Miami Lawyers

  • The 910-Day Rule: Explaining The Cramdown on Car Loans

    Can you reduce your car loan balance in Chapter 13? Learn how the 910-Day Rule and “hanging paragraph” affect your vehicle cramdown. Prof. Hernandez explains how to save on interest, the PMSI loophole, and why lenders prefer payments over repossession.

  • Cramdown vs. Lien Stripping: What’s the Difference in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

    Learn the key differences between a Chapter 13 cramdown and lien stripping. Find out how to reduce car payments or eliminate second mortgages in bankruptcy.

  • How to Reduce Your Car Loan Balance Using a Bankruptcy Cramdown

    Is your car loan underwater? Discover how the Chapter 13 cramdown process can “shave” your debt down to the vehicle’s actual value and lower your interest rate. — Prof. Hernandez

  • Robbing Your Future: The Hidden Risks of Using a 401(k) to Buy a House

    Should you use your retirement plan to buy a house in 2026? Prof. Hernandez breaks down the math behind the Home Savings Act and shares a personal lesson from the Great Recession on why your 401(k) is safer than home equity.

  • Record 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals are a Leading Economic Indicator for 2026

    Prof. Hernandez analyzes the record 6% surge in 401(k) hardship withdrawals reported by Fox Business. Discover why this “last resort” move is a leading indicator for the 2026 bankruptcy filing lag.

  • Discharging Your IRS Tax Debt With Bankruptcy: The 3-2-240 Rule for 2026

    Prof. Hernandez explains how to discharge tax debt in 2026 using the 3-2-240 rule. Learn how to navigate IRS priority claims and tax refunds on Bankruptcy.blog

  • Why Chapter 13 is the Ultimate IRS Tax Debt “Restructuring” Tool

    Stop the interest bleed in 2026. Prof. Hernandez explains how Chapter 13 bankruptcy freezes IRS penalties, utilizes the Till Rate for secured liens, and restructures tax debt more effectively than a standard installment agreement. Learn how to pay back priority tax at 0% interest and secure your fresh start.

  • Prof. Hernandez: Using Tax Installment Agreements to Qualify for Chapter 7

    Can’t pass the Means Test? Prof. Hernandez explains how IRS tax payments can legally reduce disposable income on Schedule J to help you qualify for Chapter 7.

  • Small Business Tariff Inflation and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in 2026. The Quiet Crisis

    Is tariff inflation pushing your small business toward Chapter 7? Prof. Hernandez explains how to bypass the Means Test using the non-consumer debt loophole and navigate personal liability in the 2026 bankruptcy surge.

  • Why Chapter 12 Bankruptcy is Hitting the 2026 Kitchen Table

    With Chapter 12 filings up 46%, the farm crisis is hitting home. Prof. Hernandez explains how the “Red Rural Recession” is driving 2026 grocery inflation and supply chain delays.

  • When the National Debt Surpasses GDP, Households Feel It

    Prof. Hernandez explains how the rising national debt drives up interest rates, squeezes household budgets, and raises the cost of living in 2026.

  • Probate Court and Inheritances in Bankruptcy: The 180-Day Rule

    Discover how the 180-day rule affects inheritances in bankruptcy. Prof. Hernandez explains the risks of “time travel” assets, the date of death trigger, and why disclaiming an inheritance is considered a fraudulent transfer. Learn how to protect your future assets through strategic timing.

  • Protecting Divorce Assets When Filing for Bankruptcy

    Learn why divorce settlements and home sale proceeds may not be exempt in bankruptcy. Prof. Hernandez explains the reinvestment rule and how to protect your assets.

  • Why Being a Life Insurance Beneficiary is a Risk in Bankruptcy

    Discover why being a life insurance beneficiary is a high-stakes gamble in bankruptcy. Learn how the 180-day rule under Section 541 can allow a Trustee to seize your payout and why timing your filing is critical to protecting your family’s legacy. Expert analysis by Prof. Hernandez.

  • How Bankruptcy is Affected By Your Worker’s Comp Settlement

    Prof. Hernandez explains how worker’s compensation impacts the bankruptcy means test. Learn how to manage the gap between the 6-month lookback and your real-world budget on Schedules I and J to avoid the “disposable income” trap.

  • Why Your Exempt Worker’s Comp Settlement Is at Risk with Bankruptcy

    Prof. Hernandez explains how commingling exempt worker’s comp or retirement funds with general cash can lead to frozen accounts and lost legal protections.

  • Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure vs.Bankruptcy. Which Is the Better Exit?

    Bankruptcy Attorney & Law Professor explains which choice is better between a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure or Chapter 7 or13 Bankruptcy?

  • Proactive Tenant Strategies When the Landlord is in Foreclosure

    Protect your lease when a landlord faces foreclosure or bankruptcy. Prof. Hernandez explains how to use PACER, the impact of Section 365, and your rights under the PTFA 90-day rule.”

  • The Parent PLUS Trap: Why You Are a Target For Creditors

    Bankruptcy Attorney and Law Professor** Prof. Hernandez warns that Parent PLUS loans make parents an “easy target.” Learn how the Treasury uses wage garnishment and Social Security seizure to recover six-figure educational debt.