Tag Archive for: bankruptcy

Should you Reaffirm a Mortgage In Bankruptcy?

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My answer is NO.

Reaffirming a debt means that if you don’t make your future payments the mortgage company can sue you for the balance due after your Chapter 7 is over.   The debt is not discharged if you reaffirmed the debt.

Debtors are required to reaffirm their car loans in bankruptcy in order to keep their vehicles, even if they are current on the vehicle.  Mortgages are a different story however, you can just continue to pay the mortgage and keep the house, without reaffirming the debt.  The mortgage company will not report your mortgage payments, on time or late to the credit bureaus.

If the debtor stops paying the mortgage and has not reaffirmed the debt, the most the mortgage company can do is to take the house back in foreclosure.  The mortgage company will not be able to obtain a personal judgment against you if you have a bankruptcy discharge and did not reaffirm the debt.

This means if later you decided you do not want to keep the home any longer, you can strategically default on your mortgage and just walk away.  This is very valuable.

Why would you consider reaffirming a mortgage then?

If the mortgage company agrees to modify one or more of the mortgage terms so the mortgage is more beneficial to the Debtors you could consider reaffirming.   Possible modifications terms could be a lower interest rate, a lower monthly payment, placing arrears on the back end of the mortgage, or deeming a default current on your credit report.

Reaffirming a mortgage debt requires a complex multi-page agreement which must be approved by the Court.  Unless the Debtor is receiving a  benefit from the mortgage company, most attorneys will not sign off on the agreement and it will require a court hearing.

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: calh@gate.net

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney

Chapter 7 Debts

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The most common debts that are dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy include:

  • Credit card debt
  • Repossession deficiencies on vehicle loans
  • Medical bills
  • Personal loans
  • Judgments
  • Auto accident claims
  • Negligence claims
  • Business debts
  • Leases
  • Guaranties
  • Tax penalties over three years old
  • Income taxes that are not priority taxes

Under the United States Bankruptcy Code, Congress has determined that certain types of debt are not dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy for public policy reasons, which means you must still repay these debts after bankruptcy. The following debts are usually not dischargeable:

  • Child support and spousal support (alimony) obligations
  • Government-backed student loans
  • Debts incurred by fraud or intentional wrongdoing
  • Criminal fines and restitution

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: calh@gate.net

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney

Time Limits Between Bankruptcy Filings

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Many people are now wondering since I previously filed Chapter 7, can I file bankruptcy again?   Yes of course, there is no lifetime limit on filing.  There are however limits between filings.  Chapter 7 bankruptcies must have eight years between the filing date and the new Chapter 7  filing date.  If you previously filed Chapter 7 and are now thinking of filing Chapter 13,  you should wait four years in order to receive a discharge in Chapter 13.

  • If you file Chapter 13 within four years of filing Chapter 7, you cannot discharge your debts after you complete the three- to five-year Chapter 13 plan. You can still file Chapter 13 to keep creditors from suing you, garnishing your paychecks, or levying your bank account.  You may want to file another Chapter 7 bankruptcy when you have passed the eight-year mark.
  • If you file Chapter 13 four years after filing Chapter 7, you can have a very low monthly Chapter 13 payment plan and receive a full discharge of all remaining balances after you complete the three- to five-year plan.

There are some circumstances where you may want to file a Chapter 13 right after receiving your discharge in Chapter 7,  even though you will not be eligible for a discharge in Chapter 13.   These are called Chapter 20 cases. This would be done to save your home for example, since there is not a way to do this under Chapter 7 if you are behind on payments.

Remember 2-4-6-8! 

Two Years – Two years between a prior Chapter 13 bankruptcy case and a new Chapter 13 Case.
Four Years – Four years between a prior Chapter 7 bankruptcy case and a new Chapter 13 case.
Six Years – Six years between a prior Chapter 13 bankruptcy case and a new Chapter 13 case.
Eight Years – Eight years between a prior Chapter 7 bankruptcy case and a new Chapter 7 case.

In some cases you can file a new Chapter 13 before your previous Chapter 13 is discharged. It also is possible to convert your case to Chapter 7 if your financial situation has drastically changed.   Give us a  call to discuss your particular case at (727) 410-2705.

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: calh@gate.net

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney

 

 

Difference Between a Chapter 7 and a Chapter 13

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Difference Between a Chapter 7 and a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy, it has two primary functions: reviewing your assets to see if you have non-exempt assets that can be turned into cash the trustee can liquidate to pay back some of your debts, while attempting to eliminate your remaining debts. Creditors will receive notice of the automatic stay upon your filing, which means they must stop contacting you about unpaid bills and seize any legal actions.   Unsecured debts, like medical bills and credit card balances, can usually be wiped out in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  You must pass a means test in order to qualify for this bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 is a reorganization bankruptcy,  your attorney creates a detailed plan for you to pay back creditors while prioritizing your debts and forcing lower payoff amounts.  Unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bill receive cents on the dollar and they the balances are discharged. In Chapter 13, you will pay only disposable income, or the amount above your living expenses, toward unsecured debts for a period of three to five years. It also gives you a chance to catch up on secured debts like mortgages or car loans and work on regaining your good standing with creditors. You must have regular income to qualify.

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: calh@gate.net

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

April-July Special- Chapter 7 at $795

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Clearwater Bankruptcy Attoreny

Chapter 7- $795 excludes filing fee includes personal property appraisal and credit report.

Chapter 13 -$1,500 down balance through plan capped at $4,500 plus administrative fees excludes filing fee, includes personal property appraisal and credit report, does not include loan modification ( additional $1800 through plan).

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: calh@gate.net

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

What Debts Does Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Wipe Out?

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  • Credit Card Debts
  • Hospital Bills
  • Most Lawsuit Judgments
  • Wage Garnishments
  • Payday Loans
  • Utility Bills
  • Foreclosure Deficiency Balances
  • Vehicle Repossession Deficiency Balances

In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, the remaining balance of these debts, if any, is WIPED OUT after making monthly payments for 36-60 months.  Schedule your free bankruptcy consultation to learn more.

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: calh@gate.net

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

How Do I Qualify For a Chapter 13?

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    • I Have Regular Income
    • I Don’t Qualify For A Chapter 7 under the Means Test
    • I want to Save a House in Foreclosure
    • I want to Save A Car From Repossion
    • My Unsecured Debts (Like Credit Cards) Are Under $419,275*
    • My Secured Debts (Like Mortgages) Are Under $1,257,850*  

 

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: calh@gate.net

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

  • *As of April 1, 2019

What Does Chapter 13 Do?

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  • Stop Foreclosures
  • Cure Mortgage Loan Delinquency
  • Reduce Principal Debt On Car Loans
  • Wipe Out Second Mortgages
  • Stop IRS Collections

 

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: calh@gate.net

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

Qualifying For A Chapter 7

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  • Your Income Barely Covers Your Bills
  • You Can Pass The Bankruptcy “Means Test” Or You Have Exceptional Circumstances
  • You Don’t Have Enough Assets To Pay Off Your Debts
  • Your Debts are Non-Consumer
  • You are a Business Liquidating

 

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: calh@gate.net

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Overview

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This is a slide show presentation on Chapter 13 click  the link to continue

https://www.haikudeck.com/copy-of-haiku-deck-in-action-business-presentation-74c47b369e

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: calh@gate.net

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate