The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice. The Trustee Program appoints and supervises local private trustees who administer Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy estates. One of the private trustee’s chief duties in Chapter 7 cases is to liquidate the debtor’s nonexempt assets and pay creditors with the proceeds. Similarly, in a Chapter 13 case the trustee must ensure that the debtor devotes all disposable income to debt repayment.
The trustee is not your friend, the judge, or your legal counsel. The trustee has no judicial power to make final decisions or issue orders regarding your bankruptcy case. While the private trustee is very skilled at bankruptcy law, the trustee is forbidden from giving the debtor legal advice.
On occasion a debtor will contact the trustee’s office with questions concerning the bankruptcy case. This is always a bad idea and often results in a negative outcome. Direct debtor contact is uncommon, so the trustee will identify and remember a debtor that personally contacts his or her office. The case may have been a “routine” bankruptcy case for the trustee, but after the debtor contact the case is squarely on the trustee’s radar. The trustee will assume there is a problem with the bankruptcy and scrutinize the case.
During a lawsuit direct communication with represented litigants is generally prohibited. Many trustees are also licensed attorneys, but may communicate directly with you while performing the duties of bankruptcy trustee. If you call the trustee, he or she will likely speak with you. And why not? You may inadvertently disclose something that is better left unsaid. What seems like an innocent and expedient communication may turn into an issue that you are unable to predict.
The bankruptcy trustee is not your friend. If you have questions concerning your bankruptcy, discuss your issues with your attorney. Your attorney can answer questions about your case, and is experienced in dealing with the bankruptcy trustee. Let your attorney represent you and do not complicate your case by communicating directly with the bankruptcy trustee.
Showing posts with label lawyer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lawyer. Show all posts
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Can I Keep My House If I File Bankruptcy?
One of the most common and important questions asked by a client during the initial bankruptcy consultation is, “Can I keep my house?”
The happy answer is, “Yes.” However, every client’s case is different and requires a skilled and experience attorney to evaluate your situation and help you choose the appropriate debt relief process.
The first question is whether there is equity in your home. Every state allows the debtor to exempt home equity from creditors during bankruptcy. Home equity is simply the difference between the amount that is owed and what the property is worth. If you have more equity in your home than can be exempted, you may need to consider either a Chapter 13 repayment plan or a non-bankruptcy option for debt repayment. In a Chapter 13 the debtor pays the amount equal to the non-exempt home equity to unsecured creditors (like credit cards and medical bills) over a three to five year period. If Chapter 13 is not a feasible option, the debtor may want to consider borrowing against the home equity to pay unsecured creditors.
The second issue is whether you can afford to keep the home by making the monthly payments. A home mortgage is a secured debt which must be paid or you must surrender the property back to the mortgage holder. When circumstances have changed and you can no loner afford to keep your home, the bankruptcy laws can help you to leave on your terms without any lingering debt.
In some cases a third issue is present: the debt is more than the value of the house. In those cases bankruptcy may help either through lien stripping an entirely unsecured second mortgage, or by encouraging the mortgage holder to negotiate for a modification and reduction in principle. Typically the mortgage holder does not want your property, and is usually willing to discuss payment options once a bankruptcy case is filed.
Finally, some debtors are facing foreclosure from an uncooperative mortgage holder. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be used to force the mortgage holder to accept payments that cure mortgage arrears over three to five years.
There are many options available for saving your home. Your bankruptcy attorney can discuss the pros and cons of each and help you decide which option is best for your family. Use the federal law to your advantage and discover how the bankruptcy laws can help you keep your home.
The happy answer is, “Yes.” However, every client’s case is different and requires a skilled and experience attorney to evaluate your situation and help you choose the appropriate debt relief process.
The first question is whether there is equity in your home. Every state allows the debtor to exempt home equity from creditors during bankruptcy. Home equity is simply the difference between the amount that is owed and what the property is worth. If you have more equity in your home than can be exempted, you may need to consider either a Chapter 13 repayment plan or a non-bankruptcy option for debt repayment. In a Chapter 13 the debtor pays the amount equal to the non-exempt home equity to unsecured creditors (like credit cards and medical bills) over a three to five year period. If Chapter 13 is not a feasible option, the debtor may want to consider borrowing against the home equity to pay unsecured creditors.
