Why do some people think this is true? After all, you read about large corporations that owe many millions filing bankruptcy. Whatever the reason, it's just not true. Let's take a look as what is true…
With my income, I'll have to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and pay all my debts. Wrong (probably)!
Divorce, property settlements, and bankruptcy. Oh my!
There's nothing simple about divorce and bankruptcy. We'll peel off one leaf of that very large subject and see what can happen if someone files bankruptcy after a divorce with a property settlement. (more…)
What's keeping you from filing bankruptcy?
You're in financial trouble, have considered filing bankruptcy, but haven't taken any steps toward it. What's holding you back? (more…)
Owe way more on your car than it's worth? A Chapter 13 bankruptcy might fix that.
If you, like many people, owe way more on your car than it's currently worth, then a Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be able to fix that for you. (more…)
Will bankruptcy ruin my credit (re-revisited)?
Last year I wrote a shorter update to a much longer article about "Will bankruptcy ruin my credit?" So what's new? A very recent client experience, that's what.
Can I lower my house payments by filing bankruptcy?
I've heard that question – Can I lower my house payments by filing bankruptcy? – many times. The answer is "it depends". Let's see what it depends on and how you might go about it. (more…) |
Why is bankruptcy so complicated and expensive?
People in need of bankruptcy often find it difficult to get the money together to pay a bankruptcy lawyer. The President of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys said, referring to the "new" 2005 bankruptcy laws, "We've imposed enormous costs on the system which, among other things, have been a real barrier to people filing for bankruptcy because it's so expensive". The Wall Street Journal reported that higher attorney fees are due to the heavier load of legal work that is necessary to meet the law’s requirements, creating a large hurdle for financially strapped people.
What's going on here? Is this just plain unfair? Were the 2005 bankruptcy laws simply a huge mistake? (more…)
Will they take my house if I file bankruptcy? (Part 3)
In this Part 3 of the series "Will they take my house if I file bankruptcy?", the situation is that you're behind on your house mortgage payments, afraid they'll foreclose on your house, and probably in debt for other things. In this situation the question is better expressed as "Can I save my house by filing bankruptcy?". As with many questions about bankruptcy, the direct answer is a strong "it depends".
Will they take my house if I file bankruptcy? (Part 2)
I'm current on my house mortgage payments but am way in debt for other things. If I file bankruptcy, will they take my house? In Part 1 we discussed what might happen in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Today we discuss Chapter 13, the "payment plan" bankruptcy. (more…)
Do my wife and I need to file bankruptcy together?
I have lots of debt, my wife has a little. Do we need to file bankruptcy together? (more…)
What is this bankruptcy "Wild Card" I keep hearing about?
I keep hearing about a "Wild Card" and how important it is. Exactly what is it and how can it help me in my bankruptcy? (more…)
I am behind in mortgage payments. Can I file Chapter 7, not Chapter 13, and keep my home?
Only if you could pay all the mortgage arrears (back payments) at one time, (more…)
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. (more…)