Filing Bankruptcy for Small Business

When you run a small business it’s not easy to get to the point that you have to file bankruptcy. It means possibly shutting the door on your dream of running your own business. But there could be a way that you may be able to keep your doors open and still file for bankruptcy.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

This type of bankruptcy is set up to be used by corporations and individuals who own businesses. When you run a small business and your getting to the point of where you unable to pay all the bills you have you may want to consider this option. With this type of bankruptcy a business can reorganize their debts. Hopefully with this reorganization they should be able to make payments and keep their small business running.

An Attorney

Most of the bigger corporations out there will usually have a lawyer or a few lawyers on their payroll to handle these problems. But most likely if you run a small business you will not have a lawyer on your payroll. But they shouldn’t be that hard to find. Open up the yellow pages or go on the internet and do a search engine search for bankruptcy lawyers. Talk to a few before you make your final decision, this isn’t going to be a cheap undertaking by far. Just to file for a chapter 11 bankruptcy it will run you over $1,000. That doesn’t even include the fees that your attorney will charge you. But it’s really important to get an attorney to make sure all the records that are needed by the court are filled out and filed correctly. This is why you need to see a few Tampa bankruptcy attorneys and see if you can get the best fees possible.

Paperwork

There are certain things the courts will ask for with a person who runs a business they will need to provide not only the business information, but also they need to supply their personal financial information. Another reason why you should hire a lawyer, they know ins and outs that might help you out in filing the bankruptcy. With the information you will need both the assets of your business and personal assets, liabilities of both. How much you make and what you pay out, again for both business and personal. To find out more specifics of what you will need to provide you can read up more on the internet or you can call an attorney. Several attorneys will most likely meet with you for the first time for free. So get to looking if you feel you need to take this step. Make sure you take the step after much thinking. Don’t wait too long though, you may not be able to try and save the business even once your bills are reorganized. With all the paperwork ready your attorney will be able to file your petition for bankruptcy, than it’s only waiting for court and the judgment.

This article has been provided by SmithSEO.com, Internet marketing for lawyers

Finding a Criminal Attorney to help you

If you have been in trouble and find yourself facing criminal charges? If you’re innocent you should find an attorney right away. But if you’re guilty you should also locate an attorney who handles criminal law. With an attorney you may be able to get a better deal and not serve as much jail time.

Finding a good criminal attorney isn’t too hard most cities will have a bunch of choices. But if you live in a little town, you may not find as many attorney’s to make a choice between. One of the biggest things you should make sure is the fees that the law firm you choose will charge you. If you don’t have a lot of money this will be a tougher decision, you can ask if they will accept payments too for their services. Most law firms will try and work with you in order to help you out.

Facing criminal charges is tough enough, your friends and loved ones will be worried about you, and you will feel the pressure of trying to prove that you didn’t commit the crime. Or trying to get an attorney who can present the case in a way that may in fact get you out of the charges. A lot of people out there think if you’re guilty you should be made to face justice. But maybe you had nothing to do with the crime, but were only in the wrong place at the wrong time. That could make you look guilty, but you didn’t do anything. With a great criminal attorney on your side they can make the jury see the case for what it is. Explaining everything in a way that will prove that you had nothing to do with the crime you were charged for.

Working with your DWI lawyer you can tell what happened and let them know if anyone was around who can prove you weren’t part of the crime. You will need to find a lawyer who can focus on your case, giving it all the attention it will need. One who when you call to ask a question will either answer it right away, or find the answer for you within a 24 period. Communication is a big plus when you are facing any kind of charge, but a criminal charge that may find you spending a large number or years in jail it’s even more important than every. Don’t settle on the very first attorney who you contact, but check a few different ones and see who you feel will handle your case better.

Comparing is a very important thing when you dealing with something as serious as criminal charges. Try to find a criminal attorney who has a great win record, and one that you feel will give you case all the attention it deserves. Don’t make ridiculous demands though only ask for what any attorney would give your case. Find one that puts your case as a top priority.

