Debt Relief Companies: So Many Names, So Many Scams

Debt relief ads seem to be everywhere: on television, on the radio, and in newspapers and magazines.  These companies use different terms to describe their services like counseling, consolidation, negotiation, mediation, settlement, reduction, relief, elimination, and so many others.  They all make promises – some more bold than others.  A few of these companies are legitimate.  I want to discuss the majority of these companies that are not legitimate and how to identify debt relief scams.

 

There are several simple warning signs to identify debt relief scams.  One warning sign is when the company requires a large up-front fee.  The company may even disguise that fee by calling it a “first payment.” Many consumers are surprised when that “first payment” is paid to the debt company and not paid to creditors.  That can also result in a thirty day delinquency on a credit report – just the kind of damage the consumer was trying to avoid!

 

Another warning sign is if the company makes promises that your credit score will not be affected by their program.  The truth is that there is not a legitimate debt relief program available that can guarantee that your credit report will not be adversely affected.  Any time a debt is not paid according to the terms of the original contract, the creditor is entitled to report adversely.  The creditor may fail to report, or may agree to not report at all, but there is no way to prevent a creditor from reporting truthful information to a credit bureau.

 

Finally, if the company claims that it can protect you from lawsuits or creditor harassment, run away!  The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) provides that third party collectors (e.g. collection agencies) cannot contact a debtor directly once an attorney is representing the debtor.  However, the FDCPA does not apply to original creditors (e.g. a credit card company), and it does not apply to non-attorney debt relief companies.  If your creditor wants to sue you over a delinquent debt, only a bankruptcy filing can prevent it.  Additionally, the debt relief company cannot represent you in court – only a licensed attorney can do that!

 

You can protect yourself from these scams by consulting an attorney.  Only an attorney can explain your legal rights and help you choose the best course of action to resolve your debt problems.  For more information on how to protect yourself contact Fears | Nachawati toll free at 1.866.705-7584 or by e-mailing info@fnlawfirm.com

 

Who is the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee?

Quite a bit of mystery surrounds the bankruptcy trustee.  Generally, the person identified as the bankruptcy trustee in a Chapter 7 case is a “panel trustee,” also called an “interim trustee.”  The Panel Trustee is appointed by the United States Trustee as a local agent to review the debtor’s bankruptcy petition and schedules, and to determine if the debtor has any non-exempt assets available for distribution to creditors.  The Panel Trustee is not a government employee, although he or she is supervised by the Office of the U.S. Trustee (a division of the U.S. Department of Justice).  While the Panel Trustee is required to be independent and disinterested in the debtor’s case, the Panel Trustee works primarily for the benefit of the debtor's unsecured creditors.

 

The Panel Trustee is almost always the individual that presides over the debtor’s Section 341 Meeting of Creditors.  The Panel Trustee must investigate the debtor’s affairs, examine the debtor under oath, and submit reports to the bankruptcy court and Office of the U.S. Trustee.  At the 341 Meeting the Panel Trustee is required to ask the debtor specific questions outlined in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  These questions include:

 

Did you read the schedules before signing?

Did you list all of your assets?

Did you list all of your debts?

Are the schedules accurate?

Do you want to make any corrections to the schedules?

Do you have a domestic support obligation?

 

Panel Trustees are paid a flat fee of $60 per case.  In addition, Panel Trustees receive an incentive commission on each dollar they collect from the debtor.  The commission rate is: 25% on the first $5,000 distributed; 10% on the next $45,000 distributed, 5% on the next $955,000, and 3% for every dollar distributed in excess of $1,000,000.  The National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees reports that approximately 90% of Chapter 7 cases are considered “no asset cases” in which there are no assets available for liquidation, either because assets are exempt (protected) by debtors or liened by secured creditors. 

 

Panel Trustees are usually attorneys or accountants with extensive bankruptcy law and auditing experience.  The bankruptcy trustee is forbidden from offering legal advice to debtors in bankruptcy.  Unfortunately, unrepresented debtors often do not receive the full protection of the bankruptcy laws because they lack the counsel of an experienced bankruptcy attorney.  These unrepresented individuals sometimes find themselves involved in “asset cases” and under the trustee’s microscope.  However, with the proper preparation, and with the experienced counsel of a skilled bankruptcy attorney, your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can proceed very smoothly – even under the scrutiny of the bankruptcy trustee.

