When to Consider Filing Bankruptcy
In most cases, the very last thing any person wants to do is to consider filing bankruptcy. In many cases, an average person will wait two years longer than he or she should have to file bankruptcy. Don’t rearrange the deck furniture on the Titanic. Instead, realize it may be time to jump ship. You may […]
The Chapter 7 Liquidation Test in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Most consumers must choose between between either Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you have significant assets (like equity in your home) then you may want to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, those assets may be subject to to liquidation by the trustee. But even in a Chapter 13 […]
Can a Creditor Garnish a Paycheck or Bank Account?
A creditor who has obtained a judgment against you can garnish a paycheck or bank account, or both. The creditor must file garnishment affidavit at your bank, at which point the bank will pay that creditor whatever amount is available in your account, up to the amount of the judgment. A creditor will drain your […]
Do Not Run Up Your Credit Cards Before Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is an excellent option for those who have accumulated large credit card debts. But if you run up your credit cards before bankruptcy, you may be found to have committed a form of bankruptcy fraud. When you file for bankruptcy, credit card companies carefully review all of your most recent purchases. Do […]
How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report
Federal law allows you to request an investigation of information on your credit report that you feel may be inaccurate. No one can legally remove from a credit report accurate negative information, such as bankruptcy, tax liens, judgments or child support. However, it is perfectly legal to request an investigation of any item on your […]
Will Filing for Bankruptcy Affect My Security Clearance?
The Washington, D.C. regional workforce is heavily reliant upon the federal government. I am often asked the question: How will filing for bankruptcy affect my security clearance? Guideline F and security clearance With any security clearance, the federal government examines each applicant on a case-by-case basis. Guideline F of DOD’s Guidelines for Determining Eligibility For […]
How Often Can I File Bankruptcy?
If you have filed a previous bankruptcy and you received a discharge, you may wonder: “How Often Can I File Bankruptcy?” The Bankruptcy Code specifies certain time limits as to when you can file bankruptcy again and obtain a discharge. If your case was closed or dismissed, however, and you did not obtain a discharge […]
Should I Stop Paying My Bills?
I often get asked the question, “If I am filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, should I stop paying my bills?” The answer is Yes and No. Continue to Pay the Bills You Will Still Have After Bankruptcy First the No. You must continue to pay certain bills. These include your rent or mortgage, auto loans for any […]
Are student loans dischargeable in bankruptcy?
In the United States there is more than $1.2 trillion in outstanding student loan debt, 40 million borrowers, an average balance of $29,000. Are student loans dischargeable in bankruptcy? No. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in the Washington, D.C. area, you should know that student loan debt is generally nondischargeable, which means that […]