmente puede ayudar a la compañía del seguro contrario y puede lastimar su caso. Sea cuidadoso al publicar fotos o comentarios que podrían desacreditar su reclamo automovilístico. Por ejemplo, piense dos veces antes de publicar algo sobre ir al gimnasio cuando usted anuncio en tener dolor intenso en la espalda  de un reciente accidente.

2. Falta de información de testigos: cualquier tipo de accidente puede causar estrés y perjudicar el  proceso  normal del pensamiento. Es importante que esté tranquilo  (a)  para poder reunir la información adecuada que le ayudará a su caso más adelante. Una de las claves para ayudar a su reclamo automovilístico, si no eres culpable es bueno qué usted pueda identificar a  sus testigos. Es importante corroborar su caso con testigos porque minimizará el debate de las compañías de seguros. Se Supone que la oficina investigadora recogerá este tipo de información. Si usted toma el asunto con sus propias manos es posible que le pidan la información del contacto de los testigos inmediatamente después del accidente.

3. Dar una declaración grabada a la compañía de seguro contrario: esto es un error muy común. Generalmente cuando hay un accidente automovilístico, las compañías de seguros son notificadas inmediatamente. Una vez que sea notificada a las compañías de seguros, se mueve rápidamente  para obtener una declaración grabada sobre lo  sucedido y obtener información sobre su lesión ocurrida. La mayoría de las personas siente que tienen que dar una declaración grabada a la compañía de seguros contraria y responder a sus preguntas .Esto es falso. No hay ningún requisito de que usted de una declaración grabada.

A menudo, la compañía de seguros está tratando de obtener ventaja de su estado mental y la falta de conocimiento sobre el tema . Por lo tanto,  no de ninguna declaración grabada sin primero consultar con su abogado.

4. Tomar oposición  de seguros de autos empresas : si no eres culpable, la compañía de seguros del conductor llevará una oposición de investigación durante su caso. Esto puede incluir vigilancia, fotos de los daños o videos de usted en algún momento durante el proceso.

La honestidad es la mejor política. Si usted trata de ciertas actividades que parecen cuestionables o  admitirlo. Entendemos que durante el proceso de reclamación, será tratado por lesiones y mejorará su salud física. Sin embargo, cuando una víctima de accidente de auto niega algo que sea verdad  y si el  seguro investiga para ser verdad, perjudicará su reclamo automovilístico.

5. Si usted esperar demasiado tiempo para obtener tratamiento médico: en un accidente automovilístico la mayoría de la gente asume que el dolor o lesión desaparecerá con el tiempo. Desafortunadamente, eso no es siempre el caso y pueden empeorar progresivamente.

Las compañías de seguros controlan si hay pausas entre los tratamientos y también si usted no aún comienza el tratamiento, asumen que no esté tan herido (a) como dices. Atención médica inmediata es necesaria para evaluar su reclamo y si las lesiones son graves, informe al hospital de sus heridas. Una vez que usted visite un abogado de lesiones personales, solicite  asistencia médica adecuada. Cualquier queja o síntomas que tenga deben estar bien documentados y registrados.

Demandas por lesiones personales todas varían, y muchas veces implican consecuencias de por vida que requieren gastos médicos en el  futuro y años de dolor y sufrimiento. Si usted o un ser querido ha sido lesionado debido a las acciones o la negligencia de otro, Blick Law Firm al (813) 931-0840.

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Criminal Law | Driving with a Suspended License | Christian Lawyer Tampa

In Florida, it is a criminal traffic offense if a driver operates a motor vehicle with knowledge that their driver’s license is cancelled, suspended, or revoked. Additionally, being issued a citation for Driving with a Suspended License requires a court appearance, which must be filed for with 10 days. Obtaining legal representation to defend against a charge for Driving with a suspended license is important, and may help you avoid future consequences associated with multiple infractions for driving with a suspended license.

It is important to know that multiple infractions of Driving with a Suspended License can lead to very serious consequences, and drivers with repeated violations can become listed as a Habitual Traffic Offender.

The following charges may result from Driving with a Suspended License with knowledge of the suspension:

(1) First conviction is a second degree misdemeanor;

(2) Second conviction is a first degree misdemeanor;

(3) Third, or subsequent conviction, is a third degree felony and possible jail time may have to be served.

The penalty of driving with your license suspended, whether you have knowledge or not, can be serious and generally lead to complications with your future driving privilege.

If you or a loved one have been arrested or issued a citation for driving with a suspended license, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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5 Damaging Ways You May Hurt Your Claim | Auto Accident | Tampa Law Firm

Auto accidents can be devastating, and injuries sustained in an accident can begin a timeline of treatment and therapy that can take months to complete.

If you are involved in an auto accident, it is always important to know what steps to undertake to protect yourself and avoid damaging your potential personal injury case. Many people are unaware that there are several ways they can actually damage their Florida auto accident claim. Here are some important things to avoid that will help ensure your claim is successful:         

1. Revealing Information via Social Media: Today’s generation is technologically savvy, a fact which defense attorneys or insurance companies use to their advantage. People can update their status, tweet, write a blog post, or check into places in real time, making themselves more susceptible to public scrutiny. In an auto accident case, Internet research is conducted to help prove that you may not be as injured as you claim.

It is important to understand that what you post or tweet can potentially help the opposing insurance company and hurt your case. Be cautious when posting photos or comments that might discredit your claim. For instance, think twice before posting a status about going to the gym when you claimed to have severe back pain from a recent accident.

2. Lack of Witness Information: Any type of auto accident can cause stress and impair your normal thought process. It is important to stay as calm as possible and gather proper information that will help your case later on. One of the key ways to help your claim if you are not at fault is to identify witnesses. It is important to corroborate your case with eyewitnesses because it will minimize debate from insurance companies. Do not assume the investigating office will collect this information. Take matters into your own hands if possible and ask for witnesses’ contact information promptly after the accident.

3. Giving a Recorded Statement to the Opposing Insurance Company: This is a very common mistake. Usually when an auto accident occurs, the insurance companies are notified right away. Once insurance companies are notified, they move quickly to obtain a recorded statement about what happened and information about your current injury. Most people feel that they have to give a recorded statement to the opposing insurance company and answer their questions. THIS IS FALSE. There is no requirement that you give a recorded statement.

Often, the other insurance company is looking to take advantage of your mental state and lack of knowledge about the matter at hand. Therefore, do not ever give a recorded statement without first consulting your attorney.

4. Take Opposing Auto Insurance Companies Lightly: If you are not at fault, the opposing driver’s insurance company will conduct an investigation during your case. This may include surveillance, photos of damages or video footage of you at some point during the process.

Honesty is the best policy. If you attempt certain activities that might seem questionable, admit them. We understand that over the period of the claim process, you will be treated for injuries and your physical health will improve. However, when an auto accident victim denies something that an insurance investigation later reveals to be true, it will hurt your claim.

5. Waiting too Long to Get Medical Treatment: Most people involved in an accident assume the pain or injury will go away in time. Unfortunately, that is always not the case and complaints may progressively worsen.

Insurance companies monitor the gap between treatments. If you wait even a few days to start treatment, they assume you may not be as injured as you claim. Prompt medical attention is necessary in evaluating your claim and if injuries are severe, report to the hospital. Once you visit a personal injury attorney, request appropriate medical care. Any complaints and symptoms should be well documented and recorded.

Personal injury claims all vary in severity, and often times they involve lifelong consequences that require extensive future medical expenses and years of pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the actions or negligence of another, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840.

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