General Blog

If you are trying to decide whether bankruptcy is the right debt relief option for you, we can help. Let us review your individual finances and help you understand all of your legal options. Below are also a few tips to consider prior to filing your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case: Work with a seasoned bankruptcy lawyer: Selecting the ‘right’ attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make. You want to work with somebody…Read More

Many married couples who are struggling financially seek debt relief by filing for bankruptcy. Once the decision to seek bankruptcy protection has been made, you must also decide whether one or both spouse should file. Although every case is different and you should confer with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney, below are a few factors to consider in deciding whether to file jointly: Debt The amount of debt you have is one of the most important factors in determining…Read More

A common concern our clients have when they are considering filing for bankruptcy is whether they can keep their vehicle. Below is a quick summary of how vehicles are treated in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings: Chapter 7 When you file a Chapter 7 case, there are three primary options for how to handle your vehicle: Surrender: If you cannot afford your car payments or you no longer need it, you can voluntarily surrender it to your…Read More

If you do not have a power of attorney (POA), this blog is for you! A POA is a written document authorizing another person to act on your behalf in business and/or personal matters. It is important for you to take action to get a POA to help ensure you and your finances are protected if something should happen to you. Nobody knows what their future holds, so creating a POA while you are able to do so…Read More

In 2005, the Bankruptcy Code was amended. Numerous changes were made, including the addition of the “means test,” which is a mathematical formula that is applied to a debtor’s finances to determine whether they qualify to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The test is designed to determine if a debtor is abusing the system by filing for debt relief when the debtor actually has the ability to pay his or her debts. If you pass the test, you…Read More

If you have more than one mortgage loan on your home and you are struggling to pay your bills, it is time to consider obtaining relief from your debt by filing a personal bankruptcy case. A significant benefit of filing a Chapter 13 case is a procedure commonly referred to as “lien stripping.” It allows a debtor with multiple mortgages and a home that is “underwater” to treat inferior mortgage liens as unsecured debt. The following is an…Read More

One of the most powerful tools a debtor obtains by filing for bankruptcy protection is the automatic stay. The stay goes into effect as soon as you file your bankruptcy petition and it prohibits creditors from taking any further collection actions against you while your case is pending. Thus, the stay can be very helpful when you are facing a financial emergency such as: Foreclosure: If your home is going through foreclosure, filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter…Read More

Most individuals who file for bankruptcy do so under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. While both types offer you comprehensive relief from your debt, they each have advantages and disadvantages. Thus, it is important to confer with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney to determine which type of filing is right for you. In fact, a lawyer can review your unique financial situation and help you understand what type of bankruptcy you qualify for and how it will impact your…Read More

If you are parents of minor children, one of the most important decisions you can make is who to appoint as the guardian of your children if you both should die or become incapacitated. It is natural for parents to struggle (and therefore postpone) with this very difficult decision. No parent wants to think about somebody else raising their children. To make matters worse, the individual that may be best for raising your children may not be the…Read More