 

Debt Collector Complaints Are Increasing

A recent survey by the Consumer Federation of America found that debt collection issues are the fastest growing category of consumer complaints.  The survey polled 34 state, county and city consumer agencies in 19 states and uncovered many abusive debt collection practices.  The complete report, including proposals for consumer protection laws and tips for consumers to protect themselves, is available at the Consumer Federation of America web site, www.consumerfed.org.

 

The results of this survey are not surprising to many bankruptcy attorneys.  People in debt can face a multitude of unethical practices employed by debt collectors.  Fortunately, there are some consumer protections that are available.  One of the most important consumer protections is the federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA).  This law restricts third party debt collectors from employing abusive or unethical practices when collecting a personal, family, or household debt.  The law restricts these collectors from:

 

*  Contacting a third party who does not owe the debt;

 

*  Making a false threat of civil or criminal legal action;

 

*  Making repeated telephone calls or calls at unreasonable times (before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM); or

 

*  Making phone calls to an inconvenient place (e.g. contacting you at work in violation of your employer's policy).

 

Under the FDCPA the collector must state that the communication is from a debt collector and that any information obtained may be used to collect the debt.  Additionally, the debt collector must provide certain information concerning the debt, including:

 

*  The amount of the debt;

 

*  The name of the creditor (and original creditor);

 

*  That the debt will be assumed valid unless you dispute the debt within thirty days; and

 

*  That if you dispute the debt, the debt collector must provide verification of the debt.

 

One of the most beneficial aspects of the FDCPA is that once you are represented by an attorney, the debt collector can no longer contact you directly.  All communication must be made to the attorney.  That means that once you employ bankruptcy counsel, you should no longer be called at home or at work by third party debt collectors.

 

A violation of the FDCPA is a serious matter and may be litigated in federal or state court.  If you are being hounded by creditors, investigate your legal rights.  An experienced bankruptcy attorney can explain your legal rights and help you choose the best course of action.  Contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, for a free consultation at toll free 1.866.705.7584 or via e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com

 

Don't Let Zombie Debts Haunt You

If a debt collector is harassing you over a debt that you thought was dead and buried, you may be dealing with a zombie debt.  The usual scenario is an unexpected phone call or letter asking for payment on a debt that is either outside the statute of limitations or is in some other way legally uncollectible (e.g. discharged in bankruptcy).  The collector may even offer a “special deal” like a 75% discount for immediate payment.  What the collector will not reveal is that the debt is legally uncollectible – meaning it is unenforceable in a court of law.

Zombie debt collection is big business.  Zombie debt collectors buy old debts for pennies on the dollar, then try to collect as much as possible.  If the zombie debt collector buys an old $1,000 credit card debt for $20, and one phone call settles the debt for $100, the zombie debt collector makes a nice profit.  Since the debt is not legally enforceable, guilt and scare tactics are all the collector has to coerce payment.

Some zombie debt collectors actually violate the law by attempting to collect.  For instance, trying to collect a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy is a serious violation of the federal court discharge injunction.  Threatening a lawsuit for a debt that is past the statute of limitations is a violation of the federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA).  Zombie collectors not only rely on ignorance of the law, they thrive on it!

Some individuals want to pay these debts.  While admirable in intention, the result may be extremely harmful.  Unpaid debts that have dropped off a credit report may be reported for another seven years after the payment date.  That dead and gone debt may reappear as an entirely new (and legal) negative item on your credit report – and substantially harm your credit score.

So what should you do if you encounter a zombie debt collector?

·                    Know your rights!  Your attorney can explain the statute of limitations or other legal restriction to the collection of an old debt.

·                    Do not give any personal information to a zombie debt collector.  Nothing good can result.

·                    Do not make a payment on an old debt until you learn your rights.  What may seem like an honest act of payment on an old debt may turn into a nightmare on your credit report.

Remember, zombie debt collectors are the bottom feeders of the collection industry.  They have been known to employ the worst ethical practices to obtain payment.  Don’t be haunted by zombie debts.  Contact bankruptcy firm Fears | Nachawati for a free consultation by calling 1.866.705.7584 or by e-mailing info@fnlawfirm.com and chase them back to the grave!  

