16 Sep 2026

Maryland’s New $125,000 Homestead Exemption: Major Protection for Homeowners Filing Bankruptcy

by David Ruben

Maryland’s New $125,000 Homestead Exemption: Major Protection for Homeowners Filing Bankruptcy Maryland homeowners considering bankruptcy received some very good news in 2026. A major change in Maryland law dramatically increases the amount of home equity that can be protected in a bankruptcy case. Effective June 1, 2026, the Maryland homestead exemption increased to $125,000. For […]

19 May 2026

Meeting of Creditors in Maryland Bankruptcy: What to Expect at the 341 Meeting

by David Ruben

When you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, one of the first major steps in your case is the Meeting of Creditors, also known as the 341 meeting. Many people feel nervous when they hear the term, but the meeting is usually simple, short, and far less intimidating than it sounds. In most cases, it lasts about 5–10 […]

12 Jan 2026

Will Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment in Maryland? What You Need to Know

by David Ruben

Many people reach out for help after a wage garnishment has already begun. Losing part of your paycheck every pay period can make it nearly impossible to cover basic living expenses. One of the most common questions people ask is whether bankruptcy will stop wage garnishment in Maryland. In most cases, the answer is yes—and […]

23 Jan 2025

Tips for improving and maintaining your Credit after Bankruptcy

by David Ruben

Tips for improving and maintaining your Credit after Bankruptcy If you’ve recently gone through bankruptcy, you’re not alone—and most importantly, it’s not the end of your financial journey. Bankruptcy can feel like a significant setback, but with the right steps, you can rebuild your credit and work toward a strong financial future. Here’s a few […]

27 Nov 2024

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR CAR LOAN IN A CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY

by David L. Ruben, Esquire

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must tell the court what you intend to do with your debts that are secured by personal property.  For many Chapter 7 bankruptcy filers, this decision comes up in the context of their car loans. Ordinarily, the debtor has three options. The first option with Chapter 7 […]

27 Nov 2024

HELPING YOU KEEP YOUR CAR IN A CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY

by David L. Ruben, Esquire

At Ruben Law and the Maryland Bankruptcy Center, we have been helping Clients file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy for over 25 years. We help people understand Bankruptcy can be a fresh start and is an affordable, and legal option. This is an article about how to keep your car and reduce your car […]

02 Apr 2024

How to Stop Creditors from Calling

by David L. Ruben, Esquire

How to stop creditors from calling, what is an Automatic Stay? Are you being hounded by phone calls from creditors? Are your wages being garnished? Is your bank account on the verge of being seized? Are you subject to a lawsuit or foreclosure? These are common stressful situations that we hear from potential bankruptcy clients […]

04 Mar 2024

Can You File Bankruptcy Again?

by David L. Ruben, Esquire

While one may hope to only go through one financial crisis during his or her lifetime, that may unfortunately end up being wishful thinking. Imagine that you suffered from an illness or lost a job and filed for bankruptcy to get a fresh start. What happens if another unexpected financial crisis arises and you need […]

04 Mar 2024

When You Can Discharge Income Tax Debt in Bankruptcy

by David L. Ruben, Esquire

When you file for bankruptcy, you may be able to wipe away income tax debts depending on how old the tax debt is. Bankruptcy law lays out specific rules for how old an income tax debt must be in order for it to be discharged along with a few additional requirements. Timing Rule 1: Tax […]

05 Nov 2018

SHOULD I FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY?

by David L. Ruben, Esquire

One of the most difficult decisions a person might have to make in life is whether or not to file for bankruptcy.   Like anything, asking friends or family can often lead to bad or simply false information.  Many Americans view bankruptcy as a financial scar that will negatively affect you for the rest of […]