It seems ironic that nobody needs to attend a budgeting class in order to go into debt, but in order to file bankruptcy and get out of debt, a person does need to attend a budgeting class. A recent article indicates that more and more states are now requiring...
When Legal Matters Become Personal
Bankruptcy
Tim Theisen speaks at Minnesota Bankruptcy Institute
I'm honored to again have been asked to speak before Minnesota bankruptcy attorneys at the annual bankruptcy institute, this time on the subject of avoiding common mistakes. Here is the brochure for the bankruptcy institute:...
Even NFL players file bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is not just for the indigent. Very typically what I see, are people who were chugging along doing fine, and then there's usually some sort of triggering event, whether it's an illness, accident, or injury, that causes them to lose their financial footing,...
Allina reverses policy denying medical care to patients with outstanding debt
A recent post explained the public outcry as it was learned that a big medical operation in the Twin Cities was denying care to people, even kids, who had unpaid medical debt. The Attorney General got involved to investigate whether this violated certain agreements...
Is debt settlement a better option than bankruptcy?
Many of my clients have already tried various debt relief programs before realizing they need to file for bankruptcy. While there may be a few programs that work on a nonprofit basis, most of these programs are destined to fail, as they are heavily front end loaded...
Can I be denied medical care for filing bankruptcy on medical bills?
Most large health institutions simply take it on the chin when you don't pay. They realize that if they stopped seeing their patients, then their patients will simply go to their competitors. While there is neither a law, nor an ethical rule, requiring that they...
When can someone buy a house after filing for bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy does temporarily result in a drop in someone’s credit score and a mark on their credit report. Of course, having a single, major negative mark on a credit report can actually do less harm than having multiple judgments and past-due accounts visible to...
Median income figures increase substantially
The Department of Justice recently adjusted the median income figures, which are effective in bankruptcy cases filed after May 15. 2023. The median income is an important figure, as debtors below that figure are almost always assured a chapter 7 discharge. For chapter...
What does a trustee do in a bankruptcy case?
When you file for bankruptcy, a trustee will be appointed to oversee and manage your case. Their primary role is to ensure that the bankruptcy process runs smoothly and that both you and your creditors are treated fairly. The trustee's responsibilities cover a wide...
Consumer Debt Hits Record High
A recent article noted that consumer credit card debt has spiked in the last two years, going from near all time lows to all time highs. Most people believe that this is due to the end of the pandemic stimulus payments, combined with inflationary pressures that have...