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answered on Oct 15, 2024

From the facts that you give, it is likely that the statute of limitations has expired and that the creditor can no longer collect on any debt. However, if the creditor got a judgment against you, because you didn't appear, then the judgment may still be valid and collectible if and when they... View More

If a lein is on the real property records because of a prior judgment you cannot get rid of it unless you pay it off or file a Motion to avoid in bankruptcy Court to remove the lien that impairs your exemption. Often the lien does not attach because of Tenancy by entirety protections of a judgment... View More

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answered on Jun 2, 2024

You may have grounds to sue a former creditor for placing a lien on your new house, especially since your Chapter 7 bankruptcy was discharged in 2012 and the lien is affecting your ability to refinance or sell your home. A discharge in bankruptcy typically eliminates your personal liability for... View More

A creditor's attempt to collect on a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy by asserting a lien against property that was acquired after the bankruptcy would be a violation of the discharge injunction. The debtor can reopen the case and recover damages, possibly including punitives, and... View More

With the majority opinions of the US Supreme Court, despite the express wording of Section 506 of the Bankruptcy Code, the secured amount of any "perfected", i.e., validly filed, liens against a debtor's property will survive a bankruptcy discharge. The deficiencies, if any, of... View More

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answered on Mar 16, 2024

If you're in a debt relief program and have received a lawsuit notice, it's important to take this seriously. Sending the response letter provided by the program is a good first step, but it's often not enough to fully address the legal complexities of a lawsuit. If the program has... View More

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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Yes, you may have grounds to sue the debt collector for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Some key points:

- Debt collectors are prohibited from communicating information about a consumer's debt to third parties without the consumer's consent. This includes... View More

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answered on Feb 4, 2024

The protection of your tax return, including the American Opportunity Credit, in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy depends on various factors and the specific laws in your jurisdiction. Typically, tax refunds, including credits like the American Opportunity Credit, may be considered part of your bankruptcy... View More

Your tax return is something that should have been listed as an asset in your schedules and should also be protected in Schedule C. In Virginia, child tax credits and the Earned Income Tax credit are automatically protected if listed properly using the proper exemption. Any remaining portion of... View More

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answered on Nov 27, 2023

Yes, you can still file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Virginia even if your income is solely from Social Security and a pension. Chapter 13 is designed to help individuals with regular income to develop a plan to repay all or part of their debts. Given your situation, this might be a suitable... View More

Yes, social security income and a pension count as regular income for eligibility for chapter 13 relief. You should meet with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer to discuss your options. In Virginia, real estate held in a tenancy by the entireties is exempt or protected from a creditor of either... View More

Your otherwise judgment-proof periodic income should count to make you eligible for Ch. 13 relief.

A Ch. 13 plan needs to provide your creditors with the "indubitable equivalent" of the amount they'd get in a Ch. 7 proceeding, at a minimum. And at least in my PA district,... View More

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answered on Nov 27, 2023

If you stop paying unsecured debts, creditors may take legal action against you, such as filing lawsuits to recover the owed amount. However, in Virginia, Social Security benefits and pensions are generally protected from garnishment by unsecured creditors, which means your income sources might be... View More

You should talk with a bankruptcy lawyer in the state you reside. Whether you can file a ch. 7 and hang on to your house is questionable. Most states do not allow you to retain a large amount of equity. VA. looks at tenancy by entirety ownership and whether your wife is a joint creditor with you.... View More

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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

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answered on Oct 17, 2024

When you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay goes into effect immediately, stopping the foreclosure process temporarily. This gives you some breathing room to explore your options and assess your financial situation without the threat of losing your home right away.

If you have equity... View More

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answered on Oct 16, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it appears that your case is no longer active. The judgment stating "case dismissed" and "judgment vacated" typically means that the court has closed the case in your favor. Since it's been over ten years and the case has been... View More

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answered on Jul 18, 2024

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and choose to reaffirm the debt for your car, you're agreeing to continue making payments on that loan as if you hadn't filed for bankruptcy. This can help you keep the vehicle if you're able to stay current on the payments.

However,... View More

At the moment you file for bankruptcy relief, regardless of Chapter, an automatic stay against any action against you or your (the Estate's) property is estopped, and usually courts say "of no legal effect".

But the key to what happens thereafter hinges upon whether the... View More

Your residency is more where you intend to reside as where you actually spend time. There is a legal footprint of your residency. Where you vote, where you keep most of your assets, what you give out as your address, driver's license, car registrations. I think you confuse the issue of where... View More