When people hear about Chapter 13 bankruptcy (also known as a wage earner’s plan), they are afraid of approaching it as an option because they fear they might lose their home or their personal property. However, much of this fear is based on a misunderstanding of what Chapter 13 bankruptcy is. Here are five things you should know about Chapter 13 bankruptcy and what it can do for you:
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For many people, bankruptcy may seem like a personal failing. They may spend their time searching for what they could have done to avoid their financial problems. The fact is, however, that severe financial distress often has as much to do with bad luck as with any decision they made especially in circumstances beyond anyone’s control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are five common reasons people declare bankruptcy: Continue reading “Five Common Reasons People Declare Bankruptcy”
For some people, bankruptcy is a dirty word, and they do not want to confront even the possibility that they might need to declare bankruptcy to deal with their debts. And yet, in the wake of the coronavirus, even people who were previously financially secure have been pushed into situations where bankruptcy seems like an inevitability. Before you decide whether it might work for you, however, you should make sure you understand the costs and benefits of declaring bankruptcy. Continue reading “Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Bankruptcy”
While the biggest concern most people have during the coronavirus crisis is to remain healthy and prevent exposure to the coronavirus, the economic impact is a close second. The coronavirus pandemic has, unfortunately, left many people out of work and many businesses closed for the foreseeable future, with unemployment estimated to rise as high as 30%. This means, through no fault of their own, many people have been left in dire financial straits, and potentially in need of bankruptcy protection. Continue reading “Obtaining Bankruptcy Protection During the Coronavirus Pandemic”
The United States Supreme Court recently issued a ruling on bankruptcy orders, and when, exactly, they are considered “final.” While seemingly trivial and technical, this area of ambiguity has caused significant uncertainty for those seeking bankruptcy protection in the federal courts. By its ruling, the Supreme Court has clarified the rights of parties when they can appeal a decision regarding what is known as an application for relief from the automatic stay. Continue reading “Supreme Court Issues Ruling on “Final” Bankruptcy Orders”
Pier 1 Imports, Inc. has said it will close as many as 450 stores and lay off thousands of employees as part of a bankruptcy plan it has presented to investors. Pier 1 Imports, a retail chain specializing in home decorations, has had difficulty maintaining its profitability in the face of the shift from physical retail locations to online shopping. If the bankruptcy plan is accepted, it is not clear whether Pier 1 will survive. Continue reading “Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Puts Forward Bankruptcy Proposal”
When many people think of bankruptcy, they imagine something extreme: their property confiscated, their bank accounts emptied, their rooms left bare. And while that can happen to some people in rare and unusual circumstances, there are two primary forms of bankruptcy available to individuals. The more common version, where your non-exempt property may be sold off to satisfy as much of your debt as possible, is known as Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is an alternative option and is more appropriate for particular situations. Continue reading “Explaining Chapter 13 Bankruptcy”
Consumers that borrow money to purchase automobiles increasingly find themselves with debts that far outweigh the value of their cars, according to a new article in the Wall Street Journal. In one noteworthy case, one man found himself with a $45,000 loan on a car worth $27,000. Some commentators have compared this growth of automobile debt to the spate of high-interest mortgages that were common prior to the 2008 housing market crash and are concerned what this high level of debt means for consumers. Continue reading “Consumer Automobile Debt Skyrockets With Rolling Debts”
There is an image that some people hold about people who declare bankruptcy, that they are irresponsible or can’t control their spending habits. However, according to CNBC, medical bills are a key factor in as much as two-thirds of all bankruptcies in the United States based on a recent research study. Unfortunately, this trend of “medical bankruptcy” is nothing new and, according to the study cited by CNBC, has been at roughly the same level for the past decade. Continue reading “Medical Bills Remain Biggest Cause of Bankruptcy in US”
When you are deep in debt and considering bankruptcy, it can seem almost like the end of the world. With your finances underwater, with more debt than you can reasonably handle, declaring bankruptcy can feel like giving up, and you might not know how to climb back up. Fortunately, however, bankruptcy can be the first step to recovering your financial future, provided you are prudent about how you handle yourself. Continue reading “Going Bankrupt Isn’t the End of the Line”
