Category: Bankruptcy

  • How Does Bankruptcy Affect Your Health?

    How Does Bankruptcy Affect Your Health?

    People who are suffering from overwhelming debts often find bankruptcy as a way out. Bankruptcy is a legal way to reorganize your finances and get rid of debt so that you can get a fresh financial start. The two main types of consumer bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. According to a new study, bankruptcy is supposed to not only give you a better financial start but is also good for your finances too!

    Consumer Bankruptcy Codes Elaborated

    As stated previously, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common consumer bankruptcy codes, each having its own advantages. In chapter 7, your attorney and bankruptcy trustee sort your assets into exempted and non-exempt categories. State exemptions generally cover equity in the property (car and home), cash, up to a certain limit, retirement accounts, personal belongings, and other properties. The state of California has two separate sets of exemptions which cover different amounts of diverse properties. While the exempted property is left out, the non-exempt property is sold off to pay your creditors. In case all your property comes under exempt property, you don’t have to surrender anything. After the process ends, any and all unsecured debts are discharged or written off. Chapter 7 case is not meant for everyone, only those people who are in dire need of bankruptcy protection can file under this chapter. To be eligible for it, Los Angeles based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group lawyers inform, you have to pass the state means test.

    For those people who are unable to qualify for chapter 7, Chapter 13 is a good option. In this case, you and your legal team develop a repayment plan. This is drawn keeping in view the value of your non-exempt property and your income. Within 3-5 years of your repayment plan, you will be able to make payments on your home mortgage and car payments without losing any property. After the repayment plan is over, any remaining unsecured debts are discharged. Since this chapter provides an option for catching up on mortgage payments depending on your income, it is an excellent option for people with a steady income who wish to avoid foreclosure.

    It is important to note that both chapters’ help gets unsecured debts such as medical bills, credit card bills or personal loans discharged. Such unsecured debts are completely erased at the end of your bankruptcy while secured debts like home and car loan are handled in a different manner. Your personal liability in secured loans is removed, i.e. if the property is foreclosed or repossessed and is sold for an amount less than what you owe, you are not required to pay the difference. But, if you wish to keep the property, you need to pay the amount due to you. In this case, you can either make payments for the property and keep it or surrender the property and leave any liabilities.

    With both bankruptcy chapters,’ you get to avail the automatic stay benefit. Thanks to this provision, any collection actions by creditors or debt collectors are legally prohibited. Thus your property cannot be foreclosed or repossessed; you are secure from wage garnishment, collection lawsuits, threatening letters, and phone calls. With automatic stay in place, you get time to get your financial affairs in order. You can call 888-297-6203 to consult expert bankruptcy attorneys to explain in detail how the bankruptcy process works.

    Debts and their relation to your health

    There is no denying that financial troubles can wreak havoc on your life. Since you are constantly worrying about how to protect your family and provide for them without losing your assets, it is bound to take a toll on your health. Constant financial concern is the most prominent reason for stress in Americans, which often results in ill health. The higher the stress levels, the shorter your life expectancy can be. You are more prone to anxiety, hypertension, heart problems, diabetes, cancer, and other health disorders with elevated stress levels. Thus debt can be responsible for any ill-health you have.

    As per a study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, bankruptcy proves to be beneficial for a large number of debtors. The average income for people who filed for bankruptcy increased by $5,000 annually. Even the 5-year foreclosure rate is 20% lower for bankruptcy filers compared to those people who didn’t file for bankruptcy. The most interesting finding is that the 5-year mortality rate is 1.2% lower for bankruptcy filers than non-filers. This indirectly proves that financial stress is alleviated by filing for bankruptcy, thereby improving a chance for people to lead a quality life.

    On average, any American house has nearly $16,000 in credit card debt alone! This is big money considering the current economy. Paying back such a huge amount is not easy since a large number of people are using a credit card to pay for monthly expenses and sometimes even utilities. This kind of financial stress can cause numerous health issues in individuals (both physical and mental). More often than not, people who are struggling with debt are unable to find a way to get out of this mess and improve their finances. However, bankruptcy is one of the best ways to get rid of your debt by either consolidating it or paying it off in small installments. In case you too are struggling to make financial ends meet, consulting a bankruptcy lawyer make things clearer for you. Get your case evaluated to find out the best possible way to deal with debts.


      *Are you more than 60 days past due on your mortgage?

      *Do you own a home?

      Are you currently working?

      By clicking “Submit”, whether I do or do not purchase any products or services on this website, I hereby give my express written consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages, including calls and SMS/text messages made and sent using automated dialing equipment and/or pre-recorded or artificial voice technology and email, about offers and deals that I wish to be kept informed about from (“Partners”), at the phone number and/or email address provided on this form, including any wireless numbers provided, even if I have previously registered the provided number on any Do Not Call Registry. If I do not make a purchase on this website, it is expressly understood that the Partners retain permission to contact me as specified earlier in this paragraph. Carrier SMS/MMS and data messaging rates apply. I also agree that by clicking “Submit” that I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    • What does Bankruptcy mean for Senior Citizens?

      What does Bankruptcy mean for Senior Citizens?

      Financial troubles can hit anybody, anytime. Nearly half the senior citizen population in the U.S. was facing debts (mortgage, car loan, medical bills, etc.) in 2010, averaging at $50,000. When you have accumulated debts of such huge proportions, it is natural to be a bit worried as to how the debts are going to affect you and your heirs. While you are earning, there are still chances of you being able to repay the loan, but post-retirement, making monthly payments towards the debt is a bit difficult with a fixed income at hand. According to Los Angeles based law firm Recovery Law Group, many senior citizens often consult about their options with respect to debt.

      Options available for seniors to deal with debt

      The state of California offers a number of protections to senior citizens when it comes to debt collectors and collection actions. The Social Security, retirement accounts and other government benefits are protected by the law. These assets cannot be touched by any creditors who sue you for non-payment of debts. Many times, creditors refrain from filing a lawsuit against you since there’s not much that they can lay their hands on. The term “judgment-proof” is used to describe such a situation where almost all your assets are protected from collection actions. In case you are “judgment-proof” there is no need to file for bankruptcy to get rid of your debts. However, it is an option worth considering as your heirs might find have to bear the burden.

