Through my national bankruptcy connections I recently became friends with Quinton Pelley, one of the premier bankruptcy attorneys in the state of Texas. He was kind enough to share with me some great articles/blogs that he has written in the bankruptcy field for potential bankruptcy filers. I think that this one is excellent, so I am sharing it with you. If you are searching for a bankruptcy attorney to help you through this most difficult process, contact us today. No two debt situations are the same. However, since we have been helping people resolve their debt problems since 1991, we have noticed quite a few patterns. We know that you did not choose to be in this position. We also know that you were probably forced into your debt situation because of one or more of the following: Loss of job, reduction in income, death, divorce, someone got sick, ridiculously high interest rates, the bad economy, or some other similar life changing event. Life happens. Now you need to make the … [Read more...]
Maryland Bankruptcy and Credit Card Debt
The Basics of Credit Card Debt and Bankruptcy In an economy where housing problems dominate the headlines, high interest credit cards still remain one of the largest issues consumers face in their fight for financial health. It should come as no surprise to learn then, that credit card debt is still one of the primary reasons consumers are forced to file for bankruptcy. When a credit card account has been delinquent for more than 180 days, banks will charge off what is owed as “bad debt” and sell the account to a debt collector who will call, harass and even sue if the past due balances are high enough. Mounting pressure from debt collectors pushes many consumers through the front door of a bankruptcy office because chapter 7 protection is widely perceived as the fastest and best way to get out from under unmanageable credit card debt. While it is true that filing for bankruptcy can help discharge credit card bills, there are some basics that every consumer needs to know before relying … [Read more...]
How Will Bankruptcy Affect My Credit?
Clients are always concerned about their credit score. It is not unusual for the question “How will bankruptcy affect my credit score?” to be the first thing that comes out of someone’s mouth when they consider bankruptcy as an option. Although bankruptcy does have an effect on your credit, the effect may not be as bad as many would have you believe. Further, most people fail to compare the alternative effect that not filing bankruptcy will and already does have on their credit. There are a number of facts that will appear on your credit report. Any type of loan, any credit you have taken out, how you use it, whether you have paid it or are in default, are all things that will appear when someone looks up your credit report. Bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for up to 10 years. Any negative occurrences will appear for 7. If your credit is poor, as most people’s is when they consider filing for bankruptcy, bankruptcy may not hurt your credit as much as not … [Read more...]
Getting Credit After Bankruptcy…..Is it really 10 years?
Clients are always concerned about their credit score. It is not unusual for the question “How will bankruptcy affect my credit score?” to be the first thing that comes out of someone’s mouth when they consider bankruptcy as an option. Although bankruptcy does have an effect on your credit, the effect may not be as bad as many would have you believe. Further, most people fail to compare the alternative effect that not filing bankruptcy will and already does have on their credit. There are a number of facts that will appear on your credit report. Any type of loan, any credit you have taken out, how you use it, whether you have paid it or are in default, are all things that will appear when someone looks up your credit report. Bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for up to 10 years. Any negative occurrences will appear for 7. If your credit is poor, as most people’s is when they consider filing for bankruptcy, bankruptcy may not hurt your credit as much as not … [Read more...]
Keeping Your Car When Filing Bankruptcy
I saw this article on a related bankruptcy website and thought it was very good and wanted to share it with you. If you have any questions regarding this issue or are looking into filing bankruptcy, please call us for a free consultation. You Can Keep a Car in Bankruptcy, But Under What Terms? In our current tenuous economic climate, more and more normal, honest, hardworking people are turning to bankruptcy for relief from overwhelming debt. In fact, most people who file for bankruptcy are perfectly responsible citizens who have lost homes, lost law suits, incurred unexpected medical bills or other large, unforeseen expenses. One of the most commonly held beliefs about the bankruptcy process is that by filing, you will automatically lose your car. This is simply not true. If you want to keep a car you are still paying for, you will have to give up some of the very benefit your bankruptcy discharge gives you. Reaffirmation Agreements To keep a car on which you are still making … [Read more...]
