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Can you keep your house in Chapter 7?

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re concerned about losing your home. In Maryland, whether you can keep your house depends on several factors. Maryland’s homestead exemption Maryland offers a homestead exemption, which protects the equity you can keep in your primary residence. As of now, Maryland allows an individual filer to exempt up to $25,150 in home equity. If you’re married and both of you file jointly, this exemption increases. If the equity in your home falls below this amount,

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How will Chapter 7 bankruptcy affect your interest rates?

When personal debts become too much to handle, one of the most common solutions for reprieve is to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Doing so gives you time to liquidate assets and repay your creditors, but it can also have a negative impact on your interest rates going forward. While bankruptcy might be your only option for overcoming a pressing financial dilemma, it is important to consider how it will affect your long-term finances as well. By understanding how Chapter 7 bankruptcy can impact interest

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Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 bankruptcy: which one might be best for you?

As we have discussed before in this blog, the main options for personal bankruptcy protection for people in Maryland are called Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Both forms of bankruptcy have the same goal of getting you out of debt and giving you and your family a fresh start financially. But they work differently, and choosing which one to pursue is not as simple as flipping a coin. Chapter 7: liquidation bankruptcy Chapter 7 bankruptcy is also called “liquidation bankruptcy” because it discharges

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How are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies different?

Many residents of Maryland have a hard time staying on top of their bills and finances. If you are among them, you may be thinking about filing for personal bankruptcy. Most who do so move forward with either a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 filing, but there are some key differences between the two types. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies also have different eligibility requirements, so it is important that you have a firm grasp of both types before moving forward. What are

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How long does bankruptcy affect your credit?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding designed to help people eliminate or reorganize insurmountable debt. But while bankruptcy provides many with the clean slate they need to get back on track, it isn’t without consequences. Bankruptcy can impact your credit score more harshly than any other single financial event. While filing for bankruptcy doesn’t always result in a lower credit score, it can make it that much more challenging to get new lines of credit in the future. Depending on the type of bankruptcy you file, a

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What is the chapter 7 means test and how does it work?

For individuals and some businesses, chapter 7 bankruptcy may be their best option for a fresh start. Referred to as the “liquidation” bankruptcy type, chapter 7 involves the debtor giving up significant assets. These assets are then distributed and sold and the money divided out to the debtor’s various creditors. To qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must first complete and file the means test forms. Generally, the purpose of the means test is to separate those debtors who may have the ability to pay

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Should you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 bankruptcy?

If your business is having trouble paying bills and making a profit, you may be considering bankruptcy in Rockville, Maryland. You may have heard of Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy but do not understand how these options differ. The differences are important because they can determine the future of your business. Chapter 7 bankruptcy means liquidating your business You may choose Chapter 7 bankruptcy if you believe there is no realistic hope of continuing to operate your business. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court

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Chapter 7 bankruptcy: the pros and cons

Those who find themselves unable to pay off their debts in Maryland may find themselves faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to declare bankruptcy. There are two types of bankruptcy that individuals typically file under: Chapter 13 and Chapter 7. The type of bankruptcy that is best for an individual depends on his or her unique situation. This article will focus on some of the advantages and disadvantages of Chapter 7. Chapter 7 pros  The Consumer Recovery Network points out that Chapter

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Filing bankruptcy may literally save your life

Accruing thousands of dollars in debt due to credit card charges, medical expenses and mortgage payments may directly cause significant health risks. Owing unsecured debt, or debt detached from specific property, potentially results in feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty among its victims. As it worsens the health of aging adults, debt may ultimately shorten your lifespan. Bankruptcy could provide potential monetary relief to consumers, and it may just save your life. Older adults are most affected In the United States, adults over the age of

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Consumer bankruptcy: Protecting one’s plans for retirement

It is no secret that dealing with substantial amounts of debt can be a harrowing experience. For individuals in Maryland who are closing in on retirement, financial struggles could pose a significant threat to future plans. Those who are facing similar issues might find it advisable to speak with a consumer bankruptcy attorney for guidance on the potential risks of dealing with debts late in life and the available options with which to pursue relief. According to a recent survey, more than 80 percent of

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