December 9, 2010

Who Do I Call For a Chapter 13 Attorney?

A California bankruptcy attorney advises on contacting a Chapter 13 attorney.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, like Chapter 11 filings, involve a reorganization of an individual’s debt. Under this chapter, a person cannot get debt protection. They merely give debtors time to pay off their debts. The repayment period can take between three to five years.

When Might I Have to File for Chapter 13?
A person must go through the means test. If he goes below the average median income he is eligible for this and Chapter 7. Chapter 7 is more common because it does allow people to discharge debts. A chapter 11 attorney can hep a person figure which type is right for him.

Homeowners who want to keep their property will file under Chapter 11 or Chapter 13. Bankruptcy proceedings prevent banks from foreclosing on homes, let owners keep their property, and most importantly, buys the homeowner time. Sometimes a person just needs more time to get back on his feet.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at one of our California offices by calling 1800.941.6730 for your debt resolution needs. You can receive a free consultation over the phone, or request a free in person appointment at a Sagaria Law office nearest you. Please visit our website at www.sagarialaw.com and fill out a free online evaluation form to determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy. Sagaria Law's team of bankruptcy lawyers, bankruptcy client care specialists and bankruptcy staff can assist you with all aspects of your bankruptcy case. We at Sagaria Law can assist you regarding filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, bankruptcy litigation, legal debt settlement, mortgage modification, lien stripping, cram down, stopping a foreclosure, wage garnishment, asset protection, discharging a debt, etc. and we are happy to help! Our bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California and Oregon can assist you with your bankruptcy questions.

December 6, 2010

Where Do I File Chapter 13?

A California bankruptcy attorney explains where you can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Once you have determined Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the proper option for you, you will need to file a petition. This petition is filed with the bankruptcy court in your home district. Many residents in California are facing a financial crisis. They want to keep their homes, but their overall financial situation is stressed. For them to keep their home, they must file Chapter 13. To do this, you need a schedule of assets and liabilities, current income and expenditures.

In California, there are three districts where you can file Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Northern, Central and Southern. once you find out which location is your district, file the required documents and fees. This will stop all collections and foreclosure proceedings if any have been started. Once your documents are received the court will assign a trustee to your case. It generally takes about 3 months to get your court date, you will meet with the trustee at that time.

Once approved, the judge will impose a monthly payment for those debts you included in your chapter 13 filing. You will be given time to bring your mortgage up to date, the new monthly payment for your other debts will be due to the court. This reorganization lasts a maximum of 5 years. The outstanding debt will be discharged at the end of this program and you get a fresh start.

At Sagaria Law, we offer an exceptional team of bankruptcy lawyers, bankruptcy client care specialists and bankruptcy staff supporting California. If you need help regarding bankruptcy in California, contact us at 1800.941.6730 for a free consultation or visit us online at www.sagarialaw.com to request a free in person appointment at a Sagaria Law office location nearest you. We can answer your questions regarding filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, bankruptcy litigation, legal debt settlement, mortgage modification, lien stripping, cram down, stopping a foreclosure, wage garnishment, asset protection, discharging a debt, etc. We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California and Oregon to assist you with all your debt resolution questions. Please feel free to complete our free online bankruptcy evaluation to quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy. We look forward to hearing from you, California!

November 8, 2010

Famous Chapter 13 Cases

A California bankruptcy attorney blogs on several famous Chapter 13 filings.

A famous chapter 13 bankruptcy should be noted. Mark Twain had to file bankruptcy after investing most of his past earnings in a failed industrial machine. The fact that a famous author like Mark Twain would not have to file bankruptcy, but it happens. Former NBA star George Mikan had to file bankruptcy in his life. Mark Brunell, the NFL quarterback has had to file bankruptcy in his past. The two examples mentioned above prove that sports stars can run into financial trouble. Another famous chapter 13 is Henry Ford. Henry Ford and other successful business people often have to file bankruptcy because of the struggles that they can have as they try to control their assets after one, brief failed business deal. Henry Heinz also had to file bankruptcy in his life. This was nothing to be proud, but people like Heinz were able to bounce bank.