      When a debtor passes away, the debts he/she owed do not lapse with the death. Though they aren’t passed to the heirs, they definitely affect the estate. After death, all your assets (your estate) go into “probate” which provides ample opportunity to creditors to file claims for payment. When it comes to inheritance, the creditors are paid before anything is passed on to the heirs. Unfortunate circumstances may see emptying of bank accounts and selling of house, car, jewelry or any other asset. The only respite available is for your home, which might be exempted in case of a surviving spouse or minor heirs who reside there. The probate court sets aside some assets to care for dependants, while the remaining assets are used to pay the creditors. On the brighter side, your heirs won’t be held liable for any debts left after the probate but if you leave your assets to them in a trust and the trustee does not inform the creditors, your debts might invariably be passed on to your heirs.

      Bankruptcy and estate planning

      Though bankruptcy is not essential for senior citizens, they surely can benefit from it, especially debtors who are judgment proof. California provides bankruptcy exemptions which protect a huge part of senior citizen’s property like retirement accounts, government benefits, etc. from creditors during bankruptcy. Since old age is often accompanied by numerous medical issues, senior citizens often end up accumulating huge medical debts as healthcare is undoubtedly expensive. Since medical debt is an unsecured debt, it is wiped off in bankruptcy. Thus after bankruptcy, you will be devoid of any debt and can save your property which can be passed on to your successors.

      The effect bankruptcy has on credit score is a major consideration. Though bankruptcy has a negative effect, unpaid dues aren’t exactly helping to the cause. Since the majority of senior citizens already own a home and car, there isn’t much need to take any more loans. Thus, bankruptcy can have not much negative effect on the life of a senior citizen. Additional benefits include an end to the collection calls which are quite irritating. Despite you being judgment-proof, creditor harassment sees no end to see that they get a payment. Bankruptcy also helps relieve stress which can have numerous health benefits.

      Should you file for bankruptcy?

      Despite the advantages associated with bankruptcy, in case you have any doubts regarding it, you can call 888-297-6203 to get a better assessment of your financial situation. In case, you have mostly secured debts, bankruptcy will not be of much help for you, as this kind of debt is not discharged. Having large equity in your home is not a good option too as you might have to surrender it during bankruptcy. Discussion with an expert bankruptcy attorney can help you choose which set of the California state exemptions can help you protect your property. An estate planning lawyer can help you manage your estate in an efficient manner.

      Many people strive hard to build their property with the intention of giving it to their children or heirs. Despite bankruptcy being a good option to get rid of your unsecured debts, it is better that you consult an experienced bankruptcy and debt management attorney to find out other options of getting rid of debt. You have the option of challenging those debts which have passed the statute of limitations, i.e. cannot be collected from you or your heirs. Alternately, you could also ask for debt consolidation or settlement before you pass away. If you are a senior citizen who is struggling with debt, or are judgment-proof but wish to keep your estate secure (against your creditors) for your heirs, then consult a bankruptcy attorney for a free consultation and case evaluation.


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        *Do you own a home?

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      • Tax Mistakes to Avoid While Filing for Bankruptcy

        Tax Mistakes to Avoid While Filing for Bankruptcy

        Liquidation can frankly be quite overwhelming and confusing for an average person. Filing for taxes while considering bankruptcy (either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13) is double trouble. In case you are confused regarding tax filing during the trying times of bankruptcy filing, you can call expert bankruptcy attorneys at 888-297-6023 to find out about your options.

        Out of the two possible chapters under which individuals can file for bankruptcy is Chapter 7. This results in the discharge of all unsecured debts like a credit card, medical and even income tax debt in rare cases. Under Chapter 13, you are expected to make payments to the bankruptcy attorney as per the prescribed repayment plan for 3-5 years. After payment to creditors like income tax agencies and IRS, etc. the remaining unsecured debts are discharged post the repayment plan.

        Thus, filing for income tax is extremely important as per Dallas bankruptcy lawyers Recovery Law Group . As per U.S. Bankruptcy Code, before the commencement of bankruptcy case, the debtor’s recent tax returns are required. In fact, the returns for the past 4 years can also be required. The timing for filing bankruptcy needs to be perfect if you wish to make things easier for you.

        However, there are certain tax mistakes you should steer clear of if you are considering filing for bankruptcy.

        1. Take care of any refund

        Refund on taxes that you have received prior to filing for bankruptcy, might be seized by the government. In case you might be on the verge of getting a refund, protecting it through bankruptcy is the best option. Certain expenses like spousal or child payments, health care, etc. are essential debts and can be taken care of by the refund you have received. Consulting with an attorney can clear things up.

        1. Transferring your money to protect it is a no-no

        Under federal law, non-disclosing of monetary assets during bankruptcy is a violation and is considered perjury. If you are looking to avoid prison, don’t try to hide property in someone else’s name. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can help you with ways to protect your saved money during bankruptcy, without breaking any laws. Disclosing your assets to your attorney can easily help save them legally.

        Unlike popular perception that property not under your name cannot be touched by the court, bankruptcy has a weird way of handling things. Any assets transferred to family or friends prior to bankruptcy filing are seen as ways to protect them. This often causes the court to take harsh steps which include voiding the transfer to have the property back in your name or worse, dismissing of your bankruptcy case. In the case of latter happening, you will be required to refile the case which will result in additional fees and letting go of the automatic stay benefit.

        1. Delay paying back relatives

        During bad times, family and friends are often there to lend a helping hand. Often people feel obliged to repay them as soon as possible. However, if you are considering filing for bankruptcy, paying your relatives back might not be the brightest idea. Any payment made from tax refund will appear as one favoring a particular creditor over others. This may result in the bankruptcy trustee taking back the payment made to the relatives. If you wish to make any such payments, consult a bankruptcy attorney before going ahead with it.

        Family and friends are considered “insiders” and any payments made to them 1 year prior to filing for bankruptcy are considered preferential. An amount larger than $600 made to any relative within 1 year prior of bankruptcy filing will become a part of your bankruptcy estate. Any payment made to any creditor of over $600 in the preferential transfer period (1 year for family and relatives and 90 days for non-family creditors) needs to be disclosed.

