Everyone tells domestic violence victims, “Just leave. Why are you staying? Why don’t you just leave?” This can be incredibly infuriating for domestic violence victims because, of course, they want to leave, but there are reasons to stay, or at least to not leave...
Bankruptcy & Asset Protection
Permanent alimony is not the law anymore, right?
For those that passively watch the news, you would be forgiven if you thought that permanent alimony was eliminated from state law. After all, SB 1796, the bill that eliminates it, passed. However, what you may have not seen is that Florida’s governor vetoed that...
For adopted children, a new home brings new challenges
Social and legal changes have expanded the term family to include people than beyond relationships by blood or marriage. Perhaps the most well-known formal way to change a family involves the legal process of adoption. While prospective parents confront a variety of...
Can your student loans be discharged through bankruptcy?
If you are considering bankruptcy, it is likely that you have multiple debts, possibly including student loans. You may have heard that student loans can never be discharged through bankruptcy, but this is not always true. Under the right circumstances you may be able...
Insurance company bankruptcy threatens homeowners
We rely on our insurance providers to be there when we need them most, but sometimes that isn’t the case. Several insurers have declared insolvency in the past six months. Many Florida homeowners and others have been left wondering what happens next, and whether they...
Using the automatic stay to stop creditors’ claims
The federal bankruptcy code was enacted to help people in financial difficulty rebuild their financial situation. One of the most powerful tools is an order often referred to as the “automatic stay.” The remedies provided in the bankruptcy code are intended to ensure...
Can I get paid-off medical debt removed from my credit?
Earlier this year, the three largest credit bureaus announced that they would change how they handle medical debt, beginning July 1 and next year. For the 52% of millennials and those in every generation touched by this $88 billion burden, this comes as welcome news....
How is property divided between spouses in a divorce?
During a divorce, a couple’s property will be placed in two different groups: non-marital property and marital property. Non-marital property is generally the property a spouse owned before the marriage, with a couple of exceptions. Marital property is most of the...
Should daters test their dates to avoid divorce later?
When daters get serious with their relationship goals, it may feel like a good idea to test potential spouses. However, more often than not, making up scenarios to test potential long-term partners backfires. This is because relationships are built on trust, and when...
Is filing for bankruptcy the right move for you?
A lot of Americans have been through some tough times in the last couple of years, including many people in Florida. Family finances have been taking a hit all around, and many people are looking for options to try to get back on solid ground. If seemingly...