Actress Kim Basinger reportedly had to file bankruptcy after she happened to buy a town in the state of Nebraska. You have to wonder how much foresight was put into the decision in order to buy an entire town. Stephen Baldwin, the brother of Alec Baldwin also could be considered a famous chapter 13.

If you would like more information on this topic or other bankruptcy topics, please contact one of our California offices at 1800.941.6730. We at Sagaria Law can connect you with one our our experienced California bankruptcy attorneys. We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California and Oregon to assist you with your bankruptcy questions. If you need assistance regarding a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, bankruptcy litigation, legal debt settlement, mortgage modification, lien stripping, a cram down, stopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, asset protection, discharging debt, etc. we can help! Please contact us to receive a free consultation or visit our website at www.sagarialaw.com to request an in-person consultation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. We have an exceptional team of bankruptcy lawyers, bankruptcy client care specialists and bankruptcy staff supporting California.

November 3, 2010

Chapter 13 Bankruptcies in California

A California bankruptcy attorney blogs about Chapter 13 bankruptcies in California.

Filing Chapter 13 in California, means that a person has come up with a payment plan that will have their debts paid within a reasonable amount of time. The payments are made to a trustee appointed to the case, who will then distribute the payment to the creditors. You should seek an attorney if you are filing chapter 13 in California.

After filing Chapter 13 in California, if you are unable to make payments, you still have other options. Before taking any other options, it is important to consult with your attorney. Some options that you will have is to have your payments placed on hold, until you are able to make payments again. There are some restrictions to that however, you will need to provide proof of why you are unable to make payments. Excusable reasons are death in a family or even loss of a job. If it is proven that you are not able to make payments for a long period of time, or uncertain about the period of time, then the chapter 13 case can be dismissed. Another option that a person who has filed for Chapter 13 has, if they are no longer able to make payments, is to have it convert into a Chapter 7.

At Sagaria Law, we offer an exceptional team of bankruptcy lawyers, bankruptcy client care specialists and bankruptcy staff supporting California. If you need help regarding bankruptcy in California, contact us at 1800.941.6730 for a free consultation or visit us online at www.sagarialaw.com to request a free in person appointment at a Sagaria Law office location nearest you. We can answer your questions regarding filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, bankruptcy litigation, legal debt settlement, mortgage modification, lien stripping, cram down, stopping a foreclosure, wage garnishment, bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California and Oregon to assist you with all your debt resolution questions. Please feel free to complete our free online bankruptcy evaluation to quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy. We look forward to hearing from you, California!

August 2, 2010

How do I file bankruptcy?

A San Jose bankruptcy attorney addresses the issue of How do I file Bankruptcy?

We blog on the topic of how to file bankruptcy a lot because, frankly, it comes up daily for many consumers in debt. The ins and outs of how to file bankruptcy is a "stopping point" for many as it can be confusing and sometimes daunting. But it doesn't have to be. Knowing what to expect is half the battle.

A bankruptcy begins by filing the bankruptcy petition at the bankruptcy court. It takes time and attention to prepare your bankruptcy file, so it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced bankruptcy attorney. For example, with the bankruptcy petition, you also file a creditor schedule (listing all of the creditors to which you owe debt), a statement listing your assets and a statement listing your liabilities. When filing bankruptcy there are many forms to fill out, a list of which is available on the court websites (click here to view) as well as some printing, copying or stationary stores. Your bankruptcy filing, whether it is a Chapter 7, Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 filing requires a variety of components including attention to detail, a 341 meeting od the creditors, in some cases a Means Test, and two financial courses.

Again, filing bankruptcy can be as easy or as difficult as you make it. If you hire a bankruptcy attorney, chances are your bankruptcy filing with go smoothly and is less likely to get dismissed.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

June 29, 2010

How much does it cost to file Bankruptcy in Fremont and San Jose?

