Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Will Bankruptcy Affect My Insurance Or Insurance Renewal Rates?
For many people who are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, the bulk of their questions aren’t about the bankruptcy itself—their questions mainly relate to life after bankruptcy. What will their credit be like? Will they be able to keep their phone, or buy a car, or keep their job? One question many people may… Read More »
Things You Don’t Want To Do Before Your Bankruptcy
When it comes to bankruptcy, it can seem like there are a lot of things that you shouldn’t do before you file for bankruptcy. We have written in the past about many of them, and the consequences of each. But it may be helpful to have a short checklist of the things that you… Read More »
Some Courts Are Treating Certain Student Loans As Dischargeable
Although the common thinking is that student loans are not dischargeable in bankruptcy, some courts are starting to see things differently—at least when it comes to private student loans. The change stems from the technical definition of what is and what is not a student loan. Federal and Private Loans There is no ability,… Read More »
Common Lies That Debt Collectors Tell You
Debt collectors may say anything to get you to pay a debt. They may lie, threaten, and say they have the ability to do things they don’t have the legal authority to do. Here are some of the most common lies that debt collectors will tell consumers, to get them to pay debts. They… Read More »
What Is The Statute Of Limitations On Your Debt?
In law, there is a time limit that you can sue someone. The time limits vary depending on the kind of case, but for debt and bankruptcy purposes, the statutes of limitations that are most relevant are those that have to do with debts. You may not have noticed but every time you take… Read More »
Bankruptcy And Reverse Mortgages
We often talk about mortgages and homes when it comes to bankruptcy. But what about a reverse mortgage? How does filing a bankruptcy affect a reverse mortgage? What is a Reverse Mortgage? A reverse mortgage allows people to use the equity in their homes to pay themselves a regular income. Normally, if you have… Read More »
What Is A Zero Percent Plan In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
As a general rule, most people prefer chapter 7 bankruptcy over Chapter 13, because in Chapter 7 there are no payments to creditors. Of course, in certain cases, like if you make too much money, or there is property that you would like to keep that isn’t exempt, Chapter 13 may be the best… Read More »
Will You Lose Your Tax Refund In Bankruptcy?
Tax season has come and gone, and for many of us, it’s time to wait for that tax refund. But you may also need bankruptcy. Can your tax refund be taken in bankruptcy? What’s the best way to protect a tax refund? No Specific Exemptions for Refunds There is no express exemption for a… Read More »
Can Criminal Fines Be Discharged In Bankruptcy?
Almost any debt can be discharged in bankruptcy. But one very important category of debt that cannot be discharged is criminal restitution, or fines or penalties related to criminal activity. Don’t worry though–bankruptcy can still help you pay those fines in other ways. What is a Criminal Fine? You may be aware that if… Read More »
Will You Lose Your Cellphone In Bankruptcy?
There are some things that bankruptcy filers absolutely cannot afford to lose in the bankruptcy. One of those things is their cellphones. The good news is that it is highly unlikely that you will lose your cellphone if you file for bankruptcy. You do have to list your cellphone as an asset on your… Read More »