        1. Do not make payments above $600 to unsecured creditors

        Any payments made within 90 days prior to bankruptcy filing need to be disclosed, especially if they are above $600. The bankruptcy trustee is bound to go through the records to see what payments were made. In case you wish to pay off some debts, prioritization is extremely important. Secured debts like mortgage payments or car payments, etc. should be your priority. Most unsecured debts like credit card and medical debts, etc. are discharged after bankruptcy. It should, therefore, be kept in mind that you shouldn’t pay off secured debts through unsecured debts like a credit card. Before making payments to any creditor, discuss with your attorney to understand the ramifications of your actions.

        1. Avoid buying luxury goods

        Since your spending habits will be studied extensively by the bankruptcy trustee, it makes sense to avoid overspending on unnecessary items like luxury goods, etc. when you are considering bankruptcy as a way out of the financial mess. These purchases and foreign holidays are things which will work against you during the bankruptcy process.

        Holding on to tax refunds during bankruptcy is the best option. Having an experienced bankruptcy attorney by your side can work wonders for you. You can use the tax refund to pay the bankruptcy fees so that you get some respite from adverse creditor actions.


          *Are you more than 60 days past due on your mortgage?

          *Do you own a home?

          Are you currently working?

          By clicking “Submit”, whether I do or do not purchase any products or services on this website, I hereby give my express written consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages, including calls and SMS/text messages made and sent using automated dialing equipment and/or pre-recorded or artificial voice technology and email, about offers and deals that I wish to be kept informed about from (“Partners”), at the phone number and/or email address provided on this form, including any wireless numbers provided, even if I have previously registered the provided number on any Do Not Call Registry. If I do not make a purchase on this website, it is expressly understood that the Partners retain permission to contact me as specified earlier in this paragraph. Carrier SMS/MMS and data messaging rates apply. I also agree that by clicking “Submit” that I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

        • Advantages of Filing Bankruptcy For Cancer and Other Medical Debts

          Advantages of Filing Bankruptcy For Cancer and Other Medical Debts

          The deadly impacts of cancer on an individual’s life are well known by everyone around the globe. In America, cancer is a widespread disease that has taken a toll on many lives. Curing cancer requires a hefty amount of money which leads people to numerous debts. Apart from routine medical aids, people often resort to various emotional and psychological assistance during their treatment which further increases the financial burden on them. This whole procedure continues for a long period of time and the health finances do not cover all these bills which mean that people take debts to fulfill their medicinal requirements.

          As per the data presented by the California cancer registry, there are about 1.45 million cancer cases in California which mean approximately 20 cases per hour per day. Whereas, in Los Angeles, the number of cancer cases is about 38000 every year. All these data and studies show that every second person born in these parts of America suffers from cancer disease at some point or the other. These circumstances lead most of the families into great financial problems due to their inability to pay such huge medical bills. However, with the help of a well-learned bankruptcy attorney, you can get back to normal with least friction. For any such assistance, you can visit Recovery Law Group or call 888-297-6203.

          How cancer leads to financial perils?

          Cancer treatment involves medical as well as chemical treatments. When someone is diagnosed for cancer, first of all, he or she is treated through medicines that are very costly plus they are needed for a long amount of time which means that the expenses are large and steady. Apart from medicines, successive treatments involve several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy which again cost a lot. Each round of these therapies costs quite much for an individual to bear. Thus, overall expenses during cancer treatment include medicines, therapies and surgeries are expensive. Apart from these costs, there are post-treatment expenses too which are again not a small amount to bear. Some of these costs are borne by the health insurance but for the rest, people have to borrow money from the lenders or the relatives which makes them indebted.

          Verification of bills can help you save a bit:

          It is highly recommended that you verify all your medical and treatment bills for various therapies and services before making the final payment to avoid any extra payments due to any discrepancy. You must look into the bills properly so as to check that you are being charged only for those services that you have taken and not any extra ones. All the expenses must be properly quoted on the bills. Also, consult your insurance agent to verify if they are providing the promised amount of money as per the insurance scheme or not.

          What can be your options to overcome these financial perils?

          The first option to balance your finances could be an extra job that can help you with your medical expenses. However, this option is very difficult for most of the people as a person who is going through cancer treatment, it is very difficult to work extra hours due to physical and mental fatigue caused by the disease and its treatment. You can also rebuild your budget so as to remove unimportant expenditures. This will help you to a certain extent.

          Next option which most people prefer is borrowing money from relatives or lenders to pay for their medical expenses. However, most people resort to borrowing money from their well-wishers as for borrowing it from a lender requires them to fulfill the respective eligibility criterion to which most of the people fail.

          Next option could be to reduce the size of your home to get some extra source of income. However, this option is helpful only to those people who have large home equity otherwise this would not be a good idea too. Apart from selling your housing equity, you can also rent or sell the other expensive belongings that are not of much need to you. You can consult an auction house or any consignment company for this purpose. These things might include a yard, a vehicle, etc.

          Last option can be bankruptcy. This is the option to which the majority of people resort to when any of the above-mentioned options fail to fulfill their overall medical expenses. It is a wise decision to opt for bankruptcy for those who are already under debt as it provides some additional benefits to such people.

          Is bankruptcy beneficial for the family?

          For people who are already indebted and need more money for getting through their medical expenses for cancer treatment, it is a good option to file for bankruptcy. This will help them to reduce extra stress and hopelessness. It also assists the family of the cancer patient during the times of crisis. As per the American Institute of bankruptcy, a total of 1 million people in America file for bankruptcy per year.
          Filing for bankruptcy can help in putting a pause on disturbing calls from creditors and thus relieving you from any harassment during treatments. Apart from this, it also provides a proper action plan so that you can get through your debts in a well-mannered way. This reduces the stress level of the cancer patient and their relatives who are already suffering from the mental trauma of disease and its treatment.