The second issue is whether you can afford to keep the home by making the monthly payments. A home mortgage is a secured debt which must be paid or you must surrender the property back to the mortgage holder. When circumstances have changed and you can no loner afford to keep your home, the bankruptcy laws can help you to leave on your terms without any lingering debt.
In some cases a third issue is present: the debt is more than the value of the house. In those cases bankruptcy may help either through lien stripping an entirely unsecured second mortgage, or by encouraging the mortgage holder to negotiate for a modification and reduction in principle. Typically the mortgage holder does not want your property, and is usually willing to discuss payment options once a bankruptcy case is filed.
Finally, some debtors are facing foreclosure from an uncooperative mortgage holder. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be used to force the mortgage holder to accept payments that cure mortgage arrears over three to five years.
There are many options available for saving your home. Your bankruptcy attorney can discuss the pros and cons of each and help you decide which option is best for your family. Use the federal law to your advantage and discover how the bankruptcy laws can help you keep your home.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Protecting Your Attorney Client Privilege in Bankruptcy
Most bankruptcy clients are aware of the attorney-client privilege, an evidentiary rule that protects confidential communications between an attorney and client. It encourages candid communication between clients and attorneys without fear that the discussion will be used against the client. This privilege belongs to the client and the client determines when to waive it. The privilege exists generally in every legal forum in the United States, however its application can vary.
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, a trustee is appointed to administer the case and liquidate the debtor's nonexempt assets. In performing these duties it may become important for the trustee to have certain information and the trustee may seek to have the debtor’s attorney disclose information obtained during a confidential attorney client discussion.
To compel the disclosure of this information, the trustee may invoke section 542(e) of the Bankruptcy Code which states that “[s]ubject to any applicable privilege, after notice and a hearing, the court may order an attorney, accountant, or other person that holds recorded information. . . relating to the debtor’s property or financial affairs, to turn over or disclose such recorded information to the trustee.” In opposing this disclosure, the debtor may assert the attorney-client privilege and argue that the trustee does not have the power to waive this privilege.
Bankruptcy Courts have taken three different approaches to resolving the issue of whether the trustee can waive the attorney-client privilege: (1) the trustee can waive attorney-client privilege; (2) the attorney-client privilege is absolute and cannot be waived by the trustee; and (3) whether the trustee is entitled to waive the attorney-client privilege depends upon the circumstances in the case. Bankruptcy courts using this last test generally balance the benefit to the bankruptcy estate against the potential harm to the debtor. See In re Courtney, 372 B.R. 519 (Bankr. M.D. Fla. 2007).
The bottom line is “let the client beware!” Discussions with your bankruptcy attorney, personal injury attorney, or other attorney may be subject to disclosure during your bankruptcy case. While most financial records would not be subject to the attorney-client privilege, the discussion of these records with your client may be privileged. Be warned that protecting this privileged communication may be at the discretion of the bankruptcy court.
The bankruptcy laws are constantly changing. Make sure that your fresh start is not a false start and hire an experienced and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney who can protect your rights.
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, a trustee is appointed to administer the case and liquidate the debtor's nonexempt assets. In performing these duties it may become important for the trustee to have certain information and the trustee may seek to have the debtor’s attorney disclose information obtained during a confidential attorney client discussion.
To compel the disclosure of this information, the trustee may invoke section 542(e) of the Bankruptcy Code which states that “[s]ubject to any applicable privilege, after notice and a hearing, the court may order an attorney, accountant, or other person that holds recorded information. . . relating to the debtor’s property or financial affairs, to turn over or disclose such recorded information to the trustee.” In opposing this disclosure, the debtor may assert the attorney-client privilege and argue that the trustee does not have the power to waive this privilege.
