Category Archives: Bankruptcy
What Is a Bankruptcy Discharge?
We often talk about obtaining a “discharge” in bankruptcy. But you may not understand the exact meaning of that word. Does a discharge mean that all of your debts are erased? Or can you still be required to pay back some of your creditors even after the bankruptcy ends? Releasing You From Personal Liability… Read More »
Iowa Debtor Beats IRS Claim in Bankruptcy Court
After a person files for bankruptcy, their creditors must file a document known as a “proof of claim” if they wish to get paid anything from the assets of the bankruptcy estate. As the debtor, you have the right to object to this proof of claim. Of course, you need to have a valid… Read More »
What Is Bankruptcy Fraud–and How Can I Avoid It?
Filing for bankruptcy is a stressful activity. Many Iowa residents enter the bankruptcy process without much knowledge of the law or what it requires of them. In some cases, a debtor will make an honest mistake in filling out a form or making a required disclosure. This, in turn, may lead a creditor or… Read More »
Do I Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? And What Are My Options If I Don’t?
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to discharge most, if not all, of your outstanding unsecured debts, such as credit card bills. However, federal law requires you to satisfy a “means test” before you can actually file a Chapter 7 petition. The basic idea behind the means test is that higher wage earners–i.e., people… Read More »
Can Bankruptcy Wipe Out All of My Debts?
If you are having trouble paying your bills, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be wondering if bankruptcy can help. Most individuals file for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7 case, known as a liquidation, a judge will “discharge” your obligation to repay certain debts… Read More »
How Can the Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy Protect Me From Creditor Harassment?
Thousands of Iowans are struggling to make ends meet due to the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you suddenly find yourself behind on your mortgage, rent, car payments, or other bills, you may be wondering if bankruptcy is an option. Of course, you should always speak with a qualified bankruptcy attorney before… Read More »
Will Filing for Bankruptcy Give Me More Time to Get My Home Out of Foreclosure
Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you in keeping secured assets such as your home or other real property with an outstanding mortgage. Keep in mind, even a successful Chapter 13 bankruptcy will not eliminate your mortgage debt. But filing for bankruptcy does impose an “automatic stay” that gives you a certain amount… Read More »
Will Missing Financial Records Hurt My Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is designed to give Iowa debtors a “fresh start” by discharging their legal obligation to pay certain pre-bankruptcy debts. But a federal bankruptcy judge may refuse to grant a discharge if the debtor fails to follow the law. For example, the Bankruptcy Code states a debtor is not entitled to a… Read More »
Does Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Mean I Get to Keep My House?
Perhaps the most common question we get about bankruptcy is, “Can I still keep my house?” The answer to this depends on a number of factors. For example, if you have a mortgage and are behind on your payments, filing for bankruptcy will temporarily halt any foreclosure action. And with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy,… Read More »
Will Bankruptcy Prevent Creditors from Garnishing My Wages?
In a previous post, we explained some of the basics of Iowa’s bankruptcy exemptions, specifically as they applied to a debtor’s house and personal automobiles. But another common question we get is, “What about my weekly pay?” Many people file for bankruptcy protection because they fear their creditors may attempt to garnish their wages…. Read More »
