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Questions Answered by Michael Francis Barrett
5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Ohio on
Q: I have filed chapter 7 pro se and the trustee is about to take action to sell my inherited property

I thought chapter 7 protected the property but the trustee says he will use the finance from the sale to pay my debts. The will was not put through probate court in 2016 when I received the wills. Based on this information, what remedy do I have?

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Jun 30, 2021

Conversion to Chapter 13 is a possible option. No one online will really be able to tell you what the best answer is because this is a complex matter that you must discuss in detail with an attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: Will a transfer of property to my children 8 months prior to filing Chapter 7 be a problem?

I owned an undivided 1/2 interest in my ex-husband's property from our divorce 15 years ago. I gifted it to my children 8 months ago so that it wouldn't have to go through probate at my death. Will this be a problem if I file for Chapter 7? I received no money and own no other property.

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Feb 4, 2021

That is likely to be a problem as it will probably be considered a "fraudulent transfer". Speak to a local bankruptcy attorney for possible solutions, as there may still be a way for you to file that doesn't cause a problem for you or your children.

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy on
Q: How can I continue paying for mortg, car loan, bills, in Ch. 7 case, if I must have less than $300 in checking account?

Per Arizona law, I cannot hold more than $300 in cash or checking account, without declaring it trustee. I will keep the home due to homestead law and car loan as well, but due to loss of job I may have to sell another car to keep bills current. How this money for bills and food can be exempt and... View More

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Aug 25, 2020

Properly timing the date of filing your case can be key to ensuring that you do not unnecessarily lose assets in the bankruptcy. Your attorney should be able to guide you through this. If you do not have an attorney, this is one of many reasons why you should obtain one.

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: Ch 13/60 months.During plan rec’d bonuses. Do I have to go the full 60m or will it stop once I hit the base plan value
Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Aug 25, 2020

The answer often depends on your local practice. If your plan is not paying 100% to unsecured creditors, an increase in income may be a basis for you to pay more through your plan. Check with your attorney (or if you filed without one, call around for one) before making any extra payment not... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Florida on
Q: What happens on credit report if you keep making mortgage payments on chapter 7? I no longer see my mortgage at all

Not only don't I see my mortgage being reported on my credit, it's completely wiped out as if it's paid??? I have Wells Fargo and have never been late

Is it better to have a Reaffirmation Agreement? Is it the same to have as not to have one, other then without it never gets... View More

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Jul 14, 2020

Creditors do not have to report to the credit bureaus. If you didn't reaffirm the mortgage, you aren't personally liable on the debt, and the mortgage company generally would stop reporting. The mortgage company retains its lien and you must continue paying to avoid foreclosure.

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Oregon on
Q: Can I bankrupt one item from my credit - an eviction?

An ex and I signed a lease for an apartment 2016, 3 months before the year was up we had to move out of state and didn't have the money to pay the rest of the lease. Of course there is an eviction on my credit (and probably his too). He and I broke up due to abuse and I have no idea where he... View More

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Jul 9, 2020

You cannot file for bankruptcy on only one debt - all of your debts must be listed and are affected. You may want to consider seeing a debt settlement attorney in your area, perhaps you can work out a favorable settlement on this one debt.

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Request Property manager to take down Black Lives Matter signs in store

I have been attacked by this group and am seeing a doctor for tranquilizers do to trama. Can I suit IC if they do not remove them

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Jun 26, 2020

No, they have a right to display such signs.

1 Answer | Asked in Uncategorized for New York on
Q: Hi I'm looking into closing or transferring money from my ex husbands 403B. Need expert advice please.

Was married 9 years while the 403B was collecting. Was told I needed a lawyer to begin the process.

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Nov 4, 2019

Assuming your judgment of divorce or settlement agreement awards you a share of the 403(b) account, you will likely need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to receive your funds. Seek out an attorney in your local area who handles QDROs.

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for New York on
Q: How can I find out if a lawyer is licenced in New York State
Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Nov 4, 2019

Visit the New York State Unified Court System website, and search the attorney directory.

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: I live in NY state, and am in the process of getting divorced, is a loan from my 401K in my name that was deposited...

in a joint account the responsibility of both spouses? What I am asking is my spouse that I am divorcing also responsible for the remaining balance, maybe the original balance since all payments of the loan to date have been taken out of my paycheck. The loan was used by both parties for home... View More

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Nov 4, 2019

If the 401(k) is a marital asset to be divided, the loan balance could be taken into account when dividing the 401(k) (so as to reduce your spouse's share of the 401(k)).

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law on
Q: Can my mom be sued on a CC bill?

