ABI Blog Exchange

The ABI Blog Exchange surfaces the best writing from member practitioners who regularly cover consumer bankruptcy practice — chapters 7 and 13, discharge litigation, mortgage servicing, exemptions, and the full range of issues affecting individual debtors and their creditors. Posts are drawn from consumer-focused member blogs and updated as new content is published.

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Sua Sponte Monetary Sanctions Against Counsel

The 9th C Ir. BAP erected a high bar for the imposition of monetary sanctions against counsel in its recent decision in Franz. Despite some ugly facts and imperfect lawyering, the BAP overturned $5000 in sanctions against a Chapter 13 debtor’s lawyer, finding counsel’s conduct did not rise to a level akin to contempt of court. […] The post Sua Sponte Monetary Sanctions Against Counsel appeared first on Bankruptcy Mastery.

SH

Credit card debt increases by $50B to new record high

 The Hill is reporting that credit card debt in the United States increased by $50 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to recent findings from the New York Federal Reserve. Will this increase in credit card debt result in more personal bankruptcy filings?The story can be found at https://thehill.com/business/4451222-credit-card-debt-increased-by-50b-new-record-high/Jim Shenwick, Esq  917 363 3391  [email protected] Please click the link to schedule a telephone call with me.https://calendly.com/james-shenwick/15minWe held individuals & businesses with too much debt!

SH

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings Increase 22% Y/Y in January, Subchapter V Filings Up 43% according to monitordaily.com

 Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings Increase 22% Y/Y in January, Subchapter V Filings Up 43%https://www.monitordaily.com/news-posts/chapter-11-bankruptcy-filings-increase-22-y-y-in-january-subchapter-v-filings-up-43/Jim Shenwick, Esq  917 363 3391  [email protected] Please click the link to schedule a telephone call with me.https://calendly.com/james-shenwick/15minWe held individuals & businesses with too much debt!