 

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Top Five Reasons People File For Bankruptcy

When you are experiencing a financial crisis you may feel like you are the only one in that situation. The reality is that many people are feeling the current financial crunch for one reason or another. So whether you live in Dallas or any other part of the country, you are not alone!

The following top five reasons seem to be the most common reasons why many people are filing for bankruptcy:

1. Wiping the slate clean. The goal of a discharge is to reduce debt to give you a fresh start.

2. Stop foreclosure or sale of your home.  If your home is in foreclosure a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will stop the foreclosure any time prior to the sale.

3. Prevent repossession of your car or other property. If the bankruptcy is filed quickly enough it can effectively force the creditor to return your car or other personal property.

4. Stop aggressive collection efforts by creditors. Often, creditors will call the home of a debtor at all hours and behave in an abusive manner. Bankruptcy will help stop the harassing phone calls and other aggressive behavior by creditors.

5. Restore or prevent your utilities from being shut off. Filing bankruptcy can prevent the utility company from pulling the plug on you.

 

If you are experiencing a financial crisis, contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or info@fnlawfirm.com for a free bankruptcy consultation.

 

What I Should Know About Bankruptcy

What bankruptcy can do for you

When filing for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy you get immediate protection from creditors against collection efforts against liens on your assets or paycheck. A creditor is considered anyone you owe money to whether it be a credit card debt or a judgment from a civil law suit.

If you file for a Chapter 7 your debts are discharged and you are no longer obligated to pay the debts. In a Chapter 13 case you will have the opportunity to set up a payment plan that can last 3-5 years. Debtors who want to save their home or have IRS debts typically file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This type of bankruptcy will freeze a foreclosure and relieve an individual of liens on their paycheck or bank account.

What bankruptcy can do for you

Unfortunately, even bankruptcy cannot absolve you of the following debts:

  • Child support
  • Spousal support/alimony
  • Fines resulting from criminal cases

Student loans and IRS debts are usually not discharged but can be under specific and limited circumstances.

For a free bankruptcy consultation and to receive information on what bankruptcy can do for you, contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, by calling our toll free hotline at 1.866.705.7584 or by e-mailing us at info@fnlawfirm.com.

Bankruptcy for Beginners

When you file for bankruptcy you can stop harassment, foreclosures, repossessions and lawsuits and be allowed to keep your home, your car, assets and wages. In order to better understand your bankruptcy options, we will take a look at the two most common bankruptcy options for individuals:

 

Chapter 7

 

In a chapter 7 bankruptcy case the bankruptcy trustee gathers and sells the debtor's nonexempt assets and uses the proceeds to pay creditors. Part of the debtor's property may be subject to liens but will allow the debtor to keep certain "exempt" property.  A trustee may liquidate the debtor's remaining assets therefore when you file for a Chapter 7, you may lose property. Once the debts are discharged, a debtor is no longer obligated to pay them.

 

Chapter 13

 

A chapter 13 bankruptcy is also known as a wage earner's plan because it enables individuals who can provide proof of a regular income to develop a plan to repay all or part of their debts. Under this chapter, debtors propose a repayment plan to make installments to creditors over three to five years that is dependent on the debtor’s income. Payment plans cannot exceed a period longer than five years. During this time the law forbids creditors from any form of collection effort.

 

For more detailed information on your bankruptcy options contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or by e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com for a free consultation.

 

Bankruptcy and Fixed Income

If you are on a fixed income and are contemplating bankruptcy, the best option may be a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It will allow to you to discharge your bad debts and you do not need to have a minimum salary to qualify as opposed to a Chapter 13 filing.  And once your debts are discharged in a Chapter 7 filing, you are no longer obligated to pay any of the creditors listed in your bankruptcy.

 

It is also one of the more affordable bankruptcy filings as the filing fee in the Dallas bankruptcy court is about $299. This is a much more affordable alternative than paying on bad debts or getting a lien on your assets and paycheck. This can make it even tougher on those on a fixed income.

 

Chapter 7 bankruptcies also tend to be simpler than Chapter 13 filings and require less paperwork to be completed. This can mean more affordable attorney fees in the end.

 

Contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or via e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com for a free consultation on how bankruptcy can help you get rid of bad debts.

 

Can I Discharge My Student Loans In Bankruptcy?

