The Widening Circles of Harm from Student Loan Debt
Student loans are not just burdening recent graduates. They’re now directly hurting people you wouldn’t expect. And dragging down the whole economy.
Ten Ways to Save Your Home through Chapter 13
In my experience the number one reason people choose to file Chapter 13 instead of Chapter 7 is to save their home. And it’s not just because it gives you a bigger hammer against your mortgage company. It gives you a hammer, but also a whole bunch of other tools. Some are more subtle but […]
Are Creditors Going to Challenge the Discharge of Debts in My Bankruptcy Case?
Every creditor has the right to challenge your ability to write off your debts in bankruptcy. But none of them likely will. Why not?
Property Exemptions in Bankruptcy—A Grand Political Compromise
The amount of property you get to keep in a bankruptcy is the result of a 200-year-old Constitutional battle of states’ right versus federal power. The Bankruptcy Code provides for a uniform federal set of property exemptions, but if you live in one of 35 states you cannot use those exemptions. Instead you’re stuck with […]
Can Child or Spousal Support Ever Be Written Off in Bankruptcy?
You’ve heard that no debt in bankruptcy is more untouchable than child support and spousal support. Is that true? Can Chapter 7 or 13 ever help?
Is Discharging a Student Loan Possible in Bankruptcy?
What does it take to write-off a student loan in bankruptcy? An “undue hardship.” And that is a very tough standard to meet.
Qualifying for the Tremendous Tools of Chapter 13
You may want the fast fresh start of a Chapter 7 case, but sometimes your circumstances scream out for a Chapter 13 instead. It’s true—for some people Chapter 13 provides some tremendous tools not available under Chapter 7. Now all you have to do is qualify for it. Qualifying for Chapter 13 is completely […]
Debts for Recent “Luxury Goods or Services” and Cash Advances
What is the “presumption” that certain credit card purchases and cash advances will not be discharged in bankruptcy?
Five Truths about Qualifying for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Not everyone who wants to file a Chapter 7 “straight bankruptcy” can do so. But most do. There is probably no topic that causes more confusion among people thinking about filing bankruptcy –do they qualify? Let me set the story straight. 1. Inaccurate publicity: People think it’s difficult to qualify for filing bankruptcy because of […]
How Come My Attorney Cannot Always Tell me Which of My Debts Will be Discharged under Chapter 7?
Most of the time your attorney will know which debts will be legally written off in your bankruptcy. But not always, for two reasons.