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Questions Answered by Cristina M. Lipan
1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Tennessee on
Q: Need URGENT advice for a Bankruptcy 2004 Examination on 10/14 that the US Trustee refuses to reschedule

I am a 75 y/o senior who filed emergency Chapter 7 bankruptcy Pro Se on 8/10/22 in Williamson County, TN, to stop a foreclosure sale. I have not filed financial schedules but the Trustee closed my bank account containing only proceeds from my husband's life insurance and took every penny,... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Oct 12, 2022

The purpose of the 2004 exam is to question you regarding potential assets of the bankruptcy estate. They will ask questions about financial accounts, the life insurance, and other assets. They will ask for copies of your records, and other information that you may know. It is a deposition, but the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: I filed chapter 7bankruptcy in 2010 . I was involved in an injury lawsuit that was not resolved until 2017 which the

Court appointed trustee was awarded 350k for my injury. Another 100k of assets were taken from me to pay my creditors who all received 98.6% of what I owed them. One of the creditors was a parent loan I took out for my son’s college. They received 59k of the proceeds in 2017. Now they are... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Oct 4, 2022

Bankruptcy Code section 523 lists debts that are not discharged in the bankruptcy - meaning you would still owe the debts. 523(8) speaks to educational loans. The student loan debt might not have been discharged. However, it would only be for the balance after accounting for the payment made in the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I have a bankruptcy 410 chapter 11 what do I do with it?

There was a racket probe of 478 million dollars.

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Sep 27, 2022

I believe you're referring to a proof of claim form received with respect to a chapter 11 bankruptcy case. If you have a claim against the Debtor, then you may fill out the claim, and attach supporting documentation. You may be able to fill out the claim online (depending on the court and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Real Estate Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Collections for Georgia on
Q: My condo association and I are at odds over assessments, fees, and interest. For water and association expenses,

I declared bankruptcy in 2016. I received a ledger from Lazega & Johanson, a collection law firm, very away after receiving my bankruptcy discharge. It stated that I owed them an absurd sum in association dues, which included fees and interest.

I discovered after looking at the charges... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Sep 23, 2022

Per Bankruptcy Code 523(a)(16), these debts are probably not dischargeable in bankruptcy, so you would continue to owe them. Whether they represent an accurate balance of what you owe is a different issue.

I suggest clearly breaking down all charges and payments made (like a statement),...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I own an llc that is in terrible debt. Can I sign it over debt and all and walk away??

Just curious if I sign the LLC over will that transfer the debt to that person as well or will I still be responsible. The LLC is almost 3 years old and has not shown a profit. I want to claim bankruptcy but someone else wants to take on the ownership and debt but not pay me anything... I would... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Sep 20, 2022

As a general rule, the debt belongs to the entity, not you, so you (personally) would not be liable for the debt. In this case, you could just walk away. HOWEVER, there may be other issues that might prevent you from doing this. If you signed a personal guarantee, then you would be still liable for... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: Need to cash a check that has my deceased husband and me on it. Bank won’t accept because it is more then$10,000.

The settlement came in my name but went through bankruptcy court to pay both our debts. The rest comes to me. But has both our names on it. Husband had no assets of value. Never opened probate estate I just pay his bills as they came in. Now what do I do

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Sep 12, 2022

It sounds like the check came from the bankruptcy trustee. Contact the trustee and ask to re-issue the check in your name only. Be prepared to submit the certificate of death for the Trustee's due diligence.

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Pennsylvania on
Q: Pertaining to the crypto company celsius and their bankruptcy filing - Am I subject to claw back?

I withdrew funds that I deposited in the 90 day window prior to Celsius filing for chapter 11. Would I be subject to a claw back of my own funds that I deposited and withdrew according to their terms of service?

Edit: It was in their earn account that I earned interest on. Small amount... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Aug 10, 2022

Preferences under Section 547 of the Bankruptcy Code only pertain to payments made on account of antecedent debt - this doesn't apply to your situation. However, there may be other theories available to seek return of those funds to the Celsius estate, for example, as a fraudulent conveyance... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Connecticut on
Q: A question about bankruptcy.

A friend filed for bankruptcy in 2015 because a debtor collector firm filed a lawsuit to foreclose on her home. In which her mortgage had been rescinded in 2005 by her attorney because she had incomplete contract with Ameriquest. So since 2005 by her attorney's advised she stopped making... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on May 12, 2022

Although the bankruptcy discharge extinguishes the personal liability of a debtor, it does not extinguish an action against the debtor in rem, i.e., the secured creditor’s right to enforce its mortgage lien. As long as the mortgage was valid, the secured claim the lender had against the property... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Florida on
Q: I have Proof of Claim paperwork from a former job filing Chapter 11, but I don't know if I am a creditor.

I worked for the job 3/20 to 3/21. I have consulted other law services and been told that I should be a creditor if I have received such paperwork. They directed me to this site for more help. I've submitted a request for a list of creditors so that I can be sure I have a right to file a... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Mar 14, 2022

Just because you received the proof of claim does not mean you are a creditor. The form is sent out to a lot of parties - anyone that might have a claim. As a former employee, you are a party that might have a claim. If you believe you are owed money then you would file a claim, but you will need... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for Arkansas on
Q: How can I protect self from a store going bankrupt if they are storing an expensive item for me?

