Miami Lawyers

  • The Household Debt Crisis Driving the 2026 Bankruptcy Wave

    Learn how the household debt crisis & bankruptcy wave are unfolding in 2026 & what legal options protect families facing rising delinquencies.

  • The Chapter 13 Marathon: Why You Need Permission Before Taking on New Debt

    New debt in Chapter 13 is permanent and requires court approval. Learn how the “Motion to Incur Debt” protects your case, explained by a Bankruptcy Attorney & Law Professor.

  • Bankruptcy’s Timing Mistake: Medical Bills & Debt You Can’t Erase

    Post‑petition debt is permanent, making bankruptcy timing critical. Learn how the snapshot rule protects you, explained by a Bankruptcy Attorney & Law Professor.

  • 401(k) Loans in Chapter 13: The Step‑Up Trap That Can Break Your Plan

    A 401(k) loan in Chapter 13 can trigger a step‑up trap that raises your plan payments. Bankruptcy Attorney & Law Professor explains.

  • How Your 401(k) Withdrawal Can Sabotage Your Chapter 7 Means Test

    Bankruptcy Attorney & Law Professor explains how a 401k withdrawal impacts the Chapter 7 bankruptcy Mean Test.

  • The Hidden Small‑Business Bankruptcy Wave: From Chapter 11 to 7

    Small‑business bankruptcies are rising as owners shift from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7. Learn how tariffs, rates, leases, and personal liability drive liquidation

  • How Retirement Contributions Affect a Bankruptcy Case

    Bankruptcy Attorney & Law Professor explains how 401(k) & IRA retirement contributions affect your disposable income in bankruptcy.

  • 401(k) Loans in Bankruptcy: Why They Are Listed as Secured Debt

    As living costs rise in 2026, 401(k) loans are becoming more common, yet many don’t realize they are classified as secured debt. Prof. Hernandez explains why these loans aren’t dischargeable in bankruptcy and the severe tax penalties of defaulting.

  • How Spirit Airlines’ Collapse Compares to the American Household

    Rising costs are grounding families like Spirit Airlines. Learn how inflation is pushing household budgets to a breaking point.

  • The Perfect Storm: From Rural America, to the Boardroom, to the Kitchen Table

    Prof. Hernandez analyzes the “Perfect Storm”: Linking the Chapter 12 farm surge to corporate insolvency and the rise of household debt survival tactics.

  • The Accidental Landlord: How Renting Your House Forfeits Bankruptcy Protection

    Learn how renting your home forfeits your homestead exemption in bankruptcy and why “accidental landlords” risk losing their property when filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 in 2026.

  • Gambling with a HELOC to Pay Record Credit Card Debt in 2026

    Bankruptcy Attorney & Law Professor Hernandez analyzes why using a HELOC to pay off record-high credit card debt in 2026 is a risky “equity stripping” move compared to bankruptcy.

  • Mortgage Defaults Rising: An Escrow Shock Analysis of the 2026 Foreclosure Surge

    Mortgage defaults are rising as Escrow Shock drives a 2026 foreclosure surge. Protect yourself with Chapter 13 and remove second mortgages.

  • Understanding the Bankruptcy Rescission Period with Reaffirmation Agreements

    Buyer’s remorse? Prof. Hernandez explains how to cancel a reaffirmation agreement within the 60-day rescission period under 11 U.S.C. 524(c).

  • Reaffirmation Agreements: Why “Vulture Creditors” Want Your Signature

    Are “vulture creditors” pressuring you to sign a reaffirmation agreement on furniture or electronics? Prof. Hernandez exposes their high-pressure tactics, the “silverware” bluff, and how to protect your bankruptcy fresh start from unnecessary personal liability.

  • Do I Have to Go to Court for a Reaffirmation Agreement?

    Bankruptcy Attorney & Law Professor explains when a court appearance is required for a reaffirmation agreement.

  • The Bankruptcy Contradiction: Why Filing Can Raise Your Credit Score

    Can filing for bankruptcy actually improve your credit? Prof. Hernandez explains the 2026 “Credit Reset” paradox, DTI benefits, and reaffirmation strategies.

  • The Zombie Store Card: Why Retail Closures are a Hidden Credit Score Landmine

    Bankruptcy attorney and law professor explains how retail store closures in 2026 can trigger sudden credit score drops. Learn how “zombie” store cards raise utilization and hurt your FICO.

  • Why Your “Common Sense” is Killing Your Credit Score

    Bankruptcy Attorney & Law Professor explains how to improve your credit score while protecting your cash instead of giving large deposits.

  • Official Form 108: Understanding the Statement of Intention

    Prof. Hernandez explains Official Form 108. Learn the difference between surrendering, reaffirming, & redeeming assets in a Chapter 7 filing.