Services We Offer
Our team of attorneys and legal professionals will assist you through your legal entanglements with care and professionalism.
WhatsNew:
Dealing With This Economy
December 3, 2011
We have been busy at the firm helping our clients deal with this difficult economy. We have had some success recently filing Chapter 11's for a few individuals with multiple properties. A recent court ruling from the Middle District of Florida eliminated a major challenge to this type of bankruptcy. We have seen a drop in the number of Chapter 7 cases compared to last year but have been advised by the foreclosure attorneys that the next waive of foreclosures in coming soon. We expect to see a corresponding increase in Chapter 7 filings. Let us know if we can help you with your financial issues.
CurrentNews:
American Airlines Files Chapter 11
December 2, 2011
The parent company of American Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection in late November, seeking relief from crushing debt caused by high fuel prices and expensive labor contracts that its competitors shed years ago. For most travelers, though, flights will operate normally and the airline will honor tickets and take reservations. American said its frequent-flier program would be unaffected.
Recent Events:
The Local Bankruptcy Scene
November 28, 2011
In the Southern District of Florida, our firm has seen an increase in the unwillingness of Chapter 7 trustees to forgo the collection of potential funds. In Florida, an individual's exemptions in bankruptcy are guided by reference to state-not federal-law. An individual is entitled to certain exemptions of personal and real property. Generally, if an individual was over their exemption limit, i.e. having certain property not entitled to exemption, trustees would generally forfeit their right as administrator of the bankruptcy estate to sell the non-exempt asset if the asset was of little value or considered "unsellable." However, our firm has observed a recent uptick in the willingness of the trustee to sell non-exempt assets worth little, seemingly because trustees do not want to lose out on the potential collection of funds. Often, the sale generates funds in an amount that does little more than pay for trustee and professional fees. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy protection, it is imperative to consult with a bankruptcy attorney who can explain your options and offer pre-bankruptcy planning to avoid these common pitfalls.
Our Services
Bankruptcy
Filing bankruptcy is an important legal right. The Constitution of the United States, Article I, Section 8, Clause 4, provides Congress with the power to establish uniform laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States. That provision was included by our Founding Fathers in reaction to the "debtor’s prisons" of colonial times, in which individuals could be imprisoned for their debts. Since the year 1800 this country has had formal bankruptcy laws for the benefit of U.S. residents. Our current bankruptcy code was adopted in 1978, providing a major overhaul of the bankruptcy system. New legislation took effect October 17, 2005 which substantially revised the Bankruptcy Code again. However, most people in financial distress can still file for bankruptcy protection. Please call us with your bankruptcy questions.
The Bankruptcy Code provides for a number of separate types of bankruptcy proceedings. See our discussion of Chapters 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13. See our separate discussions on Bankruptcy Planning and Involuntary Bankruptcies.
Family Law
Our firm also handles family law matters such as divorce cases and child support claims. Our experience in financial matters and debtor / creditor issues assists us in analyzing our divorce client's financial situation. A separation or divorce can be a traumatic experience. . Our office can guide you through this difficult process.
Many family law issues can be resolved through mediation. This is often preferable to lengthy, possibly contentious litigation, especially if children are involved. We find that our experience in court assists in achieving favorable settlements in mediation.
Personal Injury
The Law Offices of David W. Langley, in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida, handles civil lawsuits, including personal injury cases, products liability suits, auto accident cases, wrongful death and commercial litigation. We represent clients aggressively but with personal attention to the client's needs.
We handle personal injury matters in the State and Federal courts of Broward, Dade and Palm Beach Counties. We can help you obtain a prompt and fair result.
Business Services
We handle civil and commercial lawsuits, including contract disputes and personal injury actions, contract preparation and formation of corporations, individual and corporate bankruptcy matters and creditors' claims and collections in State Court and Bankruptcy Court. We would be happy to discuss your legal needs to see if we can be of any assistance.
We have extensive experience in State Court contract claims, Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act claims, partnership disputes and similar claims. We have also been handling Federal claims for 29 years, including diversity cases and Federal claims. The firm also handles bankruptcy litigation, preference claims and adversary proceedings and contested matters.