arizona bankruptcy

Dealing With a Financial Surprise

05/24/12

There are two typical types of financial setbacks that lead to bankruptcy for most people: a huge surprise, and a slow and steady increase in debt.  If you are on the surprise side of things, as many of us are from time to time, it is important to follow several important steps.  If you just [...]

[more]

The Length of Time It Will Take to Rebuild Your Credit – With or Without Bankruptcy

04/10/12

Clients are always concerned about their credit score.  It is not unusual for the question “How will bankruptcy affect my credit score?” to be the first thing that comes out of someone’s mouth when they consider bankruptcy as an option.  Although bankruptcy does have an effect on your credit, the effect may not be as [...]

[more]

I’m Not Current on May Car Payments, Do I Have Options in Chapter 13?

02/06/12

When you are considering bankruptcy, you have often been behind on payments for months.  You have run up credit card debt, and missed payments on your car and mortgage.  And now, perhaps your lender is threatening to repossess your car.  What are your options in Chapter 13 bankruptcy? In Chapter 13, unlike Chapter 7, you [...]

[more]

Can Prospective Employers Deny You Employment Because You Filed for Bankruptcy?

02/06/12

Previously, I discussed the bankruptcy rule that employers cannot fire or otherwise discriminate against employees because they filed for bankruptcy.  However, I also mentioned the difficulty in sometimes proving the causation element between the filing and the discrimination, and the fact that a bankruptcy will still come up on credit checks and other types of [...]

[more]

Are the Penalties for Violating the Automatic Stay Too Lenient?

01/30/12

The automatic stay protects consumers who file for bankruptcy One of the greatest advantages available to the debtor who is willing to consider bankruptcy as an option is the automatic stay.  The automatic stay orders creditors to refrain from collection practices immediately once a debtor has filed for bankruptcy.  But we all know that rules [...]

[more]

How Donald Trump Uses Bankruptcy to Become More Successful

01/16/12

How Donald Trump Uses Bankruptcy to Become More Successful It is not uncommon for a client to ask about Donald Trump and other famous large-scale bankruptcies.  How can a rich person like Donald Trump file for bankruptcy, and how does he seem to come out of it more successful than ever?  And is this something [...]

[more]

Using Bankruptcy to Restore Your Driver’s License

01/13/12

Losing Your Driver’s License Can be a Big Headache Losing your driver’s license can have a huge impact on your life.  Without a license, meeting basic needs is much more difficult.  Suddenly, you may still have to make car payments, but cannot use your car to get to work or the store.  This can be [...]

[more]

Can Your Financial Choices Lead to Divorce and Bankruptcy in Arizona

01/13/12

Joint Accounts for Married Couples:  Can Your Financial Choices Lead to Divorce and Bankruptcy? Several surveys report that the majority of married couples put all of their money in joint accounts.  However, that number is less than it used to be, and there are several other options available to married couples. Some couples choose to [...]

[more]

How Can Bankruptcy Turn the Tables for the Debtor

12/14/11

How Can Bankruptcy Turn the Tables for the Debtor When people consider filing for bankruptcy, their first concern is usually what negative consequences may stem from their decision.  Making the decision to file for bankruptcy is an important one, and one that needs to be given considerable weight.  However, it is also important to see the [...]

[more]

Dismissals by Interested Parties

12/04/11

Bennett v. Bennett (In re Bennett), No. 09-44442-BDL (Bankr. W.D. Wash., January 19, 2011). When you file for bankruptcy, any “interested” party can ask the court to dismiss your case.  If the court finds that you abused the bankruptcy laws, by lying or hiding assets, the court will agree and dismiss the case.  You will [...]

[more]