Will a Future Employer Be Able to See My Bankruptcy?

Dallas-Fort Worth-Plano Bankruptcy Attorneys – Chapter 7 & 13

If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, you may be concerned that it will negatively affect your future employment opportunities. Recently, attention has been called to the practice of employers pulling credit reports on job candidates as part of a standard background check. Given the troubled economy, many have criticized the practice as unduly prejudicial to the unemployed who may have taken a hit on their credit score due to factors beyond their control. When employers use credit scores to exclude people from consideration for jobs they may be qualified for, it puts them at an even further disadvantage.

Bankruptcy, Loan Modifications, and Foreclosure

Dallas – Fort Worth - Plano Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy Attorneys

At the beginning of the mortgage crisis, experts tended to agree that if you had a variable rate mortgage and could afford changing it to a fixed-rate 30 year loan, it would be in your best interest to do so. Initially, banks seemed open to loan modifications since so many homeowners found themselves in over their heads once their variable-rate loans became more than they could handle after interest rates increased. However, once it became clear to certain lenders that they might make more off a foreclosure than a loan modification, loan modifications became difficult to come by.

Consumer Bankruptcy Filings down in November

Dallas • Fort Worth • Plano Bankruptcy Attorneys

Relying on data collected by the National Bankruptcy Research Center (NBKRC), the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) reported 100,980 consumer bankruptcies for month of November. This represents a 12 percent decrease from the 114,587 bankruptcies recorded in November of 2010. Further, the November 2011 numbers represent a 5 percent decrease from the 106,255 consumer bankruptcies reported in October of this past year. Chapter 13 bankruptcies accounted for 31 percent of all consumer bankruptcies reported in November, a small decrease from what was reported in October.

Forms and Deadlines – Why You need a Bankruptcy Attorney

Filing For Chapter 7 & 13 • Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano Bankruptcy Attorneys

In recent years, a number of websites, books, and do-it-yourself kits have appeared, offering advice and guidance in how to file for bankruptcy without an attorney. The problem is, if you haven’t filed for bankruptcy before and aren’t familiar with the bankruptcy code, you could lose valuable property and important rights. Keep in mind, too, that staff and court personnel that work at the bankruptcy court are not allowed to offer advice.

Assets and Exemptions – Two Reasons You need a Bankruptcy Attorney

Leinart Law Firm • Dallas – Fort Worth - Plano Bankruptcy Attorneys

A whole cottage industry of do-it-yourself bankruptcy books has sprung up in recent years. Some of these books include forms, software, and even online resources to guide consumers through the bankruptcy process. So, are these books reliable? Is filing for bankruptcy something the average person can do themselves? Well, in theory, yes. Just like home repair books that guide you through the installation of a new hot water heater or dryer, you might get it right the first time. However, if you aren’t careful or run into problems not discussed in the book, the whole thing could blow up and burn down, costing you more money and potentially causing you to unnecessarily lose assets in the process.

Bankruptcy Fees in Texas

Dallas – Plano – Fort Worth Bankruptcy Attorneys

You may be considering filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy but are concerned you just can’t afford it right now. While waiting may cost you a great deal more in the long run, most people don’t realize how affordable filing for bankruptcy is. Three are different kinds of fees associated with filing for bankruptcy. In general, these three types of fee include the following:

• Bankruptcy filing fees
• Attorney fees
• Credit counseling fees

Creditors Still Hounding You After You’ve Filed For Bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 & 13 Dallas – Fort Worth - Plano Bankruptcy Attorneys

Are you still receiving nasty grams from a bank or creditor even after you’ve filed for bankruptcy? Perhaps a creditor has called you at home as well? The bankruptcy laws are very clear on what creditors can and cannot do after someone has filed for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Under Section 362(a) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, after you file for bankruptcy an automatic stay goes into effect. The automatic stay prevents creditors and banks from pursuing collection actions against you. If a creditor continues to contact you after you’ve filed for bankruptcy, they are in violation of the automatic stay and can be held liable for any harassment or threats made against you.

Avoiding Charges of Bankruptcy Fraud

Dallas / Fort Worth / Plano Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyers

It is very rare, but if someone does something improper before the filing of their bankruptcy case it could cause a problem with their case being approved. For very serious and intentional violations, someone could be charged with bankruptcy fraud.

Bankruptcy and Credit Reports

Dallas / Fort Worth / Plano Bankruptcy Attorneys

One of the biggest concerns for people filing for bankruptcy is how it will affect their credit score. In fact, misconceptions about bankruptcy and consumer credit reports often lead people to avoid filing for bankruptcy until they’ve depleted their savings, cashed in a 401k, used payday loan services, or turned to a debt consolidation company. Consequently, people who need to file for bankruptcy end up worse off financially for fear they’ll irrevocably ruin their credit by filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In fact, some people think they’ll never qualify for a credit card, loan, or mortgage if they file for bankruptcy. Others mistakenly assume a bankruptcy stays permanently on their credit report. Is there any truth to these claims?

Bankruptcy Statistics and the Economy in 2011

Dallas / Ft. Worth /Plano Bankruptcy Lawyers

Despite reassurances from government officials and the champions of Wall Street, the economy has not turned around. For many Americans, a depressed job market, rising food and fuel prices, as well as a downturn in lending has led to foreclosure and bankruptcy. Does this mean bankruptcies are on the rise, though?