Did you know that you can declare bankruptcy without losing assets? It's not something individuals are often aware of unless they've had some interaction with the system before, but Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides options for mitigated payment plans and debt relief that preserves your assets. The best part is, it is often an option for those who would be told they do not qualify under other bankruptcy provisions. That means you can use it to get the relief you need even if you don't think you would qualify for a bankruptcy of the kind you are more familiar with.

The best way to determine whether it's time to file is to consult a Chapter 13 lawyer Orlando FL who can talk to you about the local judicial temperament, your options, and what a Chapter 13 settlement would do for your finances over the next few years. You should file whenever you are ready, but the sooner the better if you are missing payments and unable to catch up. If you're not sure whether you are at that point, it's time to talk to a professional who can help you sort it out.

One reason many people put off bankruptcy when it would actually make their situation better is because they are worried about the consequences. Horror stories of decade-long financial problems are mostly urban legends. The fact is, not only can you work to rehab your credit faster than the worst case scenarios predict, those scenarios do not predict you will file for Chapter 13 protection. Most Chapter 13 bankruptcies can be recovered from in three to five years with the right plan of action and follow-through for rehabbing your credit. That's just one of the many reasons this option is better for you and your creditors both if you can manage it.

If you are arrested, the process is just beginning, not just ending. Getting the right legal help can make the difference between a hiccup in your routine and a major life change, and the public defender system is typically strained when it comes to lawyers that are available for those who can not afford one. Whenever possible, an attorney who has the private practice experience in criminal law related to your case is the best bet. At the very least, a general defense attorney you hire will have a lower case load, and since you can shop around, there's really no reason you shouldn't be able to find the one with the most relevant experience in your area.

One of the biggest reasons that experienced defense attorneys are so valuable is their connections. Criminal attorneys in Columbia MD know the judges and attorneys in the prosecutor's office, so they know what negotiating tactics work and how to find the point where they can make the best deal or the strongest argument in your favor. They've also got the eyes-on experience to have a good understanding of the different ways a trial could go based on local laws and the judge's history. There are no certainties in a courtroom, but experience gives your attorney the benefit of knowing the statistical likelihoods.

Prosecutors don't like to lose or to dismiss charges, but they really don't like to sink resources into a case they can't win. Often, finding the resolution that works for you and them is a matter of making the case that excessive charges will involve sinking resources into the case that they could put toward other, more pressing issues. It's not always how things break, but in many situations, an experienced attorney can tell exactly how far to push before the other side decides they are in it for the long haul, as well as how to get them to back down when they're only going to drag out the process of losing.

Few things are as relaxing as enjoying the natural oasis that is the back yard. But if your back yard hasn’t reached oasis status yet, don’t give up. Putting a few weekends of work into designing your new go-to space will result in an area that will feel like adding a room onto your home, but without the cost of heavy construction. Before you go browsing Pinterest and find yourself overwhelmed by complicated professional designs, consider what you need from your design. Sticking to the basics will help you maintain a budget and ensure the project doesn’t go unfinished.  

If your yard doesn’t have a deck or patio, consider installing one. Laying some simple stone patio tiles or building a deck with adjustable deck supports will give the yard a focused place for relaxing or entertaining. Put patio furniture on the deck to create an inviting outdoor living space. Try not to overwhelm the area with too much, though. The outdoors should feel inviting and open. 

There is no way to feel relaxed when kids are bouncing all over you. A small swing or play area will allow the children to enjoy the backyard as much as you do and may get them out of your hair long enough to enjoy your hard work. 

It doesn’t always feel relaxing when there are gardening tools piled on the wall behind you or toys scattered around the yard. Consider keeping tools in a garage, shed, or mudroom when they are not in use. Have an outdoor-safe chest or bin for kids to keep their toys in to keep your yard looking beautiful 

A little work goes a long way when it comes to designing a beautiful and functional yard space. Take the time to browse and design your own and enjoy fresh air and nature in a little oasis of your own. 

In a world where fashion is disposable and furniture comes prepackaged, you may find yourself losing respect for your house and the things inside it. Here are a few products and tricks that can remind you to show basic respect for your home and increase its value over time by keeping it in good repair.

Particularly if you have hardwood or tile floors, you need to be aware that they need care if they're going to stay looking as nice as the day they were installed. Get chair leg glides to protect your floors and put carpets under your tables to stop the buildup of scratches on the floors you look at every day. You don't have to spend all day on your hands and knees waxing and buffing to keep your floors looking beautiful. 

Coasters aren't just for drinks and they never were. Put felt bottoms on your lamps and trays under your houseplants to protect your furnishings from scratches and white rings. A momentary lapse can lead to damage that's difficult to repair. Don't let a lack of coasters ruin your favorite pieces of furniture. 

Coasters won't save your tabletops if you put your hot tea down next to them, and chair glides mean nothing if you're leaning back on two legs without a thought for the damage you can do. There are plenty of modern habits that would make our grandparents confused, and some that would make them amazed, but there are also plenty that would make them say: "Were you raised in a barn?" These little habits are about taking care with furniture, putting forethought into your actions, and they didn't become signs of politeness for no good reason. They can save your home from expensive damage and embarrassing neglect.