Filing for bankruptcy can feel like hitting the reset button on your financial life. While it does provide a fresh start, it also comes with the challenge of rebuilding your credit score. At Stone Law Firm, with offices in Columbia, Florence, and Greenville, South Carolina, we’re not just here to guide you through the bankruptcy process; we’re also here to help you rebuild your financial standing. Here are practical steps to improve your credit score post-bankruptcy: 1. Understand Your Current Credit Report First things first, obtain a free copy of your credit report from the three major credi ..read more

Navigating through tax debt can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Stone Law Firm, with locations in Columbia, Florence, and Greenville, South Carolina, we understand the complexities surrounding tax debt and bankruptcy. Here’s what you need to know about finding relief from tax debt through bankruptcy: 1. Not All Tax Debts Can Be Erased It’s important to know that while bankruptcy can offer a fresh start, not all tax debts are eligible for discharge. Generally, income taxes may be dischargeable if they meet certain criteria, such as being due for at least three years and filed on time ..read more

             STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS IN                                BANKRUPTCY COURT  For well over twenty years, bankruptcy filers in South Carolina have not been able to discharge or seek forgiveness of their student loans. This is mostly due to national case law that has interpreted the bankruptcy statutes very narrowly. The 4th Circuit has even made it harder for bankruptcy filers in South Carolina with its recent student loan decisions.         &n ..read more

For well over twenty years, bankruptcy filers in South Carolina have not been able to discharge or seek forgiveness of their student loans. This is mostly due to national case law that has interpreted the bankruptcy statutes very narrowly. The 4th Circuit has even made it harder for bankruptcy filers in South Carolina with its recent student loan decisions. The good news for present or future bankruptcy filers in South Carolina, recent guidance from the United States Department of Justice appears to make it significantly easier for a bankruptcy filer who meets certain elements to discharge all ..read more

The UST has announced that 341 bankruptcy hearings  will be held by zoom video in the near future. 341 meetings are the required meeting for Debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. These hearings  are with the Trustee and any creditor that wishes to attend. Prior to the pandemic, 341 hearings were held in person. However, during the pandemic, the hearings were held by phone. More news will be coming shortly on specifics of the zoom 341 hearings. 341 hearings are the required meetings the Bankruptcy Code requires for every Debtor in a Chspter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy ..read more

One of my hobbies is looking for cool debt related websites. Years ago the only reliable site in my opinion for budgeting and debt was Dave Ramsey’s website. Now there is an explosion of cool sites to help consumers learn more about debt and budgeting issues. Here are my Top 5 favorite debt sites: 1. Themimalists You thought Dave Ramsey would be number one?  Well, this shows how cool this Instagram site is. The site gets to the core as to why we accumulate stuff. If you have problems with the desire to want more and more things, you need to watch these videos. Even more than Dave Ramsey ..read more

 MENTAL HEALTH AND DEBT  I have been wanting to do a blog about the correlation between mental health issues and debt problems for years. One of the common issues I see with my clients that have debt problems is that most have depression and anxiety symtoms as well. It has become clear to me that in order to fully address the underlying cause of a persons’ debt issues, mental health issues also need to be addressed. It makes sense that someone with substantial debt problems such as credit card bills or medical debts can also have anxiety and depression. Often these clients come see m ..read more

Can Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Halt Foreclosure in South Carolina?   For struggling homeowners in South Carolina facing the imminent threat of foreclosure, Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a glimmer of hope. This legal debt repayment plan allows debtors to reorganize their finances and create a manageable payment plan over three to five years. However, the question remains: can Chapter 13 bankruptcy actually stop foreclosure proceedings in South Carolina? In this blog, we will explore the details of Chapter 13 bankruptcy and how it may provide a lifeline to homeowners facing foreclosure in the ..read more

Medical Debt and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A Path to Financial Relief in South Carolina Introduction Medical debt is a pervasive issue that affects millions of Americans and South Carolinians, pushing them into financial distress and overwhelming circumstances. Unexpected medical emergencies and rising healthcare costs can quickly accumulate into insurmountable debts, leaving individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. Fortunately, for those drowning in medical debt, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be a viable solution to find financial relief and a fresh start. In this blog, we will explore ..read more

Common Bankruptcy Questions: Stone Law Firm Comprehensive Guide   Introduction Bankruptcy is a financial term that can be intimidating and overwhelming for individuals facing financial distress. As people turn to the internet for answers, Google becomes their go-to platform for seeking information and guidance. In this blog, we’ll address the most common bankruptcy questions that people frequently search for on Google. From understanding the basics of bankruptcy to exploring different types and its impact on credit scores, we’ve got you covered. What is Bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is a leg ..read more