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,…

Collection lawsuit? Consider bankruptcy.

Getting served with a collection lawsuit can be intimidating.  But even after a consumer gets served, they still have rights under the law. A lawsuit is a shocking and stressful indication that you should quickly determine your best course of action by seeking the advice of a qualified professional.  As an Asheville bankruptcy lawyer, I…

The bankruptcy bargain: honesty in exchange for a second chance.

During initial bankruptcy consultations, I make a point to discuss the theory of bankruptcy with potential clients so they understand what relief they are getting and at what price. The bankruptcy court provides debt relief, asset protection and a second chance at financial success in exchange for completely and honestly disclosing details of your financial…

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,…

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…

Bankruptcy for the small business owner

As an Asheville bankruptcy lawyer, I frequently sit down with people who own a small business which is struggling to make ends meet. It is important for the small business owner to understand their rights both in bankruptcy and outside of bankruptcy before calculating their next best financial move. How is the business organized? If…