A San Jose bankrupty lawyer addresses a common bankruptcy question: How much does it cost to file Bankruptcy in Fremont?

Answer: It depends on what Chapter you file.

Chapter 7 requires a $299 filing fee, Chapter 13 requires a $274 filing fee, and Chapter 11 requires $1,039 filing fee. These fees, however, are only filing fees and do not include attorney’s fees which vary depending upon the complexity of each case.

Thus, to file bankruptcy in Fremont or San Jose will vary depending upon what chapter a debtor files and the complexity of the case. An experienced bankruptcy attorney should be consulted to get an actual cost to file bankruptcy.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

June 9, 2010

What Should I Do Before Bankruptcy?

A San Jose bankruptcy lawyer asks San Jose consumers in debt to consider the question: What Should I Do Before Bankruptcy?

The choice to file bankruptcy is never an easy one. So before bankruptcy, there are many things to consider. Being overwhelmed by a mountain of debt is one sign before bankruptcy comes to mind. Unforseen circumstances such as an accident (medical bills), sudden job loss (rendering you unable to meet billing and mortgage deadlines), student loan debt catching up with you, or a combination are all signs before bankruptcy is considered for most.

Before bankruptcy, everyone should consider meeting with a qualified and experienced bankruptcy attorney to review finances, explore options, and develop an action plan before bankruptcy. This type of planning before bankruptcy can provide a clear picture when things are clouded up my debt and stress. Credit counseling and becoming familiar with the necessary tools to ensure future financial stability are also key before bankruptcy so that after bankruptcy, when the debtor becomes debt-free, they have built a stable path for future financial freedom.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

June 1, 2010

What is a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan?

A San Jose bankruptcy attorney discusses Chapter 13 repayment plan...

Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plans reorganize a debtor’s financial life, instead of merely liquidating all the debtor’s non-exempt assets as in a chapter 7 bankruptcy. A chapter 13 repayment plan can be as short as three years, but typically last a total of five years or until a debtor’s entire priority debt is repaid, whichever comes first. A chapter 13 plan must be approved by the court over all, if any, creditor objections. One of the most important things a chapter 13 debtor must remember is to begin making payments to the chapter 13 trustee within the first 30 days following the filing of the petition even if the chapter 13 plan has not been approved. Failing to do so may result in a dismissal of the petition or a conversion to chapter 7 bankruptcy.

A chapter 13 plan is based upon a debtor’s household “disposable income.” Disposable income is monthly income that, after all the necessary bills are paid, is leftover and available to the debtor. Once the chapter 13 plan is submitted to the court, the judge will hold a confirmation hearing where the chapter 13 plan is hopefully confirmed. Once confirmed, the chapter 13 plan is binding on the debtor and all creditors. The debtor must then continue to make timely monthly payments to the chapter 13 trustee who will then disburse the payments to the creditors according to the chapter 13 plan.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plans reorganize a debtor’s financial life, instead of merely liquidating all the debtor’s non-exempt assets as in a chapter 7 bankruptcy. A chapter 13 repayment plan can be as short as three years, but typically last a total of five years or until a debtor’s entire priority debt is repaid, whichever comes first. A chapter 13 plan must be approved by the court over all, if any, creditor objections. One of the most important things a chapter 13 debtor must remember is to begin making payments to the chapter 13 trustee within the first 30 days following the filing of the petition even if the chapter 13 plan has not been approved. Failing to do so may result in a dismissal of the petition or a conversion to chapter 7 bankruptcy.

A chapter 13 plan is based upon a debtor’s household “disposable income.” Disposable income is monthly income that, after all the necessary bills are paid, is leftover and available to the debtor. Once the chapter 13 plan is submitted to the court, the judge will hold a confirmation hearing where the chapter 13 plan is hopefully confirmed. Once confirmed, the chapter 13 plan is binding on the debtor and all creditors. The debtor must then continue to make timely monthly payments to the chapter 13 trustee who will then disburse the payments to the creditors according to the chapter 13 plan.


