Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How to deal with ‘old’ debt

When a debt exceeds the statute of limitations, it is referred to as “time-barred debt.” That means creditors cannot legally sue you.  But they may still try.  They may continue contacting you. It is important you proceed with caution, because the practice of debt collection has many pitfalls.

Perhaps you never took out the debt, that the collector has the wrong amount or that you already paid and the collection attempt is a mistake.

A debt collector should send you a validation notice within five days of first contacting you. This notice should include the debt owed, the amount, date of last payment, who the collector is and how to request information on the original creditor. If you do not receive this notice within 10 days after the debt collector first contacts you, ask for it.

Challenge it!

If you are being asked to pay a time-barred debt that is not yours, that was already paid off or invalid, you can write the creditor to dispute the debt.

You have 30 days from first contact to challenge the debt before it is deemed accepted by default. If you dispute the debt within this window, debt collection efforts must stop until the issue is resolved.

Be as specific as possible in your letter. Say why the debt collection attempt is invalid, including information about payment history or why the debt may not be yours and any other relevant information. Send the letter by certified mail so you get confirmation of receipt.

If for any reason you feel the debt collector has violated your consumer rights, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission.

The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) originally enacted in 1978 requires that debt collectors provide consumers with certain basic information such as the amount of debt owed and the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed. A lesser-known requirement of the FDCPA says debt collectors must give consumers a 30-day notice to dispute the debt before it is assumed as valid.

Pay it off- but proceed with caution.

Although you may think paying a little bit of the debt owed will get the creditor off your back, it can make things much worse. Making even a single payment on time-barred debt can bring it back from the dead and reset the statute of limitations.  In some states, even if you pay as little as a $1, you will reactivate the entire debt and you can be sued for the original debt plus fees.

If you want to pay off the debt, you have several options:

  • Pay in full with a lump sum;
  • Work with the creditor to set up a payment plan;
  • Make an agreement to settle the debt by paying a portion.

If you pay the debt in full, make sure the collector sends you a confirmation in writing.  Hold onto this in case the payment is not properly recorded or the debt gets sold, again.

Discharge the debt through bankruptcy.

If you feel the debt is just too much to pay off or you want to rid yourself of the debt for good, you could file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  After filing, you are likely to see your credit scores improve.

Steps to take if you are sued.

Creditors may sue you even though a debt is past its statute of limitations.

The most important thing: DO NOT ignore the lawsuit. Ignoring it will likely lead to an automatic judgment against you and result in wage garnishment. Consider talking with an attorney about how to proceed, and gather all documents you have proving that the debt is time-barred.

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://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-expired-debt-20160917-snap-story.html

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Bankruptcy Basics and When Filing is the Right Answer

Filing for bankruptcy can be a scary predicament.  But we all know financial misfortune can affect any one of us, at any time.  Whether it is a difficult divorce, an unexpected health crisis or an extended period of unemployment- bankruptcy can become less intimidating when you know how it works and what to expect.

So how do you know when it is the right time to file for bankruptcy?  Here are a few questions to help you assess whether bankruptcy is a viable option.

  • Are you only making minimum payments on your credit cards?
  • Are debt collectors calling you?
  • Does the thought of organizing your finances cause you to have fear and anxiety?
  • Do you use credit cards to pay for necessities?
  • Are you considering consolidating your debts?
  • Are you unsure about the amount you actually owe?

If you answered yes to two or more of the questions above, it’s time to take a closer look at your financial situation. To determine where you are financially, take an inventory of all your liquid assets. Do not forget to include retirement funds, stocks, bonds, real estate, vehicles, college savings accounts, and other non-bank account funds. Calculate a rough estimate for each. Remember, virtually all retirement accounts are exempt from creditors, meaning you get to keep them if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Then, collect and add up your bills and credit statements. If the value of your assets is less than the amount of debt you owe, declaring bankruptcy may be one way to get out from under your debt and get a fresh start.

There are many reasons people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Some common reasons for filing for Chapter 7 are unemployment, large medical bills, overextended credit, and marital problems. Chapter 7 is sometimes referred to as a “straight bankruptcy.” Your assets are liquidated to pay off as much of your debt as possible. The cash from your assets is then distributed to your creditors.  In approximately four months, you will receive a notice of discharge. For many, Chapter 7 offers a quick, financial fresh start. Many filers quickly rebuild their credit scores and have gone onto purchase homes.

