Baran Bulkat
Attorney
Website
Baran Bulkat is a former consumer bankruptcy attorney with extensive experience in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings as well as debt settlement. He has authored numerous bankruptcy and debt management articles on Nolo.com as well as other Nolo sites. He has also updated a previous edition of Nolo's book, How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
In addition to his bankruptcy experience, Baran also worked as an analyst and compliance manager for a large financial planning firm where he obtained his Series 7, 24, and 66 securities licenses.
Baran received his undergraduate degree in business management from Georgia Tech and his law degree from California Western School of Law.
Baran's Other Pages
Articles By Baran Bulkat
How Much Debt Do You Have to Have to File Bankruptcy?
There is no minimum amount of debt you must have in order to file for bankruptcy relief. While the amount of your debt is an important factor to consider, there are other more important factors to take into account in determining if a bankruptcy filing is in your best interest. These include:
What Happens If the Bankruptcy Trustee Files an Objection to Your Discharge?
Under certain circumstances, the bankruptcy trustee appointed to administer your case may challenge your right to receive a bankruptcy discharge. If the trustee believes that you should not be entitled to a discharge, he or she will file an objection with the court and ask the judge to deny your discharge.
Can I Keep My Home in Bankruptcy if I Am Behind on HOA Dues?
In most cases, if you are behind on your homeowners’ association (HOA) dues, the HOA can place a lien and foreclose on your property. Whether filing for bankruptcy can help you keep your home will typically depend on whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. What Is an HOA Lien? In
Can I Join the Military If I File for Bankruptcy?
Depending on the branch of the military you wish to join and your particular circumstances, you may need to meet certain financial eligibility requirements before you can enlist in the armed forces. In most cases, a bankruptcy filing will not automatically prohibit you from joining the military. But
Will Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Prevent a Car Repossession?
If you are not making timely car loan payments, Chapter 7 bankruptcy cannot permanently prevent a car repossession. However, Chapter 7 can temporarily delay the lender from repossessing your car and allow you more time to negotiate or cure your default.
What to Expect at a Chapter 7 Reaffirmation Hearing
When you reaffirm a debt in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you enter into a contract with your lender (called a reaffirmation agreement) that makes you personally liable for the obligation despite your bankruptcy discharge. Many debtors reaffirm secured debts in order to keep the asset pledged as collateral for
Filing a Proof of Claim for a Creditor in Bankruptcy
If you file for bankruptcy, most of your creditors will file a proof of claim -- a form that provides information about your debt -- in order to get paid. Sometimes a creditor doesn't file a proof of claim. In rare instances, you might want to file a proof of claim on that creditor's behalf. Here's why.
The Marital Adjustment Deduction in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
If you are married but filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy without your spouse, the marital adjustment deduction can help you reduce the amount you pay back to general unsecured creditors.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: What If I Have a Lot of Equity in My Home?
Find out what happens if you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy and you have lots of home equity.
The Debtor Education Course Requirement in Bankruptcy
Before you can receive a discharge in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must complete a course in personal financial management (also called the predischarge debtor education course). The purpose of the debtor education course is to teach you how to manage money and use credit wisely after bankruptcy.