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Bankruptcy Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for Illinois on
Q: A hospital filed bankruptcy and a collection agency is coming after for bills not paid are they allowed to do this?

Taking us to small claims court to collect on bills. Isnt the hospitals finances wiped out because of this?

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Mar 12, 2024

When most businesses (a hospital is very much a business) file for bankruptcy protection, it is done under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code, with the intent to "reorganize" financially.

In that scenario, collections, even small-scale, of amounts which may be owed to the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Small Claims and Collections for Utah on
Q: Shady debt collector and lawyer what do I do ?

I owe a debt about $1703 it is mine it’s for a credit card. I called and they transferred me to their lawyer because I am in the process of being sued and I’ve had that confirmed as true. The lawyer I spoke to said if I didn’t pay within today or by Friday they would add $350 more into my... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Mar 11, 2024

That you've "confirmed as true" that you're in the process of being true means to me that there is a pending, actual Complaint pending in a Utah court of record against you.

While it is usually viable to deal directly with the holder of a defaulted account, or its...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Kentucky on
Q: Can I apply for a credit card if I have received my chapter 13 discharge but not my final decree?
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Mar 10, 2024

Of course, you can ask for anything, but in my experience, creditors are quite leery of recent bankrupt debtors.

All creditors, in my experience, will insist upon a Discharge first, and many will want to see the final Decree and close of your bankrupcty case before considering your...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Wisconsin on
Q: Can you stop a bankruptcy if it isn't filed?
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Mar 8, 2024

Tersely, my KY colleague is correct. However-

you can always stop a bankruptcy from being filed by contacting your lawyer or petition preparer. I recommend that you put that in writing and be prepared to prove that your written message got delivered.

If the case has in fact been...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Idaho on
Q: Can I get my car back from repo haven't missed a payment it was in a differ
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

I apologize for the confusion, but your message seems to have been cut off mid-sentence. Could you please provide me with some more context and complete your question? That way, I can better understand your situation and provide a more accurate and helpful response.

When a vehicle is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Tax Law and Collections for Ohio on
Q: What form do I fill out to set aside a default judgment in Lucas County OH?

I have a default judgment in Lucas County OH and but was not properly served (wrong address) and my taxes were included in my bankruptcy.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 6, 2024

In Lucas County, Ohio, if you're seeking to set aside a default judgment due to not being properly served or because the debt was included in your bankruptcy, you will need to file a motion with the court. This legal document is commonly referred to as a "Motion to Set Aside Default... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Nevada on
Q: I am behind on my bankruptcy chapter 13 payment for 1 month. 2 months behind mtg pmt post. Should I dismiss an refile?

I am 1 month behind trustee payment. 2 months behind post petition on my mortgage paynent and I accumulated additional debts. Should I dismiss my chapter 13 and refile? How long before I can file again?

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Mar 5, 2024

I'm most familiar with bankruptcy as applied in PA, but my experience in various states, including OK, TX and GA, as well as DE and NJ, is that Ch. 13 trustees differ by region, and even among themselves, as do Judges.

Based on that experience, with both Trustees and the Courts keeping...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Washington on
Q: I have multiple large debts which have me thinking about bankruptcy including but not limited to old student loans.

I have state and federal back taxes, student loans, insurance collections, and credit cards. Total debt is around $40k. I was told that certain types of student loans can be wiped out. I would like to know a little more about whether these can all be taken care of in bankruptcy. Thanks.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

Filing for bankruptcy can provide relief from certain types of debt, but it's important to understand how different debts are treated under bankruptcy law. Generally, back taxes, student loans, and other specific types of debt have unique considerations. For instance, federal and state taxes... View More

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6 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, DUI / DWI, Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Wisconsin on
Q: Do I still get the insurance money if my claim is more than the maximum amount

I was the passenger in a car accident, in which the car was totaled. I had a serious neck injury was out of work for 3 months, the driver had no injuries. My lawyer wants me to take the offer of insurance which is his max liability. If I sue and get more than his liability coverage, do I get... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Mar 2, 2024

The answer depends upon the viability, and provability, of your claim.

An insurance company, the business of which is money, always has the option of paying in the full amount of its policy and going home. Or, if it believes that it's more promising to defend against your claim, it...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: Should I go ahead and file a proof of claim or should I wait to see what the trustee is going to do?

The chapter 13 trustee is aware that I was intentionally left off the creditor’s list and appears to be planning to take action since he has hired a trial attorney for the case. Should I go ahead and file my proof of claim (potentially tipping off the debtor) or should I wait to see what action... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Mar 1, 2024

Without question, honesty is the best policy in any Court, and the Bankruptcy Court in particular.