          Working of bankruptcy explained:

          If you are unaware of how bankruptcy actually works to help you with your financial crisis, then you must first understand the working of bankruptcy. Those who have a job can file for bankruptcy under chapter 13 which provides them with proper financial and budget planning. Such planning can help you in managing your expenditure in a wise manner with least useless expenses. Also, there might be chances of getting rid of some of the debts that include medical debts.
          If you qualify and file for bankruptcy under chapter 7, then there are high chances that most of your debts are discharged. For proper guidance, you must consult a bankruptcy attorney who will suggest you the best option depending on your situation.


            *Are you more than 60 days past due on your mortgage?

            *Do you own a home?

            Are you currently working?

            By clicking “Submit”, whether I do or do not purchase any products or services on this website, I hereby give my express written consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages, including calls and SMS/text messages made and sent using automated dialing equipment and/or pre-recorded or artificial voice technology and email, about offers and deals that I wish to be kept informed about from (“Partners”), at the phone number and/or email address provided on this form, including any wireless numbers provided, even if I have previously registered the provided number on any Do Not Call Registry. If I do not make a purchase on this website, it is expressly understood that the Partners retain permission to contact me as specified earlier in this paragraph. Carrier SMS/MMS and data messaging rates apply. I also agree that by clicking “Submit” that I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

          • What Impact Does Low Bankruptcy Filing in Los Angeles has?

            What Impact Does Low Bankruptcy Filing in Los Angeles has?

            Most of the people living in cities like Los Angeles and Dallas, TX face the dilemma of whether to file for bankruptcy or not. In the last decade, there were quite a large number of people who used to file up for bankruptcy to overcome their debt. However, this number has rapidly declined in the past few years to such an extent that it has reached to lowest of the past 10 years. According to the statistics shown by the United States Bankruptcy Court, the number of bankruptcy filings in Central district of California has dropped down to 9415 in the first three months of the year 2017 and this number is the lowest ever since the year 2007.

            Here we will present some of the statistics based on the local trend shown in the filing of bankruptcy that will help you to understand the impact of reducing filing bankruptcy numbers and hence to decide whether it would be favorable to you or not.

            Latest trends in bankruptcy filing:

            It can be easily deciphered by seeing the above-mentioned figures the filing of bankruptcy has enormously declined in the past 10 years and it has hit a historic low. However, this does not mean that people have overcome the problem of debts completely. Still, there is a large crowd that is filing for bankruptcy to overcome their debts. According to the data presented by the central district of California’s federal bankruptcy court which involves Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Santa Barbara it can be observed that still their bankruptcy filing is one of the most popular ways to get rid of debts.

            As per the data presented in the year 2017, the following numbers can be noted:

            • A decline of 7.6% in chapter 7 filing in which 11769 filings are new.
            • A decline of about 4.1% in chapter 13 filings with 4070 new filings
            • The overall decline of 6.7% in bankruptcy filings with total 15996 new entries

            These numbers were much larger as compared to the ones in the last decade. According to the data of the year 2007, there were about 9400 bankruptcy filings under chapter 7 in Los Angeles which accounts for a 60% increase since the year 2006. There was further an increase of 72% in the next year which is 2008 and it continued till the year 2011 but after that, it gradually started to decline and touch the lowest trend in the year 2017.

            What is the reason for reducing bankruptcy filings?

            It can be inferred that the number of bankruptcy filings has rapidly declined in recent years. Hence it is very vital to analyze and determine the reasons behind this decline. This reduction is not only in Los Angeles and California but is prevalent in the entire United States.

            One of the most speculated reasons behind this decline as stated by the specialists is the decline in medical debts which accounted for potential debts for most of the Americans. Since it is a well-known fact that medical bills accounted most of the expenses by people of United States, it is obvious that reduction in Medicaid bills due to affordable care act and touted economic recovery, have significantly affected the bankruptcy filings.

            The working mechanism of bankruptcy explained:

            The main purpose of bankruptcy is to discharge the debts. As per the provisions of chapter 7 which is termed as the liquidation bankruptcy, an indebted person has to make zero repayments if he is found eligible for it and files for the bankruptcy under chapter 7. He can also keep is property if he uses the exemption law of this chapter. Hence he is able to get rid of various debts via the bankruptcy discharge. However, if you fail to meet the eligibility to file bankruptcy under chapter 7, then you have another option- chapter 13. Filing for bankruptcy under chapter 13 helps you to make a repayment plan and also to reorganize the debts which will eventually prevent you from problems like foreclosure. One of the most amazing benefits of filing bankruptcy is that it helps you to get rid of the creditors and exasperating money collectors by providing an automatic stay.

            Is filing bankruptcy a boon or a bane?

            To know whether it would be beneficial for you to file for bankruptcy or not, you must first consult a well learned and wise bankruptcy attorney like Recovery Law Group and discuss your case with them. You can contact the team on 888-297-6203 and take advice for your case. A good bankruptcy attorney would be able to precisely tell you if you should file for bankruptcy or not and whether you should file for chapter 7 or chapter 13 depending on your account and debt status. You must not fall into the trap of temptations of filing bankruptcy yourself as there are many terms and conditions that you might not be aware of.


              *Are you more than 60 days past due on your mortgage?

              *Do you own a home?

              Are you currently working?

              By clicking “Submit”, whether I do or do not purchase any products or services on this website, I hereby give my express written consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages, including calls and SMS/text messages made and sent using automated dialing equipment and/or pre-recorded or artificial voice technology and email, about offers and deals that I wish to be kept informed about from (“Partners”), at the phone number and/or email address provided on this form, including any wireless numbers provided, even if I have previously registered the provided number on any Do Not Call Registry. If I do not make a purchase on this website, it is expressly understood that the Partners retain permission to contact me as specified earlier in this paragraph. Carrier SMS/MMS and data messaging rates apply. I also agree that by clicking “Submit” that I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

            • How is Post-Bankruptcy Life in LA- Know The Benefits of Filing For Bankruptcy

              How is Post-Bankruptcy Life in LA- Know The Benefits of Filing For Bankruptcy

              After being in debt for a certain period of time, it is wise to file for bankruptcy. However, filing for bankruptcy for the first time can be quite an inquisitive task. You might face numerous questions and doubts about how your life will transform after bankruptcy. A good and experienced Attorney firm, Recovery Law Group can come to your rescue in such a case.

