Tag Archives: tampa attorney

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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Bankruptcy: Advantages and Alternatives

Posted on October 19, 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.

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.

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: Advantages and Alternatives

Posted on July 20, 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.

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.

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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Shopping around for an attorney? Choose wisely!

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Blick Law

When shopping around for a Tampa attorney online, many consumers first instinct would be to choose the lowest rates that an attorney will offer. However, going for a cheap rate attorney may not be the best strategy.

In the economy today, competitive advantage makes it easy for a consumer to find the best for the cheapest price. However, when it comes to legal counseling, many times that is not the case.

When “shopping” around for an attorney, cheaper is not always better. Here are a few tips to look for when you are searching the internet for a Tampa lawyer.

1)     Cost. Comparing cost is very important and of course should weigh into your decision making. In this economy, finding an attorney willing to give their clients payment plans, if appropriate can seal the deal when it comes to retaining an attorney.

2)     Experience. Do a little research on the attorney you are seeking and check his background. An attorney has been practicing for one month will more than likely not be as capable as an attorney that has been in practice for 10 years. Having an attorney with experience will add value to your case and will allow the experts to takeover, ensuring you relief in whichever situation you may be facing

Attorney, Michael C. Blickensderfer has been in practice for over 25 years. His experience includes serving as a prosecutor both in Florida and in Long Island. In the past he served in cases dealing with narcotics, Medicaid fraud, and DUI offenses within New York City. He has also served as a Public Defender, practicing criminal law within the felony division in Tampa, Florida. Other legal experience includes real estate, family law, criminal defense, social security and labor law.

Mr. Blickensderfer’s background includes courtroom and trial experience, both in criminal and civil cases.

3)     Licensed. Many times an attorney may practice in more than one state. An attorney that has more than one license is well-versed in legal laws, statutes and legal systems.

Attorney Michael C. Blickensderfer is licensed to practice law in Florida, New York and New Jersey. Having such a diverse familiarity of the legal system allows him to provide his clients with expert knowledge earned through many years of study.

4)     Ethics. When hiring an attorney clients’ seeking to get best results may lean towards a hard, cut-throat lawyer. However, rather than choosing based on commercial ads of what an attorney portrays themselves to be, check resources. Retaining an attorney based on integrity and moral standards may be the wiser choice.

Our Mission: Blick Law Firm‘s mission is “Helping the Hurting.” Grounded as a Christian law firm and following Christian values, the 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.

If you are looking to retain a low-priced attorney, more than likely you will get what you pay for. Be sure to do what is best for you and your situation. Don’t sell yourself short by only considering the financial perspective. Instead, consider the overall situation, such as, the level of experience, morals and values brought to both you and your case by the attorney you choose to retain.

Call Blick Law Firm today and speak with us at 813-931-0840. We offer free case evaluation and want to strive to not only assist with your immediate legal needs, but assist for results that will make for a blessed and prosperous future!

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Tampa Bay DUI Check Points

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

Tampa Bay deputies and police officers are dedicated to values of integrity, professionalism and community involvement. As a result of their commitment the county’s overall crime rate dropped in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Blick Law Firm assists efforts by posting DUI checkpoints to help enforce safety amongst the community.

What are DUI checkpoints? DUI checkpoints consist of police roadblocks at busy thoroughfares at which motorists are randomly selected for screening.  These stops help keep all parties safe so they can continue on with their life, without any tragic or fatal interruptions.

Sobriety checkpoints reduce alcohol-related crashes by about 20 percent, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control report combining the results of 23 scientific studies.

Although they tend to be controversial, DUI checkpoints have survived most legal challenges; even in some states where statutes require an officer to have reasonable suspicion of intoxication before initiating a traffic stop. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1990 that sobriety checkpoints are legal under federal law (Michigan Dept. of State Police v. Sitz), leaving it up to the individual states to decide.

Should you find yourself unable to drive because of intoxication, please call a friend, cab driver or ask the bartender to call someone for you. Do not drink and drive.

If you have been arrested for a DUI or other related incident, call Blick Law Firm today to assist you and seek legal representation you deserve! Think quick, call Blick! 813-931-0840

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Florida Bankruptcy Alternatives

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

Attorney, Michael Blickensderfer, practices bankruptcy law. As a consumer who is in financial hardship, it is important to know the alternatives to filing bankruptcy… and we can help!

Florida Bankruptcy Alternatives:

Receiving late notices and phone calls from creditors? DON’T IGNORE THEM!

Talk with your creditors and attempt to work out a payment plan.  Explain your situation and the reason for the hardship.  Often the creditor is willing to co-operate.

  1. Possible options?  Debt consolidation loan  will allow you to pay off all your creditors and then you will just be left with the debt consolidation loan payment. 
  2. Another option is a Florida credit counseling plan where your creditors may be willing to lower your interest rates and accept a reduced payment if you enter a “Debt Repayment Plan.”  Your money is generally deposited to a service.
  3. A third option to Florida personal bankruptcy is a Florida credit counseling plan. Your creditors may be willing to lower your interest rates and accept reduced payments if you enter a debt repayment plan.

Generally, in these plans, you deposit money each month with the credit counseling service. Your deposits are used to pay your creditors according to a payment schedule developed by the counselor. As part of the repayment plan, you may have to agree not to apply for, or use, any additional credit while you’re participating in the program.

Contact Blick Law Firm today for more information regarding these programs, bankruptcy laws and changes in Florida. We are here to help you in your time of need, you are not alone! 813-931-0840.

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