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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: I'm not sure if I should claim bankruptcy. I have just over $16,000 in credit card debt, also I'm paying on my car.

I'm on disability. So I get a check for $1,558 at the first of any month. My rent takes up most of that it's $788 a month. Do you think bankruptcy is right for me? Thank you

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jun 10, 2024

My NY colleague's answer is correct, as far as it goes.

To declare bankruptcy over just $16K is at the low end of debt issues, and may well be solved by lesser means. Most credit card issuers are pretty savvy, and will offer some altered payout/discount for you.

You can only...
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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: I'm not sure if I should claim bankruptcy. I have just over $16,000 in credit card debt, also I'm paying on my car.

I'm on disability. So I get a check for $1,558 at the first of any month. My rent takes up most of that it's $788 a month. Do you think bankruptcy is right for me? Thank you

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2024

Based on the information provided, it's difficult to give a definitive answer on whether bankruptcy is the best option for you. However, here are some points to consider:

1. Income vs. expenses: Analyze your monthly income and expenses to determine if you have any disposable income to...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: How does a large lump sum of SSDI back pay effect filing for bankruptcy?

My aunt was finally approved for SSDI at the end of 2023 and started receiving monthly payments in January 2024. She hasn't worked in 10 years and SSD is her only source of income (there's no pension, no IRA, no anything else). Her savings are long gone and she's been living on... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 5, 2024

In general, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, including lump sum back payments, are protected from creditors during bankruptcy proceedings. This protection is provided under federal law, specifically the Social Security Act, which exempts these benefits from bankruptcy estates... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: How does a large lump sum of SSDI back pay effect filing for bankruptcy?

My aunt was finally approved for SSDI at the end of 2023 and started receiving monthly payments in January 2024. She hasn't worked in 10 years and SSD is her only source of income (there's no pension, no IRA, no anything else). Her savings are long gone and she's been living on... View More

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Jun 5, 2024

Most disability payments are exempted from inclusion in the bankruptcy estate and thus protected under the Social Security Act. Additionally, on the state level (thus potentially obviating the need to file bankruptcy), the New York Exempt Income Protection Act exempts disability payments from... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Chapter 7 bankruptcy over 10 years ago. Safe from any personal lawsuits? Or is statue of limitations involved?

Filed chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013. 2024 have a personal injury lawsuit small award, can the bankruptcy court take it? It was Discharged in 2013.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 28, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it is unlikely that the bankruptcy court would be able to take the small award from your 2024 personal injury lawsuit. Here's why:

1. Timing: You filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013, and the bankruptcy was discharged the same year. The personal...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Chapter 7 bankruptcy over 10 years ago. Safe from any personal lawsuits? Or is statue of limitations involved?

Filed chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013. 2024 have a personal injury lawsuit small award, can the bankruptcy court take it? It was Discharged in 2013.

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on May 28, 2024

My colleague, Mr. Siegel, is right as far as he goes, but,

a bankruptcy discharge works holders of claims that existed prior to the bankruptcy filing, not those that happened afterward. And, the bankruptcy discharge works on claimants named by you as the debtor in the bankruptcy. If, for...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Do you have to report social security benefits in Chapter 7 filing?

My mother is a senior with credit card debt and is essentially judgment proof because she only receives pension and social security, no other income or assets. Do social security benefits get reported in Chapter 7 filing papers in NY?

Martin E. Long
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answered on Apr 19, 2024

Social Security Benefits are included monthly income in Schedule I but are excluded from the Means Test. The Means Test is the initial threshold for determining Chapter 7 qualification. Her pension would be included in the Means Test. Chapter 7 gives peace of mind to an elderly person who does not... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Do you have to report social security benefits in Chapter 7 filing?

My mother is a senior with credit card debt and is essentially judgment proof because she only receives pension and social security, no other income or assets. Do social security benefits get reported in Chapter 7 filing papers in NY?

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Apr 16, 2024

You do report Social security on schedule I and the means test but it does not count toward the means test result. Pension income gets reported on both and does count. Speak to an attorney to decide whether filing is beneficial.

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Do you have to report social security benefits in Chapter 7 filing?

My mother is a senior with credit card debt and is essentially judgment proof because she only receives pension and social security, no other income or assets. Do social security benefits get reported in Chapter 7 filing papers in NY?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 19, 2024

When filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York, it is necessary to report all sources of income, including Social Security benefits. This is crucial for providing a complete financial picture, even though Social Security income is generally protected from being claimed by creditors under federal... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Do you have to report social security benefits in Chapter 7 filing?

My mother is a senior with credit card debt and is essentially judgment proof because she only receives pension and social security, no other income or assets. Do social security benefits get reported in Chapter 7 filing papers in NY?