MY

Transform Your Finances with Your Tax Return: A Fresh Start through Bankruptcy

Transform Your Finances with Your Tax Return: A Fresh Start through Bankruptcy As the tax season approaches, many individuals eagerly await their tax refunds, viewing them as a bonus or a chance to splurge on something they desire. However, for those struggling with overwhelming debt and financial burdens, a tax refund can be an invaluable opportunity to achieve a fresh start through bankruptcy. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can use your tax return to take control of your financial situation, highlighting the benefits of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and urging you to contact our Arizona Bankruptcy Lawyers to determine the best path to debt relief. Using Your Tax Return Wisely Your tax refund is an excellent resource to make a positive change in your financial life. Instead of using it for temporary pleasures or expenses, consider investing it in your long-term financial stability. Here’s how you can make the most of your tax return: Pay for Bankruptcy Attorney Fees: One of the most significant expenses when filing for bankruptcy is hiring a bankruptcy attorney. Your tax refund can be a lifeline in covering these costs, ensuring that you have professional guidance throughout the process. Eliminate Debt: Your tax return can also be used to pay off or reduce high-interest debt. By doing so, you can alleviate some financial pressure and pave the way for a fresh start. Build an Emergency Fund: Establishing an emergency fund with your tax refund can provide a financial safety net, helping you avoid future debt crises. Having savings can prevent you from relying on credit cards or loans for unexpected expenses. Invest in Financial Education: Consider using part of your refund to invest in financial education resources or workshops. Learning how to manage your finances better can help you avoid future financial pitfalls. Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: A Fresh Start Bankruptcy may sound daunting, but it’s a legal process designed to offer individuals and families relief from unmanageable debt. Two common types of bankruptcy, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, can provide you with the fresh start you need: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Arizona Often referred to as “liquidation” bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy aims to discharge most unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. Your non-exempt assets may be sold to repay creditors, but many individuals do not lose any property thanks to exemptions provided by Arizona law. Chapter 7 typically lasts around three to six months, offering a relatively swift path to debt relief. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Arizona Chapter 13 bankruptcy, often known as “reorganization,” allows you to create a manageable repayment plan to catch up on missed mortgage or car loan payments. You can keep all your assets while making affordable monthly payments to creditors over three to five years. Chapter 13 provides a structured way to regain control of your finances and avoid foreclosure or repossession. Your Tax Refund and Bankruptcy: A Winning Combination Using your tax refund to cover the costs of hiring a bankruptcy attorney or to start your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy process is a wise investment in your future. Here’s why: Professional Guidance: Filing for bankruptcy can be complex and requires strict adherence to legal procedures. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring that everything is done correctly. Maximize Debt Discharge: A bankruptcy attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of bankruptcy laws, making sure you take full advantage of the available exemptions and discharge as much debt as possible. Peace of Mind: With a bankruptcy attorney by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in capable hands. They will represent your interests and protect your rights throughout the process. Financial Freedom: Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy offer a path to financial freedom. You can shed the weight of unmanageable debt, stop creditor harassment, and regain control of your finances. Contact Our Arizona Bankruptcy Lawyers Your tax refund is a valuable resource that can help you take control of your financial situation and start fresh through bankruptcy. To determine the best option for debt relief, it’s crucial to consult with experienced bankruptcy attorneys who understand Arizona’s bankruptcy laws and can tailor a solution to your specific needs. My AZ Lawyers are here to help you navigate the path to financial freedom. Whether you choose Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, we will work with you every step of the way, from assessing your financial situation to filing your case and representing your interests in court. Don’t let debt hold you back any longer. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you make the most of your tax refund to achieve the fresh start you deserve. Your financial future is within reach, and we’re here to guide you towards it.   Arizona Offices: Mesa Location: 1731 West Baseline Rd., Suite #100 Mesa, AZ 85202 Office: (480) 448-9800 Email: [email protected] Website: https://myazlawyers.com/ Phoenix Location: 343 West Roosevelt, Suite #100 Phoenix, AZ 85003 Office: (602) 609-7000 Glendale Location: 20325 N 51st Avenue Suite #134, Building 5 Glendale, AZ 85308 Office: (602) 509-0955 Tucson Location: 2 East Congress St., Suite #900-6A Tucson, AZ 85701 Office: (520) 441-1450 Avondale Location: 12725 W. Indian School Rd., Ste E, #101 Avondale, AZ 85392 Office: (623) 469-6603 The post Transform Your Finances with Your Tax Return: A Fresh Start through Bankruptcy appeared first on My AZ Lawyers.

