Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How Bankruptcy can Affect Your Debts

Bankruptcy is a legal process, which allows an individual or company to either discharge most of their debts or pay them off through a structured repayment plan. For those who are considering filing for bankruptcy, it is natural to wonder what will become of their debts. This all depends on the type of debt that is owed and whether it is secured or unsecured. In bankruptcy, secured and unsecured debts are handled differently.

Secured debts like mortgages and car loans have collateral which serves to secure repayment. If a secured debt it not paid, the creditor may either repossess or sell the collateral to cover your debt. Unsecured debts like credit card debt and medical bills do not have collateral. If you fail to pay this type of debt, creditors may turn the debt over to a collection agency or file a lawsuit against you.

The type of bankruptcy you choose to file also makes a difference in how the debt is handled. The two most common types of bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, unsecured debts are typically discharged a few months after filing. Secured debts may be cleared as well but it will not stop the creditors from obtaining the collateral. The only way to prevent this is to keep working toward paying off the secured debt.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

For those who file Chapter 13, a three or five-year repayment plan will be put in place for both secured and unsecured debts. In most cases, unsecured debt may not need to be repaid and is often discharged with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Regarding secured debts, creditors are unable to take the collateral if you are on a repayment plan.

While these rules seem straightforward, there are exceptions. It is important to note that certain types of debt may not be discharged in bankruptcy. These debts include:

· Alimony
· Child Support
· New debts after bankruptcy has been filed
· Certain student loans
· Certain taxes
· Debts with a co-signer
· Fraudulent debts

Every case is different, so it is important to consult with a qualified and experienced bankruptcy attorney to help you through the process and find the best debt-relief solution for you.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Source:
https://www.debt.org/bankruptcy/

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Partridge Family Star David Cassidy to Auction his Florida Home after Bankruptcy

After filing for bankruptcy earlier this year, ‘The Partridge Family’ star David Cassidy is losing his South Florida home. The 7,000 square foot waterfront Fort Lauderdale mansion is to be auctioned for $1.9 million.

The 65-year-old filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this past February and in June, the court granted Cassidy permission to auction off the estate. Following his divorce, Cassidy claims he will no longer need the mansion since his work demands frequent travel, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Having accepted the situation, Cassidy plans to move on and begin the next chapter of his life. According to People Magazine, Cassidy listed assets and debts of nearly $10 million. He also owed several creditors such as CitiBank, Wells Fargo Bank and American Express over $17,000 each.

Cassidy spoke with New York Daily News about his bankruptcy proceedings. “This is necessary for practical reasons to reorganize my life as I go through divorce and to restructure my finances.”

The 70’s superstar claims that once he hands over the keys, he is not looking back. Ending a 23 year marriage and then loosing his home after nearly 15 years, Cassidy plans to take this time to overcome his personal struggles. The auction will be handled by Fisher Auction Company and is tentatively scheduled for September 9, 2015.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Sources:

http://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/david-cassidy-bankruptcy-auctioning-florida/2015/06/30/id/652813/

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/national/entertainment/story/2015/jul/30/david-cassidy-prepares-auctifloridmansion/317324/

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Consumer Victory over Seedy Debt Collectors

Approximately $4 million worth of checks have been placed in the mail to partly compensate thousands of consumers who were scammed by a group of seedy Southern California debt collectors. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that the checks were sent out to conclude a settlement which was reached last year between the commission and the Asset and Capital Management Group.

The debt collection firm had bought the consumers’ debt from creditors for pennies on the dollar and then falsely threatened the debtors with arrest, wage garnishment, seizure of their property and lawsuits. The firm also disclosed private debt information to the victims’ employers, colleagues and family members, according to the FTC. As shocking as this case is, consumers must remember that they have rights when it comes to debt collection and should not hesitate to contact authorities if a collector violates these rights.

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you are protected from these predatory debt collection practices. Federal law sets parameters for when and how a debt collector may contact you. The following is a list of protections the FDCPA provides to you:

  • Debt collectors may not call you outside the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., unless you specify that they are allowed to do so;
  • Creditors must always fully disclose their identity and never pretend to be someone they are not;
  • Debt collectors cannot inform anyone else regarding your debts;
  • Creditors are not allowed to threaten or harass you in any form.

