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 […]
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. […]
Budgeting Tips For 2011
Here are eight ways to cut your monthly expenses… Sell household items you don’t use/want/need. Once a month, do a walkaround of your home and car, to spot needed repairs that could become costly ones if gone unnoticed. Comparison shop – always, always, always compare prices, online and in stores. Learn which stores have the […]
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 […]
CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY: WHEN IS MY FIRST PAYMENT DUE?
Under the Bankruptcy Code, your first payment is due “not later than 30 days after the date of the filing of the plan or the order for relief.” 11 U.S.C. § 1326(a)(1). This means that once a case is filed, the trustee must have a payment in hand within 30 days. A payment mailed on […]