MY

Transform Your Finances with Your Tax Return: A Fresh Start through Bankruptcy

Transform Your Finances with Your Tax Return: A Fresh Start through Bankruptcy As the tax season approaches, many individuals eagerly await their tax refunds, viewing them as a bonus or a chance to splurge on something they desire. However, for those struggling with overwhelming debt and financial burdens, a tax refund can be an invaluable opportunity to achieve a fresh start through bankruptcy. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can use your tax return to take control of your financial situation, highlighting the benefits of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and urging you to contact our Arizona Bankruptcy Lawyers to determine the best path to debt relief. Using Your Tax Return Wisely Your tax refund is an excellent resource to make a positive change in your financial life. Instead of using it for temporary pleasures or expenses, consider investing it in your long-term financial stability. Here’s how you can make the most of your tax return: Pay for Bankruptcy Attorney Fees: One of the most significant expenses when filing for bankruptcy is hiring a bankruptcy attorney. Your tax refund can be a lifeline in covering these costs, ensuring that you have professional guidance throughout the process. Eliminate Debt: Your tax return can also be used to pay off or reduce high-interest debt. By doing so, you can alleviate some financial pressure and pave the way for a fresh start. Build an Emergency Fund: Establishing an emergency fund with your tax refund can provide a financial safety net, helping you avoid future debt crises. Having savings can prevent you from relying on credit cards or loans for unexpected expenses. Invest in Financial Education: Consider using part of your refund to invest in financial education resources or workshops. Learning how to manage your finances better can help you avoid future financial pitfalls. Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: A Fresh Start Bankruptcy may sound daunting, but it’s a legal process designed to offer individuals and families relief from unmanageable debt. Two common types of bankruptcy, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, can provide you with the fresh start you need: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Arizona Often referred to as “liquidation” bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy aims to discharge most unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. Your non-exempt assets may be sold to repay creditors, but many individuals do not lose any property thanks to exemptions provided by Arizona law. Chapter 7 typically lasts around three to six months, offering a relatively swift path to debt relief. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Arizona Chapter 13 bankruptcy, often known as “reorganization,” allows you to create a manageable repayment plan to catch up on missed mortgage or car loan payments. You can keep all your assets while making affordable monthly payments to creditors over three to five years. Chapter 13 provides a structured way to regain control of your finances and avoid foreclosure or repossession. Your Tax Refund and Bankruptcy: A Winning Combination Using your tax refund to cover the costs of hiring a bankruptcy attorney or to start your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy process is a wise investment in your future. Here’s why: Professional Guidance: Filing for bankruptcy can be complex and requires strict adherence to legal procedures. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring that everything is done correctly. Maximize Debt Discharge: A bankruptcy attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of bankruptcy laws, making sure you take full advantage of the available exemptions and discharge as much debt as possible. Peace of Mind: With a bankruptcy attorney by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in capable hands. They will represent your interests and protect your rights throughout the process. Financial Freedom: Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy offer a path to financial freedom. You can shed the weight of unmanageable debt, stop creditor harassment, and regain control of your finances. Contact Our Arizona Bankruptcy Lawyers Your tax refund is a valuable resource that can help you take control of your financial situation and start fresh through bankruptcy. To determine the best option for debt relief, it’s crucial to consult with experienced bankruptcy attorneys who understand Arizona’s bankruptcy laws and can tailor a solution to your specific needs. My AZ Lawyers are here to help you navigate the path to financial freedom. Whether you choose Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, we will work with you every step of the way, from assessing your financial situation to filing your case and representing your interests in court. Don’t let debt hold you back any longer. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you make the most of your tax refund to achieve the fresh start you deserve. Your financial future is within reach, and we’re here to guide you towards it.   Arizona Offices: Mesa Location: 1731 West Baseline Rd., Suite #100 Mesa, AZ 85202 Office: (480) 448-9800 Email: [email protected] Website: https://myazlawyers.com/ Phoenix Location: 343 West Roosevelt, Suite #100 Phoenix, AZ 85003 Office: (602) 609-7000 Glendale Location: 20325 N 51st Avenue Suite #134, Building 5 Glendale, AZ 85308 Office: (602) 509-0955 Tucson Location: 2 East Congress St., Suite #900-6A Tucson, AZ 85701 Office: (520) 441-1450 Avondale Location: 12725 W. Indian School Rd., Ste E, #101 Avondale, AZ 85392 Office: (623) 469-6603 The post Transform Your Finances with Your Tax Return: A Fresh Start through Bankruptcy appeared first on My AZ Lawyers.

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What Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cost in Virginia?

Here’s our payment schedule and work schedule: What Does Chapter 7 Cost in Virginia April 2023 Lawyers are required to tell you what work we do for the money you pay. A lot of lawyers are pretty sketchy about that. I try to do better. Do You Get More for Your Money with Us? Higher success rate and higher customer ratings. There are two reasons, besides price, you should select the Bankruptcy Law Office of Robert Weed. First, our success rate. Or more specifically, our very low failure rate: the percentage of bankruptcies that are dismissed. (Dismissed means thrown out. Discharged means approved.) You can see here that our rate of bankruptcy dismissals if vastly different than many other bankruptcy lawyers. Their dismissal rates run from six times to ten time more than ours! Second, we have more than nine hundred five star reviews. Another lawyer, who has also done more than ten thousand bankruptcies, has fewer than eighty people who have given him five stars. Our customers are ten times more likely to post a five star review. We think that shows a real difference in the quality of our customer service. Whether your bankruptcy is simple or complex, you’ll like our friendly service with a smile. What About Complicated Cases Dozens of people every month come to the Law Office of Robert Weed for a different reason. These people worry about complicated issues in the bankruptcy–and they want an experienced lawyer who will treat their case individually, and get the best possible result for them. People who have complicated bankruptcy problems sometimes ask, what does bankruptcy cost in Virginia. They want top rated service, but at a fair price. Do you pick us out based on suggestion of one of our fifteen thousand happy customers, or the referral of another Northern Virginia lawyer, or reading our better than nine hundred five star reviews? Did you talk to a different bankruptcy lawyer that you didn’t feel quite right about? You want a bankruptcy law firm who will take you through the twists and turns of the law and bring you out where you are trying to go. You’ve come to the right place. For you, our legal fee will most likely be more than $3000.00 and could top $4000.00. (Again, there’s $385 in filing fees in addition.) When it’s over, you’ll agree it was worth it. Or are you wondering, is bankruptcy is worth it? Some people ask what does Chapter 7 bankruptcy cost, because they are not sure what bankruptcy actually does. If you want to know the fives ways bankruptcy gives you a fresh start, I have great info on that, here. Here’s how we charge: Fee Agreement April 2022 Whether your case is simple, or complicated, we charge a fair price and give you value for the money. You’ll like our friendly service with a smile. — Robert Weed “I love being a bankruptcy lawyer, because I can help almost everyone I see.” If you want to make an appointment, use call 703-335-7793, our main switchboard. Contact us today and sleep better tonight.

