Coral Springs Bankruptcy Lawyer
Helping Clients Get Debt Relief for More Than 15 Years
A Message From Broward County Bankruptcy Attorney Michelle Armstrong
If you are thinking about filing bankruptcy, it goes without saying that money is tight. You are probably searching for a bargain — trying to find the least expensive way to file a bankruptcy petition. In the field of law, and especially when it comes to obtaining debt relief without repercussions, cheaper is not necessarily better.
In 15 years working as a bankruptcy attorney in Florida, I have helped clients untangle countless problems that they could have avoided if they had consulted an effective and experienced lawyer earlier in the process.
Before you choose do-it-yourself bankruptcy or a bankruptcy service run by someone other than a lawyer, consider the advantages of working directly with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney.
Fees Are More Reasonable Than You Think
My office charges reasonable fees, and payment plans are often available after making a down payment. You might pay roughly $2,000 for an attorney to help you get rid of $50,000 or more in debt. Considering the benefit, reasonable attorneys' fees are a small price to pay to ensure that your bankruptcy case is handled properly from the outset.
Get Professional Help With Important Financial Calculations
You have to pass a "means" test to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you "fail" a means test you find on the Internet, don't assume you don't qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The means test is a complicated analysis that only a skilled bankruptcy attorney should perform. Many of my clients are still able to qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, even if the initial means test results say the client doesn’t qualify. There are numerous expenses that can be deducted from income to help get to a positive means test result. With creative planning and attention to detail regarding your debts and expenses you may still be able to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the means test is slightly different. Instead of telling you whether you qualify, the calculation tells you the amount you must pay creditors every month. This is also an intricate calculation. In most cases, the result is a monthly payment the client is more than happy to pay in order to reorganize his or her debt.
Get Help Saving Your Assets
If your bankruptcy attorney doesn't understand Florida law regarding which assets are exempt and protected during bankruptcy, you risk losing assets — like a car or bank account — that you might otherwise be able to keep.
File a 'Clean' Bankruptcy — Avoid Bankruptcy Litigation
Before I file a bankruptcy petition, I investigate your financial history to make sure no barriers stand between you and a successful bankruptcy. Non-bankruptcy attorneys may not know what to look for.
If I find any such barriers, I'll work with you to clear them up before we file. Examples of financial transactions that could complicate a bankruptcy filing are:
- Gifting money just prior to filing bankruptcy
- Careless spending of tax refunds or other financial windfalls just before filing bankruptcy
- Maintaining a high bank account balance when you have high credit card debt
I will analyze your circumstances and help you decide how to proceed in a way that minimizes your exposure to bankruptcy litigation.
Have an Advocate on Your Side
Bankruptcy is an intimidating process. A good bankruptcy lawyer is available whenever you have questions about the process or the result.
Continuing Help After You File Bankruptcy
I do not close my relationships with clients after successfully filing bankruptcy petitions. I am always available to answer questions that arise after filing, including helping with new financial crises like job loss that threaten your ability to make scheduled payments under a Chapter 13 repayment plan.
Contact My South Florida Bankruptcy Law Office
At my Coral Springs law office, my staff and I prioritize service and compassion ahead of quantity. Clients benefit from working directly with me throughout their cases. I answer all questions honestly and in a timely manner. Your debt relief is our most important goal.
Contact my office today for a free initial consultation.
For your convenience, we work with an associated bankruptcy attorney in Plantation.