Bankruptcy Credit Counseling Requirement
Before a case can be filed by an individual under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the individual must submit to a credit counseling session states Gurnee bankruptcy attorney. A credit counseling session is a one-hour session that can be done over the telephone or online whereby a credit counselor approved by the office of the executive trustees will basically interview the debtor and advise the debtor on particular topics concerning debt. The purpose of the credit counseling is to see whether or not this person has the ability to enter into a debt management plan or whether or not bankruptcy is the best option. The cost for the credit counseling is approximately $25-$50 and it can be done very quickly over the telephone or online. If you file a bankruptcy case without taking the credit counseling first, then your case may be dismissed or it may be determined to be void right from the outset. I will not file a bankruptcy case for a client unless they have completed the credit counseling … [Read more...]
Filing Bankruptcy In Maryland
Hey folks. Thank you for visiting our website. I haven't posted on my website in a little while, and I'd like to apologize and explain why. We have been so busy over the past few months filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions, we just haven't had the time. Why are we so busy? Because we do a good job for every client and our bankruptcy fees are affordable and usually much lower than our competition. Yes, we do advertise on the internet (that's probably how you found us!), but the large majority of our business comes from referrals from satisfied client's who have used our bankruptcy services and passed on our name to friends and family. Nothing makes us happier than that. Just the thought of having to call an attorney to discuss bankruptcy can be overwhelming. We pride ourselves in taking the time necessary with each new client call to listen carefully to your needs and explain what we can do to help you as clearly as possible. Unlike many other firms, we will tell … [Read more...]
Bankruptcy: What is it and how does it work?
As a Maryland bankruptcy lawyer, I have many clients that know very little about the bankruptcy process when they come in for a consultation. It is important that anyone considering filing for bankruptcy to have a basic understanding of the process before they make the decision to file. Everyone has a right to know what their options are and how these options can affect their future, especially when dealing with a bankruptcy. Types Of Bankruptcy There are two types of bankruptcy and each carry different qualification standards. Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy produces a debt elimination at very little out of pocket cost to the debtor. However, a debtor must have a reportable income less than the median income level of their state of residence in order to qualify. This rule prevents abuse of the system by weeding out anyone who may be able to afford to repay their debts rather than have them eliminated. Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows a debtor to develop a repayment plan … [Read more...]
Married and Filing for Bankruptcy
If you are married and filing for bankruptcy, it is important to think about how it will affect your spouse. When a person is married, then both that person and their spouse are basically co-signers on any credit cards and bank accounts held jointly. So, if your spouse files for bankruptcy, then you are both affected by the consequences. For example, if one spouse files for bankruptcy, and his or her debts are discharged, it is possible for creditors to look to the non-bankrupt spouse to collect the debts. A Maryland bankruptcy attorney can help you to protect your spouse as much as possible. However, if your spouse is not liable in any way for the debt, then the credit agency cannot collect from them. It can be difficult to determine if your spouse is liable for your debt. It may be better for a spouse to file for bankruptcy in Maryland than in some other states. This is because Maryland is not a community property state, it is an equitable distribution state. When you are married and … [Read more...]
Is Filing for Bankruptcy in Maryland a Good Decision?
Deciding whether or not to file for bankruptcy in Maryland may be a tough decision to make. In order to make an informed decision it helps to know how filing for bankruptcy will affect you now and in the future. Here is a list of some Maryland bankruptcy basics: Maryland Bankruptcy Positives: Filing for bankruptcy may make it possible to: 1. Eliminate the legal obligation to pay most, if not all, debts. 2. Stop foreclosure on a home and allow for the debtor an opportunity to cure a default. 3. Prevent repossession of a vehicle or other personal property. 4. Stop wage garnishment, harassment from debt collectors, and other similar activities. 5. Prevent utilities from being turned off, or restore those that already have been. 6. Lower some types of monthly payments, such as car loans. 7. Challenge the claims of certain creditors who have violated federal or state consumer protection laws, or who have engaged in fraudulent or other unlawful conduct. Maryland Bankruptcy … [Read more...]
