As the only Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in West Palm Beach, practicing bankruptcy law since 1977, I possess a high degree of expertise in the field of consumer bankruptcy law. I have been Board Certified by the American Board of Certification in Consumer Bankruptcy since 1999.
Attainment of this certification requires peer review, successful performance on a lengthy examination and completion of 60 hours of continuing legal education every five years. It is not surprising that few lawyers are able to achieve this distinction.
I have also authored a text book for lawyers on bankruptcy which is part of the Lawyer's Desk Library of Practice Series.
Many of the cases that I have handled have been reported in law books nationally and are precedent-setting.
Having twice won the Pro-Bono Award from the Palm Beach County Legal Aid Society, I have demonstrated my compassion for public service.
I would be pleased if I could offer you a free consultation at a time convenient for you.
- University of Florida Levin College of Law
- J.D. (1976) | Law
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- Syracuse University
- B.A. (1974) | Psychology
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- Partner
- Young & Brooks, P.A.
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- Partner
- Karden and Young PA
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- I was a partner in a law firm which handled bankruptcy cases, injury cases and divorce cases.
- Associate attorney
- Adams Coogler Watson and Smith PA
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- I was an associate attorney in a law firm which handled insurance defense cases.
- Associate attorney
- Law Office of Bennet S. Cohn
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- Assistant Public Defender
- Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office
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- I handled criminal cases for indigent criminal defendants including criminal appeals.
- Practicing Bankruptcy at a Higher Level
- Palm Beach County Bar Association Seminar
- Bankruptcy and Divorce, Bankruptcy Seminar
- Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist
- American Board of Certification
- AV Rating- Preeminent
- Martindale-Hubbell Lawyers Service
- Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence Since 2017
- Bankruptcy Law Award
- Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
- Bankruptcy Law Award
- Palm Beach County Bar Association
- National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
- Member
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- Florida State Bar  # 232920
- Member
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- Palm Beach County Bar Association
- Member
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- American Inns of Court
- Emeritus Member
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- Florida
- The Florida Bar
- ID Number: 232920
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- Free Consultation
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Credit Cards Accepted
We can accept credit cards for foreclosure defense but we are prohibited from accepting credit cards for bankruptcy. We can accept a credit card from friends or family for your bankruptcy matter. -
Contingent Fees
For injury cases only.
- Bankruptcy
- Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Relief
- Personal Injury
- Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
- Foreclosure Defense
- Consumer Law
- Class Action, Lemon Law
- Collections
- Car Accidents
- English: Spoken, Written
- Q. IF i FILED A CHAPTER 7 LAST YEAR AND IT HAS BEEN DISCHARGED DO I NEED TO REPORT A SETTLEMENT I MAY RECEIVE THIS YEAR
- A: Yes, assuming that the claim or injury occurred prior to your filing for bankruptcy then this must be disclosed to the Trustee. It is always best to report it to your attorney and have her or him contact your Trustee.
- Q. The question is using the Federal Bankruptcy Wildcard Exemption with the unused portion of the homestead exemption
- A: The enhanced personal property exemption or "wild card" was designed to be used for people who do not claim a homestead exemption because they rent or live with somebody or just don't own a home for any reason. Interestingly, you can own a mobile home and also get the enhanced exemption. This exemption allows an additional $4,000 personal property exemption (on top of the existing $1,000 exemption) for a total of $5,000 in personal property exemptions. This exemption can be used for cars, boats and all other items of personal property. Don't forget when valuing property that you would not use the price that you purchased an item for but the price that you could sell if for at a garage sale or auction which would be quite low.
- Q. I am in need of Bankruptcy Layer
- A: Sorry to hear about your disability. Whatever amount you get is seldom enough to survive on. You should definitely get an attorney but some attorneys offer a free consultation (at least I do). Even if money to hire a lawyer is tight you can always file a Chapter 13 case with a minimal amount of money down and pay your attorney the balance of her or his fees during the life of the plan, probably 36 months. These plans are very doable and I recommend that you look into this. The discharge of debt that you get in a Chapter 13 is the same discharge that you would get in a Chapter 7. The only difference is that it takes longer to get that discharge. You are still protected from law suits and phone calls so the wait isn't so bad. While it does take a bit longer, it may actually take you longer to save enough money to pay ALL of the legal fees in a Chapter 7, than it would to simply file Chapter 13. Do not try to do this yourself. Exemptions and local practice guidelines are far too complex for a laymen to achieve success in. Good luck and get that free consultation. Enjoy your fresh start, it sounds like you have a lot of other things to worry about with your health. Better days ahead!