If you have gotten your 2011 tax returns filed today, many of you have realized that lower income in 2011 might mean a higher tax refund as well. The average refund is around $3,000 for 2011, which generally speaking would more than pay the costs of a Chapter 7 filing. If this refund money funded…
Many people I meet with for a bankruptcy consultation in my Asheville NC office think filing a case is as low as you can get financially. On the contrary, the most difficult people for me to help are the ones who do not have secure employment. Sure, we could file a case for them, but…
As a bankruptcy attorney in Asheville NC, I frequently meet with potential clients who are worried about collection companies calling their family members and employers in an attempt to collect an old debt. Its difficult, stressful and annoying. Since the collection companies are paid on commission, their strategy is frequently to intimidate you into writing…
As an Asheville bankruptcy lawyer, I speak with people everyday who worry they will lose their belongings if they eliminate their credit card and medical debts with a bankruptcy case. In over 90 percent of the cases filed, Chapter 7 bankruptcy clients keep all of their property. For cars, bankruptcy clients have four different options. …
Being a consumer bankruptcy attorney in Asheville is satisfying work. Filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 for a client brings relief they didn’t know existed. Helping families improve their lives immediately and effectively is why I chose this work. The worst part of my job is trying to explain to people why they should…
As a consumer bankruptcy attorney in Asheville, part of my job is to study the bankruptcy code, and match a client’s available exemptions with their assets. In over 90 percent of the cases, clients are able to protect all of their assets while discharging their unsecured debt. Occasionally, non-exempt equity exists. Just last week, I…
Frequently, during free initial bankruptcy consultations, I spend the majority of my time talking about a potential client’s options outside of bankruptcy. The key step, whether a bankruptcy filing is appropriate or not, is spending time to create a budget. After you have accurate budget information, I recommend asking yourself whether you would be able…
Almost every Chapter 7 bankruptcy client I meet with expresses concern over not paying back their corporate creditors (credit card companies). Meanwhile, their family cuts back on necessary medical care, healthy food, and contributions to retirement accounts. If you are having a hard time financially and share this concern, please read this article from the…
When speaking with a bankruptcy client last week, he said, “I’ve always paid my bills, and eventually I want to pay every penny back to the credit card companies.” I told him while I applaud how noble his thinking was, I also thought it was noble to take care of his wife and children INSTEAD…
Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case to clear away debts before or after getting married will not effect your spouse’s credit in any way. Because married folks usually own assets together (cars, houses, etc.), a bankruptcy case can insure that your creditors will not seek to recover money from property which you own together. The…