Morla Law Group, P.A.

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy
• Chapter 13 bankruptcy
• Debt resolution
• FDCPA / creditor harassment issues
• Stopping collection calls and other collection activity where the law allows

The firm offers a free initial Chapter 7 bankruptcy consultation.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 (as described on the site)

Chapter 7 ("fresh start" bankruptcy)

• Often described as liquidation or a fresh start.
• Most qualifying unsecured debts (such as credit cards, medical bills, and many personal loans) can be discharged, typically within a few months.
• Eligibility generally depends on passing the means test.

Chapter 13 ("reorganization" bankruptcy)

• Involves repaying some or all debts through a 3–5 year plan.
• Often used by people who:
• Earn above the median income
• Are behind on a mortgage or vehicle and want to catch up
• Have assets they want to protect

Which chapter is appropriate depends on each person's income, assets, and goals and is evaluated in consultation with the firm.

The automatic stay

• When a bankruptcy case is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect.
• The stay usually requires most creditors to stop collection activity, including:
• Phone calls and letters
• Lawsuits and wage garnishment
• Many repossessions and (in many cases) foreclosure sales
• This immediate relief can provide important breathing room while the case proceeds.

Documents typically needed

To prepare a consumer bankruptcy case, the firm typically collects:

• Pay stubs or proof of income for the last 6 months
• Federal tax returns for the last 2 years
• Recent bank statements for all accounts
• A list of debts (bills, collection letters, lawsuits, judgments)
• A list of assets (property, vehicles, accounts, valuables)
• Recent statements for any loans, mortgages, or retirement accounts
• Government-issued photo ID and proof of Social Security number

More complete documentation generally helps the process go more smoothly.

Required courses

Federal law requires two short courses from approved providers:

1. Credit counseling course – completed before filing
2. Debtor education course – completed after filing and before discharge

Both courses are usually done online or by phone and produce certificates that must be filed with the court.

Exemptions and what property you keep

• Bankruptcy does not mean losing everything.
• Exemptions protect certain property so you can keep it, subject to limits.
• Florida has its own exemption scheme, including:
• A strong homestead exemption for your primary residence
• Protections for a vehicle, personal property, and certain other assets up to set limits
• Many Chapter 7 clients keep all or nearly all of their property; the firm reviews assets against exemptions before filing.

The trustee and the 341 meeting

• A trustee is a neutral person appointed to administer the case.
• In Chapter 7, the trustee reviews paperwork, confirms information at the meeting of creditors, and sells any non-exempt assets if necessary.
• In Chapter 13, the trustee receives monthly plan payments and distributes them to creditors.
• About 20–40 days after filing, most filers attend a 341 meeting (meeting of creditors).
• The trustee verifies identity and asks questions under oath about the paperwork.
• Meetings are usually short and routine and may be held by video or phone.
• Creditors rarely attend.

What debts may or may not be discharged

• Commonly dischargeable debts include:
• Credit cards
• Medical bills
• Many personal loans
• Debts that are usually not dischargeable include:
• Most taxes
• Domestic support obligations (child support and alimony)
• Most student loans
• Certain court fines and penalties

Whether a particular debt can be discharged is case-specific and should be reviewed with the firm.

The discharge order and typical Chapter 7 timeline

• A discharge order is the court order that eliminates personal liability for dischargeable debts.
• After discharge, creditors covered by it may no longer try to collect those debts.
• In a typical Chapter 7 case, the general outline is:
• Complete credit counseling and gather documents
• File the petition (automatic stay begins)
• Attend the 341 meeting about a month later
• Complete the debtor education course
• Receive the discharge roughly 60–90 days after the 341 meeting

Many consumer Chapter 7 cases are completed in about four to six months, though timelines can vary.

Rebuilding credit after bankruptcy

• After discharge, many people are able to rebuild credit over time through:
• Careful budgeting
• Responsible use of secured credit cards
• Consistent on-time payments
• The firm can discuss general expectations as part of a bankruptcy consultation.

For guidance about whether bankruptcy is appropriate in a specific situation, prospective clients should contact Morla Law Group, P.A. to schedule a free bankruptcy consultation.

Family law matters handled

Morla Law Group, P.A. represents clients in a range of Florida family law matters, including:

• Divorce and dissolution of marriage
• Child custody and time-sharing
• Child support and alimony (spousal support)
• Paternity
• Related post-judgment modification and enforcement issues

A paid family law consultation is $100, credited toward your fees if you hire the firm.

How a family law case typically begins

• A case usually starts when one party files a petition (for example, a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or to establish paternity).
• The other party is formally served and generally has 20 days to file an answer, often with a counterpetition.
• Once both parties are in the case, they are bound by court deadlines and rules until the matter is resolved by agreement or by a judge.