Bankruptcy Courts have taken three different approaches to resolving the issue of whether the trustee can waive the attorney-client privilege: (1) the trustee can waive attorney-client privilege; (2) the attorney-client privilege is absolute and cannot be waived by the trustee; and (3) whether the trustee is entitled to waive the attorney-client privilege depends upon the circumstances in the case. Bankruptcy courts using this last test generally balance the benefit to the bankruptcy estate against the potential harm to the debtor. See In re Courtney, 372 B.R. 519 (Bankr. M.D. Fla. 2007).
The bottom line is “let the client beware!” Discussions with your bankruptcy attorney, personal injury attorney, or other attorney may be subject to disclosure during your bankruptcy case. While most financial records would not be subject to the attorney-client privilege, the discussion of these records with your client may be privileged. Be warned that protecting this privileged communication may be at the discretion of the bankruptcy court.
The bankruptcy laws are constantly changing. Make sure that your fresh start is not a false start and hire an experienced and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney who can protect your rights.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Employment Discrimination and Bankruptcy
Most bankruptcy clients worry about how a bankruptcy might disrupt their lives. While many of these fears are unfounded, it is important for you to know the truth about the bankruptcy process and how it may affect you after your case. One serious matter is how a bankruptcy may affect an individual’s employment.
The first concern is how a bankruptcy can affect your current job. An employer will not receive notice of your bankruptcy except under two circumstances. First, you owe a debt to your employer, the bankruptcy court will notify your employer. Second, if you file a chapter 13 debt repayment bankruptcy, and choose a voluntary wage garnishment to pay creditors, your employer will be notified.
Additionally, section 525 of the Bankruptcy Code prohibits a government or private employer from terminating or discriminating against an employee who files bankruptcy. You cannot be fired from your current job because you filed bankruptcy.
A second concern is how a bankruptcy may affect your ability to get a job. Government employers are absolutely prohibited from denying employment to a person solely on the basis of a bankruptcy filing. As for private employers, most courts have found that the bankruptcy code does not prohibit a private employer from denying a person employment because of a bankruptcy filing.
Refusing to hire a person solely because of a bankruptcy filing seems like a very short-sighted and naïve policy. Consider that the U.S. Census Bureau estimates there are around 308 million people in the United States. From 2000 to 2009, there were over 13 million non-business bankruptcy filings (source: American Bankruptcy Institute). That is over four bankruptcy filings per one hundred people. That figure rises substantially once you take into account that the census includes many that are not in the “working” population, and that many of the non-business bankruptcy filings were joint husband and wife filings. Add to the fact that there are many legitimate and blameless reasons for filing bankruptcy, and it is no wonder that most employers do not discriminate based upon a bankruptcy filing.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, consult with a bankruptcy attorney and explore your options. Bankruptcy is a federally guaranteed legal process that helps individuals recover from overwhelming financial hardship. Get your financial fresh start today.
The first concern is how a bankruptcy can affect your current job. An employer will not receive notice of your bankruptcy except under two circumstances. First, you owe a debt to your employer, the bankruptcy court will notify your employer. Second, if you file a chapter 13 debt repayment bankruptcy, and choose a voluntary wage garnishment to pay creditors, your employer will be notified.
Additionally, section 525 of the Bankruptcy Code prohibits a government or private employer from terminating or discriminating against an employee who files bankruptcy. You cannot be fired from your current job because you filed bankruptcy.
A second concern is how a bankruptcy may affect your ability to get a job. Government employers are absolutely prohibited from denying employment to a person solely on the basis of a bankruptcy filing. As for private employers, most courts have found that the bankruptcy code does not prohibit a private employer from denying a person employment because of a bankruptcy filing.
Refusing to hire a person solely because of a bankruptcy filing seems like a very short-sighted and naïve policy. Consider that the U.S. Census Bureau estimates there are around 308 million people in the United States. From 2000 to 2009, there were over 13 million non-business bankruptcy filings (source: American Bankruptcy Institute). That is over four bankruptcy filings per one hundred people. That figure rises substantially once you take into account that the census includes many that are not in the “working” population, and that many of the non-business bankruptcy filings were joint husband and wife filings. Add to the fact that there are many legitimate and blameless reasons for filing bankruptcy, and it is no wonder that most employers do not discriminate based upon a bankruptcy filing.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, consult with a bankruptcy attorney and explore your options. Bankruptcy is a federally guaranteed legal process that helps individuals recover from overwhelming financial hardship. Get your financial fresh start today.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Options When Sued Over Credit Card Debt
Receiving a lawsuit summons is a very scary thing. Whether served by a law enforcement officer, private process server, or received by mail, the idea of facing a judge and a skilled attorney is very intimidating. Fortunately, your legal options are very clear: (1) do nothing; (2) defend the law suit; (3) negotiate a settlement; or (4) file a bankruptcy.
