It's no secret that the recession has spread hardship throughout Florida and the rest of the country. As conditions worsened and more people lost their jobs, an increasing amount of individuals found themselves in the difficult, often heartrending, process of bankruptcy or foreclosure filings. A recent report indicated that South Florida saw a decline in personal bankruptcy claims in 2011, which hasn't happened in five years. While this is perhaps a good sign, foreclosure proceedings inundating local courts and employment concerns may be why the numbers fell over the course of the last year.

Attorneys in the region have indicated that many people are still at the point of declaring bankruptcy. However, other financial issues, such as foreclosures, are demanding much of the time in the courts, for the yearly number of foreclosure claims nearly tripled between 2007 and 2010.

Attorneys in the region have indicated that many people are still at the point of declaring bankruptcy. However, other financial issues, such as foreclosures, are demanding much of the time in the courts, for the yearly number of foreclosure claims nearly tripled between 2007 and 2010.

Additionally, many people have found themselves without jobs or work jobs that pay less than is needed to get by. For those in this dilemma, bankruptcy, a legal way to work toward a fresh start, may be too expensive. The total cost of filing for bankruptcy in Florida amounts to $2,000 or more. That's just too much for some that are suffering.

What's more is that federal foreclosure reform, made law in 2005, has made it more expensive and difficult for people to file for bankruptcy since its implementation.

Making the decision to file for bankruptcy may be one of the most difficult and important decisions a person might make during their lifetime. Yet those looking to make such a decision don't have to navigate tricky questions and regulations alone. Effective and attentive counsel can make all the difference in a bankruptcy situation, particularly when South Florida courts are log jammed.

Source: The Sun Sentinel, "Bankruptcy filings fell in 2011," Marcia Heroux Pounds, Jan. 3, 2012