SmithLaw Attorneys Blog

Can bankruptcy get rid of my tax debt?

SmithLaw is often asked this question during our bankruptcy consultations. Some income tax may be dischargeable during a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. (Other types of taxes are usually treated differently.) But specific rules govern what type of income tax debts can be discharged. The basics: Tax debts are all associated with specific years [...]

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Being harassed by debt collectors?

The Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act or FCCPA can help. This act is only for the state of Florida and was meant to create good debt collecting behavior and protect Florida’s citizens from debt harrassment. It defines who is a debtor, who is a creditor, who is a debt collector, and more. It provides rules [...]

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Five Things You Wanted to Know About Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in the State of Florida

1. How long does the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy process take in Florida? Typically, a Florida bankruptcy case can take four to six months. However, no case is the same and timelines vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Your attorney’s schedule, the trustee’s schedule, and the timing of when you take your educational [...]

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Do I Need an Attorney to File Bankruptcy?

An attorney is not required for individuals when filing bankruptcy in the state of Florida. Individuals may file pro se, representing themselves. (Businesses must use an attorney.) However, the courts strongly suggest that you hire an attorney to represent you during your case. Let us examine why. The appointed trustee and other court personnel cannot [...]

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Is there an alternative to bankruptcy in the state of Florida?

Bankruptcy is often a good choice for individuals facing overwhelming debt. Bankruptcy offers a solution to financial crisis for many people when there is no other relief in sight. However, many Floridians do not know there are alternatives to bankruptcy. We have all seen signs on the side of the road that offer: Cheap Debt [...]

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The Castle Doctrine

You’re sitting in the basement late at night, watching a horror flick when you hear a noise. At first, you brush it off as a figment of your imagination…or maybe the cat. But when you hear the patio door slide, or the sound of shattering glass, you know it’s no spectral intruder. Your children are [...]

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Filing for Bankruptcy Under Chapter 7

When you’re faced with insurmountable debt and see no wait, you do have a few options. With the help of a Florida Bankruptcy Lawyer, you can file under chapter 7. Chapter 7 is a little bit different from Chapter 13, but not by much. In the Chapter 7 law, you must file bankruptcy under the [...]

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