Tag: Automatic Stay

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Are Lawsuit Judgments Discharged in Bankruptcy?

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Some filers enter into bankruptcy with collection cases already at judgment level, with the hope that these judgments along with their other debts can be discharged through bankruptcy. However, getting a judgment discharged is not always so simple, and it depends on a number of factors, including:

  • What kind of case the judgment was for; and
  • Whether the creditor who has the judgment over the debtor has already placed a lien on the individual’s property.

Bankruptcy Discharge for Most Judgments

Generally, a judgment from a lawsuit involves unpaid debts. If the bankruptcy filer has not paid his or her medical bills, personal loans or credit cards, the next step for the unpaid creditor is usually filing a lawsuit against the borrower. If a judgment is obtained, the creditor can garnish the borrower’s wages or even go after a personal asset and have a lien placed on it to satisfy the outstanding debt.

Filing for bankruptcy activates what is known as the automatic stay, giving the filer reprieve from further collection calls and attempts.  It can also put a stop to wage garnishment and can wipe out the borrower’s obligation to pay back certain debts, even in a judgment. Once a bankruptcy case is filed, if a collections lawsuit is pending, the automatic stay in the bankruptcy will put a stop to the lawsuit. Even if a judgment has been entered against the borrower, the final discharge in the bankruptcy case will get rid of that judgment for most purposes, except in certain cases. If the judgment is for a debt that is considered nondischargeable, the bankruptcy will not get rid of the debt.

Nondischargeable Judgments

Some debt is non-dischargeable in bankruptcy. If the creditor has gotten a judgment against the bankruptcy filer for a debt obligation that includes one of the following debts, a bankruptcy discharge will not get rid of that judgment. These categories include:

  • Judgments connected to domestic support obligations, including child support or spousal support/alimony;
  • Judgments for criminal penalties, fines and/or restitution;
  • Most tax judgments;
  • Most student loan obligation judgments;
  • Judgments for any debts that were acquired under false pretenses or by fraud;
  • Judgments for injuries that were willful and malicious caused by the debtor; and
  • Judgments for any injury or death that was caused by the debtor’s drunk driving.

If you have questions on this topic or are in 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 McMaken 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 McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Related Resources:

http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/bankruptcy/lawsuit-judgments-discharged.html

 

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Second Landlord This Month Held in Contempt of Court for Willful Violation of the Bankruptcy Automatic Stay

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Miami bankruptcy attorney Timothy S. Kingcade’s Motion Granted by Judge, Creditor Required to Cease and Desist all Eviction Proceedings and Pay Attorney’s Fees and Other Sanctions

MIAMI – (May 11, 2018) This is the second time this month Bankruptcy Attorney Timothy S. Kingcade, founding partner of Miami-based Kingcade Garcia McMaken and Attorney Kristina Gonzalez, have successfully obtained an Order for a client in a Chapter 7 case, requiring the creditor to  cease and desist all eviction proceedings and pay attorney’s fees.  The creditor in the case (In re Danny Looney Case No. 17-25332-LMI), Massmar Investments, LLC, was listed in the bankruptcy petition and was advised multiple times that the client was in bankruptcy.

“This is a victory today for our client. The landlord in this case chose to completely disregard the automatic stay put in place that protects bankruptcy clients from harassment and repossession of property. Despite having notice of the bankruptcy, the landlord continued with eviction proceedings, disregarded the law and harassed my client to no end,” Kingcade said. “Unfortunately, this is something we are seeing more of in my practice.”

The Order directs creditor, Massmar Investments, LLC to cease and desist any further eviction proceedings and dismiss the wrongfully filed eviction case, abide by the automatic stay, and pay attorney’s fees to Kingcade Garcia McMaken for having to bring forth the action.

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Miami-based Kingcade Garcia McMaken was established by managing partner and bankruptcy attorney, Timothy S. Kingcade in 1996. The firm represents clients throughout the State of Florida in Chapter 7 bankruptcy and foreclosure defense cases. The firm is committed to providing personalized service to each and every client, clearly explaining the options according to the unique circumstances of his or her life. The office environment and the service provided are centered on a culture of superior client care for the financially disenfranchised. All partners and associates at Kingcade Garcia McMaken specialize in consumer bankruptcy and foreclosure and have dedicated their practices to this area of the law. Additionally, all attorneys and staff members at the firm are bilingual speaking Spanish.

