|
Michael Barnett, PA
![]() Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney, American Board of Certification. Serving Tampa, Lakeland, Dade City area, in chapter 7 liquidation, chapter 13 debt adjustment, and chapter 12 farm reorganization. Also now undertaking suits against debt collectors for violations of debt collection laws
Be aware there are many companies advertising, both for personal injury and now bankruptcy, which are only referral services. Almost all of these have minimal or no qualification requirements for the bankruptcy lawyers, 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. Report: Beware scam artists pretending to assist in avoiding foreclosure: A new report out from the National Consumer Law Center warns of scam artists targeting homeowners in foreclosure. Scams may involve someone charging fees for trying to work with the mortgage company to avoid foreclosure, and never carrying through; or purchasing the home from the owner and claiming to allow the owner to live there with reduced rent (which does not stop the foreclosure and the owner is kicked out anyway); or signing documents purporting to refinance the house that actually transfers ownership to the scam artist. See Report. Free mortgage counseling: see HOPE or call 1-888-995-HOPE Thought for the day (or such other period until I get around to replacing it): What children really want for Christmas is just the company of their loved ones and to see the holiday spirit in their family. There is no need to overspend for the holiday.
Company 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.
Contact InformationOffice Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 4:30p.m. Saturday appointments usually available on request.
|