Filing for bankruptcy is never an easy decision. People often file for bankruptcy after a long period of financial stress. Unexpected financial troubles like a medical emergency or job loss can strain relationships and upend lives. Fortunately, the Bankruptcy Code provides individual consumers with a fresh start and a chance to reorganize and recover. Our […]

Before they file for bankruptcy, people often want to know, How long does a bankruptcy stay on your credit report? The simple answer is that a Chapter 7 bankruptcy appears on your credit report for 10 years after the date you file. Chapter 13 lasts for seven years from the filing date. That sounds scary. […]

No one wants to file for bankruptcy. People will try just about anything to avoid it. Most of the time they try one last thing that hurts them and really had very little or no chance of solving their problems. Most of the time these last ditch efforts just delay the inevitable, and result in […]

Bankruptcy asset hunters are just now discovering what many Facebookers have known for a long time: not everything is as it seems on social media. In fact, people often just plain lie! “Asset hunting” is a special job in bankruptcy cases. When an asset hunter is assigned to a debtor’s case, it’s their job to […]

Here in Southern Maryland most people would find it impossible to work or even live without a car. For most people it is critical to know what they have to do to keep their car when they file for bankruptcy. If that car has a loan on it you also need to understand the steps […]

The Maryland and Federal Foreclosure Moratoriums are scheduled to end June 30th, 2021. So, starting July 1st the mortgage companies can start sending out new Notices of Intent to Foreclose. These notices are the start of the foreclosure process in Maryland. If you are behind on you mortgage do not wait to get this notice […]

Last year in 2020, I wrote an article about what to do with your government stimulus check. We've gotten two more since then, and my advice has changed. Last year the right answer was to save it as an emergency fund for the coming pandemic, and to use it to pay down debt if you […]

Recently, some clients have mentioned during their consults that they heard this is the “perfect” time to file for bankruptcy. While I certainly think bankruptcy is a good answer for many people, bankruptcy is not the answer for everyone. Is it a good answer for you? Like so many things in life the answer to […]

When someone here in Southern Maryland comes to me to file for bankruptcy they sometimes ask if they will ever be able to get a mortgage to buy a house. Many people just assume they never will be able to qualify for a mortgage in Maryland after filing a bankruptcy. That just isn't true. I […]

This post gives you a road map of the “usual” Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.  I wrote it to give my clients, and prospective clients, a good general outline of what to expect if you need file for bankruptcy. Of course, not all bankruptcy cases follow the usual format. Your case may take some detours […]

Filing for bankruptcy will probably not affect your credit as much as you think. If you are in a situation where bankruptcy is an option, your credit is probably bad already. So a bankruptcy may not do nearly as much damage as you may think. All credit reports will show your bankruptcy for a period […]

The Trustee meetings for most of the Eastern Shore take place in the Federal Building in Salisbury, Maryland. This building houses the Post Office, Federal Court House and other federal agencies. When you enter the building turn to your right and walk past the metal detector into the court room. Yes, the meetings will be […]