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.

  • Navigating a Creditor Lawsuit: The Prove Debt Ownership Defense

    Professor & author’s guide to debt lawsuit defense. Learn to challenge debt ownership, use discovery to delay judgments, and stop garnishment with bankruptcy.

  • Cure Mortgage Arrears: How to Force a Lender to Accept Your Payments

    Stop foreclosure even if your lender refuses payment. Prof. Hernandez explains how to cure mortgage arrears using Chapter 13 and state court motions to compel.

  • The 57-Store Shutdown of Off Fifth Avenue and Financial Reset of Saks Global

    Prof. Hernandez analyzes the Saks Global bankruptcy: 57 Saks Off 5th stores closing and a total “Financial Reset.” View the full list of remaining stores and what this retail collapse means for the 2026 economy.

  • Suing the Government is Your Best Move Against Student Loan Garnishments

    Stop federal student loan garnishment by leveraging the “settlement gap.” Learn why filing an adversary proceeding is the key to forcing a government settlement and discharging debt under the latest DOJ guidance.

  • Mom and Pop Small Businesses Reach Record High in Bankruptcy Filings

    Bankruptcy attorney & law professor reports on the record small business bankruptcies in 2025 caused by the impact of the Trump tariffs.

  • The Motion for Relief from Stay: Check Your Local Bankruptcy Forms First

    Filing for Relief from Stay? Before you draft a motion, check your local bankruptcy court forms. Using mandatory district templates is key to avoiding rejection.

  • The Motion for Relief from Stay Versus The Automatic Stay

    Received a Motion for Relief from Stay? A bankruptcy attorney and law professor explains how creditors try to lift the automatic stay.

  • Bankruptcy Petition Preparers: A Compliance Checklist Under 11 U.S.C. §110

    What are the legal requirements for a bankruptcy petition preparer? Professor Alex Hernandez breaks down 11 U.S.C. § 110, including Form 119, fee limits, and the ban on legal advice.

  • The Hidden Risks of Bankruptcy Petition Preparers: Why “Cheap” Can Be Costly

    Discover the risks of using a bankruptcy petition preparer. Professor Alex Hernandez explains why legal advice, accountability, and court advocacy make a lawyer essential for your fresh start.

  • The Statement of Financial Affairs (SOFA) on the Bankruptcy Petition

    A bankruptcy attorney and law professor’s comprehensive review of the Statement of Financial Affairs in the bankruptcy petition.