Miami Lawyers

  • 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.

  • 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.