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Georgia Bankruptcy Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Bankruptcy and Military Law for Georgia on
Q: The United States Government is a foreign corporation with respect to a State of the Union.” In Re Merriam’s Estate, 36

1. N.E. 505, 141 N.Y. 479, affirmed 16 S.Ct.

1073, 41 L.Ed. 287. S. Is United States foreign land to the United States of America?

2. Is Common law the law of the land? Hale v Hankel 201 U.S. 43

3. Is the Attorney’s first duty to the courts? Doesn’t that make it a... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jan 14, 2025

What is your question?

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: Do I still have to make payments to a furniture company that went bankrupt?
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jan 9, 2025

Not without consulting your lawyer first.

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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

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

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: I have a chapter 13 bankruptcy question.

My one secure debt is from me stupidly pawning my car title. I owe $5500. I was told I’d pay $136 + $620 a month for TM with TM being paid off in 8 months. But my petition shows I will pay $756 for 36 months. Will my payment drop to the $136 a month once TitleMax is paid off?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan, your payment can indeed change over time. If your plan is structured so that you're paying off the TitleMax loan within 8 months, once that debt is fully paid, your plan payment may be adjusted. However, this depends on the other debts included in your plan and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: I filed chpt 13 bankrupcy to avoid foreclosure sell on house Tues. So had time to sell it. Can I still cancel bankrupcy

If I can still sell house now and stop bankrupcy for actually going thru in ga. How much time do I have bf I must cancel and avoid it from going thru?

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Nov 5, 2023

You don't say so, but it sounds as if you filed pro se, without counsel, and that's always dicey for a non-lawyer.

If you filed at least the minimum required documents (the Petition, a Certificate that you completed the approved counseling course prior to filing, and a full list...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Collections and Small Claims for Georgia on
Q: How to ensure defendant in small claims suit will pay plaintiff's (creditor's) judgment?

I am suing in Georgia small claims for 14k. I had an agreement with the defendant that I would put them on my credit card to build their credit and they would pay me monthly on charges incurred. They ran up the card 10k. I've filed the suit, defendant has been served. While I wait for the... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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answered on Nov 4, 2023

It depends on when the defendant filed his last bankruptcy. If he received a chapter 7 discharge, he must wait at least 8 years before he can file again. If it was a chapter 13 discharge, he only needs to wait two years to file another chapter 13. After a chapter 13 discharge, he has to wait 6... View More

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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?

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Sep 8, 2023

Yes, there are "impacts" that concern you (I currently represent a debtor in a Ch. 7 who has been a general partner in a small business construction company which has had a non-bankrupt general partner as well).

A general partner is personally liable for the debts of a...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: How long does is take to file a Chapter 7 after all documents have been turned in?

I want to file Chapter 7. I have turned in all documents asked and both case had been filed as of 8 days

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jul 26, 2023

No two cases are alike, and no two clients, who generate necessary factual information, are alike either.

The preparation of the full Bankruptcy Schedules requires across the board info from the client, both currently and for as long as six years ago.

I've been doing bankruptcy...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: In a divorce If I am awarded the house with an active chapter 13 will the mortgage company let me assume the mortgage?

What route should I take ? I am worried about having a place to live .

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jul 15, 2023

For most debtors, the primary purpose of Chapter 13 is to "save the house".

Ch. 13 enables you to retain the property, make current payments as they fall due, and cure any mortgage deficiency by paying the amount past due on the mortgage debt over the period of the plan (up to...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: When should an attorney file violation of the automatic stay? We disagree on intention of Code 362 and I'm no expert.

I'm 2yrs into a 13. When I enforce HOA to act (repair/replace/maintain) twice on separate occasions their rep's have responded with "oh and by the way...you owe this on your bankruptcy; attached is an account ledger; we advise you to reach out to our (sic) attorney's to... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jun 20, 2023

Your attorney is correct. That is not a violation of the automatic stay nor is it an attempt to collect a debt. While they may have referenced it when you called them, they did not take any affirmative act toward collecting the debt. Id stay with your current lawyers. They are trying to keep... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Small Claims and Contracts for Georgia on
Q: Should I accept the debt I was served with or say no and go to court? I need the easiest/cheapest way through this.

Hello, I was served with papers on May 23rd which started my 30 days to respond from Prestige Financial. I had filed bankruptcy, Ch. 7 in April 2021 and got a car through Prestige. They were 1 of many people that sent me letters about getting a car because I filed bankruptcy. I'm a married... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jun 14, 2023

Determine whether you view the debt first. If you don’t, challenge it in court. If you do, try and negotiate a payment plan or lump sum payment to resolve. Consular sn attorney who can help you choose the right path.

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: chapter 7

Times are tough for me i have a lot of medical debt and i'm thinking of filing chapter 7, i live in a moble home worth 9,000 on rented land and a 10,000 non cashable life insurance policy,7 firearm value at 1,500 clothes 150 and 25 bucks in my saving account.Would i be able to keep all these... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jun 7, 2023

Most likely you’d be able to keep everything using your exemptions. Consult a competent bankruptcy practitioner who can evaluate your financial situation and help you make the right decision.

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Contracts for Georgia on
Q: Is it ethical (or legal) to sell shares of your small business knowing that you are currently filing bankruptcy?

In GA, what is the avg timespan from hiring an attny to the actual filing of Chapter 11 paperwork? We purchased shares of a local business directly from the owner on February 2 and they filed for bankruptcy March 1. During our meetings, they advised they were going to be using the funds to expand... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jun 7, 2023

It could be construed as fraudulent conduct. I would tread very carefully in this matter to avoid any allegations of fraud or misconduct.

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: Recently disabled, under a chapter 13 and the attorney we used said our payments can not be reduced! No way i can pay ?

Had to retire from my job after 27 years. Fortunately I am able to draw Teachers Retirement disability but its 57% of my salary . I have long term disability but afraid to file clain because of payback rules i do not understand. Im not trying to get out of my obligation. Just need it reduced .... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 23, 2023

There are provisions in the Bankruptcy Code for asking the court to modify your Chapter 13 plan based on a change of circumstances. If your current attorney is refusing to do so, and hasn't adequately explained it to you, you should consult another attorney in your area. Most will offer a free... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Collections for Georgia on
Q: I won 50,000 from the ga lottery, what entities will collect debt from my winnings, be specific. Med bills, cellphon bil

I just want to know what agencies or anything can collect debt out of my Georgia lottery winnings when I go to collect. Like will medical bills cell phone carriers, credit card companies?

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on May 20, 2023

You've posted in the "Bankruptcy" section, so we assume you have filed for bankruptcy relief, or will do so imminently.

If so, the automatic stay prevents any creditor from taking any action against you or your property, subject to the bankruptcy court's orders....
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Georgia on
Q: Chapter 13 Bankrruptcy (GA) Will a trustee try to take an inheritance?

I have 8 months left in my Chapter 13 and never missed any payments. In a month or so, I’ll be getting a $25K inheritance. Is it likely the trustee will try to take it? I have an attorney who will file a Motion to Retain, just thought to get a second opinion.

***UPDATE***

Motion... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on May 1, 2023

As long as you’ve been in the 13, you should be fine.

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