Our Blog Has Moved!

Our Blog has moved to a new home, located right on our website!  Please bookmark our new location at http://www.whmh.com/blog/.  See you there!

Employee Profile: Staci Baker

Staci Baker has been greeting clients as our receptionist since July 2010.  Staci is a native of New York state who enjoys interacting with all of our clients and vendors, and making sure their experience with WHMH is outstanding.  Outside of the office, Staci is a member of the Orange County PTA and volunteers for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation with her daughter Delani, who is a Type 1 Diabetic.  Staci is a huge football fan who enjoys cheering on Georgia State University and the Chicago Bears.  She is an avid collector of all things Disney, especially Cinderella.  We are honored to have Staci as part of our team!

WHMH to Host Junk in the Trunk

Wolff, Hill, McFarlin & Herron is proud to team up with The Mustard Seed of Central Florida for their "Junk in the Trunk" clothing drive.  The mission of The Mustard Seed of Central Florida is to help rebuild the lives of families and individuals who have suffered disaster or personal tragedy by providing household furnishings and clothing.  We here at WHMH look forward to helping The Mustard Seed! 

WHMH Attorney to Speak

WHMH Attorney Roman Hammes will be presenting to the OCBA business law committee on July 11th at noon. The presentation will be titled Bankruptcy Proofing Litigation Settlements. Topics to be discussed will include automatic stay waivers, preferential payments, springing recourse provisions, and novations. Lunch will be provided courtesy of WHMH.

Kudos Maureen McArdle!

Congratulations to Office Manager Maureen McArdle, who was recognized in the Orlando Business Journal in the "People in the News" section.  Maureen, along with Jennifer O'Mara, have been named co-chair's of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 2012 Imagine Gala. 

Employee Profile: Holly Fussell

Holly joined WHMH in November 2011 as our file clerk/runner. Holly is a Sophomore at Rollins College, majoring in Communication Studies with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Communication.  Holly’s ultimate goal is to become a lobbyist.  Holly, who is one of 6 children, enjoys spending quality time with her family debating politics and religion, and especially enjoys fighting social injustice.  We are glad to have Holly as a member of the WHMH Family.

WHMH at the Pourhouse

On Saturday May 26, 2012 Mark Hill will be launching his new website Mark Kill's "Your Weekly Catch-Up".   Downtown Pourhouse Orlando, located at 20 South Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32801 (on Corner of Central & Orange) will be hosting the party, with live performances by Mark and Tagas.  

Mark, a former paralegal at WHMH, left the firm in 2010 to pursue a music career.  We wish Mark the best in his new endeavour!

Court of Appeals Ruling Helpful for Homeowners

Last week the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals held that a Chapter 7 debtor could strip a second mortgage lien off his home if the amount due on the first mortgage was greater than the fair market value of the home. The decision undermines the consensus view of bankruptcy courts and practitioners since the Supreme Court decision in Dewsnup v. Timm in 1992. For homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments, the decision appears to open another channel for debt relief.  In re McNeal, 2012 WL 1649853 (11th Cir. 2012).

WHMH Attorney Speaks at Luncheon

On April 20th, Attorney Roman Hammes presented at the Bankruptcy Court’s Brown Bag Lunch on 727 discharge and 523 dischargeability litigation. Roman, a South Carolina native, joined the firm as an associate attorney in November 2010. Roman has practiced both commercial litigation and bankruptcy law, and is active in many legal associations. WHMH is proud to have Roman on our team!

Medical Bills and Bankruptcy

Battling a serious illness can be a stressful time.  Compounding that stress for many Americans is how they will pay medical bills.   More than 60% of all personal bankruptcy cases filed are due to medical debt. 80% of those who file for bankruptcy protection have some form of health insurance. 

Why do medical problems force so many insured Americans toward bankruptcy?  In many cases high medical bills directly contribute to their bankruptcy.   Costs for prescription drugs, hospitalizations and the need for chronic care are the most frequent causes for medical bankruptcy.  Many families with coverage are underinsured, making them responsible for thousands of dollars in costs out of their own pockets.  Others lose coverage when they became too sick to work. Many insurers cancel coverage immediately when an employee suffers a disabling illness; others do so within a year.

Medical bills will not go away.   Doctors offices or hospitals will bill you for any amount that is not covered by your health insurance.  If you do not satisfy these bills, your debt will most likely be turned over to a collection agency.  Collection notices may be posted on your credit report, resulting in a lower credit score.  Continuing failure to pay these bills may result in a judgement against you or a possible garnishment of wages or tax refunds.

Bankruptcy was designed to resolve debt and help people get a second chance.  Please contact our office to set up a consultation and discuss your needs with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.