On more than one occasion, I have represented individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases when the debt that prompted the filing was wholly or in large part co-signed debt. It seems that underwriting standards for most large loans have become tighter and nowhere is this more true than in the case of [...]
December 2010
As a consumer bankruptcy attorney I get to see trends coming before they become mainstream. Living in Southwest Florida, I get to deal with people from all walks of life. The generation that I find the most interesting is senior citizens. They face other demons besides financial ones. One recent trend that I see in [...]
HAMP, the Home Affordable Modification Program which can modify a mortgage, is no way to avoid bankruptcy. It’s a heart-breaker. It builds up false hopes and then destroys them. That’s my conclusion from reading the new Congressional Oversight Panel report. I haven’t written on HAMP because I’ve questioned its relevance to bankruptcy, but a number of clients [...]
Gov. David Paterson has signed a bill that gives more protection to New Yorkers who file bankruptcy or who have been sued by bill collectors. The new law increases the exemptions that people can use to protect their property from forced sales by bankruptcy trustees and debt collectors. It also allows a choice between State [...]
Christmas is usually a slow time for consumer bankruptcy lawyers. The phones go quiet, a few cards come in, a fruit cake from a grateful client now and then. It gives us a chance to pause and consider what we do and why. Consumer Advocates Are Often Pariahs As a bankruptcy lawyer, I run a [...]
In earlier posts, two bankruptcies filed by debtors appearing in Bravo Television reality shows were discussed. Terese Giudice who appears on Real Housewives of New Jersey and Sonja Morgan who appears on Real Housewives of New York City each filed banruptcy. Ms. Giudice filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy (consumer bankruptcy); Ms. Morgan filed a Chapter [...]