RO

What Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cost in Virginia?

Here’s our payment schedule and work schedule: What Does Chapter 7 Cost in Virginia April 2023 Lawyers are required to tell you what work we do for the money you pay. A lot of lawyers are pretty sketchy about that. I try to do better. Do You Get More for Your Money with Us? Higher success rate and higher customer ratings. There are two reasons, besides price, you should select the Bankruptcy Law Office of Robert Weed. First, our success rate. Or more specifically, our very low failure rate: the percentage of bankruptcies that are dismissed. (Dismissed means thrown out. Discharged means approved.) You can see here that our rate of bankruptcy dismissals if vastly different than many other bankruptcy lawyers. Their dismissal rates run from six times to ten time more than ours! Second, we have more than nine hundred five star reviews. Another lawyer, who has also done more than ten thousand bankruptcies, has fewer than eighty people who have given him five stars. Our customers are ten times more likely to post a five star review. We think that shows a real difference in the quality of our customer service. Whether your bankruptcy is simple or complex, you’ll like our friendly service with a smile. What About Complicated Cases Dozens of people every month come to the Law Office of Robert Weed for a different reason. These people worry about complicated issues in the bankruptcy–and they want an experienced lawyer who will treat their case individually, and get the best possible result for them. People who have complicated bankruptcy problems sometimes ask, what does bankruptcy cost in Virginia. They want top rated service, but at a fair price. Do you pick us out based on suggestion of one of our fifteen thousand happy customers, or the referral of another Northern Virginia lawyer, or reading our better than nine hundred five star reviews? Did you talk to a different bankruptcy lawyer that you didn’t feel quite right about? You want a bankruptcy law firm who will take you through the twists and turns of the law and bring you out where you are trying to go. You’ve come to the right place. For you, our legal fee will most likely be more than $3000.00 and could top $4000.00. (Again, there’s $385 in filing fees in addition.) When it’s over, you’ll agree it was worth it. Or are you wondering, is bankruptcy is worth it? Some people ask what does Chapter 7 bankruptcy cost, because they are not sure what bankruptcy actually does. If you want to know the fives ways bankruptcy gives you a fresh start, I have great info on that, here. Here’s how we charge: Fee Agreement April 2022 Whether your case is simple, or complicated, we charge a fair price and give you value for the money. You’ll like our friendly service with a smile. — Robert Weed “I love being a bankruptcy lawyer, because I can help almost everyone I see.” If you want to make an appointment, use call 703-335-7793, our main switchboard. Contact us today and sleep better tonight.

