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When consumers file bankruptcy, they often wonder whether a debt collector can still collect on a debt discharged in bankruptcy. The answer: No. Creditors must cease trying to collect a discharged debt from bankruptcy filers. Understanding Bankruptcy Discharge A bankruptcy discharge is a court order that releases a debtor from personal liability for certain debts. This means that the debtor is no longer legally required to pay any debts that are discharged. The discharge is a permanent order that prohibits creditors from taking any form of collection action on discharged debts, including phone calls, letters, and legal actions. Essentially, a… Read More

Declaring Chapter 7 bankruptcy can feel overwhelming, but it’s an excellent opportunity to eliminate a majority of your debts. One concern for individuals after a bankruptcy filing is, “How soon can I buy a house after Chapter 7?” Understanding the loan waiting period and other criteria for buying a house after Chapter 7 can help you to make solid plans for homeownership while alleviating a lot of stress. In this guide we’ll discuss typical “waiting periods” for each type of mortgage loan, eligibility factors, and the best way to increase your odds of owning a home after filing bankruptcy Understanding… Read More

When someone signs a mortgage, they are optimistic that they can make it. At the end of all the payments, they will have their own space, free and clear of debt. However, things don’t always go according to plan. For people who are behind on their mortgage – especially with threats of foreclosure, it can be a terrifying experience. Many homeowners who fall behind benefit from working with professionals to resolve their mortgage issues, often describing it as an amazing experience. To help you navigate your way through the process, here’s what you should do when you’re behind on your… Read More

Have you been getting debt collection letters and phone calls from an organization you don’t recognize? Chances are your debt may have been sold to a junk debt buyer. There was a time when a company might just give up on collecting debts, particularly small ones, if they couldn’t collect them easily. These days, if a company cannot collect a debt, they often just sell it to a junk debt buyer for pennies on the dollar. At some point, many companies today would like to get a little money rather than expend resources pursuing a hard-to-collect debt. As an added… Read More

In our recent blog post, What to Expect if You Face Wage Garnishment in Florida, we discussed the basics of wage garnishment in Florida. It included a discussion of how much of your wages can be withheld and sent to your creditors. You have a lot more options to deal with your creditors before they start garnishing your wages than if you wait. However, if that’s water under the bridge, and you are at the point where your wages are being garnished, you still have some limited options. Let’s explore the specifics of Florida wage garnishment law, the possibilities to… Read More

At the Ziegler Diamond Law: Debt Fighters, we understand how people feel when they are in debt. It can be overwhelming, and seem hopeless. There is help for debt collection harassment in St Petersburg. Consumer protections are in place to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and respectfully by debt collectors. Perhaps this is why so many people do not address the inappropriate and sometimes illegal behavior of debt collectors. Just because you are in debt does not mean you do not have rights. Understanding Debt Collection Harassment Debt collection harassment is a serious issue that affects many individuals who… Read More

Worried about what happens to jointly owned property in Chapter 7 bankruptcy if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida? This article will explain how your share of jointly owned property in Chapter 7 assets, such as homes or bank accounts, becomes part of the bankruptcy estate. We’ll cover the risks to these assets, protections for non-filing spouses, and differences between community property and common law states. Key Takeaways In Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida, a filing spouse’s ownership interest in jointly owned property is included in the bankruptcy estate, which can be liquidated to pay off debts –… Read More

If you’re accused of murder, you know you need to hire an attorney. But what if you just owe debts you can’t pay? When should you handle it yourself, and when do you need a Florida debt collection defense attorney? When you are already overwhelmed with debt, you may hesitate to get legal help, because you are afraid of just adding to your debt. However, understanding consumer law is crucial for navigating debt collection issues and protecting yourself from unfair practices. In many situations, a lawyer can save you money and give you a lifeline to getting your life back… Read More

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In Florida, a default judgment is a court ruling against someone who doesn’t respond to a lawsuit. It results in automatic legal consequences and can deeply affect the non-responding party. This article explains how default judgments work, how they are obtained, and their potential impacts. Key Takeaways A Florida default judgment is a court order issued against a party that fails to respond to a lawsuit, granting the plaintiff relief without requiring a full trial. The process for obtaining a default judgment involves filing for default, requesting a judgment before a judge, and ensuring proper service of legal documents. Default… Read More