Standing court orders

• Many Florida circuits issue standing orders automatically when a family case is filed.
• These orders often restrict actions such as:
• Relocating the children or removing them from school
• Canceling insurance
• Hiding, selling, or wasting marital assets while the case is pending
• Violating standing orders can have serious consequences, so clients are advised to ask before taking any significant action.

Mandatory disclosure and financial affidavits

• In most cases involving money or children, Florida requires mandatory disclosure (Florida Family Law Rule 12.285).
• Parties typically exchange:
• A sworn Financial Affidavit
• Supporting documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank and credit card statements, and retirement account statements
• The Financial Affidavit is a sworn snapshot of income, expenses, assets, and debts; its accuracy affects child support, alimony, and equitable distribution.

Temporary relief while the case is pending

• Family law cases can take months to resolve.
• Courts can grant temporary relief, including:
• Temporary time-sharing arrangements
• Temporary child support and/or alimony
• Who remains in the home
• Who pays certain bills while the case is pending
• These issues are decided at a temporary relief hearing.

Parenting plans and time-sharing

• Any case involving children requires a parenting plan describing:
• How parents share time with the children
• How parents make decisions about education, health, and welfare
• Florida courts decide parenting issues based on the best interests of the child.
• Parents are generally required to complete an approved parent education course during the case.

Child support guidelines

• Florida uses a guideline formula to calculate child support.
• Key inputs include:
• Both parents' incomes
• Number of overnights each parent has
• Certain costs such as health insurance and childcare
• The guideline amount is presumptive, with limited room for deviation in specific circumstances.

Equitable distribution of assets and debts

• Florida divides marital property and debts equitably, which usually means equally unless there is a reason to do otherwise.
• Generally:
• Marital assets and debts are those acquired during the marriage.
• Nonmarital property (owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner.
• Identifying what is marital vs. nonmarital, and valuing those items, is a major part of many divorces.

Alimony (spousal support)

• Alimony may be available based on factors such as:
• One spouse's need and the other's ability to pay
• Length of the marriage
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Florida recognizes several types of alimony with different purposes and durations.
• Whether alimony applies, and in what form, is highly fact-specific and should be discussed directly with the firm.

Case management conferences and mediation

• A case management conference is a status hearing where the judge checks on case progress, addresses roadblocks, and may set deadlines for mediation and trial.
• Most Florida courts require mediation before a contested trial.
• A neutral mediator helps both sides attempt to reach an agreement.
• The mediator does not decide the case; any resolution must be agreed to by the parties.
• Many family cases resolve at mediation rather than trial.

General magistrate hearings and trial

• Some matters may be referred to a general magistrate, who hears certain issues and recommends a decision to the judge.
• Referral usually requires the parties' consent, and parties have the right to object or file exceptions.
• If the case does not settle, it proceeds to trial, where:
• Each side presents evidence and testimony
• A judge (not a jury) makes final decisions on contested issues
• The result is a final judgment establishing rights and obligations going forward.

After the judgment: modification and enforcement

• When circumstances change substantially (income, relocation, children's needs), certain orders such as support and time-sharing may be subject to modification.
• If a party does not follow the judgment, the other side may seek enforcement from the court.

For advice about a specific situation, clients are encouraged to contact Morla Law Group, P.A. directly to schedule a family law consultation.

Personal injury matters handled

Morla Law Group, P.A. represents clients in serious injury and wrongful death matters, including:

• Serious injury and wrongful death claims
• Auto accident cases
• Premises liability cases (such as injuries on another's property)
• Insurance disputes related to covered injury claims

The firm offers free initial consultations for personal injury matters and states no fee unless the firm recovers for you.

Overview of the personal injury claim process

A personal injury case typically moves through two phases:

1. Presuit phase – the claim is investigated and presented to the insurer.
2. Litigation phase – a lawsuit is filed if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Most cases resolve before trial, often during presuit negotiations or mediation.

Phase one: presuit

First steps after an injury

• Seek prompt medical care and follow your providers' advice.
• Document what happened, including photos, witness names, and any reports.
• Be cautious about giving recorded statements to the other side's insurer before speaking with an attorney.

Investigation and building the claim

• The firm gathers evidence to establish:
• Liability (who was at fault)
• Damages (the harm suffered)
• Evidence can include:
• Police or incident reports
• Photos and videos
• Witness statements
• Medical records and bills
• Proof of lost income and other losses

Medical treatment and maximum medical improvement (MMI)

• Clients are generally encouraged to continue treatment and follow medical advice.
• It is often best to wait until the client reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI)—when the condition has stabilized—before resolving the claim.
• Waiting for MMI helps clarify:
• Future medical needs
• Long-term limitations
• Full extent of damages

Insurance basics in Florida (as described on the site)

• Florida is a no-fault auto state.
• After a car crash, an injured person's own PIP (personal injury protection) coverage typically pays initial medical bills up to policy limits, regardless of fault.
• Additional claims may involve:
• The at-fault party's liability coverage
• A client's own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, where available
• Premises and other non-auto injury claims are handled differently; the firm evaluates the applicable coverages for each case.