**This is not legal advice. Please consult with a local attorney about your specific case.**

This article was provided by Gerrid Smith and sponsored by the Driver Law Firm in Raleigh, NC.

Bankruptcy Laws

There are three different bankruptcies that are available to people out there. Chapter 13 allows you to reorganize your bills and at times even pay around 50% less on the bills that you owe. You can see how this would help you out if you are running short on money. If you are thinking about filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy you should find an attorney who will help you out.

Filing

Most of the time when you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy you won’t even need to go in front of a judge. When you file the petition with the clerk of court you will need to pay fees for the filing. The filing fee will run you $235, plus another $39 for an administrative fee. It’s not near as much as a Chapter 11, but a bit more than what a Chapter 7 will cost you.

Why File a Chapter 13?

Filing a Chapter 13 is a good idea for those people who have the money to be able to pay on their bills. If you are just running a bit short each month filing a Chapter 13 will let you reorganize the bills and give you a lot longer time to pay off the bills. You will need to provide a listing of your creditors and their addresses to provide the court with. Also how you will pay back the bills; this is where the attorney’s help will come in handy. With the attorney who has handled these types of cases before they will know how to file these forms and have them set up in the right way.

Finding an Attorney

When you go looking for an attorney to help file your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you should compare several. Don’t pick the first one that you talk too, some attorney’s may not charge as much to take your case. While some others will accept payments for their fee, the only catch you will have with this is they will not file until you have fully paid their fees. But once you have hired them, you can refer the collection calls to their office. So it’s not a bad deal at all. Check in your yellow pages you will see pages and pages of attorney’s that only deal with bankruptcies. Of course you should pick one of those. Call them and ask about their fees and see if they accept payments. Sometimes you might want to meet with them in person too. This will give you the opportunity to see how the attorney is in person. Make sure you have no problem communicating with them, and that you feel comfortable talking to them.

Paying your Creditors

Like stated above you will need to come up with a payment plan, and provide financial records that will show that you will in deed be able to pay the plan that you have set up. Each month you will send the check in the amount agreed to in to the trustee who was assigned to your case. The trustee will than split up the check and send the payments to the right creditors.

** This is not legal advice. Please consult with a local attorney regarding your specific situation.**

About the Author – This article was provided by Gerrid Smith and sponsored by the Jodat Law Group in Sarasota, FL.

Bankruptcy: Is it Right for you?

When you begin to have money problems and they begin to get really bad you will most likely consider filing for bankruptcy. Everyone has problems once in a while, but there is a certain point you may come to where it’s just not possibly to keep going on like you are. That’s when you should call a bankruptcy attorney and see what you can do.

Finding an Attorney

You can find your attorney by either looking in the yellow pages, or on the internet. Don’t settle on the first Sarasota attorney you call though. See what their fees are and if you are able to make payments on the amount. An attorney who works with you for their fees is a nice thing when your having problems paying all your bills. Make sure that the lawyer you pick is easy to talk to and that they return your calls quickly, within 24 hours.

Filing the Petition

The next step is filing the petition; actually your lawyer will do that for you. Most of the time your attorney’s fees will include the filing fee for the court and the administration fee that needs to be paid too.

What needs to be filed?

You will need to provide your lawyer with a listing of your assets and liabilities, paychecks, monthly expenditures, and if you have copies of any of those past due notices you have gotten in the mail. With all this paperwork given to your lawyer it will make their job so much easier.

Is it the Right Choice?

If you are so far behind on your bills that you in no way can catch up it’s probably the best idea for you to do. But you should really talk to a lawyer because they are the experts and know how to set you the right way. When you go to find your attorney this is one of the best reasons to find one you can talk too, one that you trust.

Clearing your Credit

With a Chapter 7 bankruptcy you will need to qualify for it. This is another thing you will be wise to ask an attorney. A Chapter 7 will allow you to clear up your credit and get those bills discharged off your credit. But if you have a house you may lose it, or a vehicle, especially if it’s not claimed as exempt on your petition. These things are liable to be liquidated and help to pay bills that will not be discharged. It’s not something that happens often, but just in case it is something that you should be aware of, but a good lawyer will have told you that already. Now a Chapter 13 you will not have the things that you owe discharged, but you will have to pay about 50% less than what was left to pay. But if you have a house that is in foreclosure this is one way that will allow you to stop the proceedings from going on, and may actually allow you to save the house.