For more information visit, https://www.miamibankruptcy.com/.

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief

Can Debtors Recover Damages for Emotional Distress for Violations of the Automatic Stay?

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One of the benefits of filing for bankruptcy involves the automatic stay, a measure that goes into effect as soon as the bankruptcy case is filed. This automatic stay puts a halt to any collection proceedings or efforts, giving the filer reprieve from the continuous calls and communications from creditors seeking to receive payment on their debts.

Actual and Punitive Damages

Under the Bankruptcy code, if an individual undergoing a bankruptcy is injured by a “willful violation of a stay provided by this section shall recover actual damages, including costs and attorneys’ fees, and – in appropriate circumstances – may recover punitive damages.” 11 U.S.C. § 362(k)(1).  It is up to the court to determine whether “actual damages” includes damages for emotional distress, and this normally comes down to the question of whether the violation was accidental or intentional.

Was the Violation of the Automatic Stay Deliberate?

In some situations, a creditor can violate the automatic stay accidentally or unintentionally. Other times, the violation can be deliberate , and in complete disregard for the law. The stay is automatic, and many creditors, if they have a registered contact with the court, will find this out as soon as the stay is instituted. However, if the creditor is a smaller company, they may not find out quite so quickly, which means if the creditor continues to contact the debtor, that initial contact could be an accidental violation of the stay.

To seek damages for the violation, the filer needs to show the court that the creditor violated the automatic stay willfully. The creditor must have known that the contact or communication was prohibited but did so in spite of that knowledge. If the filer expressly gave someone employed by the creditor the information regarding the bankruptcy, then he or she has the evidence needed to show that the violation was willful.

Court Treatment of Violations of the Automatic Stay and Emotional Distress

Four circuits, including the first, third, ninth and 11th circuits, have affirmed that emotional distress damages are available if a creditor violated the stay. In recent cases, the courts have reviewed the legislative history and found evidence that the emotional consequences of the debtor were considered when creating the automatic stay. The history showed that Congress meant to protect not only the financial interests of those filing for bankruptcy, but the non-filing ones, as well. However, the fifth and seventh circuits have not been as strong in their rulings when it comes to emotional distress damages. These courts have been skeptical in the ability the bankruptcy court has to award emotional distress damages in a bankruptcy matter.

Filing a Claim

If a filer believes that he or she has been victim to a willful violation of the automatic stay, it is recommended that the individual consult a bankruptcy attorney before proceeding. The attorney can help determine what the best course of action is, given the circumstances of the case. A motion may be appropriate to request the judge to issue an “order to show cause,” requiring the creditor to provide the reason why the violation occurred. If damages were particularly significant, a lawsuit for these damages may be necessary and justified.

If you have questions on this topic or are in 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 McMaken 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 McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Related Resources:

https://www.thebalance.com/your-rights-when-a-creditor-violates-the-automatic-stay-316196

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Landlord Held in Contempt of Court for Willful Violation of the Bankruptcy Automatic Stay

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Miami bankruptcy attorney Timothy S. Kingcade’s Motion Granted, Creditor Required to Cease and Desist all Eviction Proceedings and Pay Attorney’s Fees

MIAMI – (April 30, 2018) Bankruptcy Attorney Timothy S. Kingcade, founding partner of Miami-based Kingcade Garcia McMaken successfully obtained an Order for his client in a Chapter 7 case, granting Emergency Relief Requested.  Florida Bankruptcy Judge, A. Jay Cristol signed an order holding the landlord / creditor, Jonathan Smith and Delores Smith in Contempt of Court for Intentional Violation of the Automatic Stay (In re Montalvo Case No. 18-11489-AJC). Creditor, Jonathan Smith and Delores Smith are directed to immediately cease and desist all eviction proceedings and pay Kingcade Garcia McMaken $2,250.00 in attorney’s fees for having to bring forth the motion to enforce the automatic stay and protect its client.

