Bankruptcy Archives - Page 27 of 34

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Hostess Selling Off Assets, Starting with Wonder Bread

Posted on January 18, 2013by Admin

Hostess has started the process of liquidating its assets, only two months after the popular baked goods company announced filing for bankruptcy. Last Friday, Flowers Foods announced it was purchasing Wonder Bread and three other bread brands from Hostess for $360 million. Flowers will also be purchasing the rye bread brand, Beefsteak, for $30 million. Flowers Foods owns Nature’s Own and Tastykake. Flowers Foods is waiting for approval from the bankruptcy court, after which, an auction will take place in several weeks. If Flowers is the winning bidder, the company can close the deal.

Hostess was forced into bankruptcy last November after its workers went on strike. The company and the union were unable to come to an agreement, forcing the company to close its doors. More than 18,000 employees lost their jobs and Hostess fans cleared out its stores’ shelves. Most believe that Hostess will have no problem selling off the majority of their brands. There is some indication that Flowers may have plans to make bids on other various snack brands owned by Hostess.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Rise in Unemployment in 2013

Posted on January 16, 2013by Admin

There has been a slight rise in claims for unemployment benefits just two weeks into the New Year. Economists say this is an indicator of the current state of the job market. During the first week of the year, approximately 371,000 people filed first-time unemployment claims, 4,000 more than the last week in December. Although the job market recovery has a long way to go, it has improved since the height of the recession when weekly unemployment claims surged above 600,000. There were roughly 12.2 million Americans jobless during December, meaning the unemployment rate for the month was 7.8%.

Unemployment claims seemed to have leveled off during 2012, ranging from 350,000 to 400,000 throughout most of the year. The U.S. economy has added an average of 150,000 jobs to the market each month throughout 2012; a rate that barely keeps up with the population growth each month. Economists say that if the market could reduce filings to 320,000 and 350,000 claims per week in 2013, this would greatly improve the economy. If claims were in this range, approximately 250,000 jobs would be added to the economy each month.

To read more on this story visit: http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/10/news/economy/unemployment-benefits/index.html

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Bankruptcy Filings Are Down

Posted on January 14, 2013by Admin

According to the National Bankruptcy Research Center (NBKRC), the November 2012 bankruptcy filing rates were down 10% from October 2012. Filings dropped from approximately 96,000 in October to 86,000 in November. However, this is a familiar trend, mostly due to the holiday season. A positive sign from the November report is that the annual filing rates have dropped. When compared with November 2011 reports, filings were down 15% in 2012.

During 2013, bankruptcy filing rates are at approximately one in every 220 adults or 4,600 per every million adults. Four states stand out with more than 70% of the national average including: Tennessee, Georgia, Nevada and Utah. There are six states with less than half of the national average including: Alaska, Washington D.C., South Carolina, Vermont, North Dakota and Hawaii.

The NBKRC report showed that filing rates in the far West have experienced a more extreme decline than anywhere else in the country. Nevada, Hawaii, Alaska, Arizona and California rates are all down by more than 22% from this time last year.

To read more on this story visit: https://www.nbkrc.com/November2012_News.aspx

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How Your Taxes Will Be Affected by the Fiscal Cliff Deal

Posted on January 11, 2013by Admin

The Fiscal Cliff deal will likely affect every taxpayer. Below are the effects it could have on your taxes:

1. Payroll Taxes: Wage earners will pay 6.2% in payroll tax on their first $113,700 in wages as opposed to the 4.2% rate that has been the payroll tax rate for the past two years.

2. Tax Rates: Individual taxes are going up for filers with incomes above $400,000 and couples above $450,000. Upper class taxpayers will pay 39.6% above the threshold. In the past, they paid 35% since 2001.

3. Investment Taxes: Capital gains and dividend tax rates for filers earning more than $400,000 or $450,000 for couples will increase from 15% to 20%. Taxpayers in the lowest bracket will pay 0% and all others will pay 15%.

4. Family Tax Breaks: President Obama’s Recovery Act has been extended for five years including:
a. American Opportunity Tax Credit: a partially refundable credit of up to $2,500 per year for four years for low-income families.
b. Child Tax Credit: Low-income parents can claim as much as $1,000 per child under 17.
c. Earned Income Tax Credit: provides a credit for working American with low- and moderate-incomes.
d. Expanded Dependent Care Credit: allows certain taxpayers to deduct up to 35% of expenses to a max of $6,000 for two children (permanently extended).

5. Itemized Deductions/Personal Exemption: Taxpayers who make $250,000 and above and couples who make $300,000 and above will soon be limited with the personal exemptions and itemized deductions they can take.

