What to Expect on Your First Visit to a Bankruptcy Attorney
Meeting with a complete stranger to discuss sensitive financial issues can be awkward and emotionally distressing. Many of my clients from the CSRA have told me how they had to “work up their nerve” to make the first phone call to our office. While filing bankruptcy is designed to provide relief to troubled consumers, our […]
Signs That Your Small Business Might Be Headed for Bankruptcy
A previous blog addressed the warning signs for consumers who may be headed down the road towards bankruptcy. Small business owners are traditionally more reluctant to consider bankruptcy, as their business is not just a source of income, but usually represents a considerable investment in personal time, money and resources. As a result, small […]
COMMONS REASONS WHY YOU MAY HAVE RECEIVED A BANKRUPTCY NOTICE
When a bankruptcy case is filed, the Clerk of Bankruptcy Court mails a notice of commencement to the Debtor (bankrupt), the Debtor’s attorney, the creditors of the Debtor, as well as other “parties in interest”. With the proliferation of corporate bankruptcies, and expected increase in the number of municipal bankruptcy filings, it will not be […]
White House Urges Congress to Address Treatment of Student Loan Debt in Bankruptcy
Acknowledging concerns by the public about the growing amount of student loan debt, the White House is urging Congress to reconsider the treatment of student loan debt in bankruptcy cases. To understand the importance of this push, it helps to address the history of student loan debt under the Bankruptcy Code. Student loan debt […]
Relief Available for Distressed Homeowners
RELIEF AVAILABLE FOR SOME DISTRESSED HOMEOWNERS UNDER SETTLEMENT EXECUTED WITH UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL AND UNITED STATES TRUSTEE PROGRAM After years of investigation into abusive mortgage practices of certain lenders by the United States Attorney General and United States Trustee, a settlement agreement was reached which hopes to provide some relief to distressed homeowners. The […]
When Should You Consider Filing for Bankruptcy?
This is a common question that I am asked, sometimes by potential clients, but more often by friends and family of individuals who are in financial trouble, but don’t know at what point it is appropriate to make the recommendation to meet with a bankruptcy attorney. As most bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations, with no […]
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY TO FILE A BANKRUPTCY?
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY TO FILE A BANKRUPTCY? This is a common question that is asked by potential clients. The short answer is “no”. Bankruptcy law does not require that a debtor have an attorney in order to file a bankruptcy case. However, the Bankruptcy Court clerk’s office is not permitted to give legal […]
WHAT YOUR BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY WILL NEED TO STOP A GARNISHMENT
Given the declining economy and subsequent rise in consumer debt defaults, creditors have become more aggressive in their collection attempts. This usually leads to legal action, and eventually wage or bank account garnishment. While a bankruptcy filing will stop or “stay” a garnishment, your bankruptcy attorney will need additional information in order to prepare your […]
Common Myths About Bankruptcy
Will you lose your house and retirement savings? When will you be able to borrow money again? Get the facts on these questions and more. Read More
Bankrupty Terms for the Layperson
Many people have trouble understanding the terms that lawyers routinely use. But even attorneys in other areas of practice often complain that bankruptcy attorneys seem to have their own arcane language. Because both debtors and their attorneys receive motions, pleadings and orders during the term of their cases, this may help to explain those terms. […]