“Consumers shouldn’t be subjected to threats and intimidation,” said Jessica Rich, director of The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. She was also pleased that the victims of the scam will receive money back from the defendants.

Defendants Thai Han, Jim Tran Phelps, Keith Hua and James Novella who operated over a dozen debt collection agencies and shell corporations, had their personal assets seized in order to compensate victims. The defendants have also been permanently banned from the debt-collection business. Officials reported that up to 95,000 people fell victim to the scam.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Source:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lazarus-20150707-column.html

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Former NBA star Antoine Walker Uses His Bankruptcy Expereince to Help Others

Former NBA basketball star, Antoine Walker went from earning more than $108 million during his career to filing for bankruptcy, just two years after retirement. The former Miami Heat superstar believed his financial future was ensured; however, he learned otherwise after making a series of poor financial decisions. Now he hopes to help others avoid going down the same path he did.

Walker had gained early success, winning the NCAA basketball championship before he reached his twenties. After being drafted to play for the Boston Celtics 1996, Walker rose to basketball stardom. The three-time All-Star team winner and 2006 top pro player for the Miami Heat suddenly became a wealthy professional athlete, collecting over $108 million during his career.

Like many other young sports stars, Walker equated instant wealth to instant luxury.  Instead of thinking about the future, he bought fancy cars, lavish jewelry and expensive homes. Walker also helped an estimated 30 close friends and family members move to “better situations.”  He referred to it as an “open ATM throughout his career.”

In 2010, Walker filed for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  “I thought I was set for the rest of my life,” he stated in a CNN Money interview. “My story is sad. It’s sad to see other guys work so hard throughout their life — and then they just lose it in two or three years.”

Today, the 38-year-old is working to steer young athletes away from making the same mistakes. Teaming up with former NFL linebacker Bart Scott and Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, Walker is sharing his life lessons with today’s young players. As Walker and Scott speak to younger athletes about these “real-life parables,” they hope to provide guidance for new generations.

Now out of bankruptcy, Walker is devoted to educating future sports stars to be financially smart. The upcoming documentary “Gone in an Instant,” focuses on his personal boom-to-bust tale. Walker’s best advice to young athletes is to get used to using the word “no” when dealing with friends and family, and focus on building for the future instead of the here and now.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

Source:

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/money/exnba-star-went-from-108-million-to-bankruptcy/34333450

 

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How Bankruptcy can affect Security Clearance

Determining whether bankruptcy will affect your security clearance depends on the circumstances that led up to your bankruptcy. Filing for bankruptcy will not automatically stop you from obtaining a security clearance; however, your financial situation can jeopardize your security clearance. Before you file for bankruptcy, it is important to understand how your security clearance may be affected. Security clearance decisions are made on a case by case basis.

The following factors are considered when assessing you as a potential security risk:

•allegiance to the United States
•foreign influences and preferences
•drug or alcohol use
•personal conduct
•financial responsibility
•criminal conduct
•psychological disorders
•handling of protected or classified information
•use of information technology
•other outside activities

There are also financial considerations that may affect your security clearance. The military considers your financial standing as an individual when determining whether you should be granted security clearance. This reasoning is based on important factors such as financial self-control, spending judgment and ethics used to maintain financial stability. Certain financial conditions can disqualify you from obtaining a security clearance, such as:

•being unable or unwilling to pay your debts;
•having irresponsible or frivolous spending habits;
•having consistent difficulty meeting your financial obligations;
•committing illegal acts of financial misconduct;
•exhibiting financial problems such as gambling, alcoholism or drug abuse;
•spending beyond your financial means.

Certain scenarios such as a job loss, a divorce or a medical emergency may cause you to file for bankruptcy. These instances are viewed more favorably than if you had to file due to financial irresponsibility. A knowledgeable and experienced bankruptcy attorney can further advise you on how filing for bankruptcy might affect your security clearance.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in a financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover.  The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Sources:
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/will-bankruptcy-affect-my-military-security-clearance.html

http://thelawdictionary.org/article/bankruptcy-and-foreclosures-impact-on-federal-security-clearance/

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

I Never Received a Bill. Can a Debt Collector Still Pursue Me?

