Under Florida law, people who are hurt in an accident caused by the negligence of others are entitled to compensation for their accident-related losses. At Berkowitz & Myer, we represent the rights of people hurt in preventable accidents
Are you being harassed by creditors and debt collectors? Did you know that there are laws that govern what creditors and debt collectors are allowed to do while attempting to collect a debt? These laws give consumers the right to sue creditors and debt collectors when they cross the line.
Bankruptcy is a serious financial decision. No one understands that better than the attorneys at Berkowitz & Myer. Having experienced bankruptcy attorneys in your corner can help alleviate the stress caused by creditors.
Are You Suffering Injuries and It's Not Your Fault?
Personal Service and Compassion
Personal service and compassion for clients are primary characteristics of private practice law firms. Berkowitz & Myer is no different. Our legal professionals are experienced in Florida bankruptcy, foreclosure defense and creditor harassment cases as well as personal injury issues.
The Real Legal Issue
In all cases big and small is equitable results and protection of individual legal rights, and Jesse Berkowitz and his team protects their clients aggressively. Although Florida does not certify attorneys as specialists, attorneys still understand the importance of concentrated representation in specific legal fields.
We Understand
We understand that good comprehensive representation is achieved by focusing on specific areas of law and developing an excellent track record of successful litigation for their clients. Small private practice law firms can provide the personal assurance that many large firms cannot, and all litigants deserve honest legal evaluation of any potential claim.
We Offer Free, No-Obligation Consultations
We will explain your legal rights and options to you fully so you can make an informed decision about how you want to proceed. To schedule your free case evaluation with a Florida attorney, call our office today at 727-344-0123 or send us an email through our online contact form.
Traffic accidents and other personal injury cases can be complicated. Many times the long-term prognosis for an injury victim may not be accurate and other potential medical issues can arise. Of course, quality of life becomes an issue after a traffic accident when injuries are serious, and all victims need quality representation that presents all future medical possibilities.
Christian Myer and the attorneys at Berkowitz & Myer focus on comprehensive personal injury case settlements for all clients, and will be willing to take a case to trial if the punitive damage potential is not included in an equitable settlement. Having us as legal representation can ensure those settlements are pursued aggressively.
Traffic accidents and other personal injury cases can be complicated. Many times the long-term prognosis for an injury victim may not be accurate and other potential medical issues can arise. Of course, quality of life becomes an issue after a traffic accident when injuries are serious, and all victims need quality representation that presents all future medical possibilities.
Christian Myer and the attorneys at Berkowitz & Myer focus on comprehensive personal injury case settlements for all clients, and will be willing to take a case to trial if the punitive damage potential is not included in an equitable settlement. Having us as legal representation can ensure those settlements are pursued aggressively.
Are you receiving calls or collection letters from creditors or debt collectors? If so, do not feel bad. You are not alone. Almost everyone in the United States has some form of debt, whether it is through a home mortgage, credit cards, student loans, a car loan, or medical bills.
At some point in life, it is almost inevitable to fall behind or forget about paying one of your debts. For example, do you make your mortgage payment on the first of the month? No? Many banks will begin to call you in an attempt to collect the mortgage payment after the first of the month even though the majority of home mortgages allow for a 14-day grace period to make the payment. In many cases, these calls are illegal.
Bankruptcy is a serious financial decision for anyone needing relief from creditors who are making life difficult. Berkowitz & Myer understands that financial problems happen for a many reasons, and creditors are not concerned about those reasons. The debtor needs immediate protection when the creditor demands immediate payment. That protection comes from the U.S. bankruptcy code, but it is important to understand that bankruptcy is different in each state. The state you file in can make a difference. Having an knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney in that state is important. The attorneys at Berkowitz & Myer have the experience needed to help clients file bankruptcy in Florida.
How to Declare Bankruptcy in Florida
PERSONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The first step in any bankruptcy is making a detailed list of all personal assets, including real estate. All outstanding debts should also be listed, including debts that are in good standing. Total debt still matters in a bankruptcy case, even though the need for bankruptcy protection can come from a single factor or creditor. The itemized list should be complete, including locating tax returns for the past two years at least. This can be done with help from a bankruptcy attorney who understands the details that may impact developing a workable repayment plan.
THE FLORIDA MEANS TEST
Bankruptcy in St. Petersburg begins with completing the state financial means test. The test will provide an income evaluation and is measured against the average median income in Florida. The test can have a greater filing impact for individuals who earn above the standard state income level, as the result will determine which chapter of bankruptcy is appropriate.
This qualification is very important for individuals who have a home needing protection through the bankruptcy process. Accurate income information is a must in every case.
An acceptable repayment plan should also be reasonable in ability to complete. Repayment agreements range from three to five years and must be completed for maximum debt discharge. All Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings require a five-year repayment plan.
ST. PETERSBURG EXEMPTION PROTECTION
Florida bankruptcy laws list specific exemptions that may protect certain personal assets. The chapter of bankruptcy allowed will determine that protection, as individual filers will use either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 generally addresses unsecured debt, while Chapter 13 deals with protecting assets. This difference in chapters primarily protects real estate holdings when a repayment plan is accepted by the court, which is a central requirement in a Chapter 13 filing.
The St. Petersburg exemptions list is significant and includes some specific personal property. This is another part of the filing where an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help develop a plan for maximum protection.
Bankruptcy in Florida may be the best choice for individuals who have recently moved to the state. Residency rules require individuals to file in the state in which they have lived the biggest portion of the past 180 days. The 91-day requirement can be achieved while the plan is being considered in most cases. Florida bankruptcy laws may protect more assets than previous residence states, and the median income may also be higher in Florida. This could be an advantage for individuals who have relocated for employment reasons.
Regardless of the personal situation, anyone in Florida needing to file bankruptcy should call Berkowitz & Myer today at (727) 344-0123 or fill out the form for an honest and dependable assessment for a bankruptcy repayment plan that exempts the most personal property while eliminating as much of your debt as possible.
Attorneys are one of those things in life you hope you never need, but when you do you should make sure you select the right one and Berkowitz & Myer is the right one.
Testimonial
Jesse, Christian and Jon are fighters and they care & go the extra mile for their clients.