For people who have property they want to hold on to, filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be a better option. This type of bankruptcy is oftentimes referred to as a “reorganization bankruptcy.” Chapter 13 allows people to pay off their debts over a period of three to five years. For individuals who have consistent and predictable annual income, Chapter 13 offers a grace period. Any debts remaining at the end of the grace period are discharged. Once the bankruptcy is approved by the court, creditors must stop contacting the debtor. Individuals can then continue working and paying off their debts, while still keep their property and possessions.

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, begin with these steps:

  • Gather all necessary documents. This will document your income, your assets, and all of your debts. Download a copy of your credit report for free to make sure you do not leave anything out. Put all of the relevant paperwork — statements from all of your creditors, deeds and titles to property and vehicles, pay stubs, copies of tax returns — into a folder.
  • Find an attorney who is an expert in bankruptcy. If you have an attorney you have used before, ask him or her for a referral to a bankruptcy specialist. Do your research online and in person, do not be sold simply by an advertisement. Look at a firm’s testimonials, past experiences with clients and the number of bankruptcy cases they have filed.  With a good lawyer and the right information, filing for bankruptcy can give you the financial footing you need to get a fresh start.

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://www.fool.com/personal-finance/credit/2007/08/31/dont-be-afraid-of-bankruptcy.aspx

https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/bankruptcy-basics-when-should-you-throw-in-the-towel

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

What to do When Debt Collectors Call

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), collectors have reached out to one-third of all consumers over the past year in an attempt to recover a debt. Although there are many laws in place to protect consumers, the CFPB reported that approximately 25 percent of all grievances the agency has received are complaints about debt collection practices. The CFPB recently proposed new rules to better protect consumers against illegal or unethical debt collection practices.

The CFPB recommends these four measures you need to take when debt collectors call:

  1. Know your rights. Familiarize yourself with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), this will help you better understand your rights as a consumers and how you are protected by the CFPB. When a debt collector contacts you, make sure you tell them you are aware of your rights under the FDCPA.
  2. Verify everything. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are legally require to follow up their call with a written notice detailing your debt. Make sure you ask for that information while you have them on the phone. You also need to verify the debt and the collector. Sometimes debt collectors try to collect “zombie debt” that is past the statute of limitations in your state.
  3. Take detailed notes. Write down every time the collector makes contact with you. In your notes include: the agency’s name, the number they called from or the email address used, the time of the call and the name of the representative you spoke with. Also write down any threats that are made or unethical tactics the collector used to get you to pay the debt.
  4. Complain to the CFPB. If you know your rights and you are aware that a debt collector has violated the FDCPA to try to collect debts, report the encounters to the CFPB.

 

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 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.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Foreclosures, Timothy Kingcade Posts

New Mortgage Rules Aim to Stop Wrongful Foreclosures

Last week the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) approved new rules that will help prevent borrowers from being improperly foreclosed on by their mortgage lenders. The recently approved rules build on the current regulations that were created in the aftermath of the housing bust. The original rules required mortgage lenders to grant certain foreclosure protections to a struggling borrower once over the life of the loan. The new rules will require mortgage lenders to provide protections more than once, offering them to borrowers who make current payments after they have worked out an agreement to avoid foreclosure.

“This change will be particularly helpful for borrowers who obtain a permanent loan modification and later suffer an unrelated hardship – such as the loss of a job or the death of a family member – that could otherwise cause them to face foreclosure,” the CFPB said in a statement outlining the new rules.

In addition, the rules expand surviving family members’ protections and require mortgage lenders to give borrowers who have filed bankruptcy information about possible options. The rules also prohibit servicers from taking legal steps once borrowers have completed loss mitigation applications.

The rules come after a June report from the CFPB revealed that some servicers were giving homeowners wrong or outdated information or no information at all.

Click here for more on this story.

Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between whether or not you can keep your home. A well-qualified Miami foreclosure defense attorney will not only help you keep your home, but they will be able to negotiate a loan that has payments you can afford. Miami foreclosure defense attorney Timothy Kingcade has helped many facing foreclosure alleviate their stress by letting them stay in their homes for at least another year, allowing them to re-organize their lives. If you have any questions on the topic of foreclosure please feel free to contact me at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

 

 

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Florida Bar, Timothy Kingcade Posts

8 Things Debt Collectors Won’t Tell You

Debt collectors often use extreme and dishonest measures to try to collect on debts. However, there are a number of things that they are not likely to tell you, and knowing these things can make all the difference in resolving your debts.