Receiving a sudden call from a debt collector or discovering new collection activity on your credit report for an unfamiliar bill, can leave you with an uneasy feeling. You may be concerned as to why you had not been previously notified of the debt or if you owe the debt at all.

The truth is that some creditors are not required by law to send you a statement prior to sending you to collections, especially among medical bill collectors. The term for this is called “parking” the debt. According to the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), a debt collector may add medical debt information to your credit report without ever contacting you to collect the debt. In fact, the collector may actually wait for the debt to resurface on its own, such as when you attempt to obtain a mortgage or other line of credit. The debt simply remains in place and the creditor benefits by saving time and resources otherwise used to pursue you.

Even if you pay the debt off upon discovering it, the debt may have already affected your credit score. Also, paying these reported collections do not necessarily result in their removal from your credit report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires certain lenders to notify consumers before reporting a debt to the credit reporting agencies, but not all of them.

The FCRA states that any financial institution that offers credit and regularly reports business to credit reporting agencies must provide a notice to the consumer before reporting negative information to the credit reporting agencies. However, the FCRA further notes that this notice “may be included on or with any notice of default, any billing statement, or any other materials provided to the customer,” though it “must be clear and conspicuous.” This means you may be advised of an outstanding debt at the same time it is being applied to your credit report.

The requirement only applies to financial institutions that regularly extend credit, therefore a delinquent cell phone or hospital bill may go into collection without prior notification. If a creditor is required to notify you, they must do so no later than 30 days after a debt was incurred. In most cases, if a creditor delays sending you a bill and upon receipt, you pay it immediately; you should not see negative activity on your credit report.

It is recommended that you regularly review your credit reports. If you see activity that you do not recognize, you may dispute it with the credit bureau(s). It is best to do this in writing. In most cases, if the credit reporting agency is unable to confirm a source within 30 days, it must be removed. By reaching out to the credit bureau directly, your consumer rights are protected under the FCRA.

If the activity is not removed, you may dispute it directly with the collection agency. They also have 30 days to respond back to you. You may also request verification of the debt, to determine its validity.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Source:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2015/06/23/can-debt-collector-come-after-me-if-never-got-bill/

Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

For-Profit Colleges Encourage Large Student Loan Debt

A recent study conducted by the Center for American Progress has revealed some shocking statistics regarding the largest graduate school beneficiaries within federal loan programs. It turns out many are not prestigious, accredited schools, but rather lower quality, for-profit universities. This is a cause of great concern for students who believe these lesser valued schools are accepting government funding, only to increase their own profits.

Of all the graduate student debt in our nation—totaling $6.6 billion, 20 universities account for almost one fifth of the debt. Furthermore, 10 of the 20 institutions are for-profit schools. Charging expensive tuitions while providing a poorly valued education, does not seem to stop these schools from offering loans to prospective students. The schools also exhibit very low standards for admission.  The only requirement seems to be money, which the universities are more than happy to provide (often through loans from the federal government).  As a result, the degrees student’s graduate with are barely worth the paper they are printed on.

The study shows that the largest borrower on the list is Walden University, with $756 million of borrowed funds disbursed to students last year. Owned by the for-profit education company Laureate Education, Walden University hardly has an academic reputation. Many of the schools are able to obtain such a large amount of funding by taking advantage of the law that governs student loans. The Higher Education Act allows graduate students to borrow far more than undergraduates, upwards of $50,000 per year. For-profit universities that mainly operate online, often encourage students to borrow larger amounts for graduate degrees instead of bachelor’s degrees.

The for-profit universities argue that they are offering education to those who are not served by mainstream universities. Still, many believe these schools provide “less than worthy” degrees to students, leaving them with enormous amounts of debt and little chance for employment in a competitive job market. The schools continue to draw students in with promises of a better future, when in reality, the government is offering subsidized loans for a mediocre education.

For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Source:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2015/07/12/for-profit-colleges-encourage-huge-student-debt/

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Protect Yourself: Top Unlawful Tactics Debt Collectors May Try Use Against You

Dealing with debt is difficult enough without having to be harassed by insistent debt collectors. Unfortunately, many of the strategies used by collection agencies are illegal. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), an estimated 30 million Americans have accounts in collection. Consumers should be aware of the scheming tactics collection agencies may use because your rights are being violated.

