Top Tampa, FL Business Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You

Business Bankruptcy

A Tampa Business Bankruptcy can be a great option if your business is unable to meet its financial obligations and is looking to either restructure debt obligations or liquidate assets. Depending on your company’s current financial position, one or both strategies may be an option.

Business Bankruptcy Options

Provided the bankruptcy is not involuntary, your Business Bankruptcy Attorney may recommend either a Chapter 11 (“reorganization”), or chapter 7 (“liquidation”) bankruptcy to deal with your company’s financial issues.

A Chapter 11 allows a business to reorganize debts and pay off creditor’s over a period of time up to five years. A Chapter 7 liquidation forces the company to literally liquidate all assets, pay off creditors, and ultimately, stop operating. This is typically the least desirable option that your Business Bankruptcy Attorney will try to help you avoid.

When to Hire a Lawyer

It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation

Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.