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 […]
Can the Bankruptcy Trustee Take My Tax Refund?
Your income tax refund is basically an interest-free loan to the government. If you have paid more in taxes than you owe, then the government must repay you for your overpayment. Especially around this time of year, clients ask me the the same question. Can the Bankruptcy Trustee Take My Tax Refund? The short answer […]
Beware of Temporary Mortgage Modifications
On December 1, 2010, Chris Dodd’s final Senate hearing featured testimony from senior Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac executives. These execs blame mortgage servicers for triggering the mortgage meltdown. As a bankruptcy lawyer practicing in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, I have had several clients report the following scenario to me about temporary mortgage modifications. The homeowner […]
Anatomy of a Foreclosure: How Foreclosure Works
Foreclosure activity in the U.S. totaled 676,535 properties in 2017, down to a 12-year low. Foreclosure activity includes default notices, auction sale notices, and bank repossessions. Many of those seeking foreclosure assistance ask how foreclosure works. If you are seeking to avoid foreclosure in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia, you must educate yourself quickly and […]
What is a Proof of Claim in Bankruptcy?
In bankruptcy, a Proof of Claim is a creditor’s written statement detailing the creditor’s claim against the debtor. A Proof of Claim is usually filed in Chapter 13 cases. But Proofs of Claim are sometimes filed in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases, as well. Why file a Proof of Claim? A creditor may be […]
Bankruptcy Conversion from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7
If you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, then you are legally entitled to a bankruptcy discharge of all eligible debts. On the other hand, in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you propose to repay some pre-arranged portion of your debt. Under certain circumstances, conversion from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 is appropriate. Conversion from Chapter 13 to […]
Stop Foreclosure in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland
Lee Legal assists real estate agents representing sellers who are facing foreclosure. We stop foreclosure in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. We work with realtors to ensure a smooth sale outside of the foreclosure process. When a Seller is Facing Foreclosure Often realtors are approached by sellers who have lots of equity in their homes, […]
What is the Bankruptcy Discharge?
What is the Bankruptcy Discharge? Usually, the whole reason to declare bankruptcy is to obtain the bankruptcy discharge. Once you have received your discharge in bankruptcy, no discharged creditor can take any enforcement action against you, ever. In other words, the discharge order forever prohibits any type of collection effort against you for a discharged […]
A Short Glossary of Bankruptcy Terms
Here is a short glossary of essential bankruptcy terms. Many definitions are not included. Do not attempt to manipulate concepts you do not fully understand. Call an attorney if you have a legal problem. Bankruptcy terms: A – C Adversary Proceeding: A lawsuit related to a bankruptcy case and commenced by filing a complaint with […]