The rules affecting what happens to Chapter 13 debtor’s tax refunds while they are in bankruptcy differ depending on where the case is filed. These rules are generally set out in the local rules of the court or a general order. In the Eastern District of Texas, the Chapter 13 Trustee will allow a debtor […]
BANKRUPTCY: JOINT DEBTOR VS. CO-DEBTOR
These two very similar sounding terms have very different meanings. The term joint debtor describes the second person listed on a bankruptcy petition when a married couple files bankruptcy. The first person listed on a bankruptcy petition is the debtor. There is no rule in the Bankruptcy Code that states either the husband or wife […]
BANKRUPTCY: YOUR CREDIT REPORT AFTER DISCHARGE
You filed bankruptcy. You filled out all the paperwork and met with your attorney. You attended a meeting with a trustee and eventually received a discharge. Now what? Well, the good news is that you are debt-free with the exception of any non-dischargable debts you may have and debts you did not wish to discharge. […]
BEFORE GETTING MARRIED YOU MAY WANT TO CONSULT A BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY
Marriage can offer many financial benefits, including tax advantages, two incomes, and someone to share expenses. Unfortunately, getting married can cost you a great deal if you need to file bankruptcy. Getting married can make a person ineligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and increase their payments in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. I’m going to use an […]
CAN I KEEP A CREDIT CARD WHILE IN CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY?
I probably answer over a hundred questions for my clients each week. Unfortunately, my answers are often long, complicated or the oh-so-helpful “it depends.” Luckily, once in a while, I get a question like the one in the title of this article, and I get to give a simple, easy to understand answer. “No.” I […]