Below are eight things debt collectors are not telling you:

  1. Some of their threats carry no weight. Oftentimes, debt collectors use empty threats such as, “We are going to inform your creditor that you are refusing to pay this bill.” However, your creditor already knows you are not paying the bill, which is why the bill was sent to a collection agency.
  2. If you tell them not to call during work hours, they must comply. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, debt collectors cannot continue to call you while you are at work, if you tell them not to. However, the 2011 Annual Report to Congress about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act complaints proved that 17,008 complaints were filed in 2010 related to debt collection calls to consumers at work. This number is up from 11,991 complaints the previous year.
  3. They cannot talk about your debts to others. Debt collectors are only allowed to discuss your debt with you, a co-signer, your spouse or your attorney. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, debt collectors can only contact “third parties” to locate you.
  4. Your debt may be stale. Each state has its own statute of limitations that makes debt of certain ages not collectible. However, some debt collectors continue to target borrowers to collect on old debts.
  5. Debt collectors are under pressure to collect, just like you are to pay. Most collectors work on sliding scale commissions. This means that the quicker they collect money from debtors, the higher their commission.
  6. They cannot go after your possessions unless they sue you. Debt collectors must sue you before they can go after your property, including money in your bank account. Even threatening to sue you to collect a debt may be illegal if the collector has no intention of doing so.
  7. Paying off this debt will not boost your credit ratings. When a debt is sent to collections, it will remain on your credit report for seven and a half years from the date you fell behind with the original creditor. Collectors will often tell you they will “update your credit report to paid in full status.” However, the change will not likely affect your credit report.
  8. You probably do not have to pay your deceased relative’s debt. You are generally not responsible for the debts of relatives who have died unless you were a co-signer of the debt or the debt belonged to your spouse who died.

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 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.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Household Credit Card Debt Still on the Rise

Financial experts believe the average household credit card debt will reach the “tipping point” of financial sustainability by the end of 2016. During the first quarter of 2016, Americans paid down approximately $26.8 billion in credit card debt; however, this is the lowest amount paid down in one quarter since 2008. By the end of 2015, credit card debt had reached $917.7 billion, up $71 billion from 2014. Analysts predict that national credit card debt will exceed $1 trillion dollars by the end of 2016.

A study conducted by CardHub found that the average American household’s credit card balance was more than $7,500. The amount is approximately $831 less than what the study considers the “tipping point” of financial sustainability.

Another study conducted by Dun & Bradstreet found that on average, people spend 12 to 18 percent more when they use a credit card, rather than cash.

The number of cards the average American uses is also on the rise. In 2015, data from Experian revealed that the average number of cards borrowers had was 2.24 cards per person, up from 2.18 cards per person in 2014.

One of the factors financial experts attribute to the rise in credit card debt is the lack of emergency funds. Many Americans are using credit cards for unexpected expenses without reducing their expenses, rather than using credit cards as a substitute for cash.

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 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.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Tips to Quickly Pay Off Credit Card Debt

In 2015, the average American had approximately $15,762 in consumer credit card debt and the United States as a whole had more than $733 billion. Credit card debt was the fourth largest type of debt in the country, following student loans, auto loans and mortgages. However, most consumers retain this debt for many years and end up racking up thousands of dollars in interest. This typically occurs because consumers prioritize other payments such as mortgage payments, student loan payments, hospital bills and car payments, and therefore only make the minimum credit card payments each month.

Below are some tips to help you quickly pay off $10,000 in credit card debt.

Find out your total balance. The first thing you need to do is find out your total amount of debt, totaling all of your consumer credit cards.

Stop the interest. The next thing you need to do is look for a card that is offering a long lasting “0% intro APR balance transfer” promotion. Next, transfer your balance to this card. If you have more than one card with a balance, try to consolidate all of your credit card balances to the same card offering 0% interest. In many cases, interest accounts for as much as 75% of your monthly payment! According to NerdWallet, the average household pays $6,658 in interest per year in various debts.

• Power through the balance. After you have transferred your balance, it is important to take advantage of the interest-free period of your new card. Continue to make the same payments you made before and your balance will start shrinking much faster.

