If I file for bankruptcy, is my tax refund protected?

As an Asheville bankruptcy lawyer, I advise consumers to protect the things they own by using their available exemptions. In over 95 percent of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases filed in Western North Carolina, all of the property a consumer owns fits within the North Carolina or Federal Bankruptcy exemptions. Consumers get to keep all…

Even insured face crushing medical debt.

The most expensive place in the world to get sick is the United States. According to a new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the New York Times, 20% of people who own health insurance policies have still had difficulty paying a medical bill within the past year. 53% of people who do not…

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. …

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,…

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…

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…