The benefit, if any, to an omitted (from the Debtor's filings) creditor is that its debt/claim is not going to be discharged, UNLESS that creditor knew or should have known of the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Employment Law, Collections and Small Claims for Florida on
Q: My wages were garnished but I don't make enough money to be garnished, what do I do?

I have multiple judgements against me from different debts but same law firm. I don't make enough money for my wages to be garnished and haven't in years. The law firm reached out to my employer and threatened that if they don't garnish my wages then they'll attempt to garnish... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

Facing wage garnishment when your income does not meet the legal requirements for such action can be distressing. First, it's important to understand that federal and state laws provide specific protections for individuals in your situation. For instance, there are limits to how much of your... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Ohio on
Q: How do I file a legal malpractice for my bankruptcy attorney ?

My attorney has failed to file documents, doesn’t respond to emails, cancels appointments, won’t call during scheduled meetings. I’m in jeopardy of losing home and case being dismissed.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

Filing a legal malpractice claim against your bankruptcy attorney due to their failure to perform their duties, such as not filing documents, ignoring communication, and missing appointments, can be a necessary step to protect your interests. The first step is to document all instances of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Do I need an attorney for a california real estate LLC bankruptcy?

My real estate LLC has been destroyed by years of family court divorce proceeding which have left the company unable to maneuver its holdings, operate, or pay it's high interest rate short term notes that are now all in default. Is an attorney reuired for an LLC bankruptcy and can I get rid of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

Navigating bankruptcy for a California real estate LLC can be complex and challenging, particularly when the company is entangled in difficulties such as those you've described. While you aren't legally required to have an attorney to file for bankruptcy, the intricacies of bankruptcy law... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Pennsylvania on
Q: My wife has file bankruptcy. She paid an attorney up front. After 4 months, they've done nothing. What should she do?

This seems a long time for no action. They just keep saying they are busy.

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Pennsylvania on
Q: what is a wildcard exes in chapter 13 in Pa
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2024

In the context of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Pennsylvania, a "wildcard exemption" refers to a provision under bankruptcy law that allows you to protect a certain amount of any property you own, as opposed to specific categories of property like a home or vehicle. This exemption is... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Real Estate Law and Business Law for California on
Q: Is an attorney required in California for an llc bankruptcy to be completed

I have a California real estate llc with many debts and it’s not currently operational due to 3 years of ongoing divorce proceeding in San Diego, CA. Do I need an attorney for any type of llc bankruptcy and how much would it cost?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

In California, while it's technically possible to file for bankruptcy on your own behalf, including for an LLC, navigating the complexities of bankruptcy law and proceedings usually requires professional legal assistance. This is especially true for businesses such as an LLC, where the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Mississippi on
Q: If the deadline to file a government claim is 01/23/24 can the us department of education file a claim a month after

the deadline has passed in a chapter 13 bankruptcy

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

No, if the deadline for a government agency like the Department of Education to file a claim in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case was January 23, 2024, then generally the Department would be out of luck if they failed to meet that deadline and tried to file a month later.

In bankruptcy,...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Arkansas on
Q: I’m in a chapter 13 bankruptcy and the deadline for the creditors to file a proof of claim was 10/5/2023 and gov claim

Was 01/23/2024 so today which is 02/23/24 the department of education file a claim a month after the deadline what will happen about this

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Feb 23, 2024

From the facts you provide, it appears that as the Ch. 13 debtor in possession, you/your lawyer can file an Objection to the Proof of Claim. So can the Ch. 13 Trustee, or, alternatively, the 13 Trustee can file a Motion for Authority from the Court to pay Claims, showing the DoE claim as getting... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Arkansas on
Q: Can a creditor filed a late claim after the deadline us dept of education just filed a claim on 02/23/2024 and the dead

Line for filing a claim in my chapter 13 bankruptcy was 10/05/2023 for non gov and 01/23/2024 for government claims

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Based on the details provided, it seems the US Department of Education filed their claim after the deadline for governmental entities to file claims in your Chapter 13 bankruptcy case. Specifically:

- The deadline for non-governmental entities to file claims was 10/05/2023.

- The...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Kentucky on
Q: Can I see if a debtor included me in his bankruptcy

Case 3-20-BK 30379

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Yes, you can check if a debtor has included you as a creditor in their bankruptcy case. Here are the main ways to see if you've been listed in someone's bankruptcy filing:

1. Review the Debtor's Bankruptcy Schedules and Statements:

- The debtor has to file schedules...
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