6. Alternative Minimum Tax: The income exemption level will be permanently adjusted for inflation.

7. Estate Taxes: The estate tax exemption will remain at $5.12 million and will be indexed to inflation going forward.

8. Marriage Penalty: Married couples will continue to receive a deduction that is twice that of individuals and income ranges for the 10% and 15% tax brackets are also doubled.

9. Debt Forgiveness: Homeowners who receive principal forgiveness or go through a short sale or foreclosure will not have to pay tax on the amount of debt forgiven. This will extend for one year.

10. Tax Breaks: Filers can continue to deduct state and local sales taxes. This deal extends to a bevy of tax breaks.

To read more on this story visit: http://economy.money.cnn.com/2013/01/02/taxes-fiscal-cliff/?iid=SF_PF_River

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Florida Brain Injury Hospital Files for Bankruptcy

Posted on January 10, 2013by Admin

The Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation Inc. filed for bankruptcy last week in Tampa. The hospital itself is located in Wauchula, a small city in Southwest Florida, and treats brain injuries. A few months ago, the state began investigating the hospital on reports of patient abuse and neglect. Along with three other affiliated institutions, the hospital filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions on Friday. Court filings showed the institution owes between $3 million and $30 million to hundreds of creditors and their assets total less than $150,000.

In August, Florida officials ordered the hospital to send 50 patients to other facilities. This occurred shortly after a story by the Bloomberg News revealed the institution had a history of violence with its patients. The hospital’s creditors include: insurance companies, law firms, medical supply companies, water and electric utilities, the county tax collector and a public relations firm.

Or visit: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/01/07/3170982/fla-brain-injury-hospital-files.html

Credit, Foreclosures, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Bank Of America Settles with Fannie Mae For $11.6 Billion

Posted on January 9, 2013by Admin

Bank of America recently announced legal settlements exceeding $14 billion for its participation in fraudulent foreclosure processes and bad mortgages sold to its investors. BOA recently settled with federally backed mortgage giant, Fannie Mae, for $11.6 billion for selling bad mortgages to the company. BOA also agreed to stop collecting payments on $306 billion worth of mortgage loans to Nationstar Mortgage Holdings and Walter Investment Management Corp. Approximately $3 billion from the settlement were part of a deal between mortgage lenders and regulators to end a review of foreclosures mandated by the government. Experts say that the Bank’s agreement to the recent settlements is a step in the right direction.

Analysts estimate the lender’s settlements have amounted to $40 billion in mortgage-related settlements this past year. However, BOA is far from finished with legal troubles from its part in the real-estate crisis. The agreement does not settle the lawsuit brought forth by the U.S. Justice Department last year for bad loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Also, Bank of America is still awaiting the court’s approval to settle for $8.5 billion with private investors.

Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between whether or not you can keep your home. A well-qualified attorney will not only help you keep your home, but they will be able to negotiate a loan that has payments you can afford. Foreclosure defense attorney, Timothy Kingcade has helped many facing foreclosure alleviate their stress by letting them stay in their homes for at least another year, allowing them to re-organize their lives. If you have any questions on the topic of foreclosure please feel free to contact me at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Florida Bar, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. Files 1,070 Bankruptcy Cases for the Year in the Southern District of Florida

Posted on January 8, 2013by Admin

MIAMI – Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. (www.miamibankruptcy.com) a Miami-based bankruptcy law firm, focused solely on helping individuals and families throughout the Southern District of Florida in Chapter 7 bankruptcy and foreclosure defense cases, is pleased to announce it filed 1,070 total bankruptcy cases in 2012.

“We are honored to be able to help more than 1,000 families in South Florida eliminate their debt and get a fresh start with their finances,” said Founding Partner and Managing Shareholder, Timothy S. Kingcade. “We attribute this success to our unwavering dedication to our clients and never losing sight of their best interest throughout the bankruptcy process.”

Attorney Kingcade practices exclusively in the field of bankruptcy law, handling Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings and foreclosure defense cases for the Southern District of Florida. All partners and associates at Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. specialize in consumer bankruptcy and foreclosure and have dedicated their practices to this area of the law. Additionally, all attorneys and staff members at the firm are bilingual speaking Spanish.

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Miami-based Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. was established by managing partner and bankruptcy attorney, Timothy Kingcade in 1996. The firm represents clients throughout the Southern District of Florida in Chapter 7 bankruptcy and foreclosure defense cases. The firm is committed to providing personalized service to each and every client, clearly explaining the options according to the unique circumstances of his or her life. The office environment and the service provided are centered on a culture of superior client care. More information can be found at www.miamibankruptcy.com or by calling 305-285-9100.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Don’t Let a Car Accident Wreck Your Credit

Posted on January 4, 2013by Admin

Many car accident victims are often burdened with major medical bills after their accident. In fact, according to a Harvard study 62 percent of bankruptcies are caused by outstanding medical bills. Insurance claims can be extremely confusing and differ according to state and policy. While waiting for your insurance claim to settle, these medical bills are often sent off to collection agencies. This in turn can have an immediate impact on your credit score. Insurance companies have a reputation for taking their time settling claims, leaving accident victims sitting on a mountain of debt.

