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 […]
AUTOMATIC STAY APPLIES TO DALLAS BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEYS TOO
When I meet with a client, usually one of the first topics they want to discuss is how much is bankruptcy going to cost them and how are they going to pay their attorney’s fees. Understandably this is a concern, because if money wasn’t tight they wouldn’t be seeking the help of a bankruptcy attorney. […]
BAD CREDIT SCORES CAN PROLONG UNEMPLOYMENT
Many employers are now checking credit scores of applicants prior to making offers of employment. For many unemployed Americans, this practice is unfair. Consider people who have great credit and payment histories until they lose their jobs. But once their income stops they fall behind on their payments, causing negative marks on their credit report […]
Bankruptcy Saved My Marriage!
During my time as a bankruptcy attorney, on about a dozen occasions clients have told me that filing bankruptcy saved their marriage. I understand exactly how they feel. Most of us are stressed about money, whether the source is credit card debt, student loans, medical bills or a loan on a car we can’t quite […]
BANKRUPTCY: WHAT IS A TRUSTEE?
A trustee in bankruptcy is a person who is appointed by the United States Department of Justice to administer the bankruptcy estate. This means different things depending on whether the debtor files bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the trustee presides over the 341 meeting of creditors, during which the schedules […]