Stop Being Bullied by Debt Collectors

Debt collectors can be relentless in their pursuit to collect on past due bills.  The following are some tips on how to avoid being bullied by collecting agencies.  These tips were published in an article in the Dallas Morning News that can be found here

1.  Do not ignore the collector's calls or written communication. 

2.  Make the collector prove that you owe the debt.

3.  If a collector calls regarding a bill that has already been paid then provide proof to the collecting agency the account is already settled and paid.

4.  Do not tolerate abusive debt collectors who make threats, use foul language or repeatedly call. 

5.  Take action by submitting written notice to debt collectors to cease communication if collection calls become over the top. 

By taking these steps hopefully you can work out a plan to resolve your debt with the collection agencies in a swift manner.  If however you feel you have taken the above action and still feel stressed from collection calls and cannot seem to get caught up on your bills then you may want to speak with an Attorney regarding your options.  If so, contact Fears | Nachawati toll free at 1-866-705-7584 or via e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com

5 Common Financial Mistakes in Today's Bad Economy

The Dallas Morning News published an article recently by bankrate.com regarding 5 common financial pitfalls that individuals make in a bad economy.  The article outlines the below 5 mistakes and offers realistic solutions regarding how to avoid them.  For a link to the article click here.     

1.  Continued spending using credit cards

2.  Invading your nest egg - withdrawing money from your IRA or 401k

3.  Paying for college without applying for aid

4.  Investing inertia - long-term investment management

5.  Obtaining cash from your home

If you have found yourself in one of the above situations not realizing that they were mistakes and cannot find a solution for relief then you may want to speak to an experience attorney who can discuss your options with you.  Call us toll free at 1-866-705-7584 or e-mail us at info@fnlawfirm.com.   

What are my alternatives to Bankruptcy to Stop a Foreclosure?

There are a few effective ways to stop or postpone a foreclosure or sale date on your home.  Your first step should be to contact your Mortgage Company directly as soon as you know you are behind or are about to miss a payment and speak to the Loss Mitigation department. Every mortgage company has Loss Mitigation department and they are there to help you in times of need (not that they always do help).  Let them know your current situation (such as loss of job, decrease in income, medical conditions or emergency situations) and ask them for your options.

The Loss Mitigation department of your Mortgage Company should be able to provide you a forbearance option or a modification option. BEWARE, some Mortgage Companies use their Loss Mitigation department to drag their feet until they sell your house.  Don’t let this happen to you!

If you keep getting the run-around, call our office and let us layout the options for you before it’s too late.  Call toll free at 1-866-705-7584 or e-mail us at info@fnlawfirm.com

What if I own a small business and want to file for Bankruptcy?

Is your business turning a profit? Does it own any assets? Would you like to keep it running, or would you like to wrap it up? These are a few of the questions you should consider if you own a small business and are debating filing for bankruptcy.

If your goal is to keep the business in operation, you really need to look into a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to relieve your budget and keep your doors open. If you’re ready to close up shop and want to move on with life, you should look in to filing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy to give you a fresh start.

To talk with someone about the different options you have as a small business owner, contact Fears | Nachawati for a free consultation by calling toll free 1-866-705-7584 or e-mail info@fnalwfirm.com

 

Texas Hit Hard By Foreclosures

It’s not a big surprise to people in San Antonio, Texas, (and the rest of the country) that we are in the middle of a foreclosure epidemic. Some states like Texas, California and Florida are suffering much more than others. But regardless of the reasons people are facing foreclosure--loss of income, slow business or mismanagement of finances--there is something homeowners can do to gain control and avoid losing their home. For many the best option is to file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. It will give you some control over your home loan and time to restore your finances.

When you file for bankruptcy in San Antonio, the lender cannot foreclose on or sell your home. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy also gives you the opportunity to repay any arrears so you can get caught up. You may even be able to lower your monthly payment by removing a second mortgage. Filing for bankruptcy will also keep any other creditors from taking action against your paycheck or assets. If your goal is to save your home, it is advisable you speak with an attorney experienced in bankruptcy law as soon as possible.

For a free consultation on how Chapter 13 can help you save your home, contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, by calling toll free 1-866-705-7584 or by e-mailing info@fnlawfirm.com.

What Can You Keep When Filing for Bankruptcy?

This is a quick list of the things you can keep when filing for bankruptcy (Depending on the type of exemptions you qualify for and the amount of equity you have).

