How Do I Stop a Garnishment?
Garnishment (or “attachment”) is a last-ditch effort at debt collection, a tool of last resort for creditors. When you default on a debt, and the creditor is unsuccessful in recovering on the debt, a judgment may be issued against you to garnish property, bank accounts, or wages. Garnishment can often severely impact your monthly finances, and […]
What are the Bankruptcy Chapters?
Most consumer debtors have two main bankruptcy chapters under the Bankruptcy Code: Chapter 13 and Chapter 7. There are, however, two other types of bankruptcy: Chapter 11 and Chapter 12. Here are the principal differences between the bankruptcy chapters. Chapter 7: Liquidation Chapter 7, also called straight bankruptcy, allows you to discharge most types of […]
Bankruptcy Will Not Kill Your Credit
Bankruptcy will not kill your credit for 10 years. Many of the clients who come into my office think that. This common misperception is the result of an intense and extended propaganda campaign by institutional lenders and credit card companies. Obviously, your creditors want you to repay your debts, no matter what the personal cost to […]
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 […]