Debt Relief, student loan debt, Student Loans

FTC Takes Legal Action Against Corrupt Student Loan Debt Relief Companies

The case comes as a warning to student loan borrowers struggling with their debt and company’s looking to profit from it. The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on two student loan debt relief operations and the financing company that assisted them. The complaint is alleging the companies charged illegal upfront fees, led consumers to believe the fees would go towards reducing their loan balances, and falsely promised to permanently lower and even eliminate their balances.

The FTC has also charged the companies with locking its customers into high-interest loans and paying their fees without making required disclosures. This caused their customers to sink further into debt.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit

Tips for Renting an Apartment After Bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy gives individuals a financial fresh start, relieving the stress of debt and collection calls.  However, declaring bankruptcy can add some additional obstacles to the apartment- hunting process, but not to worry: You can rent an apartment after declaring bankruptcy.  It comes down to the application process, and we have some important tips for you.

Honesty Is the Best Policy.

It can be tempting to want to hide the fact that you recently filed for bankruptcy, but unless the apartment or rental home is a property that does not require a credit check for rental applications, this fact will be discovered quickly. The last thing an applicant wants is for the landlord to find this out after the fact before the renter has any chance to explain the situation. If a bankruptcy is on the individual’s history, it is best to be upfront from the beginning. Honesty is the best policy.

Bankruptcy Law

Impounded Cars Cannot Be Held After Drivers File for Bankruptcy

Drivers in Chicago who are without their vehicles may be able to get their cars back from city impound lots after filing for bankruptcy, according to a new federal appeals court ruling. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this week that the city’s policy of keeping impounded vehicles belonging to bankruptcy filers despite the fact that an automatic stay has been issued by the bankruptcy court is against federal bankruptcy law.

More specifically, the court argued that this policy essentially discourages drivers from filing for bankruptcy and violates the most basic of protections offered by a bankruptcy filing. It is the court’s belief that the city is doing this to generate revenue rather than help protect their constituents.

Eugene Wedoff, a retired bankruptcy judge who represented the debtors, argued that a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case was meant to allow the filer to get back his or her life by putting property in the filer’s hands. By keeping these impounded vehicles away from their owners, they argue the city is violating their rights.

Bankruptcy Law

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Which option is right for you?

There are two types of bankruptcy available to consumers who are struggling with debt- Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Choosing the right one is critical to success in eliminating your debt. Below is a comparison guide to help you best decide which bankruptcy is right for you.

Chapter 7 is a form of liquidation and it is often considered the most straightforward type of bankruptcy. Consumers are essentially given a financial fresh start, oftentimes within three months of filing.

Contrary to the bankruptcy myths surrounding Chapter 7, it does not mean you will lose your home, car or retirement savings. In most Chapter 7 cases, filers do not have assets above the legal threshold, which is set by state law and therefore they do not have to lose anything- only their debt.  If a person is filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida, they can use Florida’s bankruptcy exemptions to protect valuable property.

Chapter 13 restructures your debt into an affordable repayment plan. The debtor’s obligations are combined into one monthly payment to the bankruptcy trustee, which is then distributed to the creditors. Chapter 13 takes into account your income and expenses, the amount of your debt, the types of debt, and even your property value when setting the repayment plan. If you are behind on your mortgage payments, Chapter 13 allows you to get caught up on these payments and save your home from foreclosure.

Chapter 13 plans can last anywhere from three to five years, but most are five-year plans.

If you are struggling to keep up with your Chapter 13 payments, or have recently lost your job or become ill, Chapter 13 may no longer be the right option for you. You can convert a Chapter 13 bankruptcy to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy at any time if you become eligible. Many of our clients are surprised to discover they never have to go to court or see a judge in order to convert their Chapter 13 filing to a Chapter 7.

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, student loan debt, Student Loans

Possible Solutions to the Student Loan Debt Crisis

With more than $1.5 trillion in student loan debt owed nationwide, it can be safe to say that the student loan crisis has reached a breaking point. For lawmakers, one solution to bring change to this problem is allowing student loan debt to be discharged in bankruptcy court.

Another measure that has received a great deal of public support is Senator Elizabeth Warren’s proposal to completely wipe out the majority of America’s student loan debt through a loan forgiveness program. Her proposal has received support from other presidential hopefuls, including Senators Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Amy Klobuchar, as well as Representative Eric Swallwell, all of whom are co-sponsoring it.

Recently, the American Bankruptcy Institute’s recommendations to allow student loan debt to be discharged in bankruptcy were published.