My mom has gotten deeply indebted to Discover CC mostly by them tacking on about $500.00 a month in interest. She is 80 years old and on social security. She has paid them thousands and thousands trying to get this paid for years. They just keep tacking on the interest and have driven up the total... View More

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Oct 18, 2017

She can be sued, the question will be whether the creditor will be able to collect anything from her. That will depend largely on what assets she has, and her state's laws. Consider seeing an attorney to determine whether she can be considered "judgment proof".

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: Am I supposed to be legally separated for a year before I can get a divorce from my husband?
Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Sep 29, 2017

No, while that is one of the grounds for divorce, nearly all divorces now proceed under the so-called "no-fault" ground of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage over the past 6 months. You do not need to first get a separation to begin the divorce process.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Small Claims for New York on
Q: I make payments on my girlfriends truck out of my account.

Payments were made from my sole account. After we broke up , she now wants to surrender the truck to the lender (loan in her name). Can I take her to small claims court to recoup the monies paid towards the loan as I now have equity in the vehicle ?

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Sep 22, 2017

Unless you made an agreement regarding those payments with your ex, and you can prove it, you likely won't have any claim.

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Illinois on
Q: Husband and I are looking to file ch7 in IL. Is there repercussion if we use one of our $0 balance credit cards now?

If we are going to file, does it matter if we have to use a card with no balance to make purchases prior to filing? Do they look at what/where things were purchased recently?

For instance, if someone were to go out and purchase a brand new computer on a credit card a day before they file... View More

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Sep 22, 2017

If you make a purchase with no intent to repay it, the creditor can make a case against you for fraud. In the bankruptcy context, this means that the creditor may be able to have that debt declared nondischargeable, or you could be denied your discharge entirely.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for New York on
Q: In New York is a divorced parent legally required to continue paying child support for an adult disabled child?

In New York is a divorced parent legally required to continue paying child support for an adult disabled child (autistic and unable to care for himself) ?

The child turns 18 this year and he lives with his mother who was legally granted guardianship.

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Sep 20, 2017

Child support in New York State continues through age 21, unless it can be shown that the child is emancipated. Clearly, emancipation is not a factor in your situation. Unless you signed an agreement that provides otherwise, your child support obligation will continue until he turns 21.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Health Care Law, Social Security and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: I am looking for a Power of attorney wherein my husband doesn't have to sign or have any knowledge

It has to be for New York State and it has to be for anything and everything that has his name on it. You, see, he has a pension and some inheritance that my name is not on it.

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Sep 20, 2017

You cannot obtain a power of attorney on someone without their knowledge.

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Ohio on
Q: How much to retain atty for bankruptcy

I own zero property and cars dbt is 20year old bout 15000

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Sep 15, 2017

The costs of bankruptcy vary, even in a specific geographic area. You should contact bankruptcy attorneys in your area to request an estimate of their fees. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" tab on this site, or you can search on the NACBA (National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Kansas on
Q: Should I file for bankruptcy before or after getting an apartment?

After our house sells, my wife and I will be divorcing. I have to obviously get an apartment, but I will have to file bankruptcy most likely after we split. A lot of debt that causes me to live paycheck to paycheck as it is now with 2 incomes. My questions are should I file before or after getting... View More

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Sep 15, 2017

Whether the amount of your housing expense will have an impact in your potential bankruptcy case can be determined by a full evaluation of your income vs. expenses. There is no one answer. It is not too early to seek a bankruptcy attorney who can guide you at this stage.

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Tennessee on
Q: Can I file bankruptcy on loans made to me from a Finance Company? I think its around $15,000. Or go with debt cons?

I have a few Finance company loans with outrageous interest I need help deciding between bankruptcy or consolidating?? I have 1 income 4 kids I work full time and bring home around $700 weekly. I do have a car payment I wouldn't want to put that in with the bankruptcy or debt cons. If I filed... View More

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Sep 15, 2017

The best way to resolve your confusion is to make an appointment with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer in your area. Many bankruptcy lawyers offer free consultations. Bankruptcy does not ruin you financially for life, many individuals who file are able to reestablish their credit relatively... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for New York on
Q: My ex recently gave up the two boys she gave them to me how do I go about getting the support stopped

They've been living with me on September 10th of 2017 there are already registered for school they start at school September 11th of 2017

Michael Francis Barrett
Michael Francis Barrett
answered on Sep 14, 2017

You should file a support modification petition in the Family Court, the sooner the better. Forms should be available at the court, and also online at the New York State Unified Court System website. You probably want to file a custody/visitation modification petition as well.

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