The first option, do nothing, is obviously a bad choice. The court will enter a judgment against you and your wages may be garnished or property seized (e.g. the contents of a bank account). Even if the debt is ultimately paid or discharged in bankruptcy, the judgment will remain on your credit report for at least seven (7) years.
The second and third options, defend the law suit and/or negotiate a settlement, are very difficult to accomplish. Once the creditor has hired an attorney and filed a lawsuit there is very little that a person or non-attorney debt settlement firm can do to “settle” the debt. The collection attorney will use the legal processes to its advantage and knows that an unrepresented person is generally unable to successfully defend the lawsuit. Even the lay-person-friendly small claims process can be filled with pitfalls. Additionally, the cost of hiring an attorney and defending a lawsuit can get very expensive and the collection attorney is betting that you will not pay $3,000 to an attorney to contest a $3,000 credit card debt. The collection attorney believes (rightly) that it has the advantage and will ultimately obtain a legally enforceable judgment against you. Depending on your cardholder agreement, you may be liable for the principal, interest, penalties, court fees, and attorney fees. Why would they settle for less?
The final option, bankruptcy, is a very powerful tool. Bankruptcy immediately stops the lawsuit and prevents the entry of a judgment. Once the individual’s obligation to pay the debt is discharged by the bankruptcy court, the lawsuit must be dismissed and cannot be refilled. Filing bankruptcy prevents almost all future lawsuits from being filed and can discharge the obligation to pay most court judgments.
If you have been sued by a credit card company, discuss your situation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. There are many options for dealing with your financial difficulty, and a bankruptcy attorney can help you select the best course of action for you and your family.
The first option, do nothing, is obviously a bad choice. The court will enter a judgment against you and your wages may be garnished or property seized (e.g. the contents of a bank account). Even if the debt is ultimately paid or discharged in bankruptcy, the judgment will remain on your credit report for at least seven (7) years.
The second and third options, defend the law suit and/or negotiate a settlement, are very difficult to accomplish. Once the creditor has hired an attorney and filed a lawsuit there is very little that a person or non-attorney debt settlement firm can do to “settle” the debt. The collection attorney will use the legal processes to its advantage and knows that an unrepresented person is generally unable to successfully defend the lawsuit. Even the lay-person-friendly small claims process can be filled with pitfalls. Additionally, the cost of hiring an attorney and defending a lawsuit can get very expensive and the collection attorney is betting that you will not pay $3,000 to an attorney to contest a $3,000 credit card debt. The collection attorney believes (rightly) that it has the advantage and will ultimately obtain a legally enforceable judgment against you. Depending on your cardholder agreement, you may be liable for the principal, interest, penalties, court fees, and attorney fees. Why would they settle for less?
The final option, bankruptcy, is a very powerful tool. Bankruptcy immediately stops the lawsuit and prevents the entry of a judgment. Once the individual’s obligation to pay the debt is discharged by the bankruptcy court, the lawsuit must be dismissed and cannot be refilled. Filing bankruptcy prevents almost all future lawsuits from being filed and can discharge the obligation to pay most court judgments.
If you have been sued by a credit card company, discuss your situation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. There are many options for dealing with your financial difficulty, and a bankruptcy attorney can help you select the best course of action for you and your family.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Popular Half-Truths About Bankruptcy
The internet is full of half-truths that feed the speculative fears of the evils of bankruptcy. Most of this information comes from sources outside the bankruptcy process, like debt counselors, or financial planners who often are selling alternatives to bankruptcy. The most commonly stated “reasons to avoid bankruptcy” are:
1. It will ruin your credit
2. You will lose property
3. Not all debts are eliminated
4. You may be subject to repossession or foreclosure
5. You may not be able to get a job
6. You cannot get credit
Those are serious allegations, so let’s look at them.