“We are extremely pleased with this victory for our client today.  The landlord in this case completely disregarded the automatic stay put in place that protects bankruptcy clients from harassment and repossession of property. Despite having actual knowledge of the bankruptcy and automatic stay protections, this landlord continued to harass and threaten my client, causing them unnecessary distress, even going so far as to serving them with an eviction lawsuit during the case,” Kingcade said.

The Order directs creditor, Jonathan Smith and Delores Smith, jointly and severally, to pay attorney’s fees to Kingcade Garcia McMaken for having to bring forth this action and to cease and desist all eviction proceedings until further order of court.

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Miami-based Kingcade Garcia McMaken was established by managing partner and bankruptcy attorney, Timothy S. Kingcade in 1996. The firm represents clients throughout the State of Florida in Chapter 7 bankruptcy and foreclosure defense cases. The firm is committed to providing personalized service to each and every client, clearly explaining the options according to the unique circumstances of his or her life. The office environment and the service provided are centered on a culture of superior client care for the financially disenfranchised. All partners and associates at Kingcade Garcia McMaken specialize in consumer bankruptcy and foreclosure and have dedicated their practices to this area of the law. Additionally, all attorneys and staff members at the firm are bilingual speaking Spanish.

For more information visit, https://www.miamibankruptcy.com/.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

What happens if a creditor tries to collect on a debt during my bankruptcy?

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After you file for bankruptcy, creditors are not allowed to contact you regarding any debt you owe; they must deal only with your attorney.  The protections allotted by the bankruptcy automatic stay prohibit all collection activity, including legal action, wage garnishment, even contact by phone or mail in an attempt to collect on a debt.

There are a few exceptions. For example, the automatic stay does not stop criminal cases, some child support actions, and certain eviction cases. The automatic stay also does not apply to debts incurred after the bankruptcy case was filed. Here’s how to determine if a creditor violated the automatic stay and what you can do if a creditor continues trying to collect a debt.

The penalties for violating the automatic stay depend on the nature of the violation and whether it was done with deliberate disregard for the bankruptcy filing. You have several options if a creditor continues to pursue a debt in violation of the automatic stay.

Tell the creditor about your bankruptcy. Most debt collectors will stop contacting you if you tell them this.  Many times the debt collector is unaware of your case.  For example, if a collector garnishes your wages after the bankruptcy case is filed, it must immediately return the money.

Notify the bankruptcy court. If the collection attempts continue, the next step is to notify the bankruptcy court. The court can sanction the collector for violating its automatic stay order.

File a lawsuit. If a debt collector continues to try and collect on the debt, it may not only be violating the automatic stay but also other state and federal laws including, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Our firm works to hold creditors accountable for violating the protections allotted by the U.S. bankruptcy laws.  Recently, our firm’s motion was granted by a Florida judge in a case that held the creditor in contempt of court for violating the automatic stay in a Miami bankruptcy case. The Order directed the creditor to cease and desist all eviction proceedings until further order of the court.  The creditor in this case was also required to pay attorneys’ fees for our firm having to bring forth the motion to enforce the automatic stay to protect our client.

If you are dealing with a creditor you think may have violated the automatic stay, contact your attorney immediately.  An experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney will know whether the contact was innocent in nature or a willful violation worth pursuing.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in 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 McMaken 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 McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

The Dangers of Filing Bankruptcy Pro Se

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Filing for bankruptcy “pro se” means that an individual represents himself or herself in the bankruptcy process.  It is a risky decision and there are a number of pitfalls associated with the same.  Filing for bankruptcy has a complex set of rules, forms, statutes and judicial decisions.  Some people choose to represent themselves because they think they cannot afford to hire a bankruptcy attorney or they may think they have a simple case.  Whatever the reasoning, it is not a wise decision.

Here are some of the most common problems with filing for bankruptcy pro se (without an attorney):

Filing the wrong type of bankruptcy– Each type of bankruptcy is designed to solve specific problems.  Property is treated very differently when it comes to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.  If you file the wrong Chapter bankruptcy, you run the risk of losing valuable property or end up not being able to discharge certain debts.

