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answered on Mar 24, 2024
The amount of the homestead exemption that you are entitled to claim varies from state to state. I'm a California attorney, but I looked it up on Google and it appears that you are entitled to an unlimited homestead exemption in Puerto Rico. However, before you proceed, you should consult a... View More 
This seems a long time for no action. They just keep saying they are busy.
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answered on Feb 27, 2024
Has she given them all the paperwork that they asked for? If not, she needs to provide them with everything. Next, she should ask how long it will take until it is ready to file. If you think it's taking too long, she can ask for her money back and hire another attorney. However, she should... View More
Married in 1983, My Ex-husband was extremely abusive and controlling. I finally filed for divorce in 2013, after he crushed discs in my neck and I suffered a Pulmonary Embolism 3 days after surgery. Since then he has failed to abide by the divorce agreement, has committed tax fraud 7 years after... View More
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answered on Feb 11, 2024
Obligations arising out of a divorce judgment are mostly non-dischargeable so he should not be able to get away with what you describe. You should consult a local bankruptcy attorney who can advise you on your particular situation and, if you want, represent you in challenging his bankruptcy. Most... View More
The Company I purchased the car from is Shift and my financer is Westlake Financial. Shifts headquarters are in California, I bought it in Oregon. I currently live in Washington.
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answered on Feb 9, 2024
If it's Shift that filed bankruptcy, it shouldn't affect you or your car loan. If it's Westlake Financial, it probably still will not affect you. Most likely, Westlake's contracts will likely be sold to another company. Keep making payments like you have been. If another company... View More
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answered on Feb 8, 2024
Yes, if one signer files a chapter 7, the co-signor remains liable and the creditor can pursue that person for payment. If, on the other hand the person files a chapter 13, the automatic stay protects the co-signor, as well as the primary obligor, from any and all collection efforts. Presumably,... View More
I received notice from a credit company that the person I cosigned a loan for has filed chapter 13. There is a stay in place, but once that stay is removed I will be obligated to pay off the remainder of the loan. Is there any way to avoid this debt?
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answered on Feb 3, 2024
In a chapter 13, the debtor is required to pay some or all of their debts over a 3 to 5-year period. So you should check out the proposed plan to see what percentage of the debt you cosigned on will be paid. If you are still left being held responsible for some portion of the obligation, there is... View More
I am a creditor in a class action law suit. When I check the website there is a long page that has 5 different sections that says claim nature. The first is General Unsecured. The second says Priority. The third one says Secured. The fourth says 503(b)(9) Admin Priority. The fifth says Admin... View More
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answered on Jan 25, 2024
A secured claim is one in which the creditor has a lien on as asset of the debtor, such as a mortgage or a car loan. A priority unsecured claim is generally for taxes or other administrative expenses. Most claims are general unsecured claims. While there are certain claims actions claims that might... View More
Part 2 - I'm self employed, but strictly as a contractor (Uber Driver/Door Dasher). Do not have a business license.
Amy I receiving 'commissions/tips etc.', or am I still 'operating a business'?
Part 4, question 10 - Any property 'garnished'....I... View More
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answered on Jan 22, 2024
You are a free lance worker (gig worker in today's parlance) and are self-employed. What you earn is in the nature of commissions/tips (not a very good choice but that's the best option). You do not own a business. Your Social Security number is your taxpayer identification number (EIN).... View More
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answered on Jan 22, 2024
I can think of no reason for not disclosing SNAP benefits. Disclosure is required, under penalty of perjury. If you receive SNAP benefits, your income is probably low enough that the inclusion of the benefits, as part of that income, is not going to affect your ability to file chapter 7. Under no... View More
When starting the process for bankruptcy you’re instructed to stop paying credit cards but how is the money from not paying them looked at from a bankruptcy perspective? If I stop paying my credit cards I will have an extra $1300 would the trustee take this? Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of... View More
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answered on Jan 12, 2024
Generally, when you stop paying creditors, such as credit cards, you will use the money to pay other living expenses, including attorneys fees for filing bankruptcy. In some states, including California, if you stop paying creditors, your late payment record will stay on your credit report after... View More
I have three appraisals from Kelly Blue Book, NADA and CarMax. Will court use the values from these entities or do I need to use a certified auto appraiser?