When you file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Dallas, there are circumstances that allow a discharge (in whole or part) for excessive student loan debt. But there are specific and strict requirements for the discharge of a student loan debt.

The first requirement is to file a separate motion with the bankruptcy court and then appear before the judge to explain your hardship. Your best chance at getting your student loan discharged is to prove that you can't provide a minimum standard of living for yourself and your dependents if you have to repay the student loan.  Some bankruptcy courts will discharge part of the loan on if you can show that repaying it all would be a hardship. 

Other reasons student loans are sometimes deemed unenforceable and thus discharged are due to school closures, fraud, etc.  In the event that you can only get part of the student loan discharged, you will be given the opportunity to pay them off over the course of the plan by filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

At the very least, when you file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will halt any collections effort by the student loan servicer. They will not be able to make harassing phone calls or place liens on your assets.

For a free bankruptcy consultation regarding the discharge of student loans, contact Dallas bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, toll free at or via e-mail at 1.866.705.7584 or via e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com

 

Bankruptcy And Employment Discrimination

Many people are in a financial situation where bankruptcy may be their only option for a fresh start but they are hesitant because they don’t want to ruin their chances of getting a job. Coupled with a troubled economy, it’s no wonder people are doing everything they can to keep or get a job.

 

A common question Dallas area bankruptcy attorneys hear is whether an employer can discriminate against an employee or a job applicant due to a bankruptcy. The good news is that Section 525 of the Bankruptcy Code prohibits private employers from terminating employees or discriminating with respect to employment solely because a person: (1) is or has been a debtor in bankruptcy; (2) has been insolvent prior to filing bankruptcy but before receive a grant or denial of a discharge; or (3) has not paid a debt what was dischargeable or was discharged in bankruptcy.

 
Another question bankruptcy attorneys get asked is whether they should reveal their bankruptcy to their employer or a prospective employer. In this economy, it can be expected that employers will be more selective and perform pre-employment background screening. How you respond depends on a variety of factors and a bankruptcy attorney can advice you on your rights and obligations regarding bankruptcy.

 

Contact the attorneys of Fears | Nachawati for a free consultation on bankruptcy and employment by calling toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or by e-mailing  info@fnlawfirm.com.

 

Is There A Down Side Of Bankruptcy?

While it is true that bankruptcy can be a good option to remove bad debts or save your home, it should not be entered into lightly. Following are the pros and cons when deciding to file for bankruptcy:

 

  • Filing bankruptcy means that your bankruptcy is listed on your credit report and remains there for 10 years on a chapter 7 and usually 7 years on a chapter 13. However, this does not mean that you have to wait to 7-10 years to get good credit again. Many bankruptcy clients have been able to get a mortgage from a bank to purchase a house about 2 years after the bankruptcy.

·         Another downside of filing bankruptcy is the cost involved. While bankruptcy does cost money, it can also save you thousands or even your home once debts are discharged or repayment plans proposed through bankruptcy. The fees paid to the court and a bankruptcy attorney are much less significant than if you had to pay your creditors or lose your home.

 

Each financial situation is different. Consult a competent bankruptcy attorney who represents debtors to find out what is in your best interest. For a free bankruptcy consultation contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or via e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com

 

How Soon Can I Buy A House After Bankruptcy?

Just because you filed bankruptcy does not mean you cannot buy a home in the future, but you will probably have to wait at least 2 years after your bankruptcy is discharged before a mortgage lender will approve you for a home loan. It is usually best to wait at least 2 years to qualify for a good interest rate and lower down payment. After the two-year waiting period is over, you should be able to get financing. You can usually achieve this as long as your debts are paid on time after the discharge of your bankruptcy.

 

Also, if you are currently facing foreclosure or too many credit card bills, it may be in your best interest to file for bankruptcy. When you file for bankruptcy, it will place an automatic stay that will suspend any collection action by creditors. Through bankruptcy you may be able to save your current home or improve your credit rating, as you will no longer be lowering it due to late payments.

 

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, by calling toll free 1.866.705.7584 or by e-mailing us at info@fnlawfirm.com for a free consultation.

 

Bankruptcy Is More Affordable Than You Think

Many people hesitate to hire a bankruptcy attorney is because they think that it will be very expensive. In actuality, the fees involved are not high and can save you thousands in the long run.