First, bankruptcy is typically a last-resort option, so the average bankruptcy filer’s credit is already ruined. The bankruptcy wipes the slate clean and stops future adverse reporting for past debts. In other words, if you are 120 days late on a credit card, your credit report will continue to show that you are 120 days late month after month. A bankruptcy stops that reporting from the day you file your case so your credit can improve.
Second, it is exceedingly rare that a debtor loses property unexpectedly. When it happens it is generally the result of poor communication with the client. In all other cases the debtor will only lose property that is voluntarily surrendered, meaning the debtor has made a financial decision to not keep a house or car.
Third, there are actually very few debts that cannot be eliminated. The most common types are child support, some IRS debts, and student loans. However, even these non-dischargeable debts can be managed within the bankruptcy.
Fourth, the bankruptcy automatic stay will stop any foreclosure or repossession. If the creditor wants to take possession of the property after the bankruptcy filing, it must petition the bankruptcy court for permission.
Fifth, it is against the federal law to discriminate against a job applicant solely on the basis of filing a bankruptcy.
Sixth, many bankruptcy debtors have rebuild their financial lives within a year or two of the bankruptcy filing. It takes time and effort to rebuild, but there are no past debts to drag you down!
Don’t get your bankruptcy information from internet sources that use scare tactics and half-truths. Talk to an experienced bankruptcy attorney and get the facts. Find out how bankruptcy can solve your debt problems today.
1. It will ruin your credit
2. You will lose property
3. Not all debts are eliminated
4. You may be subject to repossession or foreclosure
5. You may not be able to get a job
6. You cannot get credit
Those are serious allegations, so let’s look at them.
First, bankruptcy is typically a last-resort option, so the average bankruptcy filer’s credit is already ruined. The bankruptcy wipes the slate clean and stops future adverse reporting for past debts. In other words, if you are 120 days late on a credit card, your credit report will continue to show that you are 120 days late month after month. A bankruptcy stops that reporting from the day you file your case so your credit can improve.
Second, it is exceedingly rare that a debtor loses property unexpectedly. When it happens it is generally the result of poor communication with the client. In all other cases the debtor will only lose property that is voluntarily surrendered, meaning the debtor has made a financial decision to not keep a house or car.
Third, there are actually very few debts that cannot be eliminated. The most common types are child support, some IRS debts, and student loans. However, even these non-dischargeable debts can be managed within the bankruptcy.
Fourth, the bankruptcy automatic stay will stop any foreclosure or repossession. If the creditor wants to take possession of the property after the bankruptcy filing, it must petition the bankruptcy court for permission.
Fifth, it is against the federal law to discriminate against a job applicant solely on the basis of filing a bankruptcy.
Sixth, many bankruptcy debtors have rebuild their financial lives within a year or two of the bankruptcy filing. It takes time and effort to rebuild, but there are no past debts to drag you down!
Don’t get your bankruptcy information from internet sources that use scare tactics and half-truths. Talk to an experienced bankruptcy attorney and get the facts. Find out how bankruptcy can solve your debt problems today.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Supreme Court Considers Law Limiting Bankruptcy Advice
Recently the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral argument concerning whether bankruptcy attorneys should be allowed to advise their clients to incur more debt before filing. Currently the law states that "debt relief agencies" are not allowed to advise clients to incur more debt in contemplation of bankruptcy. The case before the high court also questions whether attorneys are "debt relief agencies" according to the statute.
Justice Antonin Scalia said of the statute, “It’s a stupid law,” but also asked, “Where is the prohibition of stupid laws in the Constitution?”
The popular consensus is that Congress enacted this prohibition to prevent attorneys from advising their bankruptcy clients to incur debt that could be discharged in a bankruptcy. In short, that situation amounts to a fraudulent act, the debt would be determined non-dischargeable, and the attorney could be held civilly or even criminally liability.