RO

We’re Zooming Virtual Bankruptcy Consultations

We’ve been Zooming–doing Zoom virtual bankruptcy consultations–since April 2020. We’re sticking with it. We stopped in-office consultations with the March 2020 pandemic lock down. (I first heard of Zoom when my church started using it. We’re a small congregation and can see everybody on screen.) Since April 2020 I’ve Zoomed bankruptcy consultations probably five hundred times. Three advantages of Zoom virtual bankruptcy consultations There are three advantages I’ve seen in doing virtual bankruptcy consultations. First, it saves travel time. The traffic in Northern Virginia is as bad as it’s ever been. It takes too long to get anywhere. Three minutes setting up a Zoom call is better than trying to drive ten miles around here. Second, people are more comfortable. Especially on the initial contact–what I call the Quick Call–it works out well. I’m at my own computer, where I can access all my info. And you are at home–or wherever–more comfortable and maybe more open than you’d be in an unfamiliar office. I didn’t expect that. But I’ve seen we cover more ground and clear up more concerns with a virtual consultation. I’m at my own computer, where I can access my info. And you are at home more relaxed than you’d be at a meeting in an unfamiliar office. Alexandria Bankruptcy hearings are telephonic. Hearings at the bankruptcy courts are now virtual, zoom and telephonic. That started with the pandemic. Our association, NACBA, along with the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees and the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, have all asked that policy to made permanent. Documents can be a problem. After our quick call, I invite you to fill in my Be Happy form. That’s here. Then we’ll send you a password and links to upload the required documents. (Transferring documents can be the hardest part of the virtual consultation.) You likely already have some of the documents in pdf. You can take a photo on your phone for the required ID. Having access to a scanner can be helpful. Here’s info on a free scanner for your phone. Documents have a solution Going to a nearby Staples or FedEx Office and faxing to us works well. Here’s our fax number. 703-677-8776. If you need to bring us hard copies of documents, two of my four virtual locations have full time receptionists. You can drop off documents there and they will get them to me. (These are Regus shared office space buildings. I now work mainly from a “zoom studio.”) 13800 Coppermine Rd, Herndon 800 Corporate Drive #301, Stafford For most people, Zoom virtual bankruptcy consultation works With two years experience, I can say for most people, virtual consultations are better.

RO

We’re Zooming Virtual Bankruptcy Consultations

We’ve been Zooming–doing Zoom virtual bankruptcy consultations–since April 2020. We’re sticking with it. We stopped in-office consultations with the March 2020 pandemic lock down. (I first heard of Zoom when my church started using it. We’re a small congregation and can see everybody on screen.) Since April 2020 I’ve Zoomed bankruptcy consultations probably five hundred times. Three advantages of Zoom virtual bankruptcy consultations There are three advantages I’ve seen in doing virtual bankruptcy consultations. First, it saves travel time. The traffic in Northern Virginia is as bad as it’s ever been. It takes too long to get anywhere. Three minutes setting up a Zoom call is better than trying to drive ten miles around here. Second, people are more comfortable. Especially on the initial contact–what I call the Quick Call–it works out well. I’m at my own computer, where I can access all my info. And you are at home–or wherever–more comfortable and maybe more open than you’d be in an unfamiliar office. I didn’t expect that. But I’ve seen we cover more ground and clear up more concerns with a virtual consultation. I’m at my own computer, where I can access my info. And you are at home more relaxed than you’d be at a meeting in an unfamiliar office. Alexandria Bankruptcy hearings are telephonic. Hearings at the bankruptcy courts are now virtual, zoom and telephonic. That started with the pandemic. Our association, NACBA, along with the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees and the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, have all asked that policy to made permanent. Documents can be a problem. After our quick call, I invite you to fill in my Be Happy form. That’s here. Then we’ll send you a password and links to upload the required documents. (Transferring documents can be the hardest part of the virtual consultation.) You likely already have some of the documents in pdf. You can take a photo on your phone for the required ID. Having access to a scanner can be helpful. Here’s info on a free scanner for your phone. Documents have a solution Going to a nearby Staples or FedEx Office and faxing to us works well. Here’s our fax number. 703-677-8776. If you need to bring us hard copies of documents, two of my four virtual locations have full time receptionists. You can drop off documents there and they will get them to me. (These are Regus shared office space buildings. I now work mainly from a “zoom studio.”) 13800 Coppermine Rd, Herndon 800 Corporate Drive #301, Stafford For most people, Zoom virtual bankruptcy consultation works With two years experience, I can say for most people, virtual consultations are better.

SH

James Shenwick Esq is proud to announce that he is an Avvo Rated Top Lawyer for 2024