Below are some ways to avoid the accident having a negative impact on your credit score:

1. Provide all health and auto insurance information to any health care providers you have seen after the accident. The worst mistake you can make is to assume that one or the other will be solely covering your medical costs. Also make sure you provide your claim number with your medical providers.

2. Even though it is a stressful time, you must be proactive. Promptly report the accident to your insurance company. If you delay your claim, insurance companies may try to use this against you as grounds for denying a claim.

3. Keep all of your mail, records, reports, etc., organized. Save every piece of mail you receive regarding the accident. This can include any type of correspondence between you, the medical providers or the insurance companies.

4. Educate yourself about balance billing. Most health care providers are required to follow certain billing procedures. If you are not aware of the procedures, you might become the victim of balance billing where you are not billed within a timely manner.

5. Do not hesitate to ask your insurance agent for help.

6. The best results come to those who are persistent. You may feel as though you are annoying your company’s adjusters; however, they are more likely to settle your claim in a timely manner if you are persistent.

7. It is not in your best interest to try and settle your claim alone. There are often important deadlines and procedures that you do not know, therefore consider hiring an attorney to help you through this process.

8. If you are denied a claim, challenge the denial. Your attorney can help you file a suit to rightfully claim your settlement.

9. The scary truth is that you may be liable for some of your medical bills. However, you can try to negotiate the amount you owe. Your attorney can also help you negotiate this with your health care provider.

To read more on this story visit: http://money.msn.com/credit-rating/will-a-car-crash-wreck-your-credit?page=2

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

January the Most Popular Month for Divorce

Posted on January 2, 2013by Admin

The first month of the New Year is reportedly the most popular time of the year to file for divorce. Below are five financial reasons why:

1. Year-End Bonuses are a contributing factor of why many couples wait until January to divorce. In most states, once a divorce has been filed, any income that comes in after, is separate. Year-end bonuses are commonly fought over in divorces.

2. Cooling Off can be another factor in why spouses wait until January to file for divorce. Spouses are aware of the fact that their significant other might be less likely to settle if their holiday was ruined.

3. Holiday Shopping can be disastrous if spouses are angry at one other. The spouse that has been served the papers may go on a spree with the idea that he/she deserves it while the opportunity is present.

4. Tax Returns are commonly thought to be a contributing factor to whether a divorce is filed in December or January. While it really makes no difference when the divorce is filed, many couples are under the assumption its best to start the New Year with a clean slate.

5. More Time to Plan is available if a spouse waits to file for divorce in January. Both spouses have most likely had some time off for the holidays and are able to get end-of-year statements together. There is more time for spouses to sift through finances and gain a better prospective on what the future holds.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Four Common Credit Card Mistakes

Posted on December 31, 2012by Admin

Credit cards are a great way to improve your credit score; however simple missteps in your credit card use can ruin your credit and leave you with unmanageable debt. Many people first encounter credit card trouble when they opt for short-term benefits and ignore the big picture. Cardholders are frequently enticed by flashy marketing campaigns and as a result, ignore the fine print terms of their cards.
Below are four common cardholder mistakes:
1. Credit card companies frequently offer signing bonus points to prospective cardholders. The majority of consumers do not read the fine print stating that a certain amount must be spent in a certain amount of time to receive these benefits. Consumers should be weary of increasing their spending to receive bonus points.
2. Credit card companies that use bonus points most likely have higher annual fees. A commonly used marketing tool is to waive this fee for the first year of card use. Consumers tend to disregard the fee since the first year is free and may not be able to afford it later.
3. If a cardholder is racking up interest on a card and having a hard time paying it off, it is not uncommon for them to transfer the balance to another card. Many consumers do so in order to receive a 0% introductory rate. In some cases, consumers skim the fine print and do not realize the interest on the card will be retroactive. Transferring balances from one card to another can also have a negative impact on consumers’ credit scores.
4. Department stores have been offering up discounts at the register in exchange for signing up for a store card for years. Oftentimes feeling rushed, it is common for consumers to overlook the fine print and sign off on inflated interest rates. Store card interest rates are rarely anything less than double digits; therefore consumers should forgo the discount!
To read more on this story visit: http://money.msn.com/credit-rating/4-costly-credit-card-missteps?page=2
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.