If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

May 27, 2010

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Information

A San Jose bankruptcy lawyer provides some Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Information

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Overview

What Does Chapter 13 Mean?

A chapter 13 proceeding under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code is one in which the consumer in debt takes on a reorganization their finances with the approval of and under the supervision of the bankruptcy court. A component of the debt reorganization is that the debtor agrees to a repayment plan which allows creditors and other debtors to be paid back in a timeframe of 3 to 5 years. Those that file under Chapter 13 bankruptcy must have the means by which to accommodate the repayment plan via a regular income.

A chapter 13 bankruptcy filing differs from a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in that the filer is typically one that has sufficient income to pay the debt off over time. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is different from the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing as well, as it is more complicated with regard to restructuring the debt.

When an individual files a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the advantage is avoiding such things as foreclosure of a home.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

May 6, 2010

What is Involuntary Bankruptcy?

A San Jose attorney explains involuntary bankruptcy

An Involuntary Bankruptcy, by definition, occurs when the filing of the bankruptcy is initiated by the creditor to whom the debt(s) is owed. The creditors are allowed to file a petition for bankruptcy, thus initiating the involuntary bankruptcy process, with the end goal of recouping the debt or a portion of the debt that is owed them. An involuntary bankruptcy can also result in a restructure of that debt, which means the debt is restructured and paid off, sometimes via a payment plan.

The involuntary bankruptcy differs from a regular bankruptcy filing in that typically bankruptcy is filed by the debtor.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

April 25, 2010

Discharging Back Taxes

A San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyer Discusses Discharging Back Taxes...

In our current economic climate, many people are having difficulty keeping up with all of their debts. While many of us think of bankruptcy as being for debts such as credit cards and auto loans, a significant number of people are also having trouble with back taxes. Forunately for these people, taxes are often dischargable in a bankruptcy.

Whether or not your taxes can be discharged depends on various factors. When the taxes were due to be filed and when they were actually filed are two of the major factors involved in determining whether or not the taxes can be discharged, though the courts will also look at other aspects of your situation, such as whether or not you intentionally evaded the IRS.
In order to determine whether or not your taxes can be discharged in a bankruptcy, we suggest contacting a lawyer in your area.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

April 20, 2010

Revocation of a Bankruptcy Discharge

A San Jose bankruptcy attorney discusses Revocation of a Bankruptcy Discharge

In certain situations, the United States bankruptcy court can revoke a discharge received by the debtor. Often times such revocations involve allegations that the debtor obtained the discharge fraudulently. A request for revocation may be made by the trustee, a creditor or the United States trustee. Another reason for revocation is when a debtor failed to disclose property that he or she had acquired and which should have been considered in the bankruptcy process. If there is an audit of the case, a revocation may also be requested based upon the debtor’s failure to explain any discovered misstatements or to provide requested documentation and/or information.

Other reasons for revocation include the debtor’s failure to obey a lawful order of the court or to respond to a material question approved by the court or to testify other than on the properly invoked privilege against self-incrimination. For the most part, a request for revocation must be made within a year following the discharge or in some situations, before the case is closed. Ultimately it is up to the court to decide whether the allegations are true and whether to grant the request for revocation.

In a Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 case, allegations of fraud are also common in requesting revocation of the order of confirmation or discharge.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

April 19, 2010

Another Well-Known Sports Star's Bankruptcy

A San Jose Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Dan Issel’s Bankruptcy Filing

Although not every American may recognize the name, Dan Issel is a former basketball star and the coach for the Denver Nuggets. He surprised many when he filed for personal bankruptcy earlier in 2009 claiming $4.5 million in debt. His home located in an exclusive community was headed to foreclosure while his company which trains and races horses had amassed a tremendous amount of debt. A Denver auction house auctioned off more than 100 personal items belonging to Dan Issel and his wife, Cheri. The couple who owned assets valued at more than $2.1 million was forced to auction jewelry and memorabilia, for a total sale of $46,000.00.