Demand and negotiation

• Once treatment and damages are sufficiently documented, the firm may prepare a demand package for the insurer, presenting:
• Liability theory
• Medical records and bills
• Lost income information
• Other evidence of damages
• Negotiations follow, and many cases settle during this stage without a lawsuit.

Phase two: litigation

Filing suit and statutes of limitation

• If presuit negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, the firm may file a lawsuit to pursue the claim.
• Florida law imposes strict statutes of limitation (deadlines) for filing personal injury and wrongful death cases, which vary by claim type.
• Missing a deadline can bar a claim, so injured people are encouraged to contact an attorney promptly.

Comparative negligence

• Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system.
• If an injured person is found partly at fault, their recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
• If they are found more than 50% at fault, they generally cannot recover.

Discovery

• Discovery is the formal exchange of information in a lawsuit.
• It may include:
• Written questions (interrogatories)
• Requests for documents
• Depositions (sworn, out-of-court testimony)
• Discovery helps clarify the strengths and weaknesses of each side's case.

Mediation and trial

• Courts commonly order mediation before trial.
• A neutral mediator helps both sides explore settlement options.
• Any agreement reached must be acceptable to the parties; the mediator does not decide the case.
• If the case does not settle, it proceeds to trial, where:
• A jury usually decides liability and the amount of damages
• While trials are less common than settlements, the firm prepares cases with the possibility of trial in mind.

For advice on a specific injury or accident, prospective clients should contact Morla Law Group, P.A. directly for a free personal injury consultation.

• Morla Law Group, P.A. is a boutique law firm based in Tampa, Florida.
• We represent individuals and families in three main practice areas:
• Family Law
• Bankruptcy
• Personal Injury
• The firm emphasizes:
• Direct access to the attorney handling your matter
• Clear, honest explanations of your options
• Communication by phone, text, and WhatsApp with real team members (not a call center)

Office location

• Address: 3621 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33609
• City/Region: Tampa Bay area

How to contact the firm

• Phone: (813) 250-2886
• Fax: (813) 925-4183
• Email: info@morlalaw.com
• Text / WhatsApp: Clients and prospective clients can call, text, or reach out via WhatsApp using the office number.
• Online:
• "Schedule a consultation" option available through the website
• "Make a payment" link available through the website
• "Client Portal" link available for existing clients through the website

Service area

• The firm serves clients in:
• Hillsborough County
• Pasco County
• Pinellas County
• Surrounding counties in the Tampa Bay area

Languages

• Services are available in:
• English
• Español (Spanish)

Professional admissions (as listed on the site)

• Member of:
• The Florida Bar
• Florida Supreme Court
• U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida
• U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida

Lists Tampa, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Pasco as a location. Names Florida and Tampa as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published.

• Initial family law consultation: $100
• The $100 consultation fee is credited toward your fees if you hire the firm after the consultation.

Bankruptcy consultations

• Initial bankruptcy consultation: free
• The free consultation is available for individuals considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy or other debt-relief options handled by the firm.

Personal injury consultations

• Initial personal injury consultation: free
• This includes serious injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, premises liability, and insurance dispute matters handled by the firm.

Personal injury fee structure

• No fee unless the firm recovers money for you in personal injury matters, as stated on the website.

How to schedule a consultation

• Prospective clients can:
• Use the "Schedule a consultation" option on the website, or
• Call the office at (813) 250-2886 to request an appointment.

Payments

• The firm offers an online "Make a payment" option through the website.
• Specific payment methods (e.g., card types or payment plans) are not listed on the site and should be confirmed directly with the office.

• Case updates
• Appointment reminders
• Document requests
• Responses to questions and inquiries

Texts are sent using the firm's main phone number, (813) 250-2886.

Opting in to text messages

• Clients and prospective clients must opt in to receive SMS messages.
• Opt-in is available via a text message sign-up form on the firm's website.

By opting in, you consent to receive SMS messages from Morla Law Group regarding your legal matter, including case updates, appointment reminders, document requests, and responses to your inquiries.

Frequency, rates, and how to opt out

• Message frequency varies.
• Message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile plan.
• You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to a text from the firm.
• Reply HELP for help.

Consent and privacy

• Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of service.
• The firm's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service are available on the website and apply to SMS communications as described there.

For questions about text messaging or to change how you receive updates, contact the office at (813) 250-2886.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.