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If I am having problems paying my bills, what is the first thing that I should do?

The first thing that you should do when you’re having trouble paying your bills is set up a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney to see what debt relief options are available to you. Financial struggles are stressful and can rip families apart.  You might be uncertain as to whether…

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What is bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a federal law that allows people and businesses (even cities and municipalities) to manage or eliminate debt.  Bankruptcy is available to most everyone, and you do not even need to be insolvent to file. Bankruptcy is important because it imposes an immediate “automatic stay” on all creditors, and these…

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Why is divorce often cited as a reason for bankruptcy?

By Alfred Villoch, III, with Savage, Combs & Villoch, PLLC Divorce is often the catalyst for bankruptcy.  After divorce, finances are stretched. There are new budgetary constraints.  One partner might lose health insurance or the insurance might become more costly for the ex-spouse.  Alimony and child support become additional expenses…

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5 things that a bankruptcy trustee wants you to produce before your 341 meeting.

By Alfred Villoch, III, with Savage, Combs & Villoch, PLLC In a previous blog post, I explained the purpose of a 341 meeting of creditors.  A trustee holds a 341 meeting in every bankruptcy case.  You can access that blog post HERE.  Before a 341 meeting, a bankruptcy trustee usually…

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Proposed Amended and New Local Rules for Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, for 2015

By Alfred Villoch, III, Esquire, with Savage, Combs & Villoch, PLLC The judges of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida are considering new rules and proposed amendments to the Local Rules. The proposals are available HERE for public comment beginning on March 9, 2015. The public comment…

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Pro Bono? Jose Baez is out the $397,431.78 owed for his representation of Casey Anthony.

By Alfred Villoch, III, with Savage, Combs & Villoch, PLLC In October 2008, the State of Florida charged Casey Marie Anthony with first-degree murder in the death of her two-year-old child, Caylee Marie Anthony.  The matter was highly publicized and dominated the national news for years.  From May to June…

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What is a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and how is it different from a Chapter 7 case?

By Alfred Villoch, III, with Savage, Combs & Villoch, PLLC Only an individual (not businesses) with regular income can seek relief under Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code.  Chapter 13 allows individuals with regular income to propose a plan to repay all or part of their debts. Under Chapter 13, individuals file a proposed repayment…

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Can an employer terminate your employment because you filed bankruptcy?

By Alfred Villoch, III, Esquire, with Savage, Combs, & Villoch, PLLC No. An employer is strictly prohibited from terminating your employment or discriminating against you in any way solely because you filed bankruptcy. Section 525 of the Bankruptcy Code is entitled “Protection against discriminatory treatment.”  Subsection (b) specifically states that…

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Intoxicated? Don't drive because bankruptcy won't save you.

By Alfred Villoch, III, with Savage, Combs & Villoch, PLLC For the honest but unfortunate debtor, bankruptcy will discharge your unsecured debts and give you the fresh start that you need to rebuild your life and strengthen your financial well being. But then there are certain debts that are simply…

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A brief history of bankruptcy in the United States.

By Alfred Villoch, III, with Savage, Combs & Villoch, PLLC Contrary to pop culture belief, bankruptcy existed long before the game show Wheel of Fortune.  Remember when contestants would lose their prize money if they spun the wheel and randomly landed on the ominous black wedge, “BANKRUPTCY”?  Bankruptcy also existed…

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