The average college student graduates with about $30,000 in student loans. This number does not include those students who pursue a master’s or post-graduate degree. Many of those students end up owing six figures in student loan debt.

The burden these loans present to young graduates is intense and can even follow them into retirement. Outstanding student loan debt can affect a person’s job in 13 states. To keep up with loan payments, many borrowers have accumulated credit card debt, just to be able to afford basic living expenses.

Student loans, while not impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, are extremely difficult to eliminate in a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy case. Other obligations may be eliminated at the end of the case, but the student loan ones will stay with the borrower even after other obligations are discharged.

Bankruptcy courts use the “undue hardship” test to determine whether a filer should have his or her student loan debt discharged, but no set standard has ever been made on what qualifies as an undue hardship, making it very difficult to ever receive relief. New bi-partisan legislation has been introduced and proposes regulations that ensure student loan debt is treated like other forms of consumer debt in bankruptcy, meaning it can be easier to discharge.

Without the ability to discharge the largest amount of debt many bankruptcy filers are carrying; these individuals will never be able to receive the fresh start bankruptcy is meant to give them. While this change may not completely solve the student loan crisis, many financial experts are hopeful it can be a catalyst for change.

Click here to read more on this story.

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. There are ways to file for bankruptcy with student loan debt.  It is important you 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 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, Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief

Debt Consolidation vs. Bankruptcy: The Pros and Cons

If someone is struggling with large amounts of debt, they may be weighing their options between debt consolidation and bankruptcy. There are positives and negatives to both- but ultimately, it depends on a person’s specific financial situation and life circumstance as to which choice is the right one for him or her.

What is Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation involves combining a person’s older debt from various sources into one new debt. This consolidation could be done by taking an unsecured personal loan to pay for the total amount owed or by transferring balances from multiple credit cards into one credit card.

Debt consolidation involves making payment to one lender, oftentimes at a lower interest rate.  These are two of its appealing factors.  However, we can tell you that debt consolidation rarely provides a long-term solution.  Our attorneys have helped many clients who were promised one result from a debt consolidation company only to receive far less, and stuck with the remaining debt.

Here are some of the disadvantages of debt consolidation.  

  • The debt cycle continues: While this option allows the consumer to consolidate multiple sources of debt, it only pays off that debt to combine it into one larger balance. Many consumers make the mistake of utilizing debt consolidation only to continue the cycle of debt.
  • Delaying the inevitable: Debt consolidation is oftentimes used as a ‘temporary’ fix, only delaying the inevitable. If a person is struggling to pay off various forms of debt, particularly if that debt is medical debt, credit card debt or personal loans- bankruptcy might be a better option, as the consumer would receive a complete discharge of these debts.

Choosing Bankruptcy as an Option.

Depending on an individual’s income and amount of debt, pursuing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case may be the wisest option to discharge the debt or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case to reorganize and pay down qualifying debt. One factor to keep in mind is debt consolidation is a big business. It can be successful for some people, but for others, it may not provide the long-term solution the consumer needs.  The attorneys at Kingcade Garcia McMaken have helped thousands of people restart, rebuilt and recover through bankruptcy.

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://studentloanhero.com/featured/debt-consolidation-vs-bankruptcy/

 

 

 

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How Much Debt Is Required To Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

One of the common misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy has to do with how much debt you must have to qualify for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy laws do not have a set minimum debt requirement for someone to be able to file for bankruptcy. Ultimately, it depends largely on the person’s financial circumstances, including the type of debt he or she has, as well as the person’s ability to pay back the debt, along with other factors.

When it comes to debt levels, how much debt you have is only one consideration made when determining whether you should proceed with a bankruptcy filing.  Unlike a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy does have a maximum debt amount for debtors considering this form of bankruptcy. While there is no minimum debt amount required to file for bankruptcy, you cannot have more than $1,257,850 in secured debt or $419,275 in unsecured debt if you want to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy (these amounts, which are adjusted periodically to account for inflation, are valid as of April 2019).

Filers are limited in how many times they can receive a bankruptcy discharge within a set amount of time. For example, if you filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and received a discharge, you must wait eight years before being able to file for Chapter 7 again. Therefore, if you do not have a significant amount of debt, you may want to consider whether you will anticipate needing to file in the future. Is it worth it to file for bankruptcy now on a smaller amount of debt and be barred from filing again, if needed? A bankruptcy attorney can talk through these options with you to help you make the best choice.