I am purchasing an expensive large item, but it will take 4-8 weeks for the specialized national movers to pick it up. They want full payment now, what can I do to protect myself now, if the dealer goes bankrupt before the movers come?

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Dec 6, 2021

You may consider paying with a credit card and dispute the charges in the event that happens. This may tie up your credit. You might also negotiate timing of the payment. Another option is to perhaps place the funds in escrow pending pick up. You have to discuss with the store to see what they will... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: My house was foreclosed upon while I was under bankruptcy protection in 2004, is it too late to sue Ameriquest Mortgage?
Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Nov 3, 2021

The bank likely received an order from the court lifting the automatic stay to proceed with the foreclosure. This is not uncommon and they can do this for various reasons - no equity, no adequate assurance, you haven't been paying the mortgage post petition... etc. Take a look at your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: Recording chapter 7 bankruptcy with the court in Texas, before the hearing, will that stop State proceedings?

I know the back child support can never be washed away, but if by recording the Chapter 7 bankruptcy, will keep me out of debtors prison or jail?

Is this a true statement about filing bankruptcy, If you are behind on child support?

Filing a chapter 7 will get you out of jail by... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Nov 2, 2021

The automatic stay does not apply to criminal proceedings or domestic support obligations. Bankruptcy Code 362(b)(1) and (2).

(b)The filing of a petition under section 301, 302, or 303 of this title, or of an application under section 5(a)(3) of the Securities Investor Protection Act of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Ohio on
Q: I'm answering a complaint. And it says plaintiff does not seek an award of attorney fees contractual or statutory

Interest after date of charge off. How do I answer this correctly? Thanks

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Sep 21, 2021

If you're trying to answer a complaint, it sounds like you are the defendant, not the plaintiff. If it says, the plaintiff is not seeking attorneys fees, there is nothing for you to answer. If that's the case, this could be answered with, "Defendant lacks sufficient information to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Arizona on
Q: Can a Trustee re-open a Chapter 7 closed case?

I received a discharge date on 5/8/19 on a Chapter 7 no asset. Pro se. The trustee submitted the final accounting report and Judge signed on 12/17/20. I was notified a settlement check went to the trustee. Does that mean they are going to re-open my case again? Can I hire an attorney to get my... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Sep 2, 2021

It is very unlikely the Trustee would re-open a case for $500. Just re-opening would cost more than $500. As previously noted, Trustees will abandon assets, even if they properly belong to the estate, if the administrative costs of doing so outweigh the benefit.

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections on
Q: How may I find out if I am eligible for volunteer legal services regarding creditor lawsuits and filing for bankruptcy?

I am being sued by a creditor and more are coming. I was advised to contact the plaintiff's attorney directly and request a hardship dismissal. There is a deadline for an answer to be filed with the court regarding current lawsuit and I have contacted the plaintiff attorney twice but have... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Aug 31, 2021

Upsolve is a non-profit that may be able to help, if you qualify.

https://upsolve.org/learn/transparency/

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: Is it illegal to contact the trustee working on your bankruptcy case?
Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Aug 24, 2021

No, but if they have retained counsel for your case, you should reach out to the attorneys.

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Divorce for Ohio on
Q: Hi! File bankruptcy now or wait on half of 401K funds due to me from QDRO? Also,CC comp suing me. Court hearing soon

No clue what to do first. Divorce decree from OCT states that I intend to file for bankruptcy. However, QDRO funds are WAY overdue due to negligence of ex, his lawyer,both…so it’s costing me money in lawyer fees every month chasing them down. I’m broke. Now I can’t afford to pay another... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Aug 4, 2021

This is not legal advice. However, there is case law that says retirement funds owed by the ex spouse through a divorce settlement is an non-exempt interest and property of the estate (meaning a bankruptcy trustee can take it to pay creditors). However, retirement accounts are exempt, and a QDRO... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for Arizona on
Q: My girlfriend has a court order detailing her ex-husbands responsibility for 100% of a medical debt.

The debt has been sent to collections and as she has no contact with her ex-husband (she has tried but he is currently a fugitive wanted by Yavapai County in Arizona) they are still hurting her credit and forcing her to pay in spite of the court order that clearly details that he is responsible for... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Aug 3, 2021

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) helps protect consumers.

https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/fair-debt-collection-practices-act-text#809

You may want to retain an attorney to represent you, and see if you can get the collection...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Florida on
Q: When you were in a car accident and you haven't settle yet, do you have to disclose the info when you are filing

chapter 7 bankruptcy

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Jun 25, 2021

Yes, any claims that existed as of the filing date of the bankruptcy is property of the estate. See Koch v National Basketball Association: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ny-supreme-court-appellate-division/1263295.html

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Florida on
Q: Senior citizen filing bankruptcy. Have no assets. Can I withdraw my Checking" account money?
Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Jun 24, 2021

Well, if you have money in a checking account, then you do have assets. If you're withdrawing $20,000 to give to your child as a gift then no, and a Trustee would sue your child. But if you're withdrawing $20 to buy groceries, that's fine. Certain assets (and you absolutely have... View More

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