Some people mistakenly believe that after they file for bankruptcy, their debts are wiped clean and they get a completely fresh start. Unfortunately, the federal bankruptcy code is not that kind. If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the majority of your debt will be cleared away, but there are...
Understanding the Similarities and Differences Between SSDI and SSI
You may have heard of disability benefits, though you may have questions regarding the regulatory maze that disabled individuals must work through to obtain them. A major area of confusion is the distinction between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplementary Security Income (SSI). Both programs are administered through the...
Social Security Disability Versus Veterans Disability Benefits
If you served our country and suffered a serious injury during combat, or developed a debilitating injury or condition after being discharged, you may be tempted to pursue both Social Security and veterans’ disability benefits. It is quite common for veterans to have claims going on simultaneously. You can receive...
Is a Short Sale Right for You? Understanding the Law
If you are under water on your mortgage (i.e. you owe more than the house is actually worth) and you are having difficulty making monthly mortgage payments, you may want to consider a short sale. This type of sale may benefit you in the long-run by avoiding a hit to...
Student Loans and Why They are Not Dischargeable in Bankruptcy
Imagine the following scenario: You have hit financial trouble and are contemplating bankruptcy to help get your financial house in order. You hope that bankruptcy will provide some respite from your financial follies and/or staggering debts. Unfortunately, this is not the case if you owe student loans. If you are...
Filing a Counterclaim in a Foreclosure Proceeding
Every year, hundreds of people and companies are sued on debts and delinquent mortgages. Some of these actions are, of course, legitimate and very much actionable. However, plenty of others are false, fabricated, and bring about a lot of unnecessary physical and financial stress and anxiety for the affected parties....
Understanding Frozen Assets in Bankruptcy
When someone files for bankruptcy, they may think they will literally lose everything to creditors. They have nightmares of wages garnished to the point where they will not be able to to put food on their plate. This is simply not accurate. In fact, in many cases, your personal bank...
Zombie Foreclosures and the Rights You Have When Faced with a Foreclosure Notice
In Florida, and across the country, many homeowners faced with a foreclosure notice pack up and just desert the home under the assumption that the bank will take over the property and sell it to someone else. However, after the 2008 real estate crash, many banks were confronted with thousands...
Understanding Florida Law on Wage Garnishment
If you owe substantial amounts of money to a creditor, you may be facing a potential wage garnishment. Some people mistakenly believe that if their wages are garnished, they will be left with virtually nothing to sustain themselves financially. That is not the case. Wage Garnishment Defined The United States...
Social Security Disability Fund May Be Exhausted in the Near Future
After running through five consecutive years of deficits, many experts anticipate that the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Trust Fund is about to run dry in roughly two years. If Congress fails to take necessary action before 2016, there may be a 19 percent cut to SSDI benefits across the...