Will Unpaid Student Loans Affect My Credit Score?
As of 2024, total student loan debt in the U.S. has reached $1.75 trillion in total student loan debt, including federal and private loans. The average student borrower graduates with about $29,000 in student loans on average. The number of college students taking out loans has tripled in just the last decade. Yet most students […]
Stop Foreclosure Immediately
You may have done everything that you could to stop foreclosure on your own. But if your lender schedules an auction, you must take steps to stop foreclosure immediately. Before an auction is scheduled, you have lots of foreclosure prevention options. But the only sure-fire way to stop foreclosure immediately is to file bankruptcy. Chapter […]
How Much Will I Have to Pay in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is sometimes called the “wage-earner’s bankruptcy.” The Chapter 13 Plan requires a monthly payment over a period of 36 to 60 months. Self-employed people cut a monthly check to the Chapter 13 trustee. People employed by companies get automatic deductions taken from their paychecks. When you file a Chapter 13, you are […]
The Steep Cost of Debt Settlement Companies
The cost of debt settlement companies is steep, too steep. Debt settlement companies trash your credit and increase your tax liability. And in most cases, debt settlement companies will fail to settle a single debt on your behalf. Here’s why I believe debt settlement companies are a very poor choice for most people. The Cash Cost […]
Where do I mail my Chapter 13 Plan payment in DC, MD and VA?
Once your Chapter 13 bankruptcy has been filed, you will make your Chapter 13 Plan payments directly to the trustee for several months. Your first Plan payment must be made no later than 30 days from the date that your case is filed. Once your Plan has been confirmed, usually three to five months later, […]
How Come I Have to Pay Back Creditors If I Filed Bankruptcy?
Filing bankruptcy gives you immediate relief from debt. But not every person who files for bankruptcy qualifies for Chapter 7 liquidation. In many cases, you make too much income to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Under those circumstances, you should consider filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In a Chapter 13 you wind up needing to pay back […]
Lien Strip in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
The lien strip in Chapter 13 bankruptcy can remove a lien guaranteeing a loan against your real property. The lien strip reclassifies the second mortgage or home equity line of credit (“HELOC”) from secured debt to unsecured debt. Lien stripping sometimes allows bankruptcy debtors to keep their homes. Most Chapter 13 lien strips also allow […]
Can I Keep My Car If I File Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy provides an important opportunity to eliminate debts that you are struggling with and cannot pay. However, many people are reluctant to consider bankruptcy even when filing makes sense. This reluctance can stem from serious concerns about having to give up essential possessions such as your car. I frequently answer the question: Can I Keep My […]