Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is different for everyone. Every bankruptcy case has its own unique circumstances. After all, there are many different factors that can prompt someone to go bankrupt.Because bankruptcy is surrounded by such a powerful negative stigma,...
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Why student debt is nearly impossible to discharge in bankruptcy
If you research Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may come across the confusing fact that student loan debt is not dischargeable except under narrow conditions. Especially if you aren’t able to pay your student loan bills, this may seem unreasonable, but this is a...
When bad things happen to good people
John Smith (not his real name) began to receive collection phone calls after he went from a two-income household down to a one-income one. Then, John lost his job when his employer needed to reorganize. If that wasn’t bad enough, his wife took his hunting dog...
What you can do about automatic stay violations
One of the major benefits to filing bankruptcy is the automatic stay, which pauses creditor harassment and other actions while you manage your financial situation with the court.When you file bankruptcy in Missouri, the court will send a notice to the creditors you...
The trustee’s role in bankruptcy proceedings
When a person files for bankruptcy protection, it is not likely that they will face their creditors in court. They may not actually appear before a judge as well. However, they will certainly sit down with a bankruptcy trustee. This post will briefly highlight the...
A checklist for dealing with overwhelming debt
Debt is stressful, especially when you are behind on payments. Worse yet, debt collectors may start sending relentless letters and calls. It can feel like giving up is the best answer. There are strategies to pay down overwhelming debt even when it appears impossible....
Will you lose your house in chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Many people struggle for years with high debt and aggressive creditors instead of pursuing bankruptcy. They may worry that declaring bankruptcy will ruin their credit, take away their car and maybe even their house. Losing a house is a particularly strong pain point....
But they can’t do that: What can—and can’t–debt collectors do?
Years ago, in the 1970s, our federal government codified the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The idea was to help consumers who had outstanding bills avoid harassing or bullying tactics from collection agencies trying to obtain payment.Where before,...
Fair debt collection: Creditor Harassment and Bankruptcy
For years consumers have enjoyed the protection of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Codified in 1977, the Act outlines very specific rules debt collectors can use—and those they cannot—in order to collect money owed to the original creditor.For...