Michael O'Leary
Michael O'Leary
answered on Apr 16, 2024

Social Security benefits do not have to be included in your Means Test. These benefits should be listed in Schedule I (Income) of your bankruptcy petition, but the entire amount can be "backed out" on Schedule J (Expenses), as 42 USC 407 makes it clear that Social Security benefits have... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Bankruptcy and Employment Law for New York on
Q: I am wondering if I can sue my employer for negligent infliction of emotional distress. I'm near Ontario County NY

I have a loan out thru my retirement. My employer didn't make the appropriate payroll deduction to pay my loan payment and the loan went into default. I can no longer borrow against this loan which has forced me to do a bankruptcy. This has caused me extreme emotional distress.. I have been to... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 19, 2024

Sorry to hear what happened to you. In New York, you can only recover for negligent infliction of emotional distress where the behavior in question is extreme and outrageous. An actuarial error relating to your payroll deduction likely does not likely qualify.

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Bankruptcy and Employment Law for New York on
Q: I am wondering if I can sue my employer for negligent infliction of emotional distress. I'm near Ontario County NY

I have a loan out thru my retirement. My employer didn't make the appropriate payroll deduction to pay my loan payment and the loan went into default. I can no longer borrow against this loan which has forced me to do a bankruptcy. This has caused me extreme emotional distress.. I have been to... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm sorry for your ordeal. It's difficult to say with certainty whether the consequences you suffered from the payroll deduction would present the basis for a strong case. Although it's clear that you suffered here, and such damages are always part of the recovery inventory in a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Bankruptcy and Employment Law for New York on
Q: I am wondering if I can sue my employer for negligent infliction of emotional distress. I'm near Ontario County NY

I have a loan out thru my retirement. My employer didn't make the appropriate payroll deduction to pay my loan payment and the loan went into default. I can no longer borrow against this loan which has forced me to do a bankruptcy. This has caused me extreme emotional distress.. I have been to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 23, 2024

In New York, an employee may be able to sue their employer for negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) if the employer's negligent actions caused the employee to suffer severe emotional distress. However, succeeding in such a claim can be challenging, as you would need to prove the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: I am in NY. In 8/19 a credit card debt lawsuit was filed against me. Last month a judgement was filed.

I have received no correspondence and do not recall the initial lawsuit notification. Is the statue of limitations up? I saw that NY went from 6 years to 3 years. What are my options?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I understand your concern about the credit card debt lawsuit and judgment. Here's some information that may help:

1. Statute of limitations: In 2022, New York reduced the statute of limitations for consumer credit card debt from 6 years to 3 years. However, this change only applies to...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: I am in NY. In 8/19 a credit card debt lawsuit was filed against me. Last month a judgement was filed.

I have received no correspondence and do not recall the initial lawsuit notification. Is the statue of limitations up? I saw that NY went from 6 years to 3 years. What are my options?

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Apr 15, 2024

The statute of limitations runs from when a cause of action accrues to when a complaint upon that cause of action may be commenced. If they have a judgment, your right to raise that as a defense now is likely waived.

You may want to speak to an attorney about the implications of the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation and Collections for New York on
Q: Do any lawyers here handle Traverse Hearings? Dutchess County New York

A process server only made one attempt to personally serve me and gave a complaint and summons meant for me to an individual at my old address and this person threw the paperwork in the trash. I was never served and wasn't aware of a case against me until after a judgement had already been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2024

In situations like yours, finding a legal professional with experience in Traverse Hearings is crucial, particularly in Dutchess County, New York. These hearings are specifically designed to examine the process and validity of service in legal proceedings, which seems to be the crux of your issue.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation and Collections for New York on
Q: Do any lawyers here handle Traverse Hearings? Dutchess County New York

A process server only made one attempt to personally serve me and gave a complaint and summons meant for me to an individual at my old address and this person threw the paperwork in the trash. I was never served and wasn't aware of a case against me until after a judgement had already been... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 17, 2024

It looks like you were alert in investigating the judgment. On your inquiry about attorneys who handle traverse hearings, attorneys here can't respond to you with offers of representation. The format is limited to Q & A, unlike attorney referral sites. But in addition to your own online... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: My question is in chapter 11 how come being a creditor, there are 6 sections for claim nature and all can be different?

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

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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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

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: My question is in chapter 11 how come being a creditor, there are 6 sections for claim nature and all can be different?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

In a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, different types of claims are categorized based on their legal nature and priority. This categorization affects how claims are treated and the order in which they are paid.

"General Unsecured" claims are typically debts that don't have...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: I am a 100% Disabled Veteran that has filed bankruptcy under Chapter 13. I have questions about the filing and error

When my case was filed neither I nor my attorney were aware of the Haven Act. I would like to know if this can be corrected.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

The HAVEN Act, which affects how veterans' disability benefits are treated in bankruptcy cases, is a significant piece of legislation for veterans like yourself. If your Chapter 13 bankruptcy case was filed without considering the HAVEN Act, it's possible to address this oversight.... View More

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