In recent years, the FTC has targeted collection agencies that practice unlawful strategies in order to collect debt. Several lawsuits have been filed against the companies for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This federal law was created to protect your rights, by preventing third-party debt collection agencies from harassment, threats, unwanted contact and disclosure of your personal information to others.

The following is a list of the most common unlawful tactics used by debt collectors:

• Dishonesty. Collection agencies are not allowed to tell a consumer that they will be arrested or face other false consequences, if they do not pay immediately.

• False Representation. It is illegal for debtors to pose as a government agent or law enforcement official, in order to collect a payment.

• Threats. Collection agencies cannot threaten violence against you. They also cannot threaten a lawsuit if they are not truly filing one.

• Illicit Disclosure. It is prohibited for debtors to share or divulge any of your personal information about your debts to friends, family, co-workers or otherwise.

• Inopportune Contact. Collection agencies may only contact you between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., local time. Contact outside of this time frame is harassment.

• Indecency. By law, debtors must treat you with respect and professionalism. Use of profanity and obscenities is strictly prohibited.

• False Documentation. Collection agencies may not forward any kind of documentation resembling an official government notification to you. Pretending to work with a government agency is illegal.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Source:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/7-things-debt-collectors-arent-allowed-to-do/

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Fraudulent Debt Collectors Targeting Spanish-Speaking Consumers Banned by FTC

A recent announcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reveals that the operators of a fraudulent debt collection scheme have agreed to be banned from the debt collection and telemarketing business. The agreement was met to settle FTC charges of false demands for fake debts, targeting Spanish-speaking consumers. Defendants Centro Natural Corp., Sumore LLC, Jessica Anzola, Damian Biondi, Carolina Orellana, Javier Sumbre, and Susana Sumbre, were smacked with a hefty fine of almost $7 million for the scam.

The FTC’s vote to initiate a permanent injunction against the defendants was unanimous, and the decision was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The FTC first filed the complaint last year, alleging that the defendants threatened consumers with arrest, immigration status investigations and even lawsuits, if they did not pay the phony debts.

The settlement order’s ruling to ban all defendants from telemarketing and debt collection activities means that they are permanently prohibited from making further misrepresentations about any product or service, as alleged in the complaint. Bionore Inc., Jager International Inc., Allianza Inmobiliaria Corp. and Jorge Sumbre were also named as defendants who stood to gain from the con.  The defendants are also forbidden from selling or benefitting from customers’ personal information.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Source:
http://www.insidearm.com/daily/debt-collection-news/debt-collection/ftc-bans-fraudulent-debt-collectors-who-targeted-spanish-speaking-consumers/

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Rapper 50 Cent Files for Bankruptcy

Last week, Curtis Jackson, better known as rapper 50 Cent, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, only days after a messy lawsuit forced him to pay out $5 million to his rival Rick Ross’ ex-girlfriend. Both fans of the rapper and the media were surprised to learn of the filing, especially since Jackson was regarded as a man of “exceptional business instincts,” by The New York Times. He was also ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ May list of the wealthiest hip-hop artists, for his net worth of $155 million.

Jackson’s attorneys stated that the filing will allow the rapper to reorganize his financial affairs. However, others believe he is filing for bankruptcy as a way to protect himself following his lawsuit. In a recent late night appearance on TBS’ The Conan O’brien Show, Jackson addressed his decision to file for bankruptcy. “I need protection,” Jackson claimed. He also stated that success often makes people a target for lawsuits.

Prior to his filing for bankruptcy, Jackson did little to hide the extravagant lifestyle he was leading. He was often seen seated in the front row at fashion shows, catching frequent private flights, flashing expensive jewelry and clothing, and driving luxurious cars. The rapper’s Instagram is full of images supporting this, as he constantly posted updates for his 5.4 million followers. Despite this, Jackson said in his interview with Conan, “Times are hard out here, for real.”

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Sources:
http://www.businessinsider.com/50-cent-bankruptcy-to-conan-i-needed-protection-2015-7
http://www.businessinsider.com/50-cent-biography-pictures-of-luxury-2015-7