Employment situations can change from one day to the next. You might be happily employed, only to be let go in a round of layoffs. On the other hand, if you're unemployed and looking for work, a job offer could come at any time. If you've filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, though, a change in empl...
Bankruptcy Basics
If you're considering bankruptcy chances are you're under a lot of pressure. That can complicate the process of figuring out what's best for you.
We're here to help, with answers to common questions, and easy-to-follow discussions of the issues you need to pay attention to. If you find this helpful, or need some clarification feel free to get in touch with us.
Credit Cards That Help Chapter 13 Filers Boost Their Credit Scores
Chapter 13 gives you a chance to catch up on your debts and make a new beginning. But part of that new beginning is rebuilding your credit. A strong credit score helps you qualify to buy a home, vehicles, and all the other major purchases life brings. But before you can start rebuilding your cre...
Understanding the 180-Day Rule in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, most of your assets become part of the bankruptcy estate. But life doesn't pause while you're waiting for your debt to be discharged. In the days that follow filing, you may acquire property or assets through an inheritance that you weren't expecting. For t...
3 Things That Can Derail Your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a big decision. But once you've made the decision, you'll likely be ready to get started. As you complete the paperwork and meet with your trustee, you'll start to realize just how important it is to follow the rules to the letter. Otherwise, you could find your...
Understanding the Automatic Stay in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Debt can be overwhelming. Not only are you tasked with finding money to pay your bills, but you also deal with a steady stream of creditor phone calls and letters, reminding you of your situation. That's where Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help. Not only will you face the potential discharge of all t...
Secured vs. Unsecured Debt in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: What You Need to Know
You'll see plenty of terms when you start looking into filing for bankruptcy. Two of those terms are secured debt and unsecured debt. They're each handled differently in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, with one taking priority over the other. The Craig Black Law Firm knows that navigating bankruptcy te...
How Chapter 13 Can Slash Your Credit Card, Loan, and Tax Interest Rates
If you're in debt, chances are you put a decent portion of your paycheck toward interest every month. Whether you're paying credit card companies, lenders, or a mortgage company, only a small amount of your monthly payment goes toward the principal. One of the biggest benefits of Chapter 13 ba...
5 Common Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Myths
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a big step, but it can be exactly what some consumers need. Unfortunately, too many people hesitate to file because of preconceived notions about what Chapter 7 means. With so many myths surrounding bankruptcy protection, it's important to get the truth before you rule it ...
What Are a Creditor’s Rights in Chapter 13?
When you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you're asking the courts to come up with a plan to help you tackle your debts. In the process, many of your creditors will end up making less than if you'd repaid the debt as originally agreed. It can be easy to wonder if your creditors will try to stop th...
Chapter 7 FAQs
If you're considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it's likely a decision you don't take lightly. You may have a long list of questions with little idea of where to direct them. A licensed attorney will give you answers, but below are some of the most commonly asked questions to help you deci...
Can Creditors Opt Out of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Sue You?
With Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court discharges your debts, which means you won't have to pay them. This can naturally lead to concerns that a creditor might retaliate, but fortunately, bankruptcy provides protections against that. It's important to know your rights before you file. The Craig Bl...
Who Will Know If You File for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcies are public records, which technically means anyone can access the information. However, in most cases, personal bankruptcies are filed without anyone ever finding out. There are some isolated situations where your information might leak out to the public, but for the most part, your ...
Can an Employer Fire You for Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy requires you to repay your debts on a payment plan. To do that, you'll need regular income. That makes it one of the worst times to lose a job, so you may be understandably concerned about your boss firing you over your financial situation. The good news is that it's unlikel...
The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Timeline: What to Expect
Bankruptcy filings typically come after careful deliberation. You may have been scrambling to deal with your mounting debts for months, only to conclude that bankruptcy is the only option. With Chapter 7 bankruptcy, all qualifying debt is dismissed in a process known as a bankruptcy discharge. J...
Chapter 13 and Medical Debt: What You Need to Know
Chapter 13 bankruptcy helps by reorganizing debt to make payments more manageable. Unlike Chapter 7, debts aren't immediately discharged with Chapter 13. Instead, you're set up on a payment plan to help you tackle them. However, medical bills aren't treated with the same priority as other debt ty...
Does a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filing Erase Student Debt?
Student loans are a large part of debt, with the average debt balance totaling $40,681. If you're considering filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, though, you may wonder if you can make your student debt part of the process. While courts will require you to repay your student loan debt as part of a ...
What Risks Do You Face Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Without an Attorney?
One of the frustrating ironies about bankruptcy is that the reason you need to declare it is that you don't have enough money. However, to file for bankruptcy, you need money to pay for a pre-bankruptcy credit counseling course and the filing fee for submitting your bankruptcy forms and documents...
Why Is Chapter 7 Referred to As Liquidation Bankruptcy?
Life can deliver some not-so-pleasant surprises, and those surprises can put you behind on your bills. When you need relief, bankruptcy can be an option. With Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you aren't required to keep repaying most of your debts, but you'll pay a price for that, and that price is asset li...
Can I Include My Attorney’s Fees as Part of the Chapter 13 Payment Plan?
If you're considering filing for bankruptcy, you might assume Chapter 7 is your best option. While it's true that it's usually faster and easier to completely wipe away many of your debts with Chapter 7, Chapter 13 has several advantages that Chapter 7 lacks. One of these benefits is how you can ...
Statement of Intention: What You Need to Know
Bankruptcy filings require paperwork, which you'll complete and submit to the court. The list of required documents varies by jurisdiction, but one commonly included form is a Statement of Intention. This form is required if you have secured debts or leases that haven't expired. At the Craig B...
What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation
Debt can feel overwhelming, and considering bankruptcy options is a big decision. Here in Georgia, many folks call my office for the first time and don't know what to expect. As a bankruptcy attorney, I want to assure you – this initial phone consultation is a chance to ask questions, get informe...
Qualifying for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Drowning in debt can feel hopeless, but there is a lifeline: Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, also called reorganization bankruptcy or a wage earner's plan, allows individuals with steady incomes to create a manageable repayment plan to address their debts. Unlike Chapter 7 bankrup...
What Does a Bankruptcy Attorney Do?
Facing a mountain of debt and contemplating Chapter 13 bankruptcy? You're not alone. But navigating the complexities of bankruptcy law can be daunting. That's where a bankruptcy attorney comes in, acting as your guide and advocate throughout the entire process. From Overwhelmed to Chapter 13 Rea...
Bankruptcy Can Provide Relief from the Debt Spiral
For many Americans, debt can quickly spiral out of control, leading to a vicious cycle of interest, penalties, and harassment from creditors. This debt spiral can be overwhelming and demoralizing and impact your finances, mental health, and overall well-being. How it Starts The spiral often sta...
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Chapter 13
Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be a lifeline and a fresh start for many people, but is it right for you? Let's break down the pros and cons to help you decide. The Benefits of a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan Save Your Home and Car: Facing foreclosure or repossession? Chapter 13 can halt foreclosure ...