Archive for the ‘Bankruptcy Process’ Category

With Tax season upon us, the question on the minds of potential bankruptcy filers is, “How do we keep our tax refund after filing?” Some people opt to spend their tax refund outright. The problem with this strategy is that when a person or couple files for chapter 7 or chapter 13, their possessions are absorbed into the trust estate to pay for their debts. Frankly, it doesn’t make sense to make a purchase today only to have it taken away tomorrow. A word of caution: If you spend your tax refund on luxury items or vacations, pay off a credit card or other unsecured debt, or use it to repay a friend or family member, you may trigger an objection from the trustee, and be required to surrender your tax refund, even if you have already spent the money.

  • email
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • del.icio.us
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon

When a close friend or relative asks you to co-sign on a loan, it might be difficult to say no. But before you agree to help that person out, you should know exactly what you’re signing up for. Federal law requires creditors to give you a notice that explains your obligations before you co-sign, but it’s your responsibility to understand it.

  • email
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • del.icio.us
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon

Basically, an adversary proceeding is when one party files against another party (in the context of a bankruptcy case). There are only three parties that can file such a proceeding: the creditor, the trustee, and the debtor. The proceeding goes to court a bankruptcy judge determines who wins the case, much like a traditional court trial.

  • email
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • del.icio.us
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon

Hearing the term “attorney fees” when filing for a bankruptcy can be a real nail biter. Let’s face it, if you are behind in paying other bills, hearing about a new expense can cause even more anxiety. The good news is, once you have retained an attorney, the creditors stop calling. That still leaves many with the question, “How do I come up with the money for my attorney fees?”

  • email
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • del.icio.us
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon

The short answer is yes, there is a way to discharge your student loans. However, the long and explicative answer is more complicated and less encouraging.

  • email
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • del.icio.us
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon

Student loans are extremely common causes of debt for average Americans. Due to the rising cost of a college education paired with an unforgiving and dismal economy, more and more college graduates are falling victim to paralyzing student loan debt.

  • email
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • del.icio.us
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon

The company responsible for Ho Hos, Twinkies, and Ding Dongs has announced that it has filed for bankruptcy protection. Hostess Brands has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy once before, in 2004 when it was under the name Interstate Bakeries Corp. The company recently came out from a financial restructuring process in 2009 with changes that the company now considers as “insufficient.”

  • email
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • del.icio.us
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon

Eastman Kodak Co., the notoriously innovative company that was credited with making the camera financially assessable to the greater public, is considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to the Wall Street Journal. How did a company that was once so successful end up in such a rut?

  • email
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • del.icio.us
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon

Due to the unprecedented real estate market, many people are facing the very difficult question of whether to let their underwater homes go by short sale, foreclosure, or surrendering the home during bankruptcy. In many cases a short sale may be the best option; however, in cases that involve recourse loans, it may be in your interest to surrender the home through bankruptcy.

  • email
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • del.icio.us
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon

There are two common tools in bankruptcy that relate to mortgages. The first is called a “Lien Strip,” and the second is a “Cramdown.” It’s important to note that these tools are only available in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. (Chapter 13 requires monthly payments.)

  • email
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • del.icio.us
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
Do you need
our help?

Call us now to schedule your
consultation
or have us call you
by filling out the form to the right.

A member of our family law team will contact you within 24 hours of your submittal.

(480)
467-4399

We will only use this contact information for a one-time consulation unless you request otherwise.