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.
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):
How to choose among debt lawyers:
When the number of bankruptcies filed went up substantially in the last couple of years, many more attorneys started getting into the field. This makes it much more important to be careful what attorney you hire.
How to choose a bankruptcy attorney (debt attorney):
1. See if they are board certified, and how long they have been board certified.
2. See if the attorney you meet with is the attorney who personally handles your case and will meet you in Court.
3. See if you have to go through an automatic phone system before you speak to a real person.
4. See how many cases the firm handles, a high volume of cases means that the attorney has minimal time to spend on each case.
5. Check the Martindale-Hubbell lawyer rating.
6. Check whether there are any bar complaints filed against the attorney.
|
Michael Barnett is a lawyer representing consumers and small businesses in bankruptcy cases in west central Florida. Mr. Barnett is board certified by the American Board of Certification in consumer bankruptcy law, and has been board certified since January 1993.. While the main office is in Tampa, appointments are also available in Lakeland and Dade City. There is no charge for initial consultations regarding the filing of a
bankruptcy case for the client. Notice required by BAPCPA: We are a debt relief agency agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer to represent the viewer in any matter. Only Mr. Barnett can determine whether he will take any given case, after reviewing the situation in an appointment with the person.
The Hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely
upon advertisements. Before you decide, review the section disclosing my
qualifications and experience. Our MissionThe firm is dedicated to helping individuals and small businesses through financial problems with individualized attention to the clients. We can file bankruptcies to stop foreclosures, deal with tax debts, and stop most lawsuits. We make every effort to treat the clients as we would want to be treated by similar professionals
Analysis of BAPCPA: 2005 bankruptcy LawMr. Barnett has prepared a free analysis of the 2005 bankruptcy law, and cases interpreting it, which can be found here. This analysis is designed primarily for other attorneys or legal professionals rather than clients or potential clients. However his expertise in this field will enable him to give a more accurate an analysis of the client's situation.
|
Company Profile
In 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 obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree at Furman
University, and the law degree at University
of Florida in 1985. I was admitted to the Florida Bar in October 1985. After
becoming a partner at the law firm of Isaak & Barnett, I opened my own firm
in 1992 and have practiced as a single lawyer firm since then.
I am admitted to the Florida Bar and the US District Court for the Middle District
of Florida.
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 Information
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 4:30p.m. Saturday appointments usually available on request.
- Telephone
- Main number: 813 870-3100
- Polk Co. 863 648-4064
- Pasco Co. 352 521-0190
- Central Fla. 800 393-3100
- FAX
- 813 877-4039
- Postal address
- As of March 1, 2010: 106 S. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL 33609-3308
- Electronic mail
- General Information:
dj@hillsboroughbankruptcy.com
Customer Support: dj@hillsboroughbankruptcy.com
Webmaster: webmaster@hillsboroughbankruptcy.com