YEAR END BANKRUPTCY OBSERVATIONS FOR 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we at Leiden and Leiden are taking the time to reflect on how the financial landscape changed over the last year. While the economy seems to have recovered from the long-term effects of the Covid crisis, global conflict, trade wars and inflation stepped in to create new sources of […]
CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU LAUNCHES ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST STRATEGIC FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS
Earlier this year, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau THE CFPB: ALLY IN CONSUMER RIGHTS filed an enforcement action against Strategic Financial Solutions (SFS) in the Western District of New York. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/enforcement/actions/stratfs-llc-fka-strategic-financial-solutions-llc-et-al/. SFS had a variety of subsidiaries that offered debt – relief services. The CFPB alleged in its complaint that SFS and its subsidiaries violated […]
IT’S TIME TO INCREASE THE GEORGIA HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR BANKRUPTCY
When an individual files a bankruptcy case, they are allowed to claim exemptions to protect their property. Some states allow bankruptcy debtors to use the federal exemptions, while other states, like Georgia, have their own specific bankruptcy exemptions. Keep in mind that these exemptions are different from exemptions that Georgia citizens may use to reduce […]
SIMPLE WAYS TO AVOID MAKING UNWISE FINANCIAL DECISIONS
It is very easy to look back on an important financial decision that you made and wished that you had never made it. Sometimes these financial decisions lead down the path to bankruptcy. While there may be some circumstances in which the decision is unavoidable, there are also certain steps that you can take to […]
Augusta Bankruptcy Court issues a reminder about lack of jurisdiction over credit reporting inquiries.
https://www.gasb.uscourts.gov/news/public-notice-regarding-credit-ratings-and-credit-reporting
Emerging Debt Recovery And Collection Trends For The 4th Quarter Of 2023
As we enter the fourth quarter of 2023, the attorneys at Leiden & Leiden recognize certain trends in the areas of debt recovery/collection that will have a profound effect on consumers at the same time that our economy is worsening. These observations are based on cases in which we are actively representing bankruptcy clients, as […]
WHY WOULD YOU DECLINE TO TAKE MY BANKRUPTCY CASE?
This is a frequently asked question for any bankruptcy attorney and is dependent upon the unique facts and circumstances of each case. In some instances, the probable success of a bankruptcy case can be determined at the initial consultation and the prospective client will be advised appropriately. However, because of time limitations for the initial […]
HOW TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR SMALL BUSINESS FROM BANKRUPTCY
Covid caused irreparable harm to small businesses, with many not surviving even with government assistance and intervention. The small businesses that did survive benefited from the loss of competition but now face rising supply costs and labor shortages. What can you do to protect your business from bankruptcy? Follow these simple suggestions: Obtain the services […]
DEBT “NEGOTIATION” COMPANIES – NEW NAME BUT SAME CONCEPT AS DEBT “SETTLEMENT” COMPANIES
We have previously published our own articles and referenced others on this website regarding the hazards of dealing with debt settlement companies. THE HIDDEN RISKS OF DEBT SETTLEMENT PLANS The debt settlement industry has taken a hit as federal and state government regulators have pursued civil enforcement actions and levied fines against some of the […]
BANKRUPTCY FILINGS SHOW FIRST QUARTER INCREASE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 3 YEARS
The logic behind the numbers FORECLOSURES – Foreclosure referrals in January 2023 were at their highest level since pre—Covid. Those foreclosure numbers have continued to increase for a number of reasons. Pandemic era safeguards expired and homeowners have exhausted the opportunities for loan modifications that were available during that time. In the CSRA, the local […]