What is bankruptcy relief? The bankruptcy bargain explained.

Many potential bankruptcy clients schedule initial consultations because they have felt overwhelmed by debt problems for a long time. Generally, they have tried just about everything they know of to fix their financial issues and call my Asheville bankruptcy law office as a last resort. They’ve been struggling to make minimum payments on credit card…

A creditor got a judgment against me. What property can I protect from seizure?

Frequently, all of it.  The same North Carolina exemptions which protect certain property in a bankruptcy filing also protect a consumer’s property if they never file a bankruptcy case.  This renders many consumers “judgment proof,” meaning that the judgment creditor may not seize their property and sell it in order to pay off the debt. …

My family member co-signed for a private student loan. Can bankruptcy help?

In my Asheville bankruptcy law office, I have seen many consumers, young and old, approach me about problems associated with their private student loans. Most folks already recognize that discharging those loans in a bankruptcy case can be problematic. Still, for consumers operating on a limited budget, the only payback options on their private student…

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,…

Is my personal property protected from seizure in Chapter 7?

In over 95% of Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases filed in Western North Carolina, consumers are allowed to keep all of their property.  As an Asheville bankruptcy attorney, I speak with people daily about the concept of “exemptions,” which protect a limited amount of property from the reach of a consumer’s creditors.The bankruptcy code promises a…

Should I settle my debts or file for bankruptcy help?

As an Asheville bankruptcy lawyer, one of my main tasks is to figure out a client’s best financial alternatives. I try to explain those options in a way that is easy to understand and simple to execute.  Frequently, potential clients ask, “What is better for me?  Debt settlement or bankruptcy?” Here are some of the…

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…