Losing property you should have been able to keep– Filing for personal bankruptcy allows you to claim “exemptions,” which can save your home, even your business.  If you are filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida, you can use Florida bankruptcy exemptions to protect your property.  Florida has one of the most generous homestead exemptions in the country. To use Florida’s exemptions, you must have resided in Florida for at least 730 days before filing your bankruptcy petition. Here are the most common Florida bankruptcy exemptions.

Not properly filling out the bankruptcy forms– When filing for bankruptcy, you will have to fill out much more than a standard bankruptcy petition.  You will be expected to submit dozens of supporting documentation, listing every single debt, all of your creditors and all of your assets.  If you make a mistake or miss something, costly delays can result.  Not to mention, you run the risk of your case being completely dismissed and rejected all together.

Continued creditor harassment– When you hire an attorney to file your bankruptcy, creditors are required by law to only speak with your attorney and may no longer harass you about your debt.  If you choose to represent yourself in bankruptcy, the lender may try and lift the automatic stay, which is what protects your from continued creditor calls while your bankruptcy is ongoing.   A consumer has specific rights when a creditor violates the automatic stay.

Failing to take required education courses– In Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filers must take approved credit counseling courses before filing for bankruptcy, and complete a financial management course before receiving their bankruptcy discharge. Many pro se filers get confused about these requirements and if they fail to file the proper certificate, their entire case can be dismissed.

Failure to understand the above concepts will be problematic if a creditor challenges the dischargeability of a debt or if the bankruptcy trustee alleges you have committed fraud—or anything else that could crop up during the case. When you find yourself on the receiving end of a complaint or motion, an attorney is essential to your success.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in 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 McMaken 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 McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Related Resources: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/pitfalls-filing-chapter-7-bankruptcy-without-attorney.html

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Bankruptcy & Divorce: Which comes first?

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Going through a divorce can be stressful enough, but when you pile on financial issues the effects can be overwhelming.  Your financial situation can be greatly affected by a divorce, as divorce is commonly cited as the leading cause of bankruptcy.  Here are some important facts you should know when it comes to bankruptcy and divorce.

  1. Do not file for divorce and bankruptcy at the same time.  This is for the sake of simplicity.  People typically file bankruptcy before divorce for several reasons.  Once you file for bankruptcy an “automatic stay” is put in place.  This is a court order that prohibits creditors from contacting you and protects your property and assets.  This hold is in effect throughout the bankruptcy process.
  2. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is ideal for a quick divorce.  One of the benefits of filing for Chapter 7 is the timeline.  A Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically eliminates all dischargeable debts within three to six months, allowing you to file for divorce relatively soon after.  In comparison, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy establishes a three- to five-year payment plan for you to pay off your debt, which can drag your divorce out longer.
  3. Conditions of Bankruptcy. Abiding by the rules listed in the Bankruptcy Code is critical for having your debts discharged.  A Chapter 7 discharge may be denied if the debtor:
  • Fails to provide requested tax documents;
  • Hides property for the purpose of defrauding creditors;
  • Destroys financial books or records;
  • Commits perjury in connection to the bankruptcy case;
  • Violates a court order;
  • Fails to complete the mandatory credit counseling course.

Bankruptcy and divorce are chances for you to make a fresh start for you and your family. However, both of these processes can be extremely complex and detailed in nature.  You should consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney and have a strong divorce attorney on your side who can guide you through the process and obtain the most successful outcome for you.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in 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.

Related Resources: http://www.divorcemag.com/monthly-newsletter/5-things-to-know-about-bankruptcy-and-divorce

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

When Filing for Bankruptcy- Timing Matters

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Timing the filing of your bankruptcy is important to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.  For example, waiting to file after creditors have already taken action against you can result in unnecessary legal costs and potential loss of property.  Filing shortly after transferring money or property to someone else, can run you the risk of being accused of bankruptcy fraud.

Here are a few points to remember when timing the filing of your bankruptcy:

Filing for bankruptcy will stop litigation.  It is best to file before a creditor receives a judgment against you.  This will save you the cost of legal fees and giving the creditor more rights to your property.

Prevents wage garnishment.  A creditor who has obtained a judgment against you can force your employer to deduct money from your check, even require your bank to withdraw the funds directly from your account.  You can save this money by discharging the debt before such actions can be taken.