Bankruptcy looks at the different types of debts you carry and whether these debts can be discharged. Certain debts are considered non-dischargeable, including priority tax debtsstudent loans in most cases, child support, spousal support, and any obligations arising from a personal injury case caused by wrong actions, which can include drunk driving. For instance, if most of your debt is in student loans, a bankruptcy may not be your best option, while a person who carries mostly credit card and medical debt will find bankruptcy beneficial.

If you are filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida, you can use Florida bankruptcy exemptions to protect your property. In addition, residents are provided unlimited exemptions for homestead, annuities, and the cash surrender value of a life insurance policy. Florida has one of the most generous homestead exemptions in the country.

Even if you do not have a large amount of debt, if you are being sued or the matter is being referred to collections, it may be best to file for bankruptcy now instead of later. As soon as you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay will be issued, putting a stop to all collection actions. If you wait too long, and a judgment is issued on the debt, resulting in wage garnishment, it may be too little too late. It is for this reason that it is important you meet with an experienced bankruptcy attorney to talk about your financial situation and whether bankruptcy is right for you.

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.

Source: AllLaw.com

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief

BEWARE: The Dangers of “Do It Yourself” Bankruptcy Kits

If someone is considering filing for bankruptcy, odds are he or she is already in a tough financial situation. The thought of hiring an attorney to file their case can seem out of reach. It is for this reason many consumers turn to the Internet for alternative solutions. Oftentimes, these come in the form of debt consolidation, credit repair and credit consolidation.  All come with their own set of inherent risks and are oftentimes a temporary band-aid to a bigger problem.

“Do It Yourself” Bankruptcy kits are also flooding the Internet and promote a cheap alternative to eliminate your debt. One such software program, Upsolve, created by two Harvard graduates, promotes itself as a non-profit organization committed to helping low-income Americans get a fresh financial start through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Sounds great, right?  Well it is obvious the creators of the software (and others like it) overlooked one very important detail.  The importance of the bankruptcy Means Test. To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a filer must first pass the bankruptcy means test. This test is basically a formula that takes into account various factors, such as income, living expenses and family size, to determine if the filer can afford to repay his or her debts through a Chapter 13 reorganization bankruptcy in lieu of Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It is not a one size fits all type of test and can be very subjective, depending on the filer’s life circumstances.

It is important that people are aware of the risks of using this type of “do it yourself” bankruptcy software and filing Bankruptcy Pro Se. Changes to bankruptcy law enacted in 2005 added some complicated requirements to the field of bankruptcy.  While most bankruptcy documents are form-based, this does not mean that they are easy to fill out.

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 losing valuable property and possessions and your case being completely thrown out altogether.

An experienced bankruptcy attorney can also discuss the pros and cons of proceeding with a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The best piece of advice for these types of situations is “if it seems too good to be true, it likely is.”

While “do it yourself” projects may be a good idea around the house, let a professional handle your bankruptcy filing. Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations to assess your financial situation to determine if bankruptcy is right for you. In addition, our firm offers affordable payment plans and Saturday appointments.

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.

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Understanding the Bankruptcy Process in Florida

Making the decision to file for bankruptcy is never an easy one. The steps taken during a bankruptcy case vary depending on the type of person or entity filing for bankruptcy. Once you decide to file for bankruptcy, it is important that you avoid mistakes that could impact your case or jeopardize your debts from being discharged.

Business filers are limited normally to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, unless the business is a sole proprietorship. In this situation, the business may be able to proceed with a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If the filer is an individual, depending on qualifications, he or she may be able to do either a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

To qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in Florida, the debtor needs to pass the means test. The means test takes into account your income, expenses and family size to determine whether you have enough disposable income to repay your debts. If the debtor does not pass the means test, the next option is a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which is also known as a repayment or reorganization bankruptcy. In Chapter 13, the debtor works with the bankruptcy trustee on a three-to-five-year-long repayment plan whereby the debtor’s debts are negotiated down and consolidated into one single monthly payment. The debtor will normally get to keep all of his or her assets in this type of bankruptcy.

Many people fear that filing for bankruptcy will result in them losing everything they own. Do not believe this myth.  Many Chapter 7 cases are “no-asset” cases, which means that the debtor gives up no possessions due to the allotted bankruptcy exemptions.  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. To claim the full value of the homestead exemption in Florida, you must have owned the property for at least 1,215 days before the bankruptcy filing.

The state also allows the filer to exempt personal property up to $1,000, education savings and health savings, tax credits and refunds, and up to $1,000 in motor vehicle equity if the filers are married and filing jointly. Additionally, Florida allows for wages of the head of family to be exempt for up to $750 weekly or the greater of 75 percent or 30 times the minimum wage. Florida exemptions also cover different types of pensions and retirement funds, as well as annuities and insurance policies.

