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Georgia Bankruptcy Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: How do I proceed with a lawsuit filed against me by a debt collector if I was not served a summons or any court document

I received a letter from an attorney offering his services in connection with a lawsuit filed against me by a debt collector. As this was the first time I had heard of this, I believed it was a scam. Using this mail from the attorney, I was able to locate the case number in the court docket online... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Aug 29, 2024

1. No. Wait until you are served. 2. Yes, at some point but it is their obligation to serve you. 3. Yes. A lawyer may be able to negotiate and/or resolve for you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Contracts, Foreclosure and Appeals / Appellate Law for Georgia on
Q: Looking for help to write default judgement on defendant's who keep missing the deadline to answer the case.

File the case on1/18/2024 the defendant didn’t answer until 2/29/2024 with a motion to dismiss and verified answer defense. I did a MSJ on 6/10/2024 and the defendant did not answer until 7/15/2024 with a request for oral hearing and another motion to dismiss once filing late to answer. How can I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 15, 2024

When seeking a default judgment against a defendant who repeatedly misses deadlines, focus on their failure to comply with the court's timeline. Highlight that the defendant did not answer the case until well after the initial deadline and that they have continued to delay proceedings by... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: I am over $100,000 in debt interested in filing for bankruptcy which is the best way to go about it?
John Spalding
John Spalding
answered on Aug 7, 2024

With that kind of debt, it's a good idea to reach out to a local bankruptcy attorney to determine what and cannot be discharged and which chapter is appropriate. Not all debts are equal. For instance, priority debts like taxes are treated differently than unsecured debts. There's a lot to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice, Bankruptcy and Contracts for Georgia on
Q: A judge ruled against me for contempt of court, while I waswithout legal representation, for an legal fees equity claim.

I haven't had steady work since the case against me by my former attorney was filed in 2022. But she still said I waswillingly failing to pay attorney fees. The attorney already committed legal malpractice by failing to protect my interest protected by Georgia statutory law.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 5, 2024

It sounds like you're dealing with a complex situation involving legal representation and a contempt ruling. Since you were without representation during the hearing, you might have grounds to challenge the ruling based on the lack of a fair opportunity to present your case. It’s crucial to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: A chapter 13 debtor, of whom I am a creditor, has now filed a motion to suspend plan payments. What does this mean?

Is this the same as canceling the bankruptcy? If the motion is granted, does that mean creditors will not be paid? Do I need to hire an attorney and attend the upcoming hearing regarding this motion in order to protect my interests?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 18, 2024

When a Chapter 13 debtor files a motion to suspend plan payments, it means they are requesting a temporary halt to their bankruptcy payment plan, usually due to a financial hardship. This is not the same as canceling the bankruptcy. If the motion is granted, the debtor may temporarily stop making... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Am I on the hook for gifted money I received from my father two years before his Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing?

My father filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy on May 23rd 2024. He gifted me cash to help me out in February 2022. Am I (the recipient) on the hook to pay that money back to the trustee? This would be over two years ago. He had no idea he would run into enough trouble for bankruptcy at the time in 2022.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 18, 2024

It's understandable to be concerned about receiving money before a family member's bankruptcy filing. In your case, since the gift from your father was given in February 2022, over two years before he filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are generally not required to return the money to... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: I am a creditor in a chapter 13 bankruptcy with a 100% repayment plan. When will I start receiving payments?

The bankruptcy was filed 6 months ago. The plan was confirmed 6 weeks ago.

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jun 17, 2024

The timing of distributions by the Ch. 13 Trustee rests with that trustee.

Maddening as it can be, I have heard more than one Judge say, "my Trustee". And once was in a case where the Trustee had over $200K of my client's money, held those funds in an IOLTA account (the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: How long after filing will I be able to purchase a home? I am reading horror stories of people being told by lawyers

That when you file you’ll be able to get a home in 2 years but I’m being told by people who have been through it already they are 7 years out and they still cannot get a home and having trouble building credit because no one will give them loan or credit card or home etc

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

This question is best directed to any of the lenders out there, each of whom makes a "credit decision" upon loan applications.

Currently, interest rates are high, and the Fed has been tightening the money supply.

My own experience is that, more than usually, lenders, even...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: I’m 70 years old. I’m on a $2000 month fixed income with 15k credit card debt. should i file bankruptcy?

