Category Archives: Chapter 13
Debts to pay off before retirement
Florida residents might want to consider paying off as many debts as possible before they retire so they will not be saddled with these obligations on a fixed income. Paying off a mortgage can be particularly significant in allowing a person more disposable income after retirement, and it may be possible to refinance and… Read More »
Debt relief options when falling behind on car payments
Florida motorists who have fallen behind on their car payments might consider filing for bankruptcy. This could be an alternative to having the car repossessed or surrendering it voluntarily because both of these outcomes might still leave them in debt. If the car has already been repossessed or surrendered, the consumer might be liable… Read More »
Getting an auto loan while in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Individuals in Florida who are considering filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy and need new vehicles may be interested to know that getting approved for an auto loan is possible while in a Chapter 13. However, it requires the approval of a bankruptcy court and involves a number of steps. The first step that someone… Read More »
What to do when a creditor sues or threatens to sue
Florida debtors who have their property seized by their creditors may still be sued for any deficiencies that remain. Creditors are allowed to sue people who still owe balances even though they have taken the property that secured their loans. If you owe a deficiency, your creditor is unlikely to stop trying to collect… Read More »
Most collection agency calls concern unpaid medical bills
A recent government study reveals that consumers in Florida and around the country are more likely to be called by a collection agency about unpaid medical bills than any other kind of debt. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says that medical debt is the reason for 59 percent of these calls. According to researchers,… Read More »
Bankruptcy to stop foreclosure in Florida
If you are in danger of losing your Florida home to foreclosure, you might be able to obtain relief and avoid foreclosure by filing for bankruptcy. A new law in Florida requires that your lender goes to bankruptcy court with you and works to arrive at an amenable modification of the terms of your… Read More »
Some millennials are struggling to get out of debt
Millennials have broken all previous generation’s college attendance records. For all of these young adults with recently acquired college degrees, student loan debt can be a big problem. In addition to student loan debt, many of them in Florida and around the country are struggling to pay off credit cards, car loans, personal loans… Read More »
Spotting debt relief scams
Florida residents who are looking for ways to handle their substantial debt may consider using the services of credit repair companies or credit counselors. The use of such companies has been increasing, as have the number of these companies that offer to assist consumers. However, the number of dishonest operators has also been increasing… Read More »
Bankruptcy and buying a vehicle
Florida residents who are considering filing for bankruptcy to handle their debt and are hesitant to purchase a needed vehicle may benefit from learning that under certain circumstances they might be allowed to do so. However, they should be aware that they would be able to retain the vehicle only if it was a… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court addresses proofs of claim on time-barred debts
When Florida residents file Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions, their outstanding debts are consolidated and paid off over a period of three to five years. Debts are included in these plans when creditors submit what are known as proofs of claim, but debts older than five years are not eligible for inclusion under Florida law…. Read More »