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High Court to Decide on Creditors’ Duty to Release Impounded Vehicles to Owners in Bankruptcy
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to resolve the question of whether a creditor may retain possession of a debtor’s repossessed vehicle once the debtor files for bankruptcy. Five of the nation’s circuit courts have said no but the Third Circuit, which covers New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania, has disagreed, making the issue ripe for… Read More »
Can You File Bankruptcy If You Exceed the Median Income Limit?
No matter how dire your financial situation, there is no rule that says you must file for bankruptcy. But if filing is something you choose to do, then the type of bankruptcy you file will be largely determined by what is known as the means test. We’ve gone into the details of the means test… Read More »
Can You File for Chapter 13 If You’re Self-Employed?
Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy means you’ll spend three to five years paying back your debts as part of a court-ordered repayment plan. The amount you pay and the length of your payment period depends on how much you earn and how much you spend. It is not very difficult to build a repayment plan for… Read More »
Hope Is on the Horizon for Student Loan Discharge in Bankruptcy
The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), along with several judges, scholars and politicians, has proposed a relaxation of bankruptcy restrictions to allow for discharge of student debts in limited circumstances. The ABI’s Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy urged a return to an earlier law that allowed student loan debt to be discharged as part of a consumer… Read More »
Could the COVID-19 Pandemic Lead to the End of Medical Bankruptcy?
In the middle of an election year where healthcare is already a hotly debated issue, the COVID-19 pandemic has stirred further discussion about whether major changes are necessary. During the Democratic presidential primary, the concept of Medicare for All split the candidates. While the candidate who promoted that concept has since dropped out of the… Read More »
Coronavirus: Ideas for People and Businesses Struggling Economically
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact all areas of our lives, many New Jersey consumers and business owners are experiencing serious financial difficulty or may encounter it soon. Temporary closures may become permanent for small businesses that can’t survive long without customers. And we’ve already seen employees across the country losing their jobs or… Read More »
Bankruptcy and Back Taxes: Are You Still on the Hook?
When you file for bankruptcy, tax debt may be a top concern, especially if other expenses — such as medical bills — have taken priority. If you are worried about tax debt, you will be relieved to learn that once you file for bankruptcy, both the IRS and the state of New Jersey stop tax… Read More »
What Property Can You Keep if You File for Chapter 7?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows eligible debtors to discharge their debt, making it an appealing option for many people living paycheck to paycheck with little hope of catching up on accrued debt. But while you may be able to eliminate all of your debt through Chapter 7, it isn’t a free ride. The bankruptcy trustee appointed… Read More »
Does Chapter 13 Protect Your Home from Foreclosure?
Losing your home to foreclosure can happen quickly even when you’re earning a steady income. If you or a loved one suffers a serious illness and faces extensive medical bills not covered by insurance, you may not be able to keep up with mortgage payments. And depending on your lender, it may take only three… Read More »
How Can You Repair Your Credit Score After a Bankruptcy Discharge?
Bankruptcy laws and procedures were designed to help people recover from overwhelming debt and start fresh. But even after your debt is discharged, your credit score still bears the mark of your former debt. Creditors still see you as a risk and want proof that you can make monthly payments on a loan or make… Read More »