by Walter Metzen | Feb 27, 2023 | fraudulent debt in bankruptcy
The US Supreme Court has issued a new ruling regarding the bankruptcy dischargeability of debts incurred through fraud. Whenever the US Supreme Court rules on a consumer bankruptcy question, it is a noteworthy occasion. This is because it just doesn’t happen all that...
by Walter Metzen | Feb 21, 2023 | Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is often seen as a last resort for those in financial distress, but it can also be a tool for social justice. In a country where economic inequality is a growing problem, consumer bankruptcy can help level the playing field for those who are...
by Walter Metzen | Feb 10, 2023 | bankruptcy attorney fees in Chapter 13
An application for attorney compensation or “fee application” in Chapter 13 bankruptcy refers to the request a bankruptcy attorney makes to the bankruptcy court for payment of their legal fees. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, individuals are required to make...
by Walter Metzen | Feb 10, 2023 | assets in bankruptcy, Protecting your IRA in Bankruptcy, what assets can I keep if I file bankruptcy
A tax-qualified retirement account such as a 401(k), 403(b), or Simple IRA is generally “safe” in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Safe, in the Chapter 7 bankruptcy context, means that the retirement account is safe from seizure and liquidation by the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy...
by Walter Metzen | Feb 3, 2023 | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee
“What is a Bankruptcy Estate?” When someone files for bankruptcy, all of their assets become part of a bankruptcy estate. The bankruptcy estate is a legal entity that is created for the purpose of liquidating the assets of the debtor (the person who...
by Walter Metzen | Feb 3, 2023 | Documentation needed to file bankruptcy, Documents needed to File a Bankruptcy in Michigan
A Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee has broad power to demand documentation from you. When you file for bankruptcy in Michigan, you are, in fact, volunteering to provide an enormous amount of information about yourself to the US Bankruptcy Court—and...
by Walter Metzen | Jan 27, 2023 | Timeshares in bankruptcy
It is not difficult to surrender a timeshare in bankruptcy. Or is it? It shouldn’t be difficult, in any case. Surrendering any property, particularly in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, is normally straightforward. You list the timeshare in your schedules as a property...
by Walter Metzen | Jan 26, 2023 | exemptions in bankruptcy
When an individual or married couple files for bankruptcy, they are often concerned about losing their home or other personal property. However, bankruptcy exemptions can help to protect certain assets from being taken by the bankruptcy Trustee in a Chapter 7...
by Walter Metzen | Jan 20, 2023 | Filing Bankruptcy if you are married
A bankruptcy filing in Michigan is a serious decision that can and will affect the entire family. On the positive side, relief from the debt of even one family-member can directly and immediately improve the lives of every member of a household. On the other hand,...
by Walter Metzen | Jan 16, 2023 | Bankruptcy Attorney
When you retain a Board Certified Bankruptcy Attorney, you can be sure that you are working with an expert lawyer. Board Certified Bankruptcy Attorneys will advertise this credential prominently on their websites and in advertising (our firm is no exception!) for this...