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,...
When Legal Matters Become Personal
Chapter 13
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...
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...
New Median Income Figures effective April 1, 2022
The Department of Justice recently adjusted the median income figures, which are effective in bankruptcy cases filed after April 1, 2022. The median income is an important figure, as debtors below that figure are almost always assured a chapter 7 discharge. For...
First in, First out accounting – The poker chip analogy
One of the things that comes up in protecting money in a bank account from creditors, is the concept of first in first out. It's a concept that is seemingly difficult, yet also quite simple. The first money that goes in, is the first money that goes out. But you don't...
Hennepin County announces grants to avoid foreclosure
Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis just announced that they will set aside $4.3 million, up to $35,000 per homeowner, to help make mortgage payments that were missed due to pandemic. Applicants will first need to apply for other loss mitigation options, for...
Why there won’t be another foreclosure stampede like 2009-2010
Foreclosure rates have continued to dwindle since they peaked in 2010. A recent article talked about reasons why there is not likely to be anywhere near the surge that we had experienced during the last recession. There are a few additional reasons that I have...
Well Fargo mortgage putting homeowners into forbearance plan without their consent
A recent article pointed out a disturbing trend, whereby Wells Fargo Mortgage has told homeowners, who are in a chapter 13 bankruptcy plan, that they are in a forbearance plan. This has happened to several homeowners, none of whom had requested it, even though Wells...