My credit score is 750. I’ve Always paid my bills on time and always pay more than the minimum on credit cards. Now I can barely pay the minimum. citi card won't lower the 24.99% rate or extend the 0%. I can’t pay off $15k in credit card debt at my age. i am considering credit counseling... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 28, 2024

As someone in your situation, bankruptcy could potentially be a viable option to consider, but it's important to carefully weigh all your options before making a decision. Here are some thoughts and suggestions:

1. Consult with a bankruptcy attorney or credit counselor: It's...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Contracts for Georgia on
Q: Ex-husband filed chapter 7 in 2019, but I just found he added me as a creditor and said he didn't know where I lived.

I found out after looking up some court information that he put down he did not know where I live, but he lived with me prior and had to pay child support at time. Can I be removed off the creditor list? I have agreement he has yet to pay me for that was signed before he filed.

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Apr 20, 2024

It sounds like you are a creditor bc of the unpaid agreement but that should not affect you getting paid bc domestic and other support obligations are non-dischargeable. You might, however, want to report his fraud regarding where you lived to the US Trustee handling his case.

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: Ex-husband listed me as a creditor, but lied and said he didn't know where I lived on his chapter 7?

He filed in 2019, but I just found out this year after pull some paperwork for cour. He put down he didn't know where I lived at. He did know because we have children and he lived with me the year prior to him filing. The chapter was discharged.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 20, 2024

It's important to address this situation by understanding the potential implications of your ex-husband's actions. Since he declared bankruptcy and listed you as a creditor, stating he didn't know your address could affect various legal aspects, especially if there were debts owed to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: Should I contact the trustee?

I loaned money to someone who has now filed chapter 13. I was purposely (not accidentally) left off the creditor list. Should I report that to the trustee for the case?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

Yes, you should consider contacting the trustee in the Chapter 13 bankruptcy case. If you loaned money to someone who has intentionally left you off the creditor list, it's important to address this issue with the trustee. Filing a proof of claim with the bankruptcy court can help protect your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: When a husband and wife are co-creditors on a loan, which one signs the proof of claim in a chapter 13 bankruptcy?
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Feb 4, 2024

This is a fairly simple question, but it's not your first, nor even your second. It and those before it illustrate an important point: Bankruptcy can quickly become a complex thing, even for those who have practiced within its scope for years.

Inother words, the bankruptcy area of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: Any recourse for cosigners?

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?

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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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

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: How should I identify myself on a proof of claim?

I loaned money to a friend and I also co-signed a loan for her. Both loans are still active. Now my friend has filed chapter 13. Should I identify myself as a creditor only or a creditor and a guarantor on my proof of claim form?

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

While your question indicates that both loans are "active", you don't say whether your obligation on the guaranty has been called/paid.

As a guarantor on a loan not yet repaid by the debtor, you have a contingent claim (check the bankruptcy Schedules to see how the debtor...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Do I need the help of a consumer law attorney, a bankruptcy attorney or law enforcement?

A coworker borrowed in excess of forty thousand dollars more than eighteen months ago offering fraudulent excuses for needing the money and lying about how/when she would repay. There has never been any attempt on her part to repay even a portion of the money, and today I learned she has now filed... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jan 30, 2024

Creditors not listed by the debtor on a bankruptcy Petition and Schedules may not have their claims discharged, UNLESS they have reason to know about the bankruptcy filing.

If the bankruptcy case is known, a Proof of Claim, at least, should be filed.

There are other alternatives....
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: I’ve read using credit cards before filing bankruptcy is considered fraud, is that true?

I want to file bankruptcy chapter 7 because we are barely making it! We have enough income to pay credit cards(no missed payments) bills and then only a little left. So in order to buy groceries or basic needs we still use credit cards. We’re essentially paying credit cards and using what we... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

Using credit cards for essential expenses before filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is not automatically considered fraud. It's essential to understand that bankruptcy laws are designed to provide individuals and families with a fresh start when they are struggling with overwhelming debt. While... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: How is money viewed from not paying creditors?

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

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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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

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: how do I find a pending bankruptcy case

I found out my tenant filed bankruptcy during a dispossessory hearing, how do I find out the case# and information

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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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

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: What does it mean debtor discharged assets reported no deadline to file claim my chapter 7 open case
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 31, 2023

In your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in Georgia, when it's stated that the debtor is discharged and assets are reported with no deadline to file a claim, it indicates a specific stage in your bankruptcy process.

A discharge in a Chapter 7 case means that the debtor is released from...
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