Tag: bankruptcy attorney Dallas

  • Can Bankruptcy be the Solution for Identity Theft Related Debts?

    Call: 888-297-6203

    Identity theft is a common issue across the country. People often face numerous issues because some obscure person managed to steal their identity. One of the worst problems is the amount of debt which identity thieves accumulate, which unfortunately gets reflected on your credit report. This can have grave consequences according to lawyers of Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group. You might have to bear the brunt of aggressive debt collectors despite your repeated attempts to assure them of your innocence.

    How to deal with identity theft?

    Whenever you become aware of any identity theft fraud, it would be ideal to file a police report against it. if you are in luck, the perpetrator of the crime might get caught; however, most of the times, the culprits are sitting miles apart from you and therefore almost impossible to get hold of. Since, people who have stolen your identity, have done it for the purpose of exploiting it completely (incurring huge amounts of debts), the next important thing is to contact your credit card companies and inform them about the issue. You can also provide them with a copy of police report to assure them that the debts currently being charged on your credit report are not a result of your activity.

    Unfortunately, the debts on your credit report end up giving you a bad credit which you must deal with. Despite proving your innocence, credit companies might ask debt collection agencies to collect on the debt. Debt collectors’ resort to all kinds of harassing and threatening tactics, including intimidating phone calls and letters, calling at odd hours, etc. All of this can be quite intimidating and troublesome. If you have been facing such a situation, looking for an attorney might probably be a good idea. Call experienced bankruptcy attorneys at 888-297-6023 and discuss your predicament with them.

    Bankruptcy might be the solution you have been looking for, in order to get rid of the debts resulting from identity theft. Generally, these thefts are due to credit card debts or personal loans, which are unsecured nonpriority loans. Such debts are discharged during bankruptcy which will result in improving your credit score eventually. With time, after your credit score improves, you can apply for a new credit card. Though filing for bankruptcy is a last resort in case of identity theft, it is better to hire an attorney than to deal with every credit card company individually. With the help of an experienced bankruptcy attorney, you might be able to get back at life after identity theft.


      *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.

    • An Increase Seen in Bankruptcy Filing in Elders

      Call: 888-297-6203

      When people are unable to repay their debts and find no other way out, they opt for bankruptcy. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of elders filing for bankruptcy. compared to young filers, the number of senior citizens filing for bankruptcy has tripled in the past 25 years. According to Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group, the reasons why bankruptcy filing has seen an increase in older debtors are:

      1. Higher healthcare costs

      With increasing age, health complications are bound to happen. Thanks to erratic lifestyle, diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are on the rise. This causes a huge increase in medical expenses, which has not been initially catered for. This can throw any retiree under huge debt.

      1. Reduced income avenues

      Once you reach a certain age, your ability to work more than one job decreases. Thus, your average income also gets reduced. Managing your expenses within something as low as $17,390 (average income of older American bankruptcy filers) can be quite difficult.

      1. Delay in getting full social security

      Partial social security benefits are available for people from the age of 62 years, while full social security benefits are provided once you attain the age of 66 years and 4 months. This delay can result in incurring a huge amount of debts.

      1. Plunging retirement accounts

      Most people are not good planners. Not saving enough in your retirement funds can lead to monetary issues when your heydays end. Any unexpected expense, such as sudden ailments, etc. can result in you ransacking your pension accounts.

      1. Increasing debt

      The current generation and the one before them have often taken loans to fulfill various requirements. Caring for the elderly as well as taking care of the tuition fees of kids can leave you with huge amount of debts. Over time, the debts increase abysmally leading you towards bankruptcy.

      1. Too little too late

      Most people keep on adding to their debts over their entire working life, with the idea that they will be able to pay it off. However, the realization dawns in a bit too late that the debts have added to create a huge burden which won’t be handled without assistance.

      As soon as you realize that you will not be able to manage your debts on your own, it is important to seek consultation with professionals. You can call 888-297-6023 to schedule an appoint with experienced bankruptcy lawyers Dallas to know more about your options.


        *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.

      • Automatic Stay Stops Creditors in Their Tracks

        Automatic Stay Stops Creditors in Their Tracks

        Call: 888-297-6203

        When you have fallen behind on your dues, there is no way of preventing the threatening actions of creditors. You will end up facing harassing phone calls and threatening emails seeking legal action against you. Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group, say that filing for bankruptcy can be the best way to not just get rid of this nuisance but also of a large amount of unsecured debts which are holding you back.