The coach filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in June 2009, the paperwork for which states more than $77,000.00 in unsecured debt owed to credit card companies, more than $258,000.00 in business loans and still more related to expenses for his horse business. Sources who know Issel blame bad business investments for his current financial situation. Through 2003-04, Issel reportedly earned $2.5 million per season as vice president, general manager and head coach of the Nuggets. Nevertheless, Issel has joined the ranks in the current economy where bankruptcy filings are widespread. In the first six months of 2009, bankruptcy filings have increased by 36% as compared to the same six month period in 2008 according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

April 18, 2010

Bankruptcy Court Fees

A San Jose bankruptcy attorney outlines court fees invloved with filing bankruptcy

In order to file for bankruptcy there are numerous fees that may be involved that the debtor should be aware of. The debtor will need to be responsible for paying for the credit counseling courses which normally cost approximately $50.00 per course, two of which must be taken in the course of a Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The filing fees for the petition in a Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are $299.00 and $274.00, respectively. For a Chapter 11, the fee is much higher at $1,039.00.

In addition to the filing and other fees described above, other fees may arise within the course of a bankruptcy that the debtor should be aware of. For example, the cost for initiating an adversary proceeding is generally $250.00, although it is not required if the plaintiff is the debtor or a child support creditor who has filed the proper paperwork in the bankruptcy case prior to or at the same time he files the adversary complaint. Any amendment to schedules or list of creditors, such as to add or delete a creditor or to change the amount of a debt costs $26.00. For an appeal, the notice is $5.00 and the filing of the appeal $250.00.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

April 16, 2010

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Loan Modification

A San Jose bankrutpcy attorney responds to an inquiry from a debtor regarding Chapter 13 bankruptcy...

Today, I received an email to our San Jose bankruptcy law firm that read:

We are in the process of going through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy right now, but we still want to do a loan modification as we cannot afford to keep paying our mortgage payment, even through the bankruptcy. Is it possible to do a loan modification even though you are in bankruptcy? What happens if you miss payments in your Chapter 13 plan? Thanks so much for your help!

The response is that you folks are definitely in a tough position. Yes, it is possible to work with your lender in order to work on a loan modification even though you are filing for bankruptcy, however there can be several negative effects. First, many lenders will not work with you if you are making your mortgage payments. If you are making your mortgage payments through your bankruptcy plan, you will have to miss your payments. If you miss your bankruptcy payments, then the court can dismiss your case and you will not receive a discharge. It is definitely a risk that you will be taking for a result that may not be guaranteed. I strongly recommend that you contact an attorney before you make this sort of decision.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

April 14, 2010

Concerned About Credit in Bankruptcy

A San Jose bankruptcy attorney has an example of one bankrutptcy inquiry with regard to credit card debt...

Many Bay Area consumers in debt worry about being able to keep credit cards that are paid off while filing bankruptcy on those that are not. For example, one such bankruptcy candidate in our San Jose bankruptcy law firm asked just yesterday:

"I want to file for bankruptcy, but want to be able to keep a couple of my credit cards. If I have 2 credit cards with the same company and one is paid off and the other is going to be part of my bankruptcy, will they cancel the paid off card?"

Unfortunately there is no concrete answer for this bankruptcy scenerio. While they may have no reason to cancel the one that is paid off, they can still cancel it. Some credit card companies even run quarterly credit checks and if they see a certain amount of debt, or find out about the bankruptcy, they will close the account. In short, it's completely up to the credit card company.

This is why speaking to a qualified, educated bankruptcy attorney is crucial to informing yourself on all of the options involved in filing bankruptcy. Consulting with an attorney means your specific circumstances, which may or may not "fit the mold" of other bankruptcy candidates can be addressed and all of your questions answered.

