Many potential bankruptcy clients come to my Asheville office wondering whether they qualify for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case (sometimes Chapter 11, but that type of case is generally for big companies with many employees or assets). The key qualifier for determining the proper type of bankruptcy relief is called the Means Test.…
If you have gotten your 2011 tax returns filed today, many of you have realized that lower income in 2011 might mean a higher tax refund as well. The average refund is around $3,000 for 2011, which generally speaking would more than pay the costs of a Chapter 7 filing. If this refund money funded…
As a bankruptcy attorney in Asheville NC, I frequently meet with potential clients who are worried about collection companies calling their family members and employers in an attempt to collect an old debt. Its difficult, stressful and annoying. Since the collection companies are paid on commission, their strategy is frequently to intimidate you into writing…
Being a consumer bankruptcy attorney in Asheville is satisfying work. Filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 for a client brings relief they didn’t know existed. Helping families improve their lives immediately and effectively is why I chose this work. The worst part of my job is trying to explain to people why they should…
Frequently, during free initial bankruptcy consultations, I spend the majority of my time talking about a potential client’s options outside of bankruptcy. The key step, whether a bankruptcy filing is appropriate or not, is spending time to create a budget. After you have accurate budget information, I recommend asking yourself whether you would be able…
I often speak with new clients in my bankruptcy law practice here in Asheville NC about what property they can keep should they decide to file a Chapter 7 case. In over 90% of the cases filed, the answer is: everything. All of your property should be listed on your petition, but most of the…
Since I take payment plans, you can spread the fee over time and can afford it. This is particularly true if you are not having to pay other creditors. At your initial consultation, I can go over your bills and let you know which ones you can safely stop paying. Many times, particularly during January…
Small business owners near Asheville NC consult with me all the time about their options in bankruptcy. They often wonder if they can keep their business going, and what life will look like after a case has been filed. The good news is that a “fresh start” in bankruptcy can give a small business a…
As a bankruptcy lawyer near Asheville NC, it hurts when I speak with people during an initial consultation who have been paying money they desperately need for their families to unscrupulous debt settlement “law firms.” The sales pitch is aimed at people who want to avoid bankruptcy at all costs, and these “law firms” or…
Many clients wait until they get served by the sheriff with a collections lawsuit before calling a lawyer for advice. The awful knock on the door inspires fear and more stress about a client’s trouble. My initial reaction when fielding such a desperate call is, “Do not panic, we can go over your options and…