Clearwater has just over 117,000 residents, making it small enough to feel intimate and large enough to offer a variety of fun activities. Additionally, it has a significant population of retirees.
Creditors contacting you on a daily basis are a sign that you may be in financial trouble. A bankruptcy attorney can help you regain control of your debt.
Bankruptcy
Although bankruptcy is often viewed as a death blow to financial independence, it can also serve as a life-raft for many people struggling with heavy debt. Typically, individuals file chapter 7 bankruptcy to clear credit card balances, medical bills and other unsecured debts. In some cases, a court may order that the debtor liquidate nonexempt assets to repay creditors.
The most common type of bankruptcy is Chapter 7 written by Andrew Mongelluzzi. This process discharges debt, bills and financial obligations, allowing the debtor to keep property like cars and houses that are secured by collateral. It can also prevent foreclosure, repossession and wage garnishment. However, it does not relieve nondischargeable debts such as student loan debt, recent tax debt and back child support or alimony payments. Your attorney can determine whether the bankruptcy process is right for you or if another option would be more appropriate.
Car Accidents
Car accidents can leave you with severe injuries and a lot of medical bills. They also can leave you with property damage and lost wages. A Clearwater accident lawyer can help you recover damages for your losses.
Many factors contribute to car accidents, including weather conditions, road conditions and driver errors. The latter is the leading cause of crashes in Florida, with over 94% of car accidents being due to driver error.
Other common causes of accidents include failing to obey traffic laws, tailgating and distracted driving. If you were involved in a crash caused by another driver who disobeyed traffic rules, you can pursue punitive damages in your case. These are awarded above your full settlement amount to punish a reckless driver. They aren’t available in every case.
Custody
Custody is a term used in family law to describe who cares for and maintains children. It is most commonly determined in divorce and separation cases. Parents may be awarded joint custody, sole custody or some combination of the two.
A Clearwater child custody attorney can help parents construct agreements that determine parental responsibility and time sharing. An experienced lawyer can help navigate the sometimes volatile emotions that often occur in these types of cases.
A Clearwater alimony modification lawyer is able to work with set Florida guidelines in order to modify spousal support payments. Circumstances change and when they do either the spouse receiving alimony or the spouse paying alimony will want to see that the agreement be modified. An attorney will help to ensure that the process moves smoothly.
Estate Planning
An estate plan is essential, especially if you have significant assets. It will protect your family from having to go through the probate process and ensure that your beneficiaries receive your assets as you intended. A Clearwater estate planning lawyer can help you create a comprehensive plan that meets your unique needs.
You should tally your total estate value and account for how your assets are titled. For example, leaving money to a disabled loved one requires careful planning so that it does not jeopardize their eligibility for Social Security or Medicaid benefits. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complex process of setting up a special needs trust.
A good estate planning attorney can make sure that your inheritance reaches your loved ones without the expensive, stressful, and lengthy probate process. They can also help you avoid unnecessary taxes and fees.
Wills
A will allows you to decide how you want to distribute your property. It also names an executor to administer your estate and appoints guardians for minor children. It must be in writing and signed by witnesses. If there are any allegations of duress, fraud or improper influence, the will can be challenged in court.
A Clearwater estate planning lawyer can assist you in a number of ways. For example, they can help you draft a lady bird deed to avoid probate while retaining control over the property. They can also advise you on a family limited partnership or LLC to reduce taxes and maintain control.
They can also help you draft a healthcare surrogate or power of attorney to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event that you become incapacitated.