If you do have questions regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

April 13, 2010

Bankruptcy and Child Support

A San Jose bankruptcy attorney comments on the effects of bankrupty on child support income...

Many bankruptcy candidates that are single moms have questions similar to this:

"I recently lost my job several months ago and am contemplating filing for bankruptcy. I am a single mother of 2 children and my only sources of income right now are unemployment and child support I receive from my ex-husband. Will filing for bankruptcy affect my child support?"

You do not need to worry about a bankruptcy affecting your child support. The amount that you are paid for child support does not change or stops just because you file for bankruptcy. The father of your children is obligated to pay that amount pursuant to a different court order and that order is not affected by a bankruptcy. The only way the amount of support owed could change is if father went to the family law court and requested a change in the amount owed. He would not be able to do this in the bankruptcy court.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

April 10, 2010

Can a Debtor's Pre-Petition Disclaim an Inheritance?

A San Jose bankruptcy attorney answers: Can a debtor pre-petition disclaim an inheritance?

Debtors father passed away 8 months prior to her filing for bankruptcy. She executed a disclaimer before she filed. Trustee tried to claim a fraudulent transfer. Such disclaimers generally relate back to the time the interest originally passed (the father’s death), and the property is deemed never to have belonged to the disclaiming party, which means it cannot be reached by her creditors.

The disclaimer was not a fraudulent transfer and the key factor is that disclaimer was done before the bankruptcy and therefore never became property of the estate. If bankruptcy had been filed and then the disclaimer was made it would have been different outcome. So, prepetition disclaimers on estate property are effective.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

April 8, 2010

The Confirmation Hearing for Ch. 13

A San Jose bankruptcy lawyer describes the confirmation hearing during a Ch. 13 bankruptcy

Bay Area debtors who file Chapter 13 will want to understand the confirmation hearing process. Basically in a Chapter 13 a judge must approve your Chapter 13 plan. This approval takes place at the confirmation hearing. Here, a judge will address any objections to your plan raised by creditors.

Unlike the creditors’ meeting, the confirmation hearing will be run by a judge. For those debtors in Northern California who are terrified at the prospect of sitting in front of a judge, if you are represented your attorney usually attends solo. If, however, a debtor is self represented they must appear. Since judges like efficiency they generally call cases that are uncontested or fairly straight forward first.

Debtors in San Jose may wonder why a confirmation hearing is required. The meeting allows a judge to evaluate your plan, and inquire whether or not you can make your payments. In addition, it allows the judge to ask creditors specifically about their objections, hear your response, and make a ruling. If your plan needs to be amended you probably will be allowed an opportunity to comply. Otherwise, if it’s obvious you can’t afford your plan your case may be dismissed.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.

April 6, 2010

On Third Quarter Bankruptcy Findings

A San Jose bankruptcy lawyer reviews third quarter bankruptcy findings

According to the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) March 2010 bankruptcy numbers are at their highest: a staggering 149,268. This data via the National Bankruptcy Research Center (NBKRC) compares its height to 2005’s Bankruptcy Code overhaul by Congress. This is a 34% increase from February 2010 and a 23% rise from March of 09. Other interesting tidbits are that 25% were Chapter 13 filings. Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings – aka the “Fresh Start” for debtors looking to alleviate their debt and get a second chance, occurred for three out of four debtors who filed bankruptcy in March.

If you have a question regarding Bankruptcy in San Jose please contact us at 408.279.2288 or visit www.bkanswers.com and we can connect you with one of our experienced San Jose Bankruptcy Attorneys.  After you have spoken with one of our San Jose bankruptcy attorneys we can schedule you a free face to face appointment in our office location nearest you.  Our team of San Jose Bankruptcy Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. If you have questions about filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, lien stripping, cram downstopping a foreclosure or wage garnishment, discharging debt, etc. we can help! We have bankruptcy attorneys located throughout California who can assist your financial needs.  Please feel free to complete our free bankruptcy evaluation and we can quickly determine if you are a qualified candidate for bankruptcy.