Archives for 2016

A Chicago Bankruptcy Attorney’s Christmas Wish List To Chapter 13 Trustees

At the close of every calendar year, I try and reflect about the year past from a bankruptcy standpoint. What was most rewarding about being a chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney? What would've made the practice of law even more rewarding? What types of rulings or policies would I have liked to have seen go in a different direction? Just a few simple thoughts as we enter the Christmas season. More Uniformity 1)   Wouldn't it be great if there was more uniformity among the chapter 13 trustees? There are three chapter 13 trustees which handle the reorganization cases for the bulk of my clients. There is a fourth trustee that has just a handful of my clients per year. A greater sense of uniformity + Click Here For Read More

Looking Ahead To Next Year With Optimism

A Better Year Awaits As the year comes to a close, people look to the upcoming year with optimism. What can make next year better than the current year? For some this might mean a better relationship, a better job, a healthier lifestyle, and for some a financial fresh start. For those that have struggled during the current year and past years, they envision a future year either free from debt or on a program to manage the debt. What I am referring to is either a chapter 7 fresh start bankruptcy or a chapter 13 reorganization bankruptcy. Either one of these chapters, depending on the person's particular situation, will provide a great form of relief. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Chapter 7 is the + Click Here For Read More

Bankruptcy Case Study

Introduction Of Debtor This is the bankruptcy case study for Ms. R., who resides in Berwyn, Illinois. She is here to seek bankruptcy protection and to eliminate the struggle that she has been in for some time regarding debt. To determine whether or not she can file and get the relief needed, we need to conduct a thorough intake examination to learn all of the details. We begin with the fact that she has never filed for bankruptcy protection in the past. This opens the door to availability for chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In terms of real estate, she is not an owner of any such property. She is currently renting on a month-to-month basis. She is current on her rent and she would like to + Click Here For Read More

Wage Garnishment Proceedings: An Employer’s Perspective

Creditors Collection Tool As a wage earner, nobody wants to see their wages garnished. Whenever a person is working for wages and they have an outstanding monetary judgment against them, there is always the risk and concern that a wage garnishment summons could be forthcoming. Judgment creditors and their lawyers have access to information which may alert them if and when you are gainfully employed. In some cases, a creditor may be aware of your employment situation based upon a prior application which you completed. In other cases, a Social Security search can be done to determine whether or not current payroll withholdings are being made. In other situations, the creditor can learn vital + Click Here For Read More

New Bankruptcy Rule, Fee and Form Changes Effective 12-1-16

Beginning December 1, 2016, Proposed Federal Bankruptcy Rule, Fee and Form Changes will take effect.  The bulk of the changes will relate to litigation and notice provisions.  There will not be significant changes to the debtor’s bar.  There will be a $1.00 increase in filing fees for amending the creditor list or notice list.  The former fee of $30.00 is now being increased to $31.00.  Further, there are three forms that are being amended which relate primarily to creditors and noticing.  Below is a listing of the Rules that are being affected: Rule 1010. Service of Involuntary Petition and Summons Rule 1011. Responsive Pleading or Motion in Involuntary Rule 1012. Responsive + Click Here For Read More

What Does A Bankruptcy Cost?

The filing fee is $335.00 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.  The filing fee for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case is $310.00.  Some attorneys will allow for the attorney's fees to be paid over an extended period of time. + Click Here For Read More

Will Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Help With Parking Tickets?

No Income Option I recently received an interesting call from young lady who was seeking bankruptcy protection to help with outstanding parking tickets. She had no income whatsoever, so she was not a candidate for chapter 13 bankruptcy which is the repayment plan over a 3 to 5 year period. However, she was interested in simply holding off the City of Chicago for at least three months while eliminating other types of debt. Her plan, while not conventional, is actually a good one in her case. By filing chapter 7, she will be able to eliminate plenty of debt while holding the City of Chicago at bay. She can then work out an installment payment plan with the city after her chapter 7 case is + Click Here For Read More

This Is The Bankruptcy Case Study For Miss L., Living In Chicago

Overview In this bankruptcy case study, we are going to analyze the financial situation for Ms. L., who resides in Chicago. She resides on Woodland Park Avenue of the East side of the city. She filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy back in 2006. Thus, she is eligible for either a chapter 7 bankruptcy case or a chapter 13 bankruptcy case at this time. She does not own a home. She is currently renting. She has a yearly lease which expires in about one month. She owns a 2008 Hyundai Accent, financed by Credit Acceptance. She would like to keep that vehicle and she is current on her monthly payment of $153 per month. She purchased the vehicle approximately six months ago and would very much like to + Click Here For Read More

Co-Signed Auto Debt In A Chapter 13 Can Get Very Tricky

I just spoke to a young lady this morning who cosigned on a vehicle. The other person on the hook for the vehicle debt has just filed for chapter 13 bankruptcy. The vehicle is not going to be reorganized through the chapter 13. Thus, the auto finance company has the right to modify the automatic stay and pursue the codebtor. However, the codebtor, who possesses and drives the vehicle, intends to continue to pay for the vehicle. The question now has arisen as to what is the status regarding the ownership of the vehicle?  Additionally, the person filing bankruptcy wants to meet with the codebtor at the DMV and transfer ownership of the vehicle. There is no way that actual ownership can + Click Here For Read More

3 Tips For A Successful Bankruptcy Experience

Be honest Be honest with yourself, your attorney, the trustee, the court and anyone else involved in your bankruptcy case. The first question to ask is do you really need the help? Are you someone who has a small amount of debt that is manageable over the course of six months to a year or are you someone who is drowning with insurmountable debt which cannot be remedied on your own?  Once you come to the realization that you need help, you will want to make full disclosure of your assets and liabilities and your statement of financial affairs with your attorney. Your attorney will then be in the greatest position to advise you as to your rights and obligations under either chapter 7 or + Click Here For Read More

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