A client recently came into my office with about $18,000 in credit card debt. He had filed Chapter 7 in early 2005, but he had taken out several credit cards after his case was completed. He had become unemployed back in 2008 for awhile, and although he was now working, he simply couldn’t get back on track with his credit … Read More
What’s a “Cure and Maintain” Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
I’ve seen a lot of cases in my 17 years as a Pittsburgh bankruptcy lawyer. The most common Chapter 13 bankruptcy case is one in which a homeowner files for Chapter 13 relief in order to protect his home from mortgage foreclosure. Here’s a chronology of a recent Chapter 13 case that I filed in April 2010. My clients, a … Read More
If I File Bankruptcy, How Will it Affect a Co-signer?
First, it’s important to know a couple of concepts. When you file either Chapter 7 or 13 and you have a co-signer on a specific debt, your bankruptcy filing will not discharge (wipe out) your co-signor’s liability. If you receive a bankruptcy discharge order, then only your liability is wiped out. Moreover, co-signed loans are set up by banks and … Read More
Can I Repay Any Debts After My Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case?
Let’s talk about two kinds of debts that you can repay after your Chapter 7 case has been concluded. First, there are secured debts like car loans and mortgages. Many clients typically say when we sit down to review their Chapter 7 petition and paperwork: “But, I don’t want to include my car loan and mortgage in the bankruptcy.” Well, … Read More
My House Is Up For Sheriff’s Sale–Is It Too Late to File Chapter 13?
As you know, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, sheriff’s sales on real estate are held on the first Monday of each month starting at 9 am. Although you can theoretically file a bankruptcy case at 8:55 am on Monday to prevent your sheriff’s sale from going forward, you don’t want to be quite that risky and wait that long. I often … Read More