        Once you file for bankruptcy, the court orders the automatic stay order to be served to all the creditors listed in your bankruptcy papers. Once the creditors are served with the order, they cannot continue with the collection efforts. Violation of the automatic stay is a punishable offense and for a change, the creditors will be at the receiving end if they try to contact you.

        Know more about automatic stay benefits:

        It is the first order that is issued by the bankruptcy court when you file your bankruptcy petition. The automatic stay is immediately placed into effect and remains for the entire duration of your bankruptcy case. With automatic stay in place, you are assured that your secured and unsecured creditors cannot initiate any type of collection actions. This means that your property cannot be repossessed, foreclosed or your wages garnished.

        It is also important to realize that since criminal restitution, domestic support and certain property taxes are priority debts and therefore cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, the automatic stay cannot offer protection against them. This order is permanent for all debts which were included in bankruptcy and received a discharge through it. However, if a creditor gets a court order to lift the automatic stay, the protection won’t be accorded.

        Having a bankruptcy lawyer can make things easier for you. If you haven’t hired one, you can schedule an appointment with experienced bankruptcy lawyers to discuss your case by calling 888-297-6023.

      • What Are the Most Common Questions People Ask About Bankruptcy?

        What Are the Most Common Questions People Ask About Bankruptcy?

        Call: 888-297-6203

        When you are left with no other option apart from bankruptcy, people are worried sick because of the myths surrounding bankruptcy. Since most of these myths are bogus, having no relation to the truth, it is important that you discuss this issue with people who are well versed with the facts. Discussing your worst fears about bankruptcy with able lawyers of Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group, can open your eyes to the fact that bankruptcy can actually do you more good than you ever imagined.

        Here are some questions that can settle your doubts:

        1. What to do if I cannot afford to file for bankruptcy?

        You are expected to pay the bankruptcy filing fee when you file your petition in court. The Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fees is $306 and that for Chapter 13 bankruptcy is $281. Generally, people who file for bankruptcy have run out of other options. Paying the filing fees might not be possible for them. The court offers a grace period of 120 days to deposit the fees. If you cannot manage it to pay this amount, you can ask for a waiver, which will exempt you from paying any fees.

        1. Can my employer find out about my bankruptcy petition?

        Bankruptcy is mentioned in court records and your credit report. If your employer accesses your credit report they can come to know about your bankruptcy. Another way through which they can know about your bankruptcy is if you were facing wage garnishment and it ceased due to automatic stay provision of bankruptcy. Otherwise, there is no way of them becoming aware of your bankruptcy filing. You should be relieved as you cannot be discriminated based on your bankruptcy, thanks to laws which prevent so.

        1. Will my credit be ruined forever?

        Bankruptcy is mentioned on your credit report for a duration of 7-10 years depending on which bankruptcy chapter you filed in. This makes getting credit a bit difficult. However, it is bad credit, thanks to missed payments and high debt balance, that harms your credit more than bankruptcy. In fact, bankruptcy wipes all bad credit and shows only any good credits you have, which results in a better credit score.

        1. Can I protect my funds?

        State and federal government offer you various exemptions through which you can protect your funds. Generally, when you file for bankruptcy, unemployment benefits, retirement funds, disability or survivor benefits and insurance policies are exempted from being used to pay your creditors.

        In case you have any doubts regarding bankruptcy, you can call 888-297-6023 to discuss them with experienced bankruptcy lawyers.


          *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 to Prevent Payday Loans Creditors Through Bankruptcy?

          How to Prevent Payday Loans Creditors Through Bankruptcy?

          Call: 888-297-6203

          When people have accumulated huge amounts of debts and run out of options to get cash, they resort to extraordinary measures. A payday loan is one such method which has been used by scrupulous lenders to trick people who have been facing monetary issues out of their hard-earned money. Payday loan has an interest rate of a whooping 99% but dire circumstances require dire measures, hence people agree to this form of a loan. According to Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group, people who opt for payday loans are often left at a worse condition than before.

          Stopping payday loans is quite difficult, even with bankruptcy. Although bankruptcy can hold most collection actions including foreclosure, repossession, and wage garnishment; when it comes to payday loans, an automatic stay is not enough. This is because, in lieu of a payday loan, you are required to give post-dated cheques to the creditor for the repayment of your loan. Thus, if you wish to prevent those cheques from encashment, you need to make extra efforts. Mere bankruptcy filing won’t be enough in this case.

