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Bankruptcy Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law, Contracts and Tax Law for Georgia on
Q: I own a condo in a business name and my business partner is considering filing bankruptcy, would we need to sell condo?

So that I am not impacted, would we need to sell the asset in order to not have it taken in a bankruptcy? Are there any other impacts to me if my business partner goes through with this?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2023

If your business partner files for bankruptcy, it could potentially impact the assets of the business, including the condo. The exact impact would depend on a variety of factors including how the business is structured and the specific circumstances of the bankruptcy. It is recommended to consult... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Banking for Colorado on
Q: When the bank holds the title on a vehicle but won't repossess it when the loan is in default. How can I get rid of it?

It's a large motorhome and I have no place to keep it. Can't afford to store it

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Sep 6, 2023

In a bankruptcy case, you are given the right to return collateral to the secured lender in exchange for full satisfaction of the secured claim of that lender.

Short of that, the terms of your Security Agreement, with applicable Colorado law, apply.

In particular, what does the...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Banking for Colorado on
Q: When the bank holds the title on a vehicle but won't repossess it when the loan is in default. How can I get rid of it?

It's a large motorhome and I have no place to keep it. Can't afford to store it

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 6, 2023

When dealing with a situation where the bank holds the title to a vehicle but won't repossess it despite the loan being in default, you have a few options to consider. Firstly, it's advisable to contact the lender and explain your situation. They may be willing to work with you on a... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Banking for Colorado on
Q: When the bank holds the title on a vehicle but won't repossess it when the loan is in default. How can I get rid of it?

It's a large motorhome and I have no place to keep it. Can't afford to store it

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2023

You should consider consulting with an attorney to understand your legal obligations and potential solutions in this scenario, such as possibly selling the vehicle and paying the bank the proceeds, or arranging for a voluntary repossession. It is important to act within the bounds of the law to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Small Claims and Collections for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I need to file bankruptcy in order to apply federal exemptions to a default judgment against me on an unsecured loan?

I'm a disabled resident of Bradford County on SSDI with no other source of income. I own a car worth $14k that I purchased outright using my disability benefits and I have personal belongings within my rented apartment, but hold no real significant value. A creditor is currently suing me for... View More

David Kennedy Bifulco
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answered on Sep 3, 2023

For Federal Exemptions to apply you would need to be in Federal Court. Pennsylvania has exemptions for levy's and garnishments that a Pennsylvania attorney can advise you of. You should speak with a Pennsylvania attorney in Bradford County so they can assist you with your rights. Since you... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Small Claims and Collections for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I need to file bankruptcy in order to apply federal exemptions to a default judgment against me on an unsecured loan?

I'm a disabled resident of Bradford County on SSDI with no other source of income. I own a car worth $14k that I purchased outright using my disability benefits and I have personal belongings within my rented apartment, but hold no real significant value. A creditor is currently suing me for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2023

You can indeed assert exemptions to protect certain assets from creditors, even outside of bankruptcy. While SSDI income is generally protected from garnishment, creditors might still attempt to seize assets such as your car or personal belongings to satisfy the debt; however, you can claim... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Massachusetts on
Q: i am 71 years old,i have been living off my credit cards. at my age i will never be able to pay them off.this will be my

it will be the third time in my life to do this.i am sick to my stomach over this but i have no other choice.i bought food paid bills and i can barely keep my head above water......please help

William J. Amann
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answered on Sep 4, 2023

It might seem odd to say but you might just be "judgment proof". In other words, you might not have any non-exempt assets or income for an unsecured creditor to pursue. If that's the case and if you can stomach it, you can essentially ignore the calls and letters. However,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Texas on
Q: I need to modify my Chapter 13 plan. It involves a mortgage, do I need a lawyer to amend it?

I was told by the Trustee's office that I would need my attorney to modify the plan for early payoff. My husband and I recently retired due to his health issues; we either need a Hardship Discharge or a modification/amendment to payoff what is due to continue with our mortgage payments alone.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2023

You are not strictly required to have a lawyer to amend your Chapter 13 plan; you have the right to represent yourself in bankruptcy court. However, given the complexities involved in modifying a Chapter 13 plan, especially one involving a mortgage, having a lawyer could be beneficial to ensure... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Missouri on
Q: what do you need to file a bankruptcy case in federal court?

I have an attorney who has been working on this since July of 2022. As of yesterday she is telling me that she is waiting on the court to give her a hearing date.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2023

To initiate a bankruptcy case in federal court, your attorney must prepare and file a bankruptcy petition along with various supporting documents, which generally include schedules of your assets, liabilities, income, and expenditures, a statement of your financial affairs, and in the case of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Alabama on
Q: What do I do a insurance company is sueing me for old car accident And I'm broke I work at McDonald's
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. It would be a good idea to respond to the lawsuit to protect your rights - in California, you generally have 30 days to respond to a lawsuit after you are served. Since you mentioned that you are facing financial difficulties, you might... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Is there a minimum repayment plan amount when filing a ch13 in NY Southern District court ?