1.       Your house

2.       Your Car(s)

3.       Your Bank Account(s) – including Savings Accounts

4.       All Retirement Account(s) – Yes, 401ks, 403bs & IRAs.

5.       Your Personal Belongings

6.       Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds

7.       You’re Sanity!

Call the office anytime to find out more by dialing toll free 1-866-705-7584 or e-mailing info@fnlawfirm.com

Can Bankruptcy Erase My Student Loan?

A common question asked regarding bankruptcy is whether student loan debt is dischargeable. The answer is that you can consolidate your student loan with your other bills in a Chapter 13 court-ordered repayment plan. When you file for a Chapter 13 in Austin, Texas, the student loan agency must accept payments under the terms of the Chapter 13. The student loan agency is a creditor and they cannot pursue you for any unpaid portion of the student loan during the Chapter 13. Also, the interest that would normally accrue may be waived during the Chapter 13. So in a way, it is a loan forbearance.

One of the benefits of filing for bankruptcy in Austin is the temporary relief, allowing you to pay a reduced percentage of your student loan and other outstanding obligations. They will not be able to put a lien on your income or assets. But there is a catch. After your Chapter 13 discharge they may pursue you for any portion of the student loan that was not satisfied by your Chapter 13 payment plan. After the Chapter 13 is discharged or dismissed, however, you will have the opportunity to work out a payment plan to pay the remaining balance.

For a free consultation about student loans forbearance and bankruptcy contact Fears | Nachawati via toll free phone a 1-866-705-7584 or via e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com.

Get Your Driver's License Through Bankruptcy

Although obtaining a driver’s license is a privilege, for most people in Arlington, Texas, having a driver’s license is a necessity. You need it to drive to work and take your kids to school. There are many reasons people lose their driving privileges. Some get it suspended because of an unpaid judgment from an accident where you did not have insurance. In Texas you could have this type of suspension even if you have not been sued.

When you file for bankruptcy in Dallas the automatic stay takes effect immediately when you file and entitles you to get your driver's license back in most circumstances. Some of the circumstances when you have the right under bankruptcy law to get your license back are when it is suspended because of non-payment of a debt vs. the legitimate exercise of the state's police power as in a DUI situation.

You can get your license back through bankruptcy as long as the suspension is not the consequence of driving a vehicle while intoxicated that involved death or bodily injury. Another exception to re-instating a driver’s license is the non-payment of child or spousal support.

For a free consultation on how Arlington bankruptcy law can help you recover your driver’s license, contact Fears | Nachawati via toll free phone at 1-866-705-7584 or e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com.

Why Bankruptcy Can Help Improve Your Credit

One of the main reasons people are afraid to file for bankruptcy is the misleading claim by credit companies that filing for bankruptcy will ruin your credit. The reality is that the opposite is true for people who are in over their heads in debt. Filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Dallas, Texas, will erase most if not all of your debt and help give you a clean start in rebuilding your credit.

Additionally, when you have no excess credit card debt or other financial obligations there will be no more late payments on your credit report because your debt has been eliminated. And with the new credit card law, Credit CARD Act of 2009*, and careful management of your finances you should be able to rebuild your credit in a few years.

Although lenders will be able to see the bankruptcy on your credit report, they will primarily focus on the last 2-3 years of your credit history when extending credit.

For a free consultation on how Dallas bankruptcy law can help you get out of debt, contact Dallas bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, toll free at 1-866-705-7584 or by e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com.

*Credit CARD Act of 2009 is a federal law passed by the United States Congress and signed by President Barack Obama on May 22, 2009. Briefly, it is comprehensive credit card reform legislation that aims "...to establish fair and transparent practices relating to the extension of credit under an open end consumer credit plan, and for other purposes."

Can The New Credit Card Law Erase Your Credit Card Debt?

In many ways the new credit card law, the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 or Credit CARD Act of 2009* can help you with future credit card debt. It will help you against predatory lending practices and will help keep you in check by limiting your credit availability. But if you are looking for a fresh start right now, filing for Chapter 7 may be the best way to relieve the heavy burden of excess credit card debt.

When you file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in San Antonio, Texas, your credit card debt will be dismissed. You will get the fresh start you need as well as the opportunity to build credit in a more consumer friendly environment under the new Credit CARD Act of 2009.

If you are feeling the stress of too many credit card bills and not enough money to pay them, then a Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the best option for you.  For a free bankruptcy consultation contact San Antonio Bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, via toll free phone at 1-(866) 705-7584 or via e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com

*Credit CARD Act of 2009 is a federal law passed by the United States Congress and signed by President Barack Obama on May 22, 2009. Briefly, it is comprehensive credit card reform legislation that aims "...to establish fair and transparent practices relating to the extension of credit under an open end consumer credit plan, and for other purposes."