          Though payday loan lenders can cash the post-dated cheque, an efficient bankruptcy lawyer can ensure that your funds are safe. You can either opt for stop payment on the cheques given to the payday loan lender or close the concerned bank account. Bankruptcy lawyers can guide which would be the better option from the two choices.

          The timing of bankruptcy filing is also important. If you borrow more than $750, and you wish to include this debt in your bankruptcy, you need to wait a minimum duration of 70-90 days. A bankruptcy lawyer Dallas can help you get your papers in order and ensure that most of the debts you have incurred are included in your bankruptcy papers. If you haven’t hired an attorney for your bankruptcy case, you can call 888-297-6023 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.


            *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.

          • Best Ways to Cope with Bankruptcy

            Best Ways to Cope with Bankruptcy

            Call: 888-297-6203

            Bankruptcy is a roller coaster ride. On one hand, you get rid of debts, which makes you feel happy and in control of your life; while on the other hand, your credit report gets the stamp of bankruptcy which remains for 7-10 years rendering getting loan extremely difficult. This can be a testing time, say experienced lawyers of Los Angeles based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group. You can experience a variety of contradicting emotions when you choose to get rid of your debts through bankruptcy. Here’s how you can cope with them:

            • Discuss the issue with people who understand

            Many people keep their emotions bottled up which is not healthy at all. Filing for bankruptcy is a big decision which is bound to have long term effects on your life. It is therefore important that you discuss what you are going through with people who will lend a listening ear and a helping hand. Discussing things with friends might be cathartic and might even let you get over the huge emotional issue.

            • Indulge in some personal time

            Discussing how your finances had taken a turn for the worse with various unfamiliar people like a financial advisor, bankruptcy lawyer, trustee, etc. can be quite overwhelming. It is therefore not unnatural to wish to get away from all this. Once you are sure that the case is being handled by the best people, you should take some time off and give yourself the necessary rest, so that you can heal physically, mentally and emotionally.

            • Cry, if that helps

            Sometimes, crying your heart out is exactly the thing that will help you heal. Letting your emotions take the better of you might not be a luxury that you can afford, but then bankruptcy is also not an everyday occurrence. If crying helps you overcome the pressure of bankruptcy, cry.

            • Don’t forget the good points

            With numerous exemptions in place, you can protect most of your essential belongings. You can keep your home, vehicle, modest household belongings, retirement and pension accounts as well as tools of the trade. Basically, you should be thankful that you have everything to restart your life without the burden of debt.

            A successful bankruptcy discharge can be the best thing to happen to you. This can take place when you have experienced lawyers Dallas handling your case. If you haven’t hired one, you can call at 888-297-6023 to schedule an appointment.


              *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.

               

            • Most Commonly Asked Bankruptcy Questions

              Most Commonly Asked Bankruptcy Questions

              Call: 888-297-6203

              Despite bankruptcy being one of the best ways to get a fresh financial start, the numerous social stigmas attached to it make it difficult for people to go ahead with it. Since bankruptcy becomes public record and stays on your credit report for a duration of 7-10 years, your financial failures can hold you back many times in the future. However, that is no reason to let go of a chance to get rid of your numerous debts and make a fresh financial start. According to Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group, most people have major concerns regarding the bankruptcy process. Some of the common queries are:

              • What happens to my assets?

              People opt for bankruptcy in order to save their assets from going under the hammer. Bankruptcy provides exclusions in the form of state and federal exemptions which protect most of your personal property including equity in home and vehicle, as well as personal belongings, household items, etc. Your non-exempt property can be sold off to repay your creditors in case of Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

              • Can I get rid of all my debts?

              Secured debts, against which the creditor has a lien, cannot be discharged during bankruptcy. These include a car loan and a house mortgage. Priority debts such as certain government taxes, alimony and child support as well as student loan debts are also not discharged during bankruptcy. Your non-exempt property is used to repay your unsecured creditors and any debt which remains after that is discharged. The debts so discharged are removed from your credit report but your bankruptcy will remain on it for a duration of 10 years (Chapter 7 bankruptcy).

              • Is there a limitation to filing for bankruptcy?

              There is a time limit when it comes to applying for bankruptcy, to prevent misuse of the advantage the system provides. People who have previously filed for Chapter 7 can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy after duration of 4 years from the initial filing; this period is 8 years if you wish to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy again. In case you had previously filed for Chapter 13, you can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy after six years from filing date while the timeframe is 2 years after case filing for another Chapter 13 bankruptcy Dallas!

