Michael Barnett, PA
![]() Serving Tampa, Lakeland, Dade City area, in chapter 7 liquidation, chapter 13 debt adjustment, and chapter 12 farm reorganization.
A+ Rated
Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney, American Board of Certification.
Contact InformationOffice Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 4:30p.m. Saturday appointments usually available on request.
Choosing among Tampa bankruptcy attorneys: Be aware there are many companies advertising, both for personal injury and now Tampa bankruptcy lawyers, which are only referral services. Almost all of these have minimal or no qualification requirements for the bankruptcy attorneys, but simply charge the attorneys to refer cases to them. There are also national law firms that have recently expanded to the Tampa Bay area and hired local attorneys with limited experience. Be sure to determine the qualifications of the attorney actually representing you in the bankruptcy court before you have any attorney represent you. Report: Federal Trade Commission Never Seen Legitimate For Profit Credit Repair Agency. See full report here. Thought for the day (or such other period until I get around to replacing it): Beware of newest problem alleged by US Trustee against major bankruptcy firm in Tampa, that the standard fee quoted and contract provides solely to file the case and that a separate contract and separate fee is required for continued representation post-bankruptcy (case #09-mp-0010-MGW). Be sure to fully understand what the retainer provides for, and read the contract before hiring an attorney. The firm should have the contract available on their website, and be able to explain the terms in full when you hire them.
Tampabankruptcy Legal Blog: www.tampabankruptcy.blogspot.com
Bankruptcy BlogCompany ProfileIn order to become board certified, an attorney must have been engaged in the
full-time practice of law for five years, and had substantial involvement in
bankruptcy law for the three years prior to certification. Further, references
must be obtained and a written examination passed. Finally, the attorney is
required to take 60 hours of continuing education each 3 year period for
certification, which is double the continuing education required by the Florida
Bar. For more information, see the American
Board of Certification's homepage. I handle chapter 7 liquidation cases for individuals and corporations, chapter 13 debt repayment plans for individuals and small unincorporated businesses, and chapter 12 farm repayment plans for individuals and small businesses. I am also one of the few local consumer attorneys that handle bankruptcy appeals. I have briefed and argued bankruptcy appeal cases up to the 11th circuit court of appeals. DJ is the paralegal in the firm, and has been with the firm since 1995.
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