Verifying that a Creditor Has a Valid Security Interest
A creditor's rights over you in either Chapter 7 or 13 vastly increase if it has a security interest. Now's the time to find out for sure.
“General Unsecured Debts” in Chapter 7
In a Chapter 7 case all or most "general unsecured debts" get "discharged"--legally written off. That's one of the big benefits of Chapter 7.
Qualifying to File a Chapter 13 Case
You can file a Chapter 13 case if you are an "individual," have regular income," and don't owe too much.
The Dangerous Judgment Lien
A judgment lien effectively converts a debt that was secured by nothing into one secured by your home.
Objecting to a Proof of Claim to Prevent Dismissal
If a creditor's proof of claim is too large, you may need to object to it to avoid dismissal of your Chapter 13 case.
Objecting to a Creditor’s Proof of Claim in Chapter 13
If you object to a creditor's proof of claim in your Chapter 13 case, and prevail in that dispute, you pay nothing on that debt.
Unsecured Creditors’ Proofs of Claim in Chapter 13
Often creditors' proofs of claim do not affect the amount you have to pay in a Chapter 13 case. But sometimes they make a huge difference.
When a Creditor Has a Disputed Lien in Chapter 13
When a creditor may not have a valid lien, Chapter 13 gives you a good way to defeat that disputed lien and the claim against your property.
When a Creditor Does Not Have an Enforceable Lien
For a debt to be secured, the creditor has to go through the right legal steps. Otherwise you don't have to pay the debt.
Secured Debt Treated Like Unsecured Debt after Collateral Surrender
A secured debt effectively turns into an unsecured debt if you surrender the collateral, which may make sense to do more than you think.
Secured Debts Treated Like Unsecured Debts in Chapter 7
A secured debt can be handled like an unsecured debt if you surrender the collateral, "avoid" a judgment lien, or just keep the collateral.
Independence from Debt
This 4th of July make your move towards financial freedom. Get informed. You'll feel tons better once you know your options.
The Discharge of Debts in Bankruptcy
In your goal of getting a fresh financial start, your most important tool is the "discharge"--the permanent legal elimination of your debts.
A Chapter 13 Debt Limit Increase
As of April 1, 2016 you can have a little more debt and still qualify for a Chapter 13 "adjustment of debts"
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13–Unsecured Debts
Which of the two consumer bankruptcy options is better for you if you have lots of unsecured debts depends on the kind of unsecured debts.
