Florida Bankruptcy Attorney Blog

Bankruptcy lawyers look upon the 2005 revisions to the bankruptcy code generally with angst and apprehension, but also acknowledgment that the bankruptcy code is largely a politically driven thing. While obviously one of the goals of the code is to offer the debtor a fresh start, it's clear that when you look into the intricate exceptions many of them make no sense outside of understanding them as the result of political wrangling in Congress. The 2005 revisions clearly put many debtors, especially Chapter 7 filers, at a distinct disadvantage. One wonders, in light of the new presidential election and the present economic slump (many saying recession, a few even depression), how the bankruptcy code will change in the near future. Will it become more debtor friendly? Likely.

This is a big time for bankruptices. One of the oldest investment banking names in the world has fallen under Chapter 11. This time the Feds refused bailout. While this kind of bankruptcy is outside of the realm of most bankruptcy attorneys, it still speaks volumes concerning the dire economic conditions that are now defining the lives of most normal middle class people, the kind that are now thinking of filing your typical Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 individual plan. With all of Lehman's employees now without work, one wonders about the kind of impact this would have not only on large corporate restructurings and liquidations, but on the financial lives of the typical employee who works 9 to 6 and now has no money to bring home. With the massive credit extensions on homes and credit cards reported in the media for the last 2 years, the situation of many of these people cannot be that grand. Of course, we are not considering the investment bankers raking in the dough, but your typical secretary or assistant or clerk, many of whom are also employed by these institutions.

Bankruptcy reporting is now proven to be a very risky business as Google made a blunder stating United Airlines was declaring Chapter 11. Apparently it was a recycled report from years ago, and was for some reason published in a local regional newspaper- the Florida Sun Sentinel. The blunder is discussed by The Los Angeles Times in this article- United Shares Plunge 76% on Bogus Bankruptcy Report. I am unsure why this Florida newspaper was reporting on the bankruptcy, but Google carried the story until it was flagged for removal.

This also demonstrates the power online search engines possess as they affect the lives of everyday people and even now large companies, whether or not they are really filing for Chapter 11.

Florida bankruptcies have risen from one year ago but fallen over the past two months according to a recent article in the Miami Herald. Orlando bankruptcy lawyers have seen serious business lately. It seems there was a huge wave of bankruptcies in the summer, but this would be an indication that the most serious of the troubles for those contemplating bankruptcy would have been happening in late 2007 through the spring of this year. It could be that the tax rebates and similar federal initiatives temporarily have provided a boost and that the bankruptcy rate may rise again as we approach late fall and winter. Obviously some of this will depend on prevailing economic conditions.

Continue reading " Florida Chapter 7 Cases Rise From Year Ago, But Down From Month Ago " »

Florida Bankruptcy is a complicated subject. This is why The Bartlett Law Firm, P.A. has decided to begin an informative blog to help clients, both current and potential, to understand the ins and outs of the bankruptcy process. Whether it be Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11, chances are you can find lots of helpful information here. My name is Philip Bartlett, an attorney with The Bartlett Law Firm, P.A. and the author of this blog.

I hope this blog will help you solve your potential bankruptcy problems. Obviously, the best way to get the best help is to hire a lawyer. If you are interested in our services to help your specific needs, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you in your adventure to get back on your feet as a debtor.

Whether debtor or creditor, we will keep you appraised of current bankruptcy events, changes in the law, judicial trends, and more.