              In cities like Los Angeles and Dallas, TX it is quite common for people to be indebted owing to their lifestyle and standards that eventually lead them to bankruptcy. However, it is an astonishing reality that life after bankruptcy can be amazing too. This is so because your bankrupt life span might just contract to 3 – 5 months if you file for chapter 7 or for 3- 4 years if the filing of chapter 13 is done. And to get your bankruptcy discharged in short span of time, all you need to do is to get a well-qualified bankruptcy attorney. Not doing so might raise the chances of non-discharge of your debts, which will be a bad circumstance.

               Here is a list of few benefits of filing for bankruptcy that you need to know:

              1. There will be no more credit card and medicinal debts

              In major parts of America, medical bills and credit card expenses count for the maximum debts which eventually make them bankrupt. However, qualifying for and filing bankruptcy in chapter 7 can solve this issue. Chapter 7 which is the liquidation bankruptcy sets you free from several debts including credit card and medicinal debts. This law, however, does not gives relief to ones indebted by loans like student loans, taxation debts, etc.

              1. It protects your house from foreclosure

              It is usually advised not to pay your off secured debt like debt for your home with unsecured debt like your credit card. Even the converse of it is a straight no. This is so because it can result in a huge mistake as a homestead is generally considered as an exempted property under chapter 7 bankruptcy as per the equity. Also, under the liquidation bankruptcy, only the unsecured debts are discharged and hence refinancing your home might lead to foreclosure. Filing for bankruptcy can, however, get you an automatic stay which prevents situations like foreclosure and lawsuits, etc.

              1. You will not need to touch your retirement funds for paying the debts

              The liquidation bankruptcy of chapter 7 saves your retirement funds and other social security benefits from the bankruptcy estate. Moreover, if you are a senior citizen, you might also get guidance over estate planning and might also get judgment proof. This means that apart from discharging the unsecured debts, you are also entitled to forward your hard earned money and property to your family and friends. Even if you are of middle age you must not touch your retirement estate to pay debts as these funds are protected under chapter 7 bankruptcy.

              1. Be cautious before paying back to your relatives

               It is highly recommended to pay back the debt to your relatives and family members only after your bankruptcy is dissolved. This is so because if you pay back that debt before the end of the bankruptcy, your pay back money is entitled to be plopped back into your bankruptcy account. However, if the case is urgent, you must take advice from your bankruptcy attorney about this. Also if someone is seeking divorce during the bankruptcy period, it might be beneficial for him/her because this might help them in resolving property divide in a much easier and smooth way. However, again it is recommended that you consult a wise and well-learned bankruptcy attorney over such matters and then proceed.

              1. A new chance to amend your credit and the budget

              One of the best benefits that you get after filing for bankruptcy is that your budget starts to mend in a beneficial direction. Also after a time period of about 7 years, the negative value of the credit stops showing up but the credit report might show the bankruptcy status for about 10 years from the date of filing. This time span is just about 3-4 years in cities like California.

              One thing that you should keep in mind is that your planning of budget includes all the living expenses from the biggest to the minutest. You must ensure that you make all the bill payments and also save a part of your earnings for the situation of crisis. You must keep a check on your credit card reports from time to time. For this, you can also sign up for apps like credit karma, mint, etc that will help you in this work of monitoring your credit score. Such apps also provide suggestions about the most beneficial deals for you considering your current bank account status and credit score. You may also consult the Recovery law group for advice on 888-297-6203.


                *Are you more than 60 days past due on your mortgage?

                *Do you own a home?

                Are you currently working?

                By clicking “Submit”, whether I do or do not purchase any products or services on this website, I hereby give my express written consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages, including calls and SMS/text messages made and sent using automated dialing equipment and/or pre-recorded or artificial voice technology and email, about offers and deals that I wish to be kept informed about from (“Partners”), at the phone number and/or email address provided on this form, including any wireless numbers provided, even if I have previously registered the provided number on any Do Not Call Registry. If I do not make a purchase on this website, it is expressly understood that the Partners retain permission to contact me as specified earlier in this paragraph. Carrier SMS/MMS and data messaging rates apply. I also agree that by clicking “Submit” that I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

              • Filing Bankruptcy in case of Natural Hazard in Los Angeles

                Filing Bankruptcy in case of Natural Hazard in Los Angeles

                Natural calamities cause a huge impact on every individual’s life in every possible aspect. It takes several years for a person to overcome the losses caused by a natural disaster and to get back to a normal life. It causes great mental as well as financial peril on everyone’s life. Many people find it hard to overcome the financial burden due to pre-disaster debts accompanied by post-disaster losses. Hence there is a sudden boom in the number of people filing for bankruptcies immediately after a natural calamity. In recent years Los Angeles and Dallas, TX have seen many natural disasters which have toppled the life in these areas. Hence there is a dramatic rise in bankruptcy cases too. If you are also looking forward to filling bankruptcy then you must visit Recovery Law Group or dial 888-297-6203 for the best assistance.

                How natural disaster does cause an increase in bankruptcy cases?

                It is a common trend that the number of bankruptcy cases increases after the occurrence of a natural disaster in an area. However, this rise may not be immediate because just after a natural calamity, the first priority of people is to get back to normal living condition rather than repayment of loans and debts.

                Another reason behind the delay in filing bankruptcy is the migration of people to new places in search of job and livelihood. Hence they might file for bankruptcy from their new place after they settle down there. Also, in case of a natural disaster people tend more towards taking debts rather than repaying their previous debts. This is so because they, first of all, want to rebuild their shelter and start a source of income for themselves which requires money. However, this money may sometimes cross their limit to repay the debt and hence lead them to the situation of being bankrupt.

                Hence in all, there is some lapse needed to properly evaluate the effect of natural calamities on the bankruptcy cases. This time can be about 2 to 4 years.