I have only unsecured debt. My disposable income is around $80, would my plan be accepted? I’m under the median income. Had a ch7 discharged less than 8 years ago. Being sued by creditors. I don’t have any non exempt assets.

Michael O'Leary
Michael O'Leary
answered on Aug 28, 2023

An $80 per month Plan can be confirmed. The Ch. 13 Trustee in the Poughkeepsie Court objects to Plans featuring payments of less that $50 per month, and frequently will try to get a low paying Plan increased to $75 per month, but $80 per month will clearly work. Tax refunds received during the... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Is there a minimum repayment plan amount when filing a ch13 in NY Southern District court ?

I have only unsecured debt. My disposable income is around $80, would my plan be accepted? I’m under the median income. Had a ch7 discharged less than 8 years ago. Being sued by creditors. I don’t have any non exempt assets.

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Aug 28, 2023

There is no per se minimum but of course it depends on the circumstances. I don’t see any inherent issue with an $80/month payment under the situation you described, but you should certainly seek the counsel of a qualified attorney to avoid the many potential pitfalls in bankruptcy... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Is there a minimum repayment plan amount when filing a ch13 in NY Southern District court ?

I have only unsecured debt. My disposable income is around $80, would my plan be accepted? I’m under the median income. Had a ch7 discharged less than 8 years ago. Being sued by creditors. I don’t have any non exempt assets.

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Aug 28, 2023

Your post offers no financial circumstances, and one needs to evaluate that to answer your question.

And that's because the Bankruptcy Code expressly requires that a Chapter 13 repayment plan provide to creditors at least as much as the "indubitable equivalent" of what...
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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Is there a minimum repayment plan amount when filing a ch13 in NY Southern District court ?

I have only unsecured debt. My disposable income is around $80, would my plan be accepted? I’m under the median income. Had a ch7 discharged less than 8 years ago. Being sued by creditors. I don’t have any non exempt assets.

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Aug 28, 2023

There is no minimum payment as long as it is not zero. The payment would likely be the amount available according to the means test but also your non exempt assets are a factor. Speak to an attorney to determine the specifics.

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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for New York on
Q: Is there a minimum repayment plan amount when filing a ch13 in NY Southern District court ?

I have only unsecured debt. My disposable income is around $80, would my plan be accepted? I’m under the median income. Had a ch7 discharged less than 8 years ago. Being sued by creditors. I don’t have any non exempt assets.

Carl  Cottone
Carl Cottone
answered on Aug 28, 2023

The required time between a Ch 7 and a Ch 13 is four years, so you're OK there. And, since there is no requisite minimum payment and, as long as $80 is your disposable income, there shouldn't be a problem there. Also, most trustees require that any amount over a specified amount of tax... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Criminal Law, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: I'm in Ch13, had COVID foreclosure protection, but the bank fraudulently filed & received Termination of Automatic Stay

While under COVID-19-Related Hardship Foreclosure Protection (from 3/25/2021-9/20/2021) which my mortgage company extended to me upon my written request after filing the COVID-19 Hardship Form, their attorneys filed Notice of Motion and Motion for Termination of the Automatic Stay. I was not fully... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2023

I'm truly sorry to hear about this incredibly stressful situation. In situations where there may have been a violation of court orders or misconduct by your own attorney, it could potentially be beneficial to consult with another attorney to review the specifics of your case and possibly... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Criminal Law, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: I'm in Ch13, had COVID foreclosure protection, but the bank fraudulently filed & received Termination of Automatic Stay

While under COVID-19-Related Hardship Foreclosure Protection (from 3/25/2021-9/20/2021) which my mortgage company extended to me upon my written request after filing the COVID-19 Hardship Form, their attorneys filed Notice of Motion and Motion for Termination of the Automatic Stay. I was not fully... View More

Jonathan David Warner
Jonathan David Warner
answered on Aug 25, 2023

Based upon the facts you've presented, it doesn't sound as if any fraud was committed - though I do sympathize with your frustration.

In just about any case, non-payment of your mortgage is grounds for termination of the Automatic Stay in a Bankruptcy Case. The COVID-19 Hardship...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Alabama on
Q: If my chapter 13 bankruptcy gets dismissed can trustee take my real estate even though it’s not included in the case?
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Aug 21, 2023

If you own real estate, it’s included in the case.

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Alabama on
Q: If my chapter 13 bankruptcy gets dismissed can trustee take my real estate even though it’s not included in the case?
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Aug 21, 2023

I agree with my colleague's terse answer, but there seems to be a common misunderstanding about what assets and debts are "included" in a bankruptcy case.

You have no choice about which assets or which debts. Your required Schedules of assets and debts, filed in every case,...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Alabama on
Q: If my chapter 13 bankruptcy gets dismissed can trustee take my real estate even though it’s not included in the case?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 21, 2023

In Alabama, if your Chapter 13 bankruptcy case is dismissed, the trustee's ability to take your real estate largely depends on whether the property was included in the bankruptcy case. If your real estate was not part of the bankruptcy case, it typically remains outside the scope of the... View More

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