Tuition is Dischargeable in Bankruptcy
Section 523 of the Bankruptcy Code provides that student loans are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. But unpaid tuition is not a student loan. While it is extremely difficult to discharge student loans in bankruptcy, unpaid tuition is dischargeable in bankruptcy. 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8) provides that, absent undue hardship, a debtor cannot discharge student loans. The […]
Getting Approved for a Car Loan After Bankruptcy
Getting approved for a car loan after bankruptcy can sometimes be a bit tricky. But it happens every day, and you can do it too if you follow the steps below. As of November 2016, six million Americans have stopped paying their car loans. So far this year, a record 32% of all vehicles offered […]
The Debt Snowball and the Debt Avalanche
I periodically review debt management books to see if there are any new methods that might be useful to my clients. I just finished the book Dear Debt: A Story About Breaking Up with Debt by Melanie Lockert. The book contains a few useful pieces of advice. But the most interesting section deals with the two […]
D.C. Means Test Unjustly Denies Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Protection
New Chapter 7 bankruptcy means test numbers take effect today for Chapter 7 cases filed on or after November 1, 2016. The D.C. means test numbers are obviously miscalculated and unfairly exclude bankruptcy debtors in the District of Columbia. Since October 17, 2005, the Department of Justice has promulgated median incomes for Chapter 7 debtors. To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you […]
Should I Worry About My Fiance’s Bankruptcy?
Marriage is much more than the spiritual union between two people. Marriage also joins two otherwise completely separate lives — socially, legally, and financially. A problem in one spouse’s life will affect both, and that includes any financial problems, too. You may be engaged to marry someone who just filed for bankruptcy, or someone who […]
Help Me to Help You
As a bankruptcy lawyer serving the Washington D.C. area, I have helped hundreds of businesses and individuals seeking debt relief. Most of my clients are a pleasure to serve, but sometimes communications issues arise. Here are some ways that you can help your bankruptcy attorney to advance your case. Help me to help you with these simple key communication […]
The Bankruptcy Discharge Before Christmas
If you file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy within the next three weeks, you will get your bankruptcy discharge before Christmas. Start your new year off right and get straight with your finances. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of a debt-free life. Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases take three months from start to finish. About […]
Will I Owe Money After Foreclosure?
Many people who call our office want to save their homes from foreclosure. In other cases, a foreclosure has already taken place. There are many different reasons why a foreclosure may be scheduled, ranging from market conditions to change in homeowner circumstances. One of the lingering effects of the foreclosure crisis is the rise of the deficiency […]
How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost?
There are three main chapters of bankruptcy for individuals, and all three have different bankruptcy costs and fees. Your total bankruptcy cost includes both court filing fees, which are an administrative requirement, and legal fees, which are paid to your attorney. If you’re having difficulty making ends meet, it’s natural to wonder: Just how much does bankruptcy cost? Chapter 7 […]