With the cost of living rising between groceries, housing, gas, and everyday expenses, many are feeling financial pressure and ending up in debt. Here in San Diego, the cost of living remains one of the highest in the country, which makes it easy to accumulate debt while keeping up with necessities and unexpected emergencies. Practical […]
As a family law attorney, I do see the effects of untreated mental health conditions. This is a good reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. Mental health struggles don’t just impact the individual, it can affect the whole family and society. Mental health can affect family law, criminal law, and […]
In looking for legal representation, you generally have two options: either an attorney who specializes in one area of the law or a general practitioner. With a specialized attorney, you may get more expertise on the subject but with a general practitioner, such as the Law Offices of Ian S. Topf, APC, you can get […]
In this segment, we will discuss how debt in one spouse’s name is generally presumed by the public to be the sole and separate obligation of that spouse and how that presumption is often wrong. In assessing whether a debt obligation in one spouse’s name is truly just the responsibility of that spouse, we first […]
Shocking News Flash: A breakdown of one’s marriage and debt usually go hand in hand. Money issues can lead to separation and separation between married people can lead to substantial debt issues. Debt does not go away when a couple separates; it merely sits in wait, ready to pounce as the next woe to be […]
Common situations I come across with bankruptcy inquiries:“I want to file for bankruptcy but I don’t want to lose my car.”“I have a mortgage that I’m able to pay but I’m struggling. Would I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?” Filing for bankruptcy relief generally relieves a debtor from substantial personal economic liabilities […]
Are you facing a legal issue and cringing at the idea of retaining an attorney? Everyone knows that hiring an attorney can be expensive, overwhelming, and stressful. However, some people have a legal resource they either forgot about or didn’t even know they had in the first place which can take much of the apprehension […]
A common question arises in many of my recent debt relief consultations: How will my income tax debt affect my attempts to completely wipe out my debt, both overall, and as to the tax debt itself? Taxes and Bypassing The Means Test The first hurdle to proceed in filing under Chapter 7 is the “means […]
Recently, there was a flurry of headlines noting a disturbing trend in the U.S.— 42 percent of people of color have debt in collections, according to a study released by the Urban Institute (data on website subject to change). “Debt in collections” refers to money that’s owed well past an account’s due date (usually 180 […]
Frequently, I get questions from clients considering bankruptcy who ask, “Can I keep my car? What about my house?” They have the impression that by filing for bankruptcy, they are guaranteed to lose everything they have. This is not true. Federal and state laws exist to protect certain assets and properties from creditors. Whatever type […]