When you are swimming in debt, ignoring phone calls from creditors, facing a repossession or foreclosure, and your mailbox is filling up with lawsuits and letters from collectors, it can feel as though your life is spinning out of control. But, is bankruptcy really the right debt solution for you? And if it is, which personal bankruptcy option should you choose? While there are a number of factors to consider in reaching the answers to those questions, and a qualified attorney is best suited to guide you, the following information on bankruptcy basics will help you understand the basics. Commo ..read more

Many people share intimate details of their lives on social media — vacations they take, places they shop, purchases they make, and even what they wear. Unfortunately, this form of sharing can sometimes have legal repercussions. For example, angry posts about your soon-to-be ex-spouse can find their way into your divorce case. Similarly, social media posts that depict a financial situation that is different from what you have claimed in bankruptcy filings could also cause serious problems. In fact, a high-profile example from a few years ago shows just how difficult things can be when you are ..read more

The decision to file for personal bankruptcy is not one that is easily made. Moreover, the days, weeks, and months following the decision can also be difficult, as there may be feelings of fear or concern. Then there is still the stress of preparing for the bankruptcy process. The following may be able to help alleviate some of that stress and provide guidance on how to find the assistance you need. Start by Contacting an Attorney While there are many steps to take during the bankruptcy process, your first should be to contact an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. Not only does this help you preve ..read more

The United States is a notoriously consumeristic society. Having good credit is a necessity to buy a home and a reliable vehicle. Credit must be built, often through the usage of credit cards and the ability to repay the credit card debt. Sometimes, however, we accumulate debt and get in too far over our heads. Other times, a major unforeseen life event occurs—one which we are unprepared to handle financially. When this happens, filing for bankruptcy may help struggling individuals and families. When considering bankruptcy, the first question on many minds is, “Will it get rid of all of my per ..read more

There are many negative perceptions about bankruptcy. On one hand, some of these perceptions are well-deserved. After all, there are some potential drawbacks to filing. Yet there are also some major misconceptions about bankruptcy—some of which could keep someone from filing when they really should. The following information is designed to debunk these bankruptcy myths. It may even help you decide what your next step should be, and if bankruptcy might be the right solution for you. Myth 1: Bankruptcy Ruins Your Credit Forever True, your credit can take a hit after filing for bankruptcy, and it ..read more

Life can be unpredictable. Life can be messy and complicated. And, sometimes, the worst things that can happen to us are completely out of our control. But what do you do when the messy, unpredictable, and complicated lead to financial problems? How do you turn things around and regain control of your financial future? The answer really depends on where you are in the debt collection process. While some may be able to find a viable bankruptcy alternative, others may need more aggressive action. The following information may be able to help you in determining your best course of action for sett ..read more

Cramdown usually lowers your monthly vehicle loan payment and the total amount you must pay. To qualify the loan must be more than 910 days old. We’re in the midst of a series on filing your bankruptcy case with the best timing. Today we get into the right timing to be able to cram down your vehicle loan. Cramdown is a potentially huge benefit, so it’s important to know how to take advantage of it.  One key consideration in this is the timing of your bankruptcy filing. Advantages of Vehicle Loan Cramdown In a Chapter 7 “straight bankruptcy” case, if you have a vehicle loan you must “take ..read more

Whether you are planning on filing for bankruptcy or simply need assistance in developing a budget, credit counselors can provide you with the tools and resources you need. Unfortunately, not all credit counselors are created equal. In fact, some can leave you worse off than when you started, which makes finding an experienced, reputable credit counselor absolutely essential for your financial future. The following tips can help you find the one most suited for your needs and preferences and improve your chances of finding the financial empowerment you are looking for. Know Why You Need a Cred ..read more

   Discharging a student loan requires meeting the difficult condition called undue hardship. Chapter 13 can help through more flexible timing.   We’re in a series on the best timing for filing your bankruptcy case. Two weeks ago we introduced the special condition you have to meet to discharge (write off) student loans: undue hardship. Last week we focused on how to better meet that condition with smart timing of a Chapter 7 “straight bankruptcy” case. Today we get into doing that with a Chapter 13 “adjustment of debts case. Undue Hardship Requirements We’re focusing on the phr ..read more

Discharging a student loan requires showing undue hardship. The timing of your Chapter 7 filing can determine whether you succeed in this.      We’re in a series on the smart timing of your bankruptcy case. Last week we introduced the special condition you must meet to discharge (write off) student loans: “undue hardship.” Bankruptcy discharges other special forms of debt—such as income taxes—after the passage of a certain amount of time. But student loans are different in that there is no explicit time period laid out in bankruptcy law. Rather “undue hardship,” the condition yo ..read more