Over 65 and broke: Don’t feel guilty

Over 65 and broke: Don’t feel guilty.  “The number of bankrupt older Americans has surged in recent years, a sign of widespread financial distress and a shrinking social safety net”, according to a research study recently released.  In the study of bankruptcy filers it found using data, from the Consumer Bankruptcy Project, more than a… Continue reading Over 65 and broke: Don’t feel guilty

Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer?

So I have touched on this topic in prior posts but I get asked this question from time to time: Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer?  My reply is usually you can but why would you want too?  You need to know that filing personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 takes careful… Continue reading Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer?

Which bankruptcy is worse

There really isn’t a bankruptcy that is “worse” it all depends completely on your financial situation, your goals and needs.  A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy commonly called a liquidation.  Chapter 7 allows individuals to give up certain nonexempt assets and walk away from most of the individuals debts. To qualify, debtors must pass the means test… Continue reading Which bankruptcy is worse

Are bankruptcy cases public record

When you file for bankruptcy, your bankruptcy case does become a public record.  No matter the type of case Chapter 7 or Chapter 13  it can be part of a public record.  However that doesn’t mean that it’s simple, free and easy to get the information for your family and friends to look at whenever… Continue reading Are bankruptcy cases public record

Can I file bankruptcy without my spouse?

If one spouse files bankruptcy without the other spouse only the filing spouses debts are discharged. If the debts are held jointly, the non-filing spouse will still owe on the debt even after one spouse has filed bankruptcy. The bankruptcy filing will appear on the filing spouses credit report, but should not appear on the… Continue reading Can I file bankruptcy without my spouse?

What bankruptcy do I qualify for

What bankruptcy do I qualify for was the question I was asked this morning as I entered an elevator this morning.  It seems like a simple enough question that any attorney could easily answer in a moment or two.  The problem is that determining who can file for bankruptcy is one of the more complicated… Continue reading What bankruptcy do I qualify for

Can I file bankruptcy without going to court?

Can a person file bankruptcy without ever going to court?  If you file bankruptcy you are required to attend something called the meeting of creditors or Section 341 meeting.  This is a proceeding at which the debtor testifies under oath that the information contained in their bankruptcy filing is accurate.  In most jurisdictions the 341… Continue reading Can I file bankruptcy without going to court?

Bankruptcy when does it end

Bankruptcy when does it end is a common question.  When you get a discharge in a bankruptcy it is a big step, however, it is not the end of the case.  The Bankruptcy Court will enter an order closing the case that is when your case is closed.  Most of the time the case will… Continue reading Bankruptcy when does it end

Bankruptcy when broke

Declare Bankruptcy When Broke Or While You Still Have Cash?  Many people think that they should declare bankruptcy when they’re totally broke. Being penniless will actually make the process much, much, harder. While you can certainly declare bankruptcy on your own, many people choose to hire a bankruptcy attorney, which can cost between $1,000 and… Continue reading Bankruptcy when broke

Bankruptcy vs debt settlement

Here are a few things that may help you decide if you should choose bankruptcy vs debt settlement. First, you will want to look at all of your debt, not merely credit card debt.  If your debt is mostly unsecured debt then you will need to determine the amount of that kind of debt. If… Continue reading Bankruptcy vs debt settlement