As more and more people use electronic means to pay their bills and do their banking, many are finding themselves victims of identity theft. A hacker gets access to your personal information, including Social Security number, and runs up significant … [Read more...]
The Impact of a Bankruptcy Filing on Your Credit Score
You have worked really hard to build and maintain a solid credit record, but have faced significant financial challenges in the last year or so. Maybe you had an illness or injury that kept you from working. Maybe you went through a divorce, or lost … [Read more...]
Debt Settlement vs. Debt Consolidation
If you are struggling financially, weary of the incessant calls and letters from creditors, you have likely seen advertisements on television or the Internet offering debt consolidation or debt settlement. These are two distinctly different programs, … [Read more...]
Exceptions to the Automatic Stay Afforded by the Bankruptcy Laws
When you file a petition in bankruptcy, you are immediately entitled to certain protections provided by the automatic stay established by federal law. This prohibits creditors from calling, writing or taking any legal action outside of the bankruptcy … [Read more...]
Converting a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition to A Chapter 13 Filing
When you face financial woes, and decide to file for bankruptcy protection, your first inclination may be to file a petition under Chapter 7, where you can permanently discharge debts and be done with them. However, you may not qualify under the new … [Read more...]
Understanding the Different Bankruptcy Filings
Whether you face personal financial challenges or your business has fallen upon difficult times, there are options available to you under the federal bankruptcy laws. This blog post provides an overview of the most common types of bankruptcy … [Read more...]
Bankruptcy is for the Rich and Famous Too!
As a people we love to watch a rising star. We love celebrities! Perhaps the only thing more noteworthy than the rise of celebrity is watching that celebrity stumble, trip, or fall. It is no coincidence that whenever a celebrity files for bankruptcy … [Read more...]
Can You Prevent the Loss of Your Home or Car by Filing for Bankruptcy Protection?
If you have fallen behind on your mortgage or car payments because of the loss of your job, medical expenses, a divorce, or for any other reason, you may live in daily fear that you will lose your home or your vehicle. You may have considered filing … [Read more...]
Should I file my tax return if I can’t pay the taxes that I owe?
If you are self-employed or have 1099 income you may owe taxes to the IRS this year. But what are you supposed to do if you can’t pay those taxes when they are due? Should you still file that tax return? The answer to this question is an emphatic … [Read more...]
What is the Impact of Filing for Bankruptcy During a Divorce?
One of the unfortunate byproducts of divorce is the financial hardship that can affect one or both parties. You may fear that creditors will pursue you for debts incurred by your former spouse. You may have a house that you can’t afford, but that you … [Read more...]