Monthly Archives: April 2019
Credit Card Fraud is Declining
New research has shown a helpful decline in credit card fraud. According to a report discussed in Forbes magazine, fraud dropped to $6.4 billion in 2018, down from $8.1 billion in 2017. The numbers were compiled by Javelin Strategy & Research. These numbers might not mean much to consumers, since banks end up eating… Read More »
House Democrats Look to Ban Use of Credit Score when Setting Car Insurance Rates
Your credit score matters, particularly when you try to get a loan. Those with the best credit scores tend to qualify for the lowest interest rates. If your score is weak, then your interest rate will be higher, and you will ultimately pay much more over the life of the loan. Your credit score… Read More »
What’s Going on with Michael Avenatti’s Law Firm Bankruptcy?
You probably have seen Michael Avenatti if you’ve ever watched CNN cable news. The passionate critic of President Trump made a name for himself by representing porn star Stormy Daniels in a lawsuit against the President. He also routinely alleged that Trump would be impeached. Whether you like the President or not, it was… Read More »
The Disturbing Final Days for Retailer Gymboree
Business bankruptcies are sometimes hectic. As experienced attorneys who have helped many small businesses file for bankruptcy protection, we enjoy media stories that pull back the curtain on the final days before a large company heads to bankruptcy court to file their petition. The recent story in The Intercept about retailer Gymboree caught our… Read More »
Beware of Online Bankruptcy Firms
It sounds so convenient: you log online and then find a law firm that handles bankruptcies. Even better, they have no physical office but will do everything online for you. Even the fee is reasonable, so you look for a link to click on to sign up. We have a little warning: Stop! Do… Read More »
Consumer Debt Grows in Florida
The strong economy continues to encourage consumption, with people buying everything from new cars to expensive nights out on the town. However, many people fuel their consumption with debt, and this is certainly true in Florida. According to the Tampa Bay Times, average debt grew by $1,305 in 2018 in Florida. This ranked the… Read More »
Should You Store or Dispose of Patient Records?
When a business files for bankruptcy and dissolves, it needs to do something with its records. This is as true of health care businesses that have extensive patient records. But what should you do with them? Interestingly, the Bankruptcy Code in section 351 explains that a health care business may destroy patient records when… Read More »
How to Prepare for Your Bankruptcy Consultation
Whether to file for bankruptcy is a big decision, so we encourage people interested in dealing with their debt to schedule a free consultation. The purpose of the consultation is twofold: it allows the attorney to get a better idea of your financial decision so they can advise whether bankruptcy is right for you…. Read More »
Mixed Messages on Delinquency Rates
The Great Recessions is well behind us by now. In fact, for almost a decade the United States has experienced strong economic growth. As a result, borrowers have generally been able to make regular payments on their debts. Furthermore, lenders learned their lesson and tightened their lending standards, no longer issuing paper-free loans. However,… Read More »
Credit Freeze Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Identity theft continues to be a big problem in Florida and around the nation. Anyone with access to personal information such as your date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN) can use that information to take out loans in your name—without any intent of paying them back. When the thief takes off with… Read More »