A BREAK FOR BORROWERS
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in Florida … not). It’s a fake fireplace. It’s electric. It’s never used, but it looks nice. So, now we have a mantel, with stocking holders, and Marjorie creates stockings for everyone. The little kids love the candy, trinkets, and toys they find there. My daughter and my son have picked up on our family traditions and taken over some of the creative roles. And this year, we have a new addition, our granddaughter Emma. She will get her own Christmas pajamas and her own stocking that my wife will create for her. These traditions become ingrained. We do them without thinking about it. And as the years go by, I’m realizing that Christmas isn’t really about the gifts. It’s about doing these same things, over and over again, with your family. It’s the traditions, not the gifts, that make Christmas special. As the holidays draw near, I hope you, too, will enjoy some holiday traditions that are beloved by your family (and maybe a little stupid as well)!
Bankruptcy Changes Open the Door to Student Loan Relief
Many college graduates feel trapped by a crushing student debt load. Like a hamster on a wheel, they just keep running, running, running, and getting nowhere. Until recently, there was no exit from their dilemma because student loans could not be discharged in bankruptcy.
–Carmen Dellutri
Now, that has changed.
For the first time, Florida bankruptcy attorneys have the opportunity to help student borrowers renegotiate student loan debt through the courts. Certain bankruptcy courts, including those in two federal districts encompassing most of Florida, have adopted a court- supervised student loan mediation program. As a result, bankruptcy has just become the ultimate tool to battle your student loans! Consumers undergoing Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings are now allowed to include student loans in negotiations to reduce balances owed and set a manageable repayment plan. That means debtors going through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can get together with their lenders and figure out a game plan for repaying their student loans, in addition to their other debts. Once borrowers and lenders agree, the agreements are subject to approval by a bankruptcy court judge. Participation by both student-loan debtors and lenders is voluntary, but the court’s involvement gives student-loan debtors a bit more leverage. This is a promising change from the past. Many student loan holders have emerged from Chapter 13 bankruptcy to discover that they actually owe even more on their student loans than before they filed for protection, thanks to snowballing interest and penalties. Americans owe a combined total of more than $1.81 trillion in student loans, even more than the $1.66 trillion owed on auto loans and $1.21 trillion in credit card debt. The average debt among college graduates in 2024 was $30,000 apiece, pressuring some to postpone buying a home or having children. We are delighted to have an opportunity to help our clients make progress toward a hopeful financial future. If you are struggling with debt and wondering if bankruptcy is the solution, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us to set up a free consultation! We will help you find a path to financial relief.
What’s the Good News? “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” JOSHUA 1:9 A referral is the greatest gift we can receive from a client or fellow business! Last month we had ... • 32 referrals from friends, family, or previous clients • 19 returning clients for new matters • 10 referrals from other attorneys • 12 referrals from doctors and other professionals • We also send out referrals to our trusted referral partners! A Huge Thank-You to Our Referral Partners!
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