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Archive for November, 2007

Reasonable Response to Sub-Prime Crisis »

Another newspaper endorses the proposed changes to Chapter 13 bankruptcy law.
The sub-prime crisis continues to build, as anticipated by many posts on this blog. As hundreds of thousands of adjustable rate mortgages adjust up to monthly payments the homeowner cannot afford, declining values having foreclosed the option of re-financing [...]

Means Test: Don’t Give Up, Even If You Think You’ve Flunked It, Part 4 »

This is the fourth article in a series covering “means test” issues. By now, you’re probably aware that consumers are required to file Form B22 (the means test form) with their bankruptcy papers.
Form B22 establishes whether you are eligible to file chapter 7, and sometimes dictates the level of repayment in a chapter 13 plan. [...]

Medical Credit Cards Add to the Debt Problems of Uninsured Patients! »

Uninsured and underinsured patients are now being solicited for credit at a time they are most vulnerable: When they are seeking medical care from a health care provider or hospital.

Credit Card Interest Rates »

Chase has decided to help the little guy and cease raising interest rates when the cardholder’s credit score declines. More on this new development was also reported on our sister site, Credit Law Network.
This lovely predatory practice allowed Chase to impose penalty interest rates on card holders who had never been late, were under [...]

What Is A “Motion To Lift The Automatic Stay” In Bankruptcy? »

The “automatic stay”  is, perhaps, the greatest advantage to filing for Bankruptcy.  This is the requirement that upon filing, no-one can do anything to collect a debt, enforce a judgment, garnish your wages, take your property or that sort of thing.  There are, of course, exceptions such as the requirement to keep paying child support.
In [...]

Mortgage Servicer »

     A mortgage company owns your mortgage, that is, lent you the money to buy your home. But you send your payments to a mortgage loan servicer, usually at a P. O. Box out of your state.
That address is a lock box operation. That is, people are paid to open the envelope with [...]

How Long Can a Charge Off Stay on a Credit Report? »

With limited exceptions, after an account becomes delinquent, information about the delinquency can only appear on a credit report for seven years plus 180 days. According to the FTC Commentary, this time period is not extended if the debt is sold or if full or partial a payment is made on the debt. [...]

Bankruptcy In Florida: Renting Is A Crapshoot. »

As a Bankruptcy Attorney in Southwest Florida, I speak with bankruptcy clients who are surrendering their homes in one of the worst housing markets in the United States. Bankruptcy is usually their only option to a void the negative consequences of the foreclosure process.
One of the unfortunate complications of this reality is the state [...]

Means Test: Don’t Give Up, Even If You Think You’ve Flunked It, Part 3 »

If you’re a consumer thinking about filing bankruptcy, you probably know about the “means test,” or Form B22, which must be filed with your case. The means test looks at your monthly household income and expenses, using prescribed formulas in an effort to see if you should be required to file a chapter 13 [...]

Federal Trade Commission Devotes Website to Identity Theft »

The Federal Trade Commission has a website devoted to Identity Theft.  It contains information for consumers, businesses, law enforcement, and military families.  In addition to providing tips to avoid identity theft, the site has information for victims of identity theft, and quizzes and information to educate individuals regarding identity theft.
The FTC’s website is also available [...]