                According to a study conducted by a professor named Robert Lawless of Nevada University, Las Vegas, it was observed that there was an increment of 50% in the bankruptcy cases after three years from the date of occurrence of a hurricane in the region under the study. Also, it was inferred that the cases of bankruptcy rouse more in areas with less worthy houses in comparison to the areas with high-end houses.

                It is better to be prepared rather than losing in Los Angeles:

                Unlike other cities of Southern America, Los Angeles stands third in the vulnerability to a home loss in case of natural disaster hence it is very important for its people to be prepared beforehand for any such calamity. These disasters may be hail, earthquake, tornadoes, floods, etc.

                According to the past trends, it is seen that in hurricane and flood-prone areas, there is a drop in housing rates which is not the case with earthquake-prone regions. This is so because the earthquake is much common in these areas and hence people are much more used to face it as compared to other disasters. Thus, people in such places hardly take up insurance against earthquake which can be termed as just a vague kind of optimism. This practice can be bothersome in areas which show a tendency of being hit by an earthquake of magnitude above 6.5.

                Hence, it is always recommended to take earthquake insurance if you live in areas vulnerable to it irrespective of your capabilities to face the aftermath of an earthquake. This preventive measure must be taken for every kind of natural disaster. It is good to be optimistic about life but it is better to be preventive so that if an unexpected calamity occurs you can get back to a normal life without facing much loss.

                How to prevent yourself from financial peril following a natural disaster?

                As explained above, it is extremely important to beware of any natural disaster and be prepared to face the repercussions of it beforehand. For this to happen, first of all, you must plan and put a small part of your regular income into some kind of emergency fund or insurance scheme. Such schemes might include natural disaster as well as other emergency situations. Thus you must hold an emergency fund always. You can also opt for any natural disaster-oriented insurance scheme if you want to. For this, you can consult a good insurance agent who would be able to guide you through the best possible insurance schemes for you.

                In case of occurrence of any natural calamity, there are certain things that you need to be aware of. Three of the most important things that you need to keep in mind are enlisted below:

                1. If you have opted for an insurance scheme but the insurance agency denies the payment of insurance money that was promised, then you must not surrender. Instead, you must fight for your right and get the promised amount of money as per the insurance scheme that you signed.
                2. You can also go through a financial assistance program run by various government firms to help its public to plan their finances in case of a natural disaster. However, you might have to work hard a bit to know about them and enroll in them.
                3. Another option to get back to normal life could be bank loans for disaster-hit areas that help people to rebuild their homes and provide finances to them for survival purposes.

                And still, if you feel like filing for bankruptcy then you must consult a good bankruptcy attorney who will guide you through the complete filing process and will also recommend you the best possible way to get through the financial peril after a natural disaster. If you live in Los Angeles, then you can visit Recovery Law Group or better guidance on how to file bankruptcy.


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                • Know These Things Before Hiring a Bankruptcy Attorney

                  Know These Things Before Hiring a Bankruptcy Attorney

                  Are you in debt and need immediate help for getting rid of the circumstances? Well, there are many ways out of which the wisest and easiest one is to file for bankruptcy. This method will help you to get a large part of your debts sorted and can also help you to get back on track to a normal life. However, you alone cannot file bankruptcy as one needs to know every minute detail of bankruptcy-related laws and rules while filing for bankruptcy. This is so because a plan that worked for someone need not necessarily work in your situation too. Hence here comes the role of a good bankruptcy attorney. Thus it is always recommended to consult a well-learned bankruptcy attorney before filing for bankruptcy as doing so will reduce down your efforts and also help you in getting through this complicated process with minimum friction. If you are also looking for any such guidance you can visit the website Recovery Law Group or call 888-297-6203 to get the best attorney in Los Angeles. However, there are certain things that you must know before going to a bankruptcy attorney and these things are enlisted below:

                  1. A bankruptcy attorney would not persuade you to file for bankruptcy

                  A well-practiced attorney knows when to suggest its client to file for bankruptcy and when not depending on his or her financial status. He or she will also be able to guide you on whether you should file bankruptcy under chapter 7 or chapter 13 based on your details and eligibility. Moreover, if not filing bankruptcy, he/ she can also suggest the best alternative options available for you to get rid of your indebted situation.

                  1. The attorney will guide you on which chapter you must choose for filing bankruptcy

                  As you might know, that there are majorly two chapters for filing bankruptcy namely chapter 7 (called liquidation bankruptcy) and chapter 13 (gives repayment plans). On one side the chapter 7 sweeps away most of your debts but involves a rigorous eligibility criterion, whereas the chapter 13 on the other side provides you the best possible plan to repay your debts in the next few years. If you feel like filing for bankruptcy is the best option for you but confused about the chapter, then you must consult a bankruptcy attorney who has a sound knowledge related to it. This will prevent you from making the wrong decision.

                  1. The bankruptcy will tell you the most appropriate time to proceed

                  Many people are unaware of the fact that the time of filing for bankruptcy can also impact your financial peril. This is why it is always better to hire a bankruptcy attorney who can guide you as to when will be the most suitable time for you to file bankruptcy. He/ she will guide you about what will be the perfect time to pay back your personal debts and for tax filings.

                  1. A bankruptcy attorney makes suggestions only after hearing your entire case

                  A bankruptcy attorney firstly listens to the entire status of the debts and account balances of its clients. This is an important part of the process so that the best option for you can be drawn by the attorney which will fetch maximum benefits to you. This can help you get rid of various loans and debts in the upcoming future.

                  1. the fees of the attorney depend on his/ her experience

                  Generally, an indebted person will try to hire the bankruptcy attorney who works for minimum fees. This choice based on minimum fees is quite obvious for anyone going through bad financial conditions. However, it is advised not to choose compulsively in such cases as its result will decide your future financial situation. Hence it is always recommended to hire a good attorney instead of a cheap one as he can assist you by providing the best options and thus help you to get rid of your debts in a shortest possible span of time.

                  What are your duties as a debtor towards your bankruptcy attorney?