 

Many attorneys are very flexible in helping you get started in your bankruptcy. The cost of attorney fees varies widely depending on the issue surrounding your personal bankruptcy case. Some individuals have a basic Chapter 7 case while others have a complex Chapter 13 case that includes a home loan and IRS debts.

 

What needs to be considered carefully is that when you have a skilled, experienced bankruptcy attorney representing you in your bankruptcy you can save money on issues such as:

 

·         Discharge of debts

·         Exemptions for second mortgages

·         Assistance in stopping creditors take collection action against your assets

 

Additionally, it is crucial that the bankruptcy forms are filled out appropriately so that the bankruptcy trustee will not object to your proposed payment plan or debts to be discharged in your petition.

 

For more information on how to get started with your bankruptcy petition and for a free bankruptcy consultation contact law firm, Fears | Nachawati, by calling toll free 1.866.705.7584 or by e-mailing info@fnlawfirm.com

 

For updated information on filing fees visit http://www.txnb.uscourts.gov/Clerks-Office/Filing-Fees.

 

Can I Get Fired For Filing Bankruptcy?

If you are contemplating filing for bankruptcy you may be wondering how it will affect your job. This is understandable because while you do want to get rid of your debts, you do not want to lose your job. The good news is that you cannot get fired for filing bankruptcy because federal law prohibits an employer to discriminate against you for declaring personal bankruptcy.

 

Your constitutional rights protect you from being fired for filing bankruptcy. In fact, it is a violation of your rights, not to mention a crime, to fire someone for filing bankruptcy.

 

If anything, once your debts are discharged through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or a proposed payment plan is approved through a Chapter 13 filing, you will sleep better, feel less stressed and will be able to better concentrate at work.

 

Additionally, if creditors are threatening you with liens, it may be a wise step to file for bankruptcy to freeze any type of collection action against your paycheck.

 

Contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, by calling us toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or e-mailing us at info@fnlawfirm.com to find out how bankruptcy can help you get rid of debts.

 

Can I Get A Student Loan After Filing For Bankruptcy? Yes!

You will be able to get a student loan after you file for bankruptcy, but you will have to wait until your bankruptcy is discharged. Depending on whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it can be 6 months-5 years. For obvious reasons, a bankruptcy trustee will probably not allow you to take on new debt while your bankruptcy is pending.
The length of time you must wait also depends on the type of student loan you plan to apply for. In the case of government funded student loans, your credit history (including bankruptcy) is irrelevant. It may be more challenging you have to get private students loans, but not impossible by any means.

 

The ability to get student loans in the future should never be an impediment to your decision to file for bankruptcy. While an education is always best in the long run, you should carefully consider your current financial situation and what is in your best interest. When you file for bankruptcy you are erasing debts and able to start off fresh.

 

Contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or via e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com to discuss your options for filing bankruptcy.

 

Can I Apply For US Citizenship If I File For Bankruptcy?

There is no immigration law, statute, or regulation that specifically forbids individuals who have filed for bankruptcy from applying for naturalization. Filing for bankruptcy will not necessarily disqualify you from becoming a US citizen. Basically, the Department of Homeland Security list the following general requirements for naturalization as:

  • A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.
  • Residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing.
  • An ability to read, write and speak English.
  • A knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government.
  • Good moral character.
  • Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Favorable disposition toward the United States.

Depending on the circumstances, the Department of Homeland Security, in its wide discretion, may deem filing for bankruptcy as proof of poor moral character.  Therefore, it may be wise for you to consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney to discuss the procedures and implications of filing for bankruptcy.

  

*For more information on naturalization visit http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.

 

Should I get a divorce before or after bankruptcy?

The decision to file for bankruptcy before or after divorce will depend on a few factors. If you are married and your spouse declares bankruptcy, it may be a good idea to join with your husband in filing for bankruptcy, particularly in a community property state such as Texas. A joint bankruptcy will wipe the slate clean of debts for both of you.

 

If the divorce is complete before your husband files for bankruptcy, you may not be included in the bankruptcy. However, if bankruptcy is inevitable for you as well, it probably will be cheaper for you and your spouse to file jointly for bankruptcy before you complete your divorce proceedings. If you don't join in the action, his bankruptcy will only get him off the hook for joint debt and the creditors may pursue you to collect the full amount.

