Miami Lawyers

  • 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.

  • How the 2026 Tariffs Affect Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plans

    Discover why 2026 tariff inflation is causing a spike in Chapter 13 plan failures. Prof. Hernandez analyzes the friction between static court budgets and rising costs.

  • Tariff Inflation and the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Means Test Gap

    Analyze how 2026 tariff inflation is breaking the Bankruptcy Means Test. Learn why the IRS data lag creates a “Paper Surplus” that blocks Chapter 7 relief.

  • Using Your Tax Refund to Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney: A Strategic Guide

    Using your tax refund for bankruptcy attorney fees is a strategic “spend down.” Prof. Hernandez explains how this protects your refund and secures your filing.

  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Tax Refunds, and Funding the Plan

    Learn how to use your tax refund as a strategic asset in Chapter 13. Prof. Hernandez explains how lump-sum refunds can lower monthly payments and prove plan feasibility.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Timing: Is Your Tax Refund Safe in 2026?

    Filing Chapter 7 in 2026? Learn how to protect your tax refund using wildcard exemptions. Expert insights on the Child Tax Credit (CTC) vs. EIC and filing timing.

  • Strategic Dismissal: Plan B When Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Conversion Fails

    Strategic Dismissal: Negotiating with Creditors Outside of Bankruptcy with Prof. Hernandez. Explore how to pivot from a failed Chapter 13 to private settlements, leveraging lump-sum payments while avoiding the pitfalls of dismissal with prejudice.

  • The Chapter 13 Conversion: Motions, Objections, and the Liquidation Test

    The conversion from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 isn’t automatic. Prof. Hernandez explores the Motion to Convert, common Trustee objections, and how to pass the mandatory liquidation test.

  • A Chapter 13 Cure and Conversion Strategy for Homeowners

    Explore the Chapter 13 cure and conversion strategy with Prof. Hernandez. Learn how this tactical pivot helps homeowners save their property and manage debt.

  • The 2026 Consumer Bankruptcy Surge: Navigating the Financial Reset

    With January layoffs at 2009 levels and 564,613 consumer filings, 2026 is a turning point. Prof. Hernandez (Routledge author) explains your path to solvency.

  • Understanding the Chapters 7, 11, and 13 Bankruptcy Surge in 2026

    Prof. Hernandez breaks down the surge in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy filings. See the 2025 year-end data and what it means for the 2026 economy.