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:

https://www.lendingtree.com/info/powerful-2-step-method-pay-off-credit-cards?esourceid=6164156&cchannel=bd&csource=cnn-money&siteid=CC-pay-off-10k-hp

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/credit-card-data/average-credit-card-debt-household/

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Why Chapter 7 Bankruptcy should be Your First Option and Not Your Last Resort

Many Americans turn to debt relief assistance options when they are struggling with medical, credit card or other types of unsecured debt. However, according to the Huffington Post, nearly half of all programs aimed at helping you with your debt problems, fail to achieve the results they promise. These programs include credit counseling services, debt settlement programs, etc. Even those who have success with such programs usually end up with extremely high, consolidated payments for many years and accrue thousands of dollars in interest.

Filing for bankruptcy can you save time and money when you are in financial distress. Here is an example that shows the money and time debtors can save if they choose to file for bankruptcy, rather than seek debt relief assistance. Imagine that you currently have $22,000 in unsecured debts, such as credit cards. You have recently lost your job and can no longer afford each of the individual payments; therefore you choose to consolidate your credit cards into one monthly payment with the help of a credit-counseling agency. Your monthly payment is now $418 per month for the next five years. Once you pay off your debt at the end of the five years, you have paid roughly $25,000 including interest. However, if you put the same payment of $418 per month into an IRA for five years with an average return of 9.74%, you would not only have saved yourself $3,000 in interest but you would also have approximately $32,000 saved for retirement.

Filling for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate years of extremely high monthly payments and ongoing stress. The process of filing bankruptcy can take as little as 90 days and the total cost is typically between $1,500 and $1,800.

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 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.

 

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Florida Bar, Timothy Kingcade Posts

The Bankruptcy Means Test: What is it? Why is it Important?

The bankruptcy means test determines whether or not you are eligible to file for debt forgiveness through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The test uses factors such as: income, expenses and family size to determine who can afford to repay their debts through reorganization and who cannot. Most who take the means test, pass it and are considered clear to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, those who are ineligible for Chapter 7 have the option to file Chapter 13, which will restructure and reorganize debts.

How the Test Works

There are two steps involved in determining whether or not you have enough disposable income to pay off your debts. An experienced bankruptcy attorney will assist you in filling out and filing your paperwork with the bankruptcy court. Most debtors who file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy are struggling with consumer debt such as credit card or medical debt.

Step One

The first step in the bankruptcy means test will compare your household income with the average income in your state. In Florida, the median income for a household with one earner is $43,136. The median income for a household with two earners is $53,654. The means test is based on your financial situation over the past six months; therefore you will need to gather all of your documentation about your income during this time period. Keep in mind the court will consider any recent changes in your income such as: losing your job or starting a new job. If your median income over the past six months falls below your state’s average, you automatically qualify to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Step Two

If you are not automatically qualified to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on your household income, you will need to move on to step two in the bankruptcy means test. As a part of this step, you must gather all of your documentation that lists your “allowable expenses” over the past six months. These expenses can include any of the following: rent, groceries, clothing and medical costs. What is left over is considered disposable income. In this portion of the means test, it is important to be thorough and not leave out any “allowable expenses.” It is also crucial to know your local “allowable expense” standards in addition to national standards. Make sure you consult with your attorney to fully understand what are considered allowable expenses in Florida.

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 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.

 

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Former Duke Basketball Star Faces Bankruptcy

Christian Laettner, Duke University basketball legend is facing bankruptcy.  Several creditors filed an involuntary Chapter 7 petition against him alleging he owes $14 million.  The nature of Laettner’s debts was not described in the petition.  However, according to The Wall Street Journal Mr. Laettner and his business partner in several real estate deals faced civil lawsuits seeking repayment of loans valued at about $30 million, including to sports celebrities like former Chicago Bull, Scottie Pippen. The two played on the 1992 Olympic men’s basketball team together.

Laettner, who made the famous game-winning shot against Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA Tournament East Region finals, has 21 days to respond to the involuntary petition.

Laennter’s attorney said the involuntary bankruptcy is related to the West Village real estate development in Durham, N.C., a downtown project that crumbled during the economic recession. The involuntary petition stems from two creditors who are fighting to recover money from the project and that Mr. Laettner plans to negotiate a deal that will lead the chapter 7 filing to be dismissed, he said.

Laettner led the Duke University Blue Devils to two NCAA championship titles in the early 1990s. He also played in the NBA for more than a dozen seasons.

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.

Related Resources: http://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/mens-basketball/article87366522.html