For some Virginia residents, filing for bankruptcy can be a drastic step. For others, though, it can be a tool that will help them get back on their feet and start over with a clean slate. In addition to finding out if a person actually qualifies for bankruptcy, there...
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Knowing when it’s time to file for bankruptcy
Bankruptcy could be an effective way for individuals in Virginia and elsewhere to get a handle on their finances. However, there are many factors an individual should consider before doing so. For instance, the type of debt a person has may determine if bankruptcy is...
Student loan debt can be crippling
Debt seems to be a way of life for many Virginia residents. In a perfect world, it would be better to first earn the money before spending it, but there is a general concept of what is considered "good" debt. A mortgage on a home, for instance, falls into that...
Different bankruptcies impact credit differently
The effect that filing for bankruptcy has on a credit report varies based on the type of bankruptcy that is filed. For individuals who live in Virginia, the most common bankruptcy filings are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. A bankruptcy filing under Chapter 7 might stay on...
Disabled veterans receive more protections in bankruptcy
Military veterans in Virginia may face a difficult time adjusting to their time after service, especially when it comes to financial issues. As a result, many veterans face escalating debt and may be forced to file for bankruptcy. Under a 2019 federal law, the...
How to time a bankruptcy filing
Debtors in Virginia and throughout the country who are struggling to keep up with their bills may be able to take advantage of Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, there are limits to how many times an individual can file. In most cases, an individual will need to wait...
Tips for dealing with a debt collection lawsuit
Some people in Virginia who have unpaid debt might eventually face one or more lawsuits. This can be stressful, and individuals who have no money may be tempted to ignore them. However, there are steps people can take to defend themselves against these lawsuits and...
Student loan debt is creating an affordability crisis
Every year, almost one in three Americans who file Chapter 7 bankruptcies are burdened by student loans. However, this kind of debt is not usually dischargeable in Virginia or any other state. When filers have these loans, they usually account for about half of their...
Young people facing more overdue credit card bills
A growing number of people in Virginia are facing escalating credit card balances. According to the New York Federal Reserve, younger Americans traditionally steered clear of credit card debt. Many millennials came of age during the financial crisis in 2008 and became...
Supreme Court applies objective test in bankruptcy case
The Supreme Court ruled on June 3 that creditors in Virginia and around the country may be held in civil contempt if they pursue payment of a debt that has been discharged in a bankruptcy. The nation's highest court applied an objective reasonableness standard to...