 

Each financial situation is different. Consult a competent bankruptcy attorney who represents debtors to find out what works best for you. For a free bankruptcy consultation contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or via e-mail at info@fnlawfirm.com

 

How To Apply For A Modification Of My Mortgage

Currently mortgage modification is a very hot topic. It is being seen as an alternative to foreclosure or bankruptcy. Briefly, a loan modification is a process by which the bank modifies the terms of a borrower’s mortgage to lower the monthly payment. The bank can change a person’s interest rate, reduce the principal balance of the overall amount owed and extend the amount of time a person has to pay off the loan (up to 40-50 years). These are some of the ways in which the lender reduces a borrower’s monthly payment to an amount in which they can afford as opposed to foreclosing. Sounds simple enough but as many people find out, dealing with a mortgage servicer takes much time and patience. Most of the time, you will have a hard time reaching them or they will not return your call.

Without legal representation you are basically at the mercy of the mortgage holder. If you are having trouble with your mortgage, an attorney skilled in loan modifications can help:

  • Lower your interest rate to a payment you can afford
  • Stop foreclosure
  • Obtain a principal forbearance
  • Change the terms of an option ARM mortgage

If you are a resident of Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, Garland, Rowlett, Mesquite and Plano contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or info@fnlawfirm.com for more information on home loan modifications.

 

How To End The Vicious Downward Cycle Of Credit Card Debt

Many people who are in over their heads with credit card debt are basically “Robbing Peter to pay Paul”. For example, many people who are out of work may be taking large cash advances to pay other debts. But in the end the credit card bill with the cash advance shows up and there is not enough money to pay it, so another credit card is used to pay that bill. It’s a merry go round that is very difficult to get off.

 

Many Dallas residents end up going through their savings account and putting themselves in heavy debt without realizing that they have a perfectly legal option such as filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Some of the advantages of filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy:

 

  • You do not have to make payments to creditors
  • Creditors can not take action against you (liens on paycheck or bank account)
  • Harassing phone calls must stop immediately
  • All debts will be discharged

If you are a resident of Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, Garland, Rowlett, Mesquite and Plano, contact bankruptcy law firm, Fears | Nachawati, toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or info@fnlawfirm.com for more information how Chapter 7 can help you get a fresh start.

 

Bankruptcy's Most Powerful Protection

The automatic stay is the bankruptcy law’s most powerful provision and immediately stops nearly all creditor actions against a debtor.  The automatic stay is invoked upon filing the case – no hearing is necessary and no judge’s signature is required.  This powerful injunction is even effective against creditors that have no actual knowledge of the bankruptcy!

 

Congress has stated that the policy behind the automatic stay is to give the “debtor a breathing spell from his creditors, stopping all collection efforts, all harassment, and all foreclosure actions. It permits the debtor to attempt a repayment or reorganization plan, or simply to be relieved of the financial pressures that drove him into bankruptcy.”  See Notes of Committee on the Judiciary, Senate Report No. 95-989.  That “breathing spell” is a welcome relief to families with overwhelming financial burdens.

 

The automatic stay prohibits a creditor with a claim that arose before commencement of the bankruptcy case from taking many actions, including:

 

  • contacting the debtor to request payment (stops collection calls)
  • initiating or continuing a lawsuit against the debtor (stops lawsuits)
  • enforcing a judgment against the debtor (stops wage garnishments)
  • repossessing personal property or foreclosing on real estate (stops repossessions and foreclosure)

The automatic stay is a temporary injunction which can be contested by a creditor and lifted by the bankruptcy court after notice and a hearing.  There are a few exceptions to the automatic stay, for instance: the automatic stay does not prevent criminal prosecutions.  Likewise the automatic stay does not stop lawsuits to establish or modify alimony, maintenance, or support.

 

Individuals that file for bankruptcy receive this powerful legal injunction against creditor actions.  However, the automatic stay is just one weapon in your bankruptcy attorney’s arsenal.  Your bankruptcy attorney can use the power of the bankruptcy laws to help you make the best decisions for your family’s future financial health and recovery.

 

Contact bankruptcy law firm Fears | Nachawati today for a free consultation to learn more about automatic stay and your rights.  Call us toll free at 1.866.705.7584 or e-mail us at info@fnlawfirm.com