WHY FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY
A fresh start for the honest debtor is the stated purpose for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is intended to provide relief from creditors and ultimately the debt. It is the relief from debt that advances the policy goal of providing a fresh start. It can also be used to cure a default and help a debtor save property. Income is far less stable than debt. My experience would indicate that optimism about the future is a primary cause of bankruptcy. But there is nothing wrong with optimism even if things didn't happen as expected. If you think could benefit from a fresh start give me call.

                       THE AUTOMATIC STAY
The first usual benefit of filing a bankruptcy petition under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the law which requires an automatic stay that stops most all collection efforts while the bankruptcy case is pending. As the name implies, the stay is automatic and comes into existence immediately upon filing the petition.

The Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy May Stop:
Creditor Phone Calls
Garnishments
Law Suits
Foreclosures
Repossession Efforts
Acts to perfect a lien
Driver's license suspension under FL. financial responsibility law.

The automatic stay is temporary. Assuming there hasn't been any prior court orders or bankruptcy filings effecting the stay and that the bankruptcy filing is valid, the stay provides protection from most creditors during the bankruptcy process. If and when a discharge is entered the stay is replaced by a permanent injunction against attempts to collect debts that have been discharged.

                            THE TRUSTEE
If a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Petition is filed, a Trustee will be assigned to the case. An important function of a Trustee is to administer the bankruptcy estate. In a Chapter 7, that means liquidating the non-exempt assets, if any, and paying creditors their share. In a Chapter 13, the Trustee collects the Chapter 13 Plan payments and distributes the funds to the creditors pursuant to a confirmed plan.

The Trustees do have other functions and may file various motions in the case. The Trustees working the cases in the Tampa Division are, in my opinion, good people and they try to be fair. But they have a job to do and their view of what should be done may be different from the Petitioner's view. Consequently, a Trustee in bankruptcy can be like a built-in adversary. An attorney or lawyer with experience may be able to resolve issues with the Trustee and more importantly, may be able to prevent issues from arising in the case.

                          THE DISCHARGE
A discharge in bankruptcy terminates the legal obligation to pay the debts that are discharged. It also prevents creditors from making any attempts to collect discharged debts. However, liens are not discharged. It is only the personal obligation to pay that may be discharged. Further information about the scope of Discharges under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 can be found at CanBankruptcyHelp.com.

                              BE CAREFULL
If you are considering arranging your affairs before filing a bankruptcy petition, consult with a lawyer that deals with bankruptcy issues on a regular basis. Mistakes can be costly and may exceed the fees charged by lawyers. What may seem as good bankruptcy planning by one may be called bankruptcy fraud by another.

                              THE LAWYER
A lawyer, admitted to practice in the Bankruptcy Court where you file, can represent you in court and at the meeting of the creditors. A non-lawyer bankruptcy petition preparer can not represent you. However, a properly admitted attorney can provide advice and represent you.

Robert N. Zimmerman, Attorney
1106 N Parsons Ave., Ste 202
Brandon, FL 33510
813-655-4900
bobz765@yahoo.com

Providing Legal Advice and Representing Consumers In Florida Bankruptcy Filings under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, in the Tampa Division of the U.S. Middle District of Florida.

Admitted to Practice in the state of Florida and the US District Court, Middle District of Florida, including the Bankruptcy Court.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division serves the following Florida counties

Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas
Hardee, Manatee, Polk, Sarasota

If a person resides in any of the above Florida counties for the last 180 days, then the Tampa Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court is very likely the correct court in which to file a bankruptcy petition.

Robert N. Zimmerman, Jr. provides bankruptcy services for clients residing in the same Florida counties listed above.

Robert N. Zimmerman, Jr. 1106 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon, FL 33511
(813) 655-4900

We are a debt relief agency, we help people file for bankruptcy under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The hiring of an important decision that should not be based on advertising alone.