Florida Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Attorney

Law Offices of Michael H. Johnson, P.A.

2240 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., 4th Floor West Palm Beach, Florida 33409 USA

 (561) 459-2539

www.attorneydebthelper.com
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Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

The Law Offices of Michael H. Johnson, P.A. helps you make clear decisions. Whether you’re filing under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 as a business or individual, we can advise you on all necessary decisions, ask the right questions, and prepare your filing paperwork with accuracy. Our legal counsel is thorough and compassionate.

We are here to complete the necessary paperwork swiftly and properly before signing and filing.. We make a difficult process easier with our expert team, knowledgeable about what needs to be done in order to file properly. We make ourselves extremely accessible to our clients, maintaining our commitment to you. Phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also provide necessary availability for evening, weekend and off-site appointments.

For the highest level of professionalism in a bankruptcy lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale, The Law Offices of Michael H. Johnson, P.A. can provide you with the legal counsel you need. Call today for a free initial consultation with one of our talented attorneys. We accept all major credit cards for payments. If you prefer, payment plans for services rendered are available. Don’t try to go it alone. With our professional advisement services, we can help you get back a sense of financial stability.

Year this Office was Established: 1999

Practice Areas

Practice Areas Description

- Bankruptcy

Individuals who work hard to support their families are often under the mistaken belief that they will lose all their assets, as well as their reputation, if they file bankruptcy. Unfortunately, these and other myths can prevent people from getting the debt relief they need. At the Law Offices of Michael H. Johnson, we separate the facts and myths surrounding bankruptcy. Whether you went into debt due to unemployment, bad real estate investments, divorce or another reason, our goal is to provide straightforward information about debt relief.

- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, is the simplest way to eliminate debt. This process discharges, or wipes out, unsecured debts, such as: credit card bills, medical expenses, personal loans, debts from repossessions of vehicles and debts from foreclosures. Technically, Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves selling your non-exempt assets to pay a portion of your unsecured debt to your creditors. However, most people who file retain a majority of their assets due to exemptions. Typically, if you are able to maintain payments on your house or car, you will be able to keep those assets.

- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Filing under this chapter of bankruptcy involves a reorganization of your debt in order to pay it off. This helps put your personal finances or your business back on track. We complete the necessary paperwork swiftly and properly for your review, then help you file with the federal government. We have helped many local residents with services to help brighten their financial future. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a debt reorganization plan. In this process, all unsecured debt is rolled into one monthly payment that you make over a period of 3-5 years. The amount you pay is determined by your disposable income and the liquidation test, excluding any exemptions. After the specified timeframe is over, any remaining unsecured debt is eliminated.

- Foreclosure Defense

Your home plays an important role in your family's life. It provides security and sets the stage for many cherished memories. The prospect of losing your home due to unexpected financial problems, such as unemployment or a medical emergency, is frightening and stressful. However, it is important to know that you have options in this situation. Because foreclosure notices are public records, you will most likely receive solicitations from several non-lawyers promising foreclosure rescue. Unfortunately, many of these people are unlicensed and work for unscrupulous businesses that charge high fees up front but fail to provide effective service. When your house is on the line, consult with an experienced attorney who understands state specific laws governing foreclosure.

- Second Mortgage Stripping

During the housing bubble, many homeowners came to believe their houses would continue to steadily increase in value. Several refinanced multiple times, while others took out home equity lines of credit. If you took out a second mortgage on your home and now owe more than the house is worth, you may be able to eliminate the subsequent mortgage. Even if you are current with your monthly payments, you may be able to get rid of a second or third mortgage by filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Under this plan, your second or third mortgage will be removed and the debt associated with the lien will be classified as unsecured. The unsecured debt will then be restructured into a reasonable payment plan determined by your income that you will pay over the course of 3-5 years. After that time, the remaining unsecured debt is discharged. This means, you will pay only a fraction of the subsequent mortgage balance, allowing you some financial breathing room. Chapter 13 bankruptcy can also help eliminate homeowner association dues.

- Investor Debt Reduction (Cram Down)

During the housing boom, people were purchasing investment property as a way to increase their income. When the housing bubble burst, many owners were left with rental properties that were worth less than the balance owed. If you are underwater on your real estate investment, you may be able to obtain a court-ordered cram down to reduce the amount due. When you visit our offices in Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, a skilled lawyer will evaluate your situation and explain the specifics of a cram down. We will address such issues as: Who is eligible for a cram down? How is fair market value determined? and What happens after the 60 month repayment period is over? Rest assured, we will walk you through the process and protect your interests.

- Bankruptcy vs. Debt Consolidation

If you hire a debt consolidation company, creditors can keep pursuing collection actions. The harassing phone calls and demanding letters may continue. However, when you file bankruptcy, all creditor collection efforts must immediately stop. You will be free to breathe easy while you work on rebuilding your credit. Some unscrupulous debt consolidation companies charge excessive fees when you sign up with them. However, they may use those fees to pay their employees and fund their services, rather than pass the funds on to your creditors. In the meantime, creditors can still take action against you, such as foreclosure and repossession. When you file either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you know exactly how much you'll pay for attorney fees, as well as any other relevant payments. Further, you are protected from creditors by law, meaning foreclosures and repossessions must stop.

- Mortgage Modifications / Loan Modifications

These days, more and more people are struggling to make their mortgage payments. In addition to high unemployment rates and stagnant wages, many homeowners are experiencing trouble with excessive interest rate adjustments. If you are concerned about how you will afford your mortgage and are thinking about seeking a loan modification, take a moment to first consider your options. Mortgage modifications are designed to keep families in their homes at affordable monthly rates. Homeowners can file for modifications without a lawyer. Applications are fairly simple, involving submitting paperwork to the lender. While mortgage modifications are great, they can be extremely difficult to obtain. Also, mortgage companies are not obligated to follow any laws regarding modifications. While they are free to reduce rates and lower principles, they are not required to do so. Further, in loan modifications, as well as short sales, there are tax implications to consider.

More Information on Law Offices of Michael H. Johnson, P.A.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Bankruptcy Attorney
Fort Lauderdale, FL Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Foreclosure Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Second Mortgage Elimination Lawyer
Fort Lauderdale, FL Cram Down Investment Property Law Firm
Debt Consolidation Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Mortgage Modification Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Law Offices of Michael H. Johnson, P.A. Blog
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Other Offices

• USA - Florida, Fort Lauderdale - Main Office