Contact Us
Please fill out the form below and our attorney will contact you.
Our Offices
Ratings & Reviews
-
Mr Zimmerman was helpful and kind and prompt . He always answers his phone and that is refreshing . I will be using him for my bankruptcy in the future. He is one of the good ones . He is an outstanding attorney who truley care . He made ev...
Show More -
Mr. Zimmermann is a fantastic bankruptcy attorney who handled my case with care, efficiency and urgency. We were able to beat a judgement against me in the nick of time, and I truly feel a sense of relief due to the services of Mr. Zimmerma...
Show More -
This Lawyer will go above and beyond for you. As well as show tremendous empathy for those who are vulnerable and scared. His compassion to help civilian's shows through his actions and with his word. When he says he is going to call he cal...
Show More -
I’ve worked with Mr.Zimmerman on two different legal issues. In both instances he was fantastic! He is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate and able to breakdown a course of action into language anyone can understand. I would highly re...
Show More -
I highly recommend Mr. Zimmermann as an attorny. I recently purchased an investment property and boy was he helpful. He was easily available, very clear in explaining various concepts, laws and regulations, and provided very helpful tips o...
Show More
- posted: Jul. 15, 2020
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 the highest court to decide.
In the Third Circuit case, In re Denby-Petersen, the question was whether the automatic stay, which requires creditors to stop collection efforts when a debtor files for bankruptcy, also requires creditors to turn over any collateral it repossessed prior to the bankruptcy filing.
The Third Circuit rejected the idea that the turnover provision in bankruptcy law requires the automatic return of collateral that was repossessed before a Chapter 7 filing. Instead, the court held that the debtor must take affirmative steps toward exercising control over the seized vehicle. A debtor could satisfy this requirement by filing a motion demanding that the car be turned over to him. If the bankruptcy court grants the motion and a creditor still refuses to return the vehicle, then the creditor would be in violation of the automatic stay and might be subject to sanctions.
In the face of this solid split among several federal circuits, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up the issue, as it often does to assure uniformity of federal law. The court will review a Seventh Circuit decision, City of Chicago v. Fulton, which followed the majority view among the circuits that the automatic stay applies to property seized prior to the filing of a bankruptcy petition. The court’s eventual ruling could affect other types of pre-petition seizures of property.
If your vehicle has been repossessed and you are having serious financial problems, talk to an attorney at the Law Offices of James C. Zimmermann. We may be able to help you get back on track through bankruptcy or other debt relief options. Arrange a free attorney consultation by calling 973-764-1633 or contacting us online. Our offices are conveniently located in Hackensack, Vernon, Wayne, Pompton Lakes and Nutley, New Jersey.
