I want to buy a house. Can bankruptcy help?

As an Asheville bankruptcy attorney, I frequently meet with folks who have been turned down recently by their bank for a mortgage loan. After speaking with the bank, and being rejected because of old debts clouding their credit report, they call me to assess how they can get their financial lives in order. Many times,…

Should I cash out my retirement accounts?

When financial trouble hits, consumers will do almost anything to make ends meet.  Cashing out retirement accounts is common if a family falls behind on bills.  I’ve seen this strategy being used time and time again as a bankruptcy lawyer serving Western North Carolina.  It makes sense for consumers to consider all of their alternatives,…

Why do consumers file for bankruptcy?

Over the years, I’ve seen patterns in the types of financial problems consumers in Western North Carolina are facing.  As an Asheville bankruptcy attorney, I help people with a wide variety of financial issues.    Here is a partial list of the most common reasons why many of my present and former clients have considered a…

I want to improve my credit score. Should I settle my old debts?

As an Asheville bankruptcy attorney, I speak with potential clients about their financial problems, solutions to those problems, and the best path forward for their family. Many potential clients are rightfully concerned about their credit scores. A bad credit score means paying more for cars, houses, and can count against someone on job applications. Almost…

Wage garnishment bill would cripple North Carolina families.

North Carolina has long balanced a creditor’s need to get paid with a consumer’s right to protect a limited amount of property from seizure by a creditor. State law currently prohibits wage garnishment or the seizure of the previous 60 days of wages from consumers when it can be shown that those earnings are “necessary…

I’m being harassed by a debt collector. What can I do?

As an Asheville bankruptcy attorney, I frequently meet with consumers who are stressed out by the incessant calls or threatening letters they are receiving about a debt.  The debt collectors, if acting on behalf of the original creditor, generally must comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).  The Act promotes ethical business practices…

Protecting assets with a bankruptcy filing.

As an Asheville Bankruptcy Lawyer, I speak to potential clients on a daily basis who are having difficulty paying their bills. Once behind, consumers grow concerned about the assets most precious to their family’s health and well-being: their house, their retirement accounts, and the money they had planned to leave behind for their children. At…

Resolve to get out of debt in 2015.

My busiest time as a bankruptcy attorney in Asheville, NC is about to begin.  Just as gym memberships rise after New Year’s Eve celebrations end, so do bankruptcy filings.  Here are answers to a couple key questions about how to become debt free through the bankruptcy courts. What kind of relief am I eligible for?…

I got served with a lawsuit for my credit card. What happens next?

As an Asheville bankruptcy attorney, I speak with many potential clients soon after they get served by the sheriff with a collections lawsuit.  The uncertainty surrounding a legal action is unwelcome and stressful.  Although a collection lawsuit can be intimidating, many times clients can defeat the action by taking the appropriate action either in bankruptcy…

High-priced loan costs increase even more in North Carolina.

The most expensive type of short term financing is getting more expensive in North Carolina.  Targeting consumers who are desperately trying to make ends meet, these lending companies pay millions to influence the North Carolina legislature. The result is higher interest rates, more fees, and much larger profits for the companies. As an Asheville bankruptcy lawyer,…