                  Here is a list of few things you must do being a debtor to extract the best outcome for your situation:

                  1. Be inquisitive and ask questions- once you hire an attorney, you must ask him about everything related to your case and how his experience can be of use to you. You must learn as much as possible from him related to bankruptcy and the procedures required for filing it.
                  2. Be clear about the attorney’s fee beforehand- next, you must make sure that the attorney you are going to hire is worth the fees you are going to pay to him. Apart from his regular fees, you must also know what will he/ she cost for handling any expected unwanted situation that arises in your case in the future.
                  3. Openly tell the attorney about your present condition and the history of your case- it must be clear to you that you should not have any resentment while sharing your present financial status with your bankruptcy attorney. It is quite important to be crystal clear about each and every minute detail of your case and keep all the information related to it in front of the attorney as it is. This will reduce any kind of complications in your case and help you to get the best way of getting rid of your debts in the shortest possible time.
                  4. You must have all the documents– it is always needed to support your quoted facts with valid documents. This gives reliability and authenticity to your case and helps your attorney to work out your case in the most efficient and effective way possible.
                  5. Maintain a good relationship with your attorney- although it is obvious for an indebted person to act hyper at times of extensive questioning you must understand that it is in your favor only. Hence you must patiently cooperate with your attorney and give an answer to each of the questions that will help him to evaluate your case more properly.


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                    *Do you own a home?

                    Are you currently working?

                    By clicking “Submit”, whether I do or do not purchase any products or services on this website, I hereby give my express written consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages, including calls and SMS/text messages made and sent using automated dialing equipment and/or pre-recorded or artificial voice technology and email, about offers and deals that I wish to be kept informed about from (“Partners”), at the phone number and/or email address provided on this form, including any wireless numbers provided, even if I have previously registered the provided number on any Do Not Call Registry. If I do not make a purchase on this website, it is expressly understood that the Partners retain permission to contact me as specified earlier in this paragraph. Carrier SMS/MMS and data messaging rates apply. I also agree that by clicking “Submit” that I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

                  • Increase in Bankruptcy Filings Among Retirees

                    Increase in Bankruptcy Filings Among Retirees

                    It is rather a sad state of affairs that Los Angeles is one of the cities that has an increase in the number of bankruptcy filings from the citizens who are above 55 years of age. This number has only doubled since 1994. Despite the need to rest after years of employment, the country witnesses this stupendous rise of close to twenty percent of the total bankruptcy filings to be of the retirees. But experts say that it isn’t surprising – the failure of the individuals (close to 32%) in setting aside a retirement amount is the major contributing factor.

                    The key reasons why seniors file for bankruptcy are medical expenses and credit card bills. Let’s discuss this more:

                    Medical Expenses:

                    Here’s a fact that may startle you!

                    In 2015, the Kaiser Family Foundation uncovered that approximately 1 million people have declared bankruptcy citing the piled up medical bills and expenses. This probably includes the majority of the Americans who have health coverage for the complete year and yet are unable to pay off their medical bills.

                    With age, the income sources decline but yet the medical expenses post-retirement will rise exponentially. The Employee Benefit Research Institute did a study in 2015 and the outcome mentions that a married couple would require $392,000 if they are on regular prescription drugs and that they are able to cover 90% of the related expenses post their retirements. Please note that the exorbitant amount is not accounting for long-term health care that is needed in old age. Many believe that Medicare will be their ultimate savior but it is quite unfortunate that there are exclusions in Medicare – eye care, dental care, and long term health care is not covered by Medicare. If you are looking at a semi-private room in a nursing home for long-term treatment, it costs about $225 per day and hence the high medical expenses that are needed to be borne by the individual. Besides, all high deductibles are to be paid by the seniors before the insurance starts for them.

                    Credit card Debts:

                    High credit card debts are another major reason for the senior folks to file for bankruptcy. Most of the crowd would have accrued larger debts on their credit card prior to their retirement. Now that there is a decline in the income, they struggle and fall back on their payment schedules. Not just this, but there are very minimal savings for the retirement time of the seniors and they don’t do a good job in planning well in advance for the same.

                    The new trend, as reported by Demos National Survey on Credit Card Debt, is the increase in the credit card debts among the people of age 50 or more compared to the younger Americans. These seniors also fall under the category of middle-income earners. In other cases, retirees turn afresh toward credit cards when they encounter the income decline – especially for basic expenses involving food and gasoline. Seniors have also been benevolent to their children and grandchildren – pampering them with financial help with their own credit cards. Some seniors resort to paying off the medical bills using credit cards as they fall short of the amount during their illnesses.

                    Here are some tips to plan the future that every citizen hopes for – well secured and free of debts. Planning and securing the future will be the best course of action for seniors to adopt.

                    Financial Planning

                    The advised course of action, especially if retirement is fast approaching, is to plan ahead of what will be needed financially for your future. The medical expenses are to be considered as every person faces unforeseen emergencies even in the best of their health conditions. The expenses for the future may not be predicted when you are living a simple and healthy life currently – life may throw medical emergencies at you as well as other expenses that need immediate attention.

                    Whilst you are earning, plan on a budget that includes saving for the phase of retirement. It is wise to keep an emergency fund that will help you manage toward situations of unemployment, health needs, vehicle demands for at least six months. This amount will only increase as we age and plan to double the emergency fund value in a year of saving. Health Savings Account (HSA) is also a recommended idea and they come in handy for those expenses that are generally not covered by Medicare – preventive healthcare like eye exams and dental procedures. The money in the HSA can be withdrawn without any tax.

                    Further assistance for Seniors in Debt

                    Are you seeking further assistance as a senior citizen and who is challenged by debts in California state? Recovery Law Group can work with you to resolve the issues at hand. Their team of bank attorneys who operate from Los Angeles and also Dallas, Texas are aware of the common problems that seniors and retirees face with debts.

                    Here are some tips to aid and direct you better:

                    • All high-interest rate debts need to be cleared off on priority
                    • A payment plan that is effectively negotiated between hospitals and medical providers can help you clear off all medical debts that you owe. Don’t compromise for a medical credit card as you may incur more debts with it.
                    • Be vigilant of your expenses and maintain the same meticulously within budget. There are articles and apps that will help you do the same.
                    • If there are piled up credit card bills, check the feasibility of a repayment plan without interest or penalties. This needs to be negotiated with the bank who has issued your credit card.
                    • A non-profit credit counselor is someone who can help you with more insights – consult one if possible
                    • A reverse mortgage can also be a viable option to consider but it depends on the financial situation that you are in
                    • Plan for the worst and plan well ahead

                    You can reach out to this team at 888-297-6203 and they are sure to come to your assistance!


