Is it illegal for Utah employers to fire, discriminate or retaliate against employees for being bankruptcy debtors, being insolvent before or during the case, or failing to pay a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy? This is the question our Salt Lake City Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney from Justin M. Myers, Attorney-at-Law, LLC, receives more time than we can count. You may be surprised how many employers in Utah and all across the United States terminate a debtor’s employment or engage in other forms of discriminatory behavior solely because their worker filed bankruptcy. But is it legal to ..read more

More often than not, married spouses share joint debts. But there are cases where only one spouse has debts. That is why the question “Can I file for bankruptcy by myself if I’m married?” pops up every once in a while. In short, the answer to the question is: Yes, you can file for bankruptcy alone even if you are married, but if you have joint debts, your spouse will still be liable for it. “In fact, filing for bankruptcy with your spouse is beneficial in most situations, as you will be able to double your bankruptcy exemptions,” advises our Salt Lake City chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney at Jus ..read more

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it is most likely because you can no longer afford to pay your bills or put food on the table. But here’s something you need to understand once and for all: filing for bankruptcy is not free. In fact, the costs of filing for bankruptcy in Utah tend to be so high that many debtors are discouraged from filing at all. In no way does it mean that we are trying to dissuade you from filing for bankruptcy. On the contrary, we want you to know all the hidden pitfalls on your journey to wiping the slate clean and evaporate all of your debt. We invited our S ..read more

“Despite recognizing that debt is dangerous waters, Americans are jumping in with both feet and struggling to stay afloat.” That is what Emily Holbrook, director of planning for Northwestern Mutual, told CNBC recently. We hear about younger Americans being drowned in students loans all the time. It is true, over 44 million Americans have student loans. Their average debt is around $33,000. Still, that is not the main source of debt for those between the ages of 25 and 34. So, what is it? Credit card debt. Experts cite the need to keep up with increasing expenses that they face as they grow old ..read more

Financial problems can control everything about you, from the decisions you make about your life to your emotional well-being. When debt piles up and gets out of control, it can leave you feeling like there is no way out. Financial issues are one of the main causes of stress in our lives. When it gets bad, you may be advised to file for bankruptcy, but many people are reluctant to do so. As pointed out in that article, the time before a person files for bankruptcy is often known as the financial “sweatbox.” This is the time period when people are facing asset depletion and debt collection. It ..read more

When you’re in over your head with debt, how do you choose the best way out of it? Debt settlement and bankruptcy each have their merits and disadvantages. As a Salt Lake City chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney firm, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about both of these options. That way you can make an informed decision. Once you’re ready to move forward, it’s best to talk to a lawyer who can guide you based on your unique situation. The first thing you want to do is look at how much debt you have. Start with credit card debt, but also include loans and other types of debt. Deter ..read more

Part of the American dream is being able to work hard and then enjoy retirement. Older Americans should be able to look forward to relaxing in their twilight, enjoying traveling and their grandchildren. But a new study from the Consumer Bankruptcy Project shows us that the rate of seniors 65 and older who have filed for bankruptcy has tripled since 1991. What is going on? The study’s lead author, Deborah Throne from the University of Idaho tells us that the two main reasons are: Growing medical expenses as the cost of healthcare rise Lost income due to the late 2000s recession She goes on to ..read more

Many people frown on those who have to file for bankruptcy, insinuating that they did something wrong. People assume that those who have to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy do so because they are frivolous spenders. That is not the case. The main reason people end up in financial trouble has nothing to do with their inability to resist temptation – it is medical debt. The Motley Fool points out that “more than a quarter of US adults struggle to pay their medical bills. This includes folks who have insurance…” The article goes on to point out that medical debt is the number one sourc ..read more

When filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy with an attorney in Salt Lake City, you generally have the option of signing a reaffirmation agreement for certain debts. These agreements state that you will still be personally liable for named debts after bankruptcy. Essentially, they eliminate bankruptcy benefits for that one particular debt. As bankruptcy lawyers, we suggest avoiding reaffirmation agreements unless they are required by the lender in order to keep the property. Here’s why. Requirements of Signing a Reaffirmation Agreement When you’re represented by a chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer, they ..read more