We all know attorneys are busy people. But that is not an excuse to repeatedly ignore clients. One of the best ways to gauge whether or not a specific attorney is right for your case is by asking many types of questions during an initial consultation. Make sure you ask questions about their skills and [...]
Continue reading...Saturday, April 21, 2012
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 [...]
Continue reading...Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Florida will get about 8.4 billion dollars in relief from the new National Mortgage Settlement. (California is the only state that will receive more.) That is great news! However, it will not happen quickly and it will not help every homeowner. Specifics First off, the settlement is restricted to mortgages run by JPMorgan Chase, Bank [...]
Continue reading...Friday, January 27, 2012
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 [...]
Continue reading...Friday, January 27, 2012
These days, everyone can use a little advice on managing his or her money. We have compiled some links below to help you with budgeting, reducing debt, and more. http://www.bankrate.com/calculators.aspx Bankrate.com offers many calculators to help you figure out your home equity, time it will take to pay off credit cards, what a mortgage [...]
Continue reading...Friday, January 27, 2012
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 [...]
Continue reading...Friday, January 27, 2012
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 [...]
Continue reading...Saturday, June 25, 2011
Florida is famous for its liberal laws regarding homestead protection. Here’s a brief discussion of what “homestead” means in Florida, and how it affects you. If you have a dilemma regarding your homestead status, please consult an experienced Sarasota Lawyer for expert advice. Florida’s homestead protections cover three areas: Tax Exemptions Every homeowner knows the [...]
Continue reading...Friday, June 24, 2011
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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Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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