              If you have decided to opt for bankruptcy in order to get rid of your debts, it is important that you hire the best legal advisor. You can schedule an appointment with experienced bankruptcy lawyers by calling at 888-297-6023.


                *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.

              • Proof of Claim – How Creditors Get Paid in Bankruptcy

                Proof of Claim – How Creditors Get Paid in Bankruptcy

                Call: 888-297-6203

                Bankruptcy has been one of the best tools to get rid of debt. Many people across the country regularly benefit from it. However, a point of concern is that, are the creditors always in a loss when any person files for bankruptcy? If that would have been the case, say Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group lawyers, objections would have been raised against the entire process. Creditors get paid during bankruptcy, be it Chapter 7 (liquidation of assets) or Chapter 13 (repayment plan). They are assured of payment if they prepare and file a proof of claim.

                What is proof of claim?

                When bankruptcy is filed by a debtor, they are expected to list all their creditors along with the debts in the papers filed. These papers are used to inform the creditors of the impending bankruptcy. Once the creditor receives notification of the debtor’s bankruptcy filing, they should file a formal written statement if they wish to receive a payment through the bankruptcy estate. This statement is known as proof of claim and it is sent to, not just the bankruptcy court but also to the debtor, bankruptcy trustee as well as any other concerned party. This is particularly important for unsecured creditors. Proof of claim can be submitted in both Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy Dallas cases. Secured creditors, however, are not required to file this document as their debts are secured by liens.

                By when can proof of claim be filed?

                Unsecured creditors can be government or non-government. Though the criterion does not depend on the bankruptcy chapter, it surely does on the origin of the creditor. Government creditors can submit their proof of claim documents within 180 days of the meeting of creditors; while non-government ones need to submit theirs in 90 days. An experienced attorney Dallas can ensure that the claim papers are in order and filed within the stipulated time period. You can call 888-297-6023 to fix an appointment with qualified lawyers to deal with this issue.


                  *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.

                • Bankruptcy Options Available for Small Business Owners

                  Bankruptcy Options Available for Small Business Owners

                  Call: 888-297-6203

                  Not just individuals, but small business owners can also face issues when it comes to handling finances. In case there are financial issues plaguing a business which cannot be managed easily, the owner might have to take the hardest decision ever; filing for bankruptcy to get relief from debt. If you are left with no other option except filing for bankruptcy, it is important that you hire the services of experienced lawyers to handle your case. You can seek consultation with bankruptcy attorneys by calling 888-297-6023.

                  Lawyers of Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group, elaborate that there are a number of bankruptcy chapters under which small business owners can file for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy criteria differ in all three – Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13. While Chapter 7 is the most common one for small businesses, the requirement for qualification is stringent in this case. Any non-exempt property is sold off to pay creditors and the remaining dues are discharged after bankruptcy.

                  Chapter 11 bankruptcy works by re-organisation of debts in such a manner that you do not have to shut down your business. This bankruptcy is best used for small corporations, partnerships and even for sole proprietors of business. Though Chapter 13 bankruptcy Dallas relief is for individuals it can also be used by sole proprietors to get debt relief. Chapter 12 bankruptcy is available for families of farmers and fishermen to get rid of excessive amount of debt.


                    *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.

                  • Bankruptcy History in the U.S

                    Bankruptcy History in the U.S

                    Call: 888-297-6203

                    In the early 20th century, bankruptcy was a rare phenomenon, with just 0.15% in 1000 people choosing it to get rid of debt. However, over the past 100 years, people seeking financial protection through bankruptcy have increased dramatically. Over a period, through the 60s and 80s, an increase was observed in bankruptcy filings in the U.S. However, as per statistics available, between 1980-2000 an increase was seen with up to 7.6% per 1000 per year. Contrary to this, a decrease in this percentage was observed post-2004 with 5.3% per 1000 individuals.

                    However, Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group, informs that the data is a national average without taking specific filings into account. Breaking the information state-wise you get to know that the maximum bankruptcy filing rate is in the state of Tennessee; with 10 people per 1000 seeking bankruptcy protection. On the other hand, Massachusetts has a mere average of 2.8 per 1000 bankruptcy filings. To understand the economic condition of the country, it is important that you break things up into relevant smaller pieces and observe the bigger picture. In case you are considering bankruptcy as an option to relieve yourself of your huge debts, you can call 888-297-6023 to schedule an appointment with the best bankruptcy lawyers Dallas.


                      *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.