20 May 2020

Can Wages Or Unemployment Be Garnished Under COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event in our history. Due to extended stay-at-home orders in many states, an enormous number of people have faced unpaid furloughs, a reduction in paid working hours or in some cases unemployment. During the first two months of the pandemic, more than 36 million U.S. workers filed for unemployment, […]

Medical mask and money. Even if your income has been impacted by COVID-19, your wages, unemployment or stimulus checks may still be garnished. Learn how to protect your assets.
23 Apr 2020

If I File For Bankruptcy, Will I Lose My Unemployment Benefits?

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a domino effect, with closed business and furloughed employees resulting in record numbers of unemployment applications. In the first month of the pandemic, more than 22 million employees had applied for unemployment benefits with more expected to follow. In the face of job loss, substantially reduced work hours or a […]

Unemployment benefit claimed stamped "approved". Learn how bankruptcy affects unemployment benefits.
08 Mar 2020

If I File For Bankruptcy, Will I Have To Give Up My Tax Refund?

Tax refunds, obtained as a result of overpaying on taxes throughout the year, often become an anticipated windfall that people come to expect each spring. According to statistics, nearly eight out of ten Americans get a tax refund each year, and last year the IRS refunded more than 111 million Americans. If you are someone […]

1040 income tax form with refund money. If you're considering filing for bankruptcy, you may be wondering how this will affect your tax refund.
17 Jan 2020

Car Loans And Bankruptcy

Facing tough financial issues can be the source of significant stress and worry. Mounting pressures from debt collector calls, unpaid bills and choices that can’t be made due to financial struggles can make life difficult. Bankruptcy is often a very sensible option for people who want to gain a fresh start financially. Many people considering […]

MD bankruptcy attorney completing paperwork next to a blue toy car. Many people believe that an auto loan is a nondischargeable debt, but this is not always the case.
17 Dec 2019

Can Failing To Pay HOA (Homeowners Association Fees) Lead To Foreclosure?

Planned communities are often governed by an HOA, or a Homeowners Association. HOAs generally charge fees associated with the upkeep and maintenance of common areas, within the community such as pools, shared patios, esplanades, neighborhood parks and other amenities. At times when funds are stretched very thin (perhaps following a layoff, an accident or a […]

House Model Near HOA Rules And Regulations Document
03 Dec 2019

Things To Consider If You’re Filing For Bankruptcy And Self-Employed

Being self-employed can have a number of benefits including flexibility, autonomy and the power to make your own decisions. But it also means wearing multiple “hats”. People who are self-employed may be small business owners, or they may be freelancers or independent contractors. They may be responsible not only for their actual product or service, […]

Self-employed business owner reviewing finances. Bankruptcy can be a viable option for self-employed individuals who are facing financial difficulties
27 Nov 2019

Bankruptcy Estate, Bankruptcy Exemptions –  What Does It All Mean? 

If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, you may hear the term “estate” and wonder what that’s about. In this instance, it doesn’t refer to a large home or mansion or to the belongings of someone who has passed away like an “estate sale”. In a bankruptcy case, the “bankruptcy estate” simply refers to everything the […]

Worried couple using their laptop to pay their bills at home in the living room
18 Oct 2019

Can A Creditor Freeze Your Bank Account?

Injuries or family illnesses, divorce or job loss are unexpected life events that can cause people to slowly slip deeper and deeper into debt. Pretty soon, letters start arriving from creditors followed by relentless collections phone calls. In this situation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if funds are not available to pay off the […]

Young man reviewing bills. If you find yourself in debt, it is important to understand if and when a creditor can freeze your bank accounts.
09 Sep 2019

How Much Debt Is Needed To File For Bankruptcy?

Despite valiant efforts to keep bills paid in full in a timely manner, sometimes debt can creep up and then quickly become overwhelming. Unexpected life events such as a car accident or a prolonged illness may result in high medical bills. Likewise, divorce or other life changes can result in unplanned expenses or skyrocketing credit […]

Concerned young couple looks over a stack of bills. For many people, filing for bankruptcy is a sensible option that offers almost immediate relief from harassing debt collection phone calls and a way out from under a growing mountain of debt.
09 Jul 2019

Bankruptcy And Health Savings Accounts

Debt often starts to pile up slowly – it can come about from the loss of a job, divorce, excessive credit card expenditures or unexpected medical bills. But debt is rarely static. If left unattended, it will continue to compound and grow over time and can quickly reach unfathomable proportions. When this occurs, bankruptcy may […]

Health insurance forms and hundred dollar bills. if you have an HSA, FSA or HRA account, you may be concerned that filing for bankruptcy will put those accounts at risk.