Puts an end to creditor harassment & collection calls. As soon as you file for bankruptcy, creditors must stop contacting you and deal only with your attorney.  Creditors who continue to contact you are in violation of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code’s Automatic Stay and face sanctions by the Court.

Allows you to stay in your home. Filing for bankruptcy will stop the foreclosure process and allow you additional time to stay in your home.

Divorce & Bankruptcy: If you are in the middle of a divorce, it is best to file a joint bankruptcy with your spouse to discharge all debt before the marriage ends.  However, if your income is too high to qualify as a married couple you will need to decide whether the best option is to file individually while you are still married or wait until after the divorce.  When it comes to timing your bankruptcy filing while going through a divorce, you cannot go wrong setting up an appointment with an experienced bankruptcy attorney to discuss the best path for your financial future.  Many offer free consultations and Saturday appointments.

If you are in 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.

Related Resources:

http://bankruptcy.lawyers.com/bankruptcy-basics/time-matters-when-filing-chapter-7-bankruptcy.html

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

What Happens to Tax Debt in Bankruptcy?

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If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you may be wondering if your tax debts can be discharged in bankruptcy court. Although the automatic stay will delay the IRS from contacting you about your debts, there are some taxes that cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy court. Here are three basic rules that will tell you if your tax debts are eligible for discharge.

  1. The Three Year Rule. Your tax debts must be three years old from the date they were due, not from the date that you filed. Tax returns are due on April 15th each year. This means that your 2010 taxes are not eligible for discharge until April 15th of 2014. This is because your 2010 taxes were technically due in April 2011. Calculate three years from the time the taxes were due.
  2. Your Tax Returns Must Have Been Filed for Two Years Before Bankruptcy. Taxes must be filed for two years prior to the bankruptcy filing to prevent delinquent taxpayers from filing late returns one day and bankruptcy the next.
  3. The Taxes Must Have Been Assessed More Than 240 Days Ago. The IRS must formally determine that you owe the taxes you are trying to eliminate in bankruptcy more than 240 days before you file the paperwork with the court. Note that an offer in compromise will delay the 240-day rule while it is pending plus an additional 30 days.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all 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.

Related Resources:

http://www.natlbankruptcy.com/bankruptcy-and-tax-debt-what-happens-to-tax-debt-in-bankruptcy/

http://www.thebankruptcysite.org/resources/bankruptcy/stop-irs-collecting-tax-debts.htm#

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

When Bankruptcy is the Best Option

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Filing for bankruptcy is not the end of the world. In fact, it can help improve your overall situation and relieve the financial stress you are facing. Bankruptcy stops collection calls, lawsuits and wage garnishment. It wipes out most, sometimes all of your debt and can improve your credit score.

Many credit bureaus and scoring experts will disagree, not seeing the whole picture.  For most people after struggling with insurmountable debt for sometime, their credit score has already greatly been affected by the time they file for bankruptcy.

Once they file for bankruptcy, their credit score typically increases. If the debt is erased, which is also known as a “discharge,” scores can increase even more- typically within a year. Accessing data from the Equifax credit bureau, researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia found that filers’ credit scores plunged in the 18 months before filing for bankruptcy and rose steadily after that.  The average credit score for someone who filed Chapter 7, the most common type of bankruptcy, in 2010 was 538.2 on Equifax’s 280 to 850 range. (Scores in the low 600’s and below are generally considered poor.) By the time the filers’ cases were discharged, usually within six months, their average score was 620.3.

Credit scores are not the only factor to consider when making the decision to file for bankruptcy.  People who file for bankruptcy benefit from the “automatic stay,” which stops all collection activity, including lawsuits, wage garnishment and collection calls.  A Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out a number of debts, including: credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, civil judgments (excluding fraud), past-due rent and utility bills, business debts and older tax debts.

Most of us feel we have an ethical obligation to repay our debts, if we are able to.  But oftentimes, people find themselves in over their head before realizing they need to consider bankruptcy as an option.  Some continue to pay down debt they may never be able to pay off, prolonging the damage to their credit score and diverting money that could be put into retirement savings.

Bankruptcy is likely your best option if your consumer debt (any of the debts listed above) total more than half your income, or if it would take five or more years to pay off that debt, with extreme fiscal measures.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all 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.