More Articles by Cara O'Neill
Articles 101-110 out of 132
Can the Bankruptcy Court Take Life Insurance Funds?
When you file for bankruptcy, you might be able to protect the value of a life insurance policy or funds received as a beneficiary under another person’s policy. However, it will depend on whether a bankruptcy exemption covers the value.
Running Up Credit Cards Before Filing Bankruptcy: Is it Fraud?
In many instances, using credit cards excessively while intending to eliminate the balances in bankruptcy is considered fraud. Find out why.
Debt Discharge in Bankruptcy: Nondischargeable Debts
Debtors can eliminate or “discharge” many debt types in Chapters 7 and 13, including credit card balances, personal loans, and utility bills. However, bankruptcy doesn’t discharge obligations known as "nondischargeable" debts.
Student Loans in Bankruptcy: The Brunner Test
Getting student loans discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is very difficult. For the most part, you must show that repayment would cause you "undue hardship."
What Can I Do If I Can't Afford a Bankruptcy Lawyer?
Even if you can’t afford an attorney, help might be available through friends and family, legal aid societies, free legal clinics, or pro bono (free of charge) attorneys. Learn strategies for paying for bankruptcy legal fees.
Converting Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
If your income drops and you can’t pay your Chapter 13 payment, it’s possible to convert to Chapter 7 bankruptcy and discharge qualifying debts quickly. But because it isn’t always possible, you’ll want to explore other options as well.
What Happens After the 341 Meeting?
Most Chapter 7 filers receive a discharge about sixty days after the 341 meeting of creditors. Cases usually close a few days later, although some remain open longer. Learn how to avoid problems after the creditors meeting.
Car Repossession: Notices the Lender Must Provide
Learn what notices your auto loan lender must provide during the car repossession process.
Will I Lose My Checking or Savings Account if I File Bankruptcy?
Whether you can keep your savings, checking, or other bank accounts in bankruptcy will depend on whether you can cover the balance with a bankruptcy exemption. If not, you'll likely lose it. Learn why.
Will My Bankruptcy Affect My Spouse?
Generally, whether your bankruptcy will affect your spouse will depend on whether you have joint property or debts, the property laws of your state, and whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.