** This is not legal advice. Please consult with a local attorney regarding your specific situation.**

About the Author – This article was provided by Gerrid Smith and sponsored by the Jodat Law Group in Sarasota, FL.

A New Start after Bankruptcy

There may come a point in your life that you are faced with over whelming bills, the financial stress you are facing may seem hopeless. At this point you may decide that you have no way out except to file for bankruptcy.

Comparison of 2007 and 2008

In 2008 when compared to bankruptcy filings, there were over 200,000 more bankruptcies that were filed. And if you compare the states totals from year to year almost every state had an increase in the amount of filings. It’s a sad statistic that shows just how bad the economy has gotten. With the crash of the housing market, tons of people were faced with losing their homes, and several of these may have helped to contribute to the higher rates.

What Attorney to Choose

You should compare a few different attorneys before you pick the one to help you. Picking the first attorney may be a bad way to go but if you talk to more than one you may find a lawyer who will charge you less in fees. Feeling at ease with the lawyer you choose is very important too. Plus you should find out if the fees of the lawyer you pick and whether they include the filing costs of your bankruptcy. Another great thing to find out from the lawyer is if they will accept payments for the fees. The only thing about this way of paying your attorney is that they will not file the petition until you have the fees all paid off. However, what’s nice about this is that once you have agreed to hire the lawyer you will be able to refer those collection calls to your new lawyer.

Which Chapter?

Now it’s best to ask the Sarasota lawyer that you hire which chapter is best, but these are a few highlights of the choices you have. There are three different chapters of bankruptcy; they are the chapter 7, chapter 11, and chapter 13. First off the chapter 11 is normally used by corporations in order to reorganize their bills. However, there are a few people who may file with a chapter 11 if they own a business. With a chapter 7 you will need to qualify for it first, this is where your lawyer comes in very handy. They will find out a few specifics about your finances and what you would like to have happen. Than they will let you know which bankruptcy is the best for you. A chapter 7 will allow you to have credit card and medical bills discharged. But it will not protect a house from foreclosure hearings. While a chapter 13 will stop the proceedings of a foreclosure when it’s filed in the courts. This will give you the chance to be able to catch up the mortgage payments and keep your house. However, with a chapter 13 you will need to reorganize your bills and make payments on them. Of course it will normally be around 50% of what was owed on the bills, and you will have anywhere from 36 to 60 months.

How to File

Your attorney will help you get all the paperwork ready once you hire them. But you will need to provide them with a listing of all your assets and liabilities as well as how much you make and what you pay out each month.

** This is not legal advice. Please consult with a local attorney regarding your specific situation.**

About the Author – This article was provided by Gerrid Smith and sponsored by the Jodat Law Group in Sarasota, FL.

The Top Ten Questions About Event Data Recorders (Vehicle Black Boxes)

What are Event Data Recorders?

Event Data Recorders (EDRs) are electronic devices, commonly called Black Boxes, that are installed in motor vehicles. EDRs have the ability to record information about what a vehicle did before, during and immediately after a traffic crash. EDRs are generally part of a vehicle’s Airbag Control Module or Powertrain Control Module.

Do all vehicles have EDR’s?

No. However, the majority of vehicles currently manufactured have some type of EDR installed in them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that by 2010, at least 85 % of all vehicles manufactured will have EDRs.

Do all EDRs record the same information?

No. Currently, the circumstances under which an EDR records and the type of data recorded is contingent upon the year, make, and model of the vehicle. An EDR can be configured to record a variety of data including, but not limited to, information about how a vehicle’s airbag and restraint system functioned as well as pre-crash speed, brake use or throttle application.

Do any EDRs record the date, time, and geographic location of an accident?

No. While many vehicles have the ability to monitor the date, time and their location through onboard navigation systems or global positioning systems, no EDRs are currently configured to record said information in the event of an accident.

