Tag Archives: Pennsylvania
Which Works Best for You — HAMP or HEMAP?
Various choices are available for loan modifications and determining the best option for you can be confusing. You may have heard of HAMP, a federal loan modification program. HEMAP is the loan modification program that the Pennsylvania state government offers homeowners. Your mortgage foreclosure defense specialist is probably the best judge of which program would… Read More »
Harrisburg’s City Debt on Hold for Bankruptcy Ban
Times have been tough for everyone since the financial crisis nearly five years ago, and inescapable debt has become a fact of life for many people, businesses and even municipalities. Pennsylvania’s capital city of Harrisburg is currently under the specter of bankruptcy. The governor plans to sign a bill extending a bankruptcy filing ban, currently… Read More »
Bankruptcy and Discharge of Debts
When we talk about bankruptcy, we talk a lot about “discharge of debts,” but what exactly does that mean? When are the debts discharged? What debts are discharged? Can creditors object? Let’s discuss. Bankruptcy discharge is a court order that releases a debtor from the obligation to pay certain debts. The creditor is no longer… Read More »
What to Expect at the 341 Bankruptcy Meeting
When filing for bankruptcy, many clients express anxiety at the thought of the Meeting of Creditors (also called the 341 meeting, after Section 341(a) of the Bankruptcy Code). Knowledge is power, and the Meeting of Creditors isn’t as scary as it sounds. Here is an idea of what to expect, and hopefully cut down on… Read More »
When Should I Disclose My Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is one of life’s more distressing and emotional events. Once it’s over, you will likely want to put it all behind you and never really think about it again. Unfortunately, at least for a while, you are going to have to sometimes disclose your bankruptcy. You certainly don’t have to tell everyone you meet… Read More »
Avoiding Foreclosure
According to a recent article in the Daily American newspaper, last year at least 166 Somerset County properties were bank-owned, sold “short,” or foreclosed. We know this is just a fraction of what’s going on all across the state of Pennsylvania and the nation. Recently, Vohnie Lemon of Harold Shepley & Associates, told the Daily… Read More »
Free Consultation – Fact or Fiction?
Many bankruptcy attorneys claim to provide a free consultation regarding your situation. The question is what is considered a consultation. This definition can vary wildly between attorneys. Currently, there is no regulation governing what a consultation may or may not cover, and for some it is extremely minimal. Some bankruptcy attorneys do not offer free… Read More »
Are There Any Alternatives to Bankruptcy?
To many people, filing for bankruptcy is an “either-or” proposition. Either they continue to struggle, living pay check to pay check and paying only the minimum payment or they file bankruptcy and assume they lose everything. They put it off as long as possible—sometimes to their own detriment. However, there are alternatives to bankruptcy, and… Read More »
Child Support and Bankruptcy
If you are paying child support and considering filing bankruptcy, you may be wondering how bankruptcy will affect your ability to make payments. Alternatively, if you are receiving child support from someone who is about to file bankruptcy, you may be wondering if he or she will still have to make payments. Here are some… Read More »
What Happens if I Can’t Pay My Student Loans?
If you’re falling behind on your student loans, you may be worried that your wages will be garnished or your tax refund will be taken. Bankruptcy no longer erases student loans, but there are other ways to address the situation. Even if you’re having financial problems, it’s important to keep paying your student loans. You… Read More »
