There are so many misconceptions about bankruptcy. One misconception is that bankruptcy is a “quick fix” for people struggling with debt. Many people feel that bankruptcy is “taking the easy way out.” In certain instances, chapter 7 bankruptcy can be relatively quick, easy and essentially painless. On the other hand, chapter 13 bankruptcy can be
Opening Day and Your Fresh Start
This past Sunday marked the official start of the 2013 baseball season. “Opening day” is a day I look forward to each and every year with eager anticipation. It is my favorite holiday and the sights and sounds of fresh baseball make me happy. For me, opening day symbolizes so much more than just the
Beware the Phantom Mortgage Payment
I think bankruptcy cases can be quite exciting. I find this fascinating because my early 20’s self would be laughing at me now. What I love about bankruptcy is that each individual case presents unique challenges and the opportunity to learn new things as an attorney. . A few years ago I helped a client
Your Bankruptcy Expiration Date
When you open your refrigerator, how many perishable items do you see. The milk, cheese and meats are all stamped with expiration dates or “best before” warnings. In order to stay healthy and avoid getting sick from what you eat, it is probably best to heed these warnings. The expiration dates are there for a
Filtering the Noise
None of us live in a bubble. In our day to day existence, we interact with friends, coworkers and family members who influence our decisions and our actions. When we are unsure, we look for advice and not surprisingly, people are more than willing to give it. Usually this is a good thing. I know
Student Loan Relief Through Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
The student loan debt crisis continues to loom large. In fact, many are predicting that student loan debt is the next financial bubble that is about to burst. Student loan debt is still on the rise and has increased exponentially over the previous 10 years. Many individuals are stuck with the ball and chain of
Timeline of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Let’s face it, nobody actually wants to file bankruptcy. The decision to file bankruptcy usually takes months of deliberating and many sleepless nights. When that tough decision is actually reached, I have found that people want the entire process done as soon as possible. Bankruptcy is not a vacation so the time spent at the
The Cute and Cuddly Creditor
Despite the efforts of his parents, my 17 month old son has no attachment to the homemade blanket (pictured to the right) his mother crocheted for him. We wanted him to have something to hold on to should he need it. We wanted him to have something to make him feel secure should we not
The Dark Side of Emergency Bankruptcy Filings
Last week, I was contacted by a woman who was completely frantic. She informed me that her home was in foreclosure and she was considering bankruptcy as an option to save her home. Sounds good so far right? As our conversation progressed, she informed me that her home was scheduled to be sold at auction
Spending Time at the Bankruptcy Estate
Prior to becoming a bankruptcy lawyer, the word “estate” invoked images of beautiful mansions situated on sprawling acres of land. In fact, Merriam-Webster defines estate as: “…landed property, usually with a large house on it.” These estates are usually set in the country, far from the hustle, bustle and congestion of the big city. Jumping