The Advance Medical Directive

by Dave Gormley | Posted in Wills & Estates | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Senior couple meeting a lawyer for legal assistance.

What would happen to you if you had a major medical emergency, and you were in a coma or vegetative state? Unless you have already taken steps to provide legal instructions otherwise, the hospital will use all reasonable means to keep you alive – whether you want that or not. The document that gives you...

Read More

Home Improvements & Home Price

by Dave Gormley | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: < 1 minute

Remodeling before your sell?  Find out why this may not pay. Dave Gormley and real estate agent Ken Montville discuss Ken’s blog post Home Improvements and Home Price.  In the interview they discuss the idea of return on investment and home improvements.  If you are getting ready to sell your home taking on major renovations...

Read More

Scam Series – Child Models

by Dave Gormley | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: 4 minutes

scam warning sign

Do you think your child could be a model or an actor? If a talent scout says they’ve got a future in the business, you might be excited and flattered. But look out- you could be the target of a modeling scam. We don’t want to sound discouraging. We just want to give people a...

Read More

How Is a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Payment Plan Calculated?

by Dave Gormley | Posted in Bankruptcy & Foreclosure | Reading Time: 5 minutes

Bankruptcy can be an intimidating time for individuals and families. Many myths and cautionary tales abound about what to expect during bankruptcy proceedings. While Chapter 13 bankruptcy is undoubtedly a big undertaking, it is a way for you to gather your financial footing if you find yourself overburdened with debt.  During a Chapter 13 bankruptcy,...

Read More

Who Can Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

by Dave Gormley | Posted in Bankruptcy & Foreclosure | Reading Time: 4 minutes

Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers a fresh start for individuals. If you’re struggling with credit cards or medical bills, Chapter 7 can erase your debts within a few months. However, because it discharges most consumer debts, not everyone will qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA) requires...

Read More

Can You File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy on Alimony?

by Dave Gormley | Posted in Bankruptcy & Foreclosure | Reading Time: 4 minutes

Alimony or spousal support is not dischargeable in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can help you manage overwhelming debt, but it will not erase domestic support obligations. Or, if you receive spousal support, you will not lose it if you file for bankruptcy. Our attorneys have been handling bankruptcy cases in Southern Maryland for over 30 years. We...

Read More

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: Understanding The Difference

by Dave Gormley | Posted in Bankruptcy & Foreclosure | Reading Time: 4 minutes

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...

Read More

New Maryland Laws Effective Today

by Tucker Clagett | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: 5 minutes

If it’s October, you can bet Maryland has some new laws. October 1 is when most new Maryland laws take effect. As per usual, we have the rundown of the new Maryland laws that are likely to affect you the most. Share this with friends and family. Everyone should know this stuff. Rear Facing Child...

Read More

Can You Keep Your Car When You File For Bankruptcy?

by Dave Gormley | Posted in Bankruptcy & Foreclosure | Reading Time: 4 minutes

 What Happens to Your Car in Bankruptcy? If you live in Southern Maryland it is hard to make do without a car. Because of this one of the things we do when you come in for a free initial bankruptcy consult in our Waldorf or Lexington Park offices is figure out what you have...

Read More