Telltale Signs It’s Time to File for Bankruptcy

Living in a state of debt has become the accepted way of life for many. Although bankruptcy has become far more common than it was decades ago, it still intimidates many Americans who are in a situation where filing may be best. You should consider filing bankruptcy when what you owe exceeds what you can […]
How to Close the Bank of Mom and Dad

Parents are and always have been an immediate financial resource for their children, even if their children are grown adults in their 20s, 30s and even 40s. Regardless of relation, parents should not be viewed as a bank. Part of being an adult is independence, financial and otherwise. Here’s how to close the Bank of […]
Because You’re Ready for a Fresh Start

Because you’re not making enough money to live on. Or because your expenses just are out of control. Because life should be more than nonstop work and worry. You may be ready for bankruptcy. Because you have no assets to speak of. Or because you’re at risk of missing out on basic life necessities. Because […]
Senior Citizens Are Increasingly Filing for Bankruptcy Protection

Older Americans are increasingly filing for bankruptcy due to soaring healthcare costs and reductions in social services. According to a recent report, since 1991, the rate of senior citizens filing for bankruptcy protection have increased twofold for Americans 65-74 years old and threefold for those 75 and over. These increases are astonishing and represent a […]
The Hidden Costs of Owning a Home

According to the Urban Institute, 63 percent of millennials who bought homes have regrets resulting from underestimating the hidden costs. Zillow found that American homeowners spend nearly $9,400 in hidden costs to own and care for a median-priced home. Let’s first differentiate hidden costs from not-so-hidden costs. Not-so-hidden costs: Mortgage, taxes, and insurance Your mortgage […]
Austerity Measures, or How to Avoid Bankruptcy, No. 1

Austerity measures in Greece have set off violent riots and nationwide strikes over the last decade. In 2010, Greece suffered a sovereign debt crisis, sometimes called the Greek Depression. A member of the European Union, Greece requested a bailout, which the EU granted, but only with a caveat: Greece would have to implement a number […]
Retail Therapy Is a Symptom, Not a Cure

Americans love to shop. The shopping process can be an emotionally gratifying experience, allowing us to exercise freedom of choice and expression. But contemplating and planning our purchase generates excitement which combats stress. Oftentimes, retail therapy is a symptom of larger problems. Retail therapy is not a cure. Why we shop Shopping to feel better […]
The Six Stages of Civil Litigation

Civil litigation can be divided into six distinct stages. Some of these litigation steps sometimes get skipped. At other times, they overlap. But no stage is more important than any other. Here are the six steps of civil litigation. I. Investigation You must thoroughly investigate your claims and defenses and counterclaims because you must be […]
202 Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Lawyer Also Serves 703 and 301

Several recent posts have received nationwide attention, and we welcome the positive response. My office has fielded calls from hundreds of people all over the country interested in issues I’ve written about here. Unfortunately, if you live outside the metropolitan Washington, D.C. region, our office is unable to provide any information or advice beyond what’s […]