Can EDRs record if the vehicle is turned off?

No. EDRs can only record when power is applied. Powering of the EDR requires that battery power is available and the ignition is in the “on” position.

How is EDR data accessed and analyzed?

General Motors, Ford, and Daimler Chrysler have already released a method of downloading the data contained within their EDRs to the public. The EDR data is accessed through a Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) system manufactured by BOSCH Diagnostics. Currently, other EDRs are only accessible through the manufacturers.

Will EDRs ever become standardized?

Yes. NHTSA has released a ruling (NHTSA-2006-25666; 49 CFR Part 563 Titled: Event Data Recorders) that will regulate the type of information that is recorded and the method in which it is stored. The ruling will affect all vehicles manufactured for North America after September 1^st 2012 and will require that all manufacturers make their EDR data available to the public.

Is EDR information admissible in court?

Yes. Regardless of state, EDR data has been consistently accepted in criminal prosecutions and civil litigation. In many states, including Illinois, EDR data has been tested and found to meet the Frye standard for admissibility. (Illinois App. Ct., 4th Dist., No. 4-01-0237, Appeal from Circuit Court of Woodford County, Case No. 98L21 – 2002).

Who owns the information contained within an EDR?

Generally, the data contained within an EDR should be treated as property of the vehicle owner. If consent to access the information from an EDR is being sought, then the vehicle owner should be contacted.

Do any states have EDR laws?

Yes. There are currently 12 states with EDR laws. Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas and Virginia all have laws governing EDRs. Many more states are expected to draft legislation in the next few years.

This article was submitted by Shawn Gyorke, a Certified Traffic Accident Reconstructionist and Crash Data Retrieval Analyst with 9 years law enforcement experience. Shawn is also the owner of Crash Data Services, LLC, an expert witness service specializing in accident reconstruction and EDR downloads. For more information, examples of actual downloads and a list of services, please visit http://www.crashdataservices.net.

The Secret of Search Engine Optimizationi (Shhhhh, don’t tell anyone)

If you are like most lawyers, you are constantly being barraged by offers from SEO “experts” who know the secrets of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Here is the biggest secret about SEO that I am going to share with you….

There is no secret. Despite what all the experts say, Google, Yahoo, MSN and every other search engine out there do not want a website to show better in their search results because of superior SEO. These search engines make their living by bringing back relevant websites to a particular query. If these results are skewed and not relevant, then the searcher will look elsewhere and not continue to use the search engine.
This creates a cat and mouse game between the SEO Experts (mostly Spammers) and the search engines. I would suggest you do not get caught up with all this.

Remember from my last post, above all, Content is King. If you are adding relevant content, have a Google Site Map (table of contents for Google), and are listed in a few good web directories then your lawyer website or blawg will do just fine. Stay away from trying to guess “keyword density” and other SEO methods. These strategies come and go. Trying to keep up with them will be frustrating, complicated, and in the end, not beneficial to your overall web traffic.

If your hobby is to SEO your law firm website on a frequent basis and the art of SEO interests you, then go ahead. Otherwise, put your head down, and refresh your relevant content. If you build it, they will come.

Attorney Referral / Lead Services

Attorney/Client lead and referral services claim that they take away the labor, analysis, confusion, and qualification of pay per click campaigns. A law firm pays the service and the service provides the law firm with leads it acquires through pay per click campaigns or organic capture.
In investigating a few of these services, including AttorneySync, LegalMatch, and LegalConnection, I found some good and not some good features.

All three did a good job of showing up on pay per click campaigns.

Legal Match and Legal Connection have a very detailed and long intake form which is good and bad. It is good that any referral or lead that gets to you has a lot of information and is more qualified than a typical web inquiry. It is bad that many potential clients will not have the patience to fill out the form.

The AttorneySync form was more intuitive and less lengthy than LegalMatch and LegalConnection. As you can imagine this is good and bad as I described before.

