Be careful! Don't have money where you owe money.

If you have money deposited where you also owe money, you might find that your deposited money is gone. Read the rest of this entry »

Don't let a debt settlement company fleece you out of your last dollars.

The New York Times says the proceeds of the debt settlement industry come at the direct expense of financially troubled Americans who are being fleeced of their last dollars with dubious promises. Read the rest of this entry »

Do I have to tell them everything?

Do I have to tell them everything? It's very important to understand that bankruptcy includes, as does much of life, a basic bargain. Read the rest of this entry »

Loan mod process ruined credit

This couple tried a mortgage loan modification. It didn't go through but ruined their credit in the process. Read the rest of this entry »

Foreclosed? You may still owe your second mortgage.

If you lost your home to foreclosure in California, you may still owe your second (and other) mortgages. Read the rest of this entry »

The Bankruptcy Means Test and Benefits Income – A Short Course

Is income from "benefits" included in the Means Test? Read the rest of this entry »

Does anyone still think people who file bankruptcy are bad people?

If anyone out there still thinks that people who file bankruptcy are bad people or anything similar, I invite them Read the rest of this entry »

Thinking of filing bankruptcy? It's time to get things together.

Are you thinking of filing bankruptcy? If so, it's time to gather information and documents that will save you time later and will speed the process of your possible bankruptcy. Read the rest of this entry »

Can I "not file" on a credit card in my bankruptcy?

I'm sometimes asked by a bankruptcy client if they can "not file" on or "not include" a particular credit card or other specific debts in their bankruptcy. Here's the deal… Read the rest of this entry »

Debt Cancellation service?

You might be fooled into buying expensive insurance that pays out only 5% of its premiums. Read the rest of this entry »

Legal Aid of Marin Bankruptcy Presentation – September 30, 2009

Malcolm Ruthven gave a bankruptcy presentation at Legal Aid of Marin on September 30, 2009. There were additional points to be covered at the end of the event and these items will be added here as comments. Read the rest of this entry »

Are you expecting a tax refund?

Are you expecting a tax refund? As in life, timing is everything. Read the rest of this entry »

Legal Aid of Marin Bankruptcy Presentation – August 17, 2009

Malcolm Ruthven gave a bankruptcy presentation at Legal Aid of Marin on Monday, August 17, 2009. There were additional points to be covered at the end of the event and these items will be added here as comments. Read the rest of this entry »

You just negotiated a $10,000 debt down to $2,000!

You just negotiated a $10,000 debt down to $2,000. Isn't that great? Read the rest of this entry »

Bankruptcy due to medical problems? 62% of 2007 bankruptcies, says the American Journal of Medicine!

The American Journal of Medicine today published a study showing that illness or medical expenses contributed to 62.1% of all bankruptcies in 2007. Read the rest of this entry »

Can't I just transfer the title of my car to my sister?

I've heard that question, or one like it, many times. Read the rest of this entry »

Don't wait too long!

Most bankruptcy attorneys will tell you that the most frequent mistake clients make is to wait too long to file bankruptcy.  There's a natural reluctance to consider and file bankruptcy, and in that "delay" period people in serious financial trouble often do some of the following things. Read the rest of this entry »

The Case for Bankruptcy (Newsweek)

Newsweek magazine, in their January 12, 2009, issue, published an article explaining the case for bankruptcy and the circumstances favoring that action. Read the rest of this entry »

Bankruptcy, we don't want to do that!

"Bankruptcy, we don't want to do that!" greeted me as I moved to the front of the room to give a presentation. I immediately said "Thank you! I invited you specifically to say that." and I meant every word. Read the rest of this entry »

Quality-of-life signs that it may be time to file bankruptcy

What are some warning signs of undesirable behavior and quality of life that might signal that it's time to think about filing bankruptcy? Read the rest of this entry »

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