If a debtor passes the means test and is able to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, the next question is whether the filer’s debt is dischargeable. For the most part, bankruptcy involves debt that is unsecured and not connected to collateral, such as medical bills or consumer credit card debt. Other debt, such as child support payments, tax debt and spousal support are not dischargeable. If the filer’s debt is mainly unsecured, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be the better option for him or her to discharge the debt. If the filer’s debt is connected to another asset that the filer wishes to keep, a Chapter 13 filing may be the better option.

It helps to have the assistance of an experienced bankruptcy attorney to guide you through the process. A bankruptcy attorney can review the debtor’s situation, advise him or her on the best route to take with respect to bankruptcy and can ensure that all paperwork is completed correctly to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Please click here for more information.

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.

 

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

IRS Tax Lien? Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Can Help

If you are facing an IRS tax lien, you may wonder what your options are to discharge the debt.  For many individuals, the most common method to get rid of a tax debt is through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers unique debt solutions not available in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, clients are required to restructure their debt and create a repayment plan that is better designed to fit their ability to pay. The money will go towards the debts that matter the most, like your mortgage, car loan, support obligations, taxes, etc.  The remaining debts, such as your credit cards, medical bills and utility bills will only get a fraction of what is owed.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to:

  • keep all property;
  • avoid foreclosure and vehicle repossession;
  • pay the fair market value for a car, and;
  • stop lawsuits, wage garnishments, and bank levies.

Tax debt that is secured by an IRS tax lien, the personal liability on that debt may also be discharged, although the lien will be treated differently. It depends largely on the timing of the bankruptcy case, as well as the classification of the debt when it comes to whether the tax debt can be discharged.

What Is the Status of the Tax Debt?

The first question to ask yourself is what the timing or status of the tax debt is? Your IRS tax account transcripts will be able to provide this information, including the date of the filing of the tax return, the date the tax was assessed and whether any events have occurred that could have stopped time periods for the debt, as well as whether any liens have been recorded against the property the taxpayer owns. If the IRS has secured a lien on the taxpayer’s land, county land records should be able to pull this information up, as well.

IRS Lien as a Secured Debt

If the IRS has properly secured a tax lien on your property, this means the debt is a secured one for purposes of bankruptcy. The taxpayer’s personal tax debt may be able to be discharged, but the lien will remain on the property. What this means is if you are not able to pay off the entire amount owed on the lien, with interest, during the Chapter 13 bankruptcy case or repayment plan, the IRS retains the right to seize the property once bankruptcy is finalized to receive payment on the debt.

Can Tax Debt Be Unsecured?

Tax debt can also be unsecured and discharged, but for this to happen, certain requirements must be met, including:

  • The due date for the most recent tax return must be more than three years before the filing for bankruptcy;
  • The tax return must have been filed at least two years prior to the bankruptcy filing;
  • The tax claim must have been assessed at least 240 days before filing for bankruptcy;
  • The tax return must also be from a non-fraudulent filing; and
  • The taxpayer must not have engaged to willfully evade or defeat the tax debt.

If all these requirements are met and the debt is not otherwise secured by a lien, it will be classified as an unsecured debt. This classification is ideal for debtors who are looking to discharge the debt completely.

During a repayment plan through Chapter 13, these unsecured debts are normally paid at a pro rata distribution, which means they are paid after secured and priority debts are paid first. Anything that is not paid at the end of the repayment period is then discharged.

List All Tax Debts

When filing for bankruptcy, it is important you list all your tax debts, including tax authorities to whom you owe the debt. That authority has 180 days to then file a proof of claim where they indicate what the tax debt is it that you owe. If the taxing authority does not file an official proof of claim, the claim may be discharged without any payment. This situation is rare, but it occasionally does occur.

Incurring Debts Post-Filing

Life does not stop simply because you have filed for bankruptcy. If you do incur additional tax debt after filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, that debt may then be added to your case as a post-petition debt. That debt will then be lumped in and paid back as part of your Chapter 13 repayment plan.

Not all bankruptcies are the same. It is important to understand the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy when considering your options. It is equally important to have a Miami bankruptcy lawyer on your side that will take the time to help you find the best plan to work for you.

If you are facing an IRS tax lien, we can help. 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.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/declaring-bankruptcy

https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/bankruptcy/tax-debts-chapter-13-bankruptcy.html

https://www.thebankruptcysite.org/resources/bankruptcy/chapter-13/tax-debts-chapter-13-bankruptcy