However, the statute is not narrowly tailored to prevent this kind of abuse; it also stops bankruptcy attorneys from effectively advising honest debtors in anticipation of a bankruptcy filing. In other words, the law can prevent "bankruptcy planning." For instance, in certain circumstances it may be highly beneficial to refinance a house or car loan at a lower interest rate prior to filing bankruptcy. The current law ostensibly forbids this type of helpful advice.
The Supreme Court is now considering this case and will interpret the intent of Congress. Hopefully, the Supreme Court can make sense of "a stupid law" and bankruptcy attorneys will be able to provide full, legal, and ethical legal advice to their clients.
Justice Antonin Scalia said of the statute, “It’s a stupid law,” but also asked, “Where is the prohibition of stupid laws in the Constitution?”
The popular consensus is that Congress enacted this prohibition to prevent attorneys from advising their bankruptcy clients to incur debt that could be discharged in a bankruptcy. In short, that situation amounts to a fraudulent act, the debt would be determined non-dischargeable, and the attorney could be held civilly or even criminally liability.
However, the statute is not narrowly tailored to prevent this kind of abuse; it also stops bankruptcy attorneys from effectively advising honest debtors in anticipation of a bankruptcy filing. In other words, the law can prevent "bankruptcy planning." For instance, in certain circumstances it may be highly beneficial to refinance a house or car loan at a lower interest rate prior to filing bankruptcy. The current law ostensibly forbids this type of helpful advice.
The Supreme Court is now considering this case and will interpret the intent of Congress. Hopefully, the Supreme Court can make sense of "a stupid law" and bankruptcy attorneys will be able to provide full, legal, and ethical legal advice to their clients.
Supreme Court Considers Law Limiting Bankruptcy Advice
Recently the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral argument concerning whether bankruptcy attorneys should be allowed to advise their clients to incur more debt before filing. Currently the law states that "debt relief agencies" are not allowed to advise clients to incur more debt in contemplation of bankruptcy. The case before the high court also questions whether attorneys are "debt relief agencies" according to the statute.
Justice Antonin Scalia said of the statute, “It’s a stupid law,” but also asked, “Where is the prohibition of stupid laws in the Constitution?”
The popular consensus is that Congress enacted this prohibition to prevent attorneys from advising their bankruptcy clients to incur debt that could be discharged in a bankruptcy. In short, that situation amounts to a fraudulent act, the debt would be determined non-dischargeable, and the attorney could be held civilly or even criminally liability.
However, the statute is not narrowly tailored to prevent this kind of abuse; it also stops bankruptcy attorneys from effectively advising honest debtors in anticipation of a bankruptcy filing. In other words, the law can prevent "bankruptcy planning." For instance, in certain circumstances it may be highly beneficial to refinance a house or car loan at a lower interest rate prior to filing bankruptcy. The current law ostensibly forbids this type of helpful advice.
The Supreme Court is now considering this case and will interpret the intent of Congress. Hopefully, the Supreme Court can make sense of "a stupid law" and bankruptcy attorneys will be able to provide full, legal, and ethical legal advice to their clients.
Justice Antonin Scalia said of the statute, “It’s a stupid law,” but also asked, “Where is the prohibition of stupid laws in the Constitution?”
The popular consensus is that Congress enacted this prohibition to prevent attorneys from advising their bankruptcy clients to incur debt that could be discharged in a bankruptcy. In short, that situation amounts to a fraudulent act, the debt would be determined non-dischargeable, and the attorney could be held civilly or even criminally liability.
However, the statute is not narrowly tailored to prevent this kind of abuse; it also stops bankruptcy attorneys from effectively advising honest debtors in anticipation of a bankruptcy filing. In other words, the law can prevent "bankruptcy planning." For instance, in certain circumstances it may be highly beneficial to refinance a house or car loan at a lower interest rate prior to filing bankruptcy. The current law ostensibly forbids this type of helpful advice.
The Supreme Court is now considering this case and will interpret the intent of Congress. Hopefully, the Supreme Court can make sense of "a stupid law" and bankruptcy attorneys will be able to provide full, legal, and ethical legal advice to their clients.
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