                      *Are you more than 60 days past due on your mortgage?

                      *Do you own a home?

                      Are you currently working?

                      By clicking “Submit”, whether I do or do not purchase any products or services on this website, I hereby give my express written consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages, including calls and SMS/text messages made and sent using automated dialing equipment and/or pre-recorded or artificial voice technology and email, about offers and deals that I wish to be kept informed about from (“Partners”), at the phone number and/or email address provided on this form, including any wireless numbers provided, even if I have previously registered the provided number on any Do Not Call Registry. If I do not make a purchase on this website, it is expressly understood that the Partners retain permission to contact me as specified earlier in this paragraph. Carrier SMS/MMS and data messaging rates apply. I also agree that by clicking “Submit” that I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

                    • Avoid a Second Bankruptcy

                      Avoid a Second Bankruptcy

                      There is no second opinion to the fact that it is easy to fall back into debts even if you have had a good financial restart using a Chapter 7 bankruptcy process. Same is the case with debtors who have successfully paid off their creditors using an effective Chapter 13 reorganization plan. Statistics reveal that 16% of the bankruptcy filings are repeat ones and 8% of the filers are the ones who have declared bankruptcy earlier. Imagine the ordeal that one goes through in the bankruptcy process! Hence it is advised that a second time declaring / filing of bankruptcy has to be avoided. One of the other key aspects to keep in mind is that a Chapter 13 bankruptcy remains on your credit report till about seven years from the date of filing and it is ten years in the case of Chapter 7 bankruptcy. We can give you some guidance on how a second-time bankruptcy situation can be avoided. Additional clarifications may be sought from an experienced attorney.

                      Limit on dischargeable debts

                      There are no limits associated with filing bankruptcies but there are limits around the discharge of debts that you seek through them. The period shown below indicates the date from the previous bankruptcy:

                      • Chapter 7 followed by Chapter 7 – Eight years
                      • Chapter 13 followed by Chapter 13 – Two years
                      • Chapter 13 followed by Chapter 7 – Ideally Six years, it can be sooner if you have paid the unsecured creditors their full amount or the at least 70% of the claims. The repayment plan should have been proposed and executed in good faith
                      • Chapter 7 followed by Chapter 13 – Four years

                      Despite the limit on the time period for dischargeable debts, the debtors are always advised to stay away from situations that can lead them to a second-time bankruptcy filing.

                      Read through some of the below pointers that can aid you on the same –

                      1. Don’t purchase homes/properties beyond your capabilities – Most bankruptcies arise due to the fact that home mortgages cannot be paid. So if you have already been through a bankruptcy ordeal, then be wise when making judgments about buying a home that is beyond your payment capacity. If Los Angeles is becoming a costly affair with regards to buying a home, then expand and move to other regions of the California state where your affordability is good.
                      1. Do not keep credit card dues–The revolving debts of credit cards are a common problem that debtors face after they get a discharge of these dues in bankruptcy. They get flooded with new credit card offers but availing them to the debtor’s benefit will be tricky for the debtor. He needs to show his ability to repay the dues as well as not get too immersed in debts. So if you are having any credit card payments, then get them cleaned regularly (every month)
                      1. Plan your expenses with a budget–Being in control of your expenditure will be the wisest method to adopt after your bankruptcy situation. Reducing high-cost expenses (around living and food) and loan consolidation of your existing loans like the credit cards/ student loans can be some measures that can be put to use. Also, plan with a budget at hand (one may use any of the available budgeting apps) or seek expert help for managing your post-bankruptcy situation.
                      1. Save for emergencies–A situation of sudden unemployment or a medical emergency can lead a person to get immersed in further debts. Statistics reveal that 40% of the U.S. population cannot handle an emergency need of $400. So, create an emergency fund and grow it to a value that is enough to cover three months of your expenses. An emergency fund to cover six months or more would be the best case situation for the debtors
                      1. Co-work with creditors – Though it may sound annoying for a debtor, it is one of the recommended practices to reach out to his creditor. A proper payment plan can be drafted and executed with the help of your creditor when you have successfully explained your situation to them. They can concede on co-working with you and eventually it is benefiting too.
                      1. Increasing your income source – Another job or a second job option opens up avenues for a higher income. It is a trend in Los Angeles that people are turning towards Uber and Etsy in order to earn a few dollars in addition to their regular pay. It certainly does help to explore the micro-gigs options for you if you are falling short of income
                      1. Revisiting Chapter 13 plan – If you have earlier raised a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and in the midst of your repayment plan, it is advised to revisit and make amendments based on the current financial condition of yours. This can put you in a better position with clearing your debts and at times of crisis, you can become eligible for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
                      1. Purposeful spending – Be vigilant of the income every month and especially the expenses that you manage. Better tracking can save your financial condition and in adverse conditions, reach out to expert assistance from bankruptcy attorneys. They will work with you well ahead of your bankruptcy conditions.

                      Recovery Law Group is a law firm in Los Angeles, California. They also handle clients in Dallas, Texas. Call them at 888-297-6203 to know their services around the chapters of bankruptcy.


                        *Are you more than 60 days past due on your mortgage?

                        *Do you own a home?

                        Are you currently working?

                        By clicking “Submit”, whether I do or do not purchase any products or services on this website, I hereby give my express written consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages, including calls and SMS/text messages made and sent using automated dialing equipment and/or pre-recorded or artificial voice technology and email, about offers and deals that I wish to be kept informed about from (“Partners”), at the phone number and/or email address provided on this form, including any wireless numbers provided, even if I have previously registered the provided number on any Do Not Call Registry. If I do not make a purchase on this website, it is expressly understood that the Partners retain permission to contact me as specified earlier in this paragraph. Carrier SMS/MMS and data messaging rates apply. I also agree that by clicking “Submit” that I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.