Once the form is filled, LegalMatch informs the user that an appropriate attorney will be in contact. AttorneySync actually shows the attorney that has meets the practice and location criteria. Legal Connection shows up to 3 possible attorneys that meet the criteria. Which one of these is better? I think all three have their merits.

Ok, so do I like the idea of this lead/referral service? I’ll give my generic answer of “it depends”. The upside is that these services take the grunt work out of SEO and Pay Per Click. These services have the ability to ratchet up their ad campaign to get your firm a certain amount of leads. These firms do all the research and heavy lifting for the right keywords. The downside is the uncertainty of the quality of the leads. No matter how long an intake form is, the lead may not be what the you are looking for. I especially hear this with Real Estate lawyers who complain they receive far too many Landlord/Tenant leads. DUI/DWI inquiries tend to be a lot more cut and dry. Either the potential lead was arrested for DUI or not.

So should you try one of these services? I would say giving one a shot would not be a bad idea as a compliment to your Law Firm website and Blawg (lawyer blog). You also need the time and the ability to respond quickly to one of these potential leads as these potential clients are in the market and want immediate feedback. I would also be wary to accept any promises of great leads and would be hesitant to commit to a long term contract.

Also, consult your state bar association on the ethics of these services. Some state rules are strict about referral services.

AttorneySync
LegalMatch
LegalConnection

Posted by Legal Marketer

How to start a solo practice while cutting over head costs by 85%?

Law firms have been laying off attorneys in record numbers leaving lawyers scrabbling to find work. Employed attorneys are currently on edge of losing their jobs. They have seen several of their colleagues lost their jobs in recent months and are unable to find another position.  Some unemployed attorneys are considering branching out of the legal field while others are considering going into solo practice.  Attorneys who are considering starting a solo practice are hesitant because of the over head costs of starting a law firm.

These attorneys may want to consider hiring a virtual paralegal.  A Virtual Paralegal is a paralegal who is independently contracted by a lawyer or law firm to provide paralegal support services on an as needed basis with such services being supplied with the use of technology such as the internet, e-mail, fax and remote access systems (to name a few).
Solo practitioners, small law firms and in-house legal departments can benefit from outsourcing  non-core activities that will give them more time to concentrate on their core business processes.  Outsourcing can help solo practitioners, small law firms and in-house legal departments to cut their operational costs to more than half. If they want their law firms to stay ahead of competition, concentrate on core competencies and make use of the latest technologies, then outsourcing can help their law firm achieve all this and more.

Solo practitioners, small law firms and in-house legal departments can also maximized resources by utilizing the necessary support without incurring the salary, benefits and overhead expenses of hiring a permanent paralegal. In addition, they can  increased productivity by delegating procedural and practical workload that is better assigned to a paralegal.
Using a Virtual Paralegal is a highly efficient, economical way for solo practitioners, small law firms and in-house legal departments to keep their legal budget under control, while maintaining the excellence demand of their legal practice.

Cordina A. Charvis is the founder and CEO of Virtual Outsource Paralegal, http://virtualoutsourceparalegal.com. She has more than 10 years working a Paralegal in large law firms and legal department. She can be contacted via email inbox@virtualoutsourceparalegal.com

Directory vs Website Listing

From http://legalmarketingguru.blogspot.com/

As you can guess from my previous posts, I believe a website for an attorney or law firm is one of the pillars of marketing your practice. A well constructed and crafted website can convey a professional/competent image and drive visitors and potential clients to your practice.

The two largest lawyer directories present attorney listings in a different manner. Lawyers.com, as a default, presents a typical “directory style” listing of a firm or attorney. In this listing, there is contact information, listing of lawyers, practice areas, law school information, etc. There is an option to “view website”.

Findlaw on the other hand, defaults the listing back to the attorney’s website. There are very few attorney listing that present the typical directory listings as described above.

There are pros and cons to both formats of listings. If I know a lawyer’s name, then the directory style listing is quicker and more efficient. If I don’t know a specific attorney, then I may want to investigate their website. Findlaw does not give the directory listing style whereas Lawyers.com gives you both options. For this reason, I have to give the nod to Lawyers.com for more consumer choice.

Please let me know what you think.