Here we go again… another year has passed and with it come life events that may have affected your estate plan, if you have one. The overwhelming truth is that far too many people don’t plan ahead and if they at one time did have the wherewithal to do so, they forget to update as […]
You had a little too much to drink during a holiday party and got behind the wheel of your car. Before you knew it, you were pulled over and arrested by a police officer for driving under the influence. As soon as you get out of jail and the dust settles, what should you do? […]
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 […]
Comprehensive estate planning not only provides instructions for others to follow up on a person’s death but also for times when a person is alive but not “available,” due to some form of medical incapacity. That’s why one of the key elements in any effective estate plan is a document called an Advance Health Care […]
Many people come to my office determined to get an annulment to their marriage/domestic partnership because they’ve heard it’s simpler than getting a dissolution of marriage/partnership. In some cases, this is true, but an annulment is only possible under certain circumstances and there must be sufficient grounds for taking this action. First, let’s get the […]
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 […]
Going to court for any legal matter is serious business. That’s why it’s vitally important to be prepared before you enter the courtroom and to behave in a proper, respectful manner once you’re there. Perhaps the single most important thing to do beforehand is to meet with your attorney. This is the time when you […]
We all know or should know, that anything we post or upload online can be a risky proposition. Embarrassing celebrity videos or compromising text messages are in the news all the time. Don’t we all think to ourselves, “How could they be so stupid as to let that happen? I would never make that kind […]
Throughout my career, many people have come to my office seeking to resolve issues of situations where they face serious debt. After meeting with them and determining that they would not be eligible to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief, the choice often comes down to one of two options: 1) working out a plan […]