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answered on Jan 11, 2024
It depends on your trustee, but I've never had one challenge Kelly Blue Book, so don't waste your money on a more formal appraisal unless your car is in really bad shape, making it worth (in your opinion), less than the lowest blue book value. Also, so long as your equity in the car is... View More
Form 108 and redeem the vehicle. I owe more than the car is worth. I have three appraisals from Kelly Blue Book, NADA and CarMax ranging from $1200 to $1440. My check engine light is on and believe I need a new catalytic converter which would further reduce the value. Question. Will these... View More
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answered on Jan 10, 2024
If you are underwater on your car loan, as you indicate, my recommendation is that you not reaffirm your loan. Just keep making payments. If you must reaffirm it, you can negotiate with the lender on the amount due and the interest rate, but there is nothing that requires the lender to make you a... View More
I found out my tenant filed bankruptcy during a dispossessory hearing, how do I find out the case# and information
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answered on Jan 4, 2024
You can ask the tenant for it. If that doesn't work, you can go on the Bankruptcy Court's electronic filing system (www.pacer.com), register, and find it by entering the debtor's name and, if you have it, the Social Security number. That should pull up the case number and filing date... View More
I was told to contact bankruptcy lawyer. It was ordered in separation agreement and divorce, but he has not done the QDRO for me to receive my portion. Can I begin QDRO while the bankruptcy is in process? Will I lose the money? Thank you.
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answered on Dec 29, 2023
Once you receive the money, so long as you leave the money in the 401(k) (or rollover IRA) and don't withdraw it, the funds will be exempt (protected). You should consult a local attorney (preferably one with both bankruptcy and Arizona family law experience) about the timing and procedure for... View More
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answered on Dec 14, 2023
California is a community property state which means that you probably own everything and owe everything jointly. Plus the bankruptcy forms require that he include your information for purposes of his filing bankruptcy. Ask to meet with his attorney so he or she can explain the process to you.
I gave my sister my house in 2009 after purchasing a new house. We didn't do a quit claim deed then. Flash forward to today, i'm behind in my mortgage and am going to file bankruptcy. I was going to do the quit claim deed before hand to legally give her the other house, will there be... View More
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answered on Dec 14, 2023
Possibly. The bankruptcy trustee can challenge any transfer to a relative within one year prior to bankruptcy and drag the property back into the bankruptcy estate for the purpose of paying creditors. If you record a quitclaim deed within that period, it might be challenged, particularly if there... View More
This mean he is trying to add these taxes to his bankruptcy making me liable for the entire tax debt
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answered on Dec 10, 2023
Probably not. Generally, unless the taxes are more than two years overdue, taxes are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. That means that he will remain jointly liable with you. You should review his bankruptcy schedules (they are available on Pacer.com) to see if he has listed the taxes as a priority... View More
65 years old. Live in Virginia. Own home with mortgage and would keep current on payments. Own one car with no loan. No savings.
Would I be judgement proof?
My home equity is $300K. But isn’t a primary residence exempt from unsecured debt creditors?
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answered on Nov 26, 2023
Your Social Security and pension are exempt and, depending on where you live, you are eligible to claim a homestead exemption under your state law. Same with your car. If your equity is less than your homestead exemption, you are probably judgment proof. However, that will not keep your creditors... View More
property tax lien was turned in for redemption a year ago. cant get to my equity because of bad credit.
not much income, not enough time to sell the property. 10 days before the deed is handed over.
will chap 13 stop the redemption of my property and 250k equity and all my stuff... View More
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answered on Nov 25, 2023
A chapter 13 filing will stop the sale of your property immediately (the automatic stay). In order to continue with the sale, the taxing agency will need to ask the Bankruptcy Court to lift the automatic stay to proceed with the foreclosure. If you have significant equity in the property, it is... View More
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answered on Nov 23, 2023
There is a form to request the Bankruptcy Court to waive the filing fee. Check your local Bankruptcy Court website (www.uscourts.gov). They usually provide information on free legal services. You can also check upsolve.org. If it's available in your area, its services are free to those who... View More
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