Clients considering a bankruptcy filing all want to know the same thing: how do I put a stop to collections calls? The answer is that filing bankruptcy will legally put a stop to all attempts at collecting, whether by phone or mail. In the meantime, here are five things you should know about your rights when it comes to collections calls:
1. Debt collectors CAN NOT make false or misleading statements to you regarding your debt.
TIP: Keep track of threats made during collections calls by keeping a notepad near your phone. Your notes may serve as the basis for a legal action against the collections agency down the road.
2. Once you tell a debt collector not to call you at work, they must abide by that request.
TIP: Draft a form letter requesting that you not be called at work regarding your bill. Leave a blank for your account number and the name of the creditor. Keep a few copies on hand. The next time you get a bill, send in the letter with the account number written on it. Do this until each account has received a letter. Make note of when you submitted the request, and make note of any later calls you receive at work.
3. It is a violation of your personal right to privacy for a debt collector to speak with another individual (other than your spouse) about your debt, whether during a collections call or by mail.
TIP: If someone you know alerts you to this activity, ask for details about the call (Time, Date, Remarks made).
4. Debt collectors must treat you with civility. They can tell you the nature of the call, request payment, and let you know of their next steps if payment is not made. They can not use abusive language or harass you over the phone or by mail.
TIP: Keep track of SPECIFIC words and phrases used during collections calls. Most abusive activity takes place over the phone. Get the name of the individual you are speaking with, and write it down. Your lawyer will need this information if action is taken against the creditor.
5. Collections calls aside, any information reported to credit bureaus must be accurate and truthful.
TIP: Obtain a credit report once a year and immediately alert a creditor if they have reported inaccurate information about your payment history or the amount you owe. Follow up with them in 30 days. If no action is taken, call an attorney.
If you’d like to find out how to make collections calls STOP, call 704.749.7747 for more information. If filing a bankruptcy is the best choice for you, I hope you’ll trust me to assist with that process and help you move forward peacefully. Things CAN change.
Multiple Bankruptcy Filings
BankruptcyFiling bankruptcy more than once is not anyone’s goal, but if you meet certain requirements you can successfully file a second bankruptcy. This article outlines some requirements for multiple bankruptcy filings.
Timing Limits
Know that when time limits are discussed in this article, unless otherwise specified, they are referring to the discharge date of the prior bankruptcy.
Multiple Bankruptcy Filings If A Discharge Was Received
Same Chapter Filings
Chapter 7—If you previously received a discharge in a Chapter 7 and are interested in filing another Chapter 7, you must wait eight years from the filing date of the first bankruptcy, before filing a second time.
Chapter 13—If you previously received a discharge in Chapter 13, you cannot receive a discharge in the second Chapter 13 case that is filed within two years from the filing date of the original Chapter 13. As most Chapter 13 cases are 36 months or longer, this is not typically an issue.
Different Chapter Filings
Chapter 13 THEN Chapter 7—Debtors who receive a discharge in a Chapter 13 cannot receive a discharge in a Chapter 7 if that Chapter 7 case is filed within six years of the date of the filing of the Chapter 13. There are exceptions to this rule, relating to whether all unsecured creditors were paid in full in the Chapter 13. Your bankruptcy attorney can examine this for you if it is a concern.
Chapter 7 THEN Chapter 13—Debtors who file a Chapter 13 after receiving a discharge in a Chapter 7 will not receive a discharge in the Chapter 13 if the Chapter 13 is filed within four years of the date the Chapter 7 was filed.
No Discharge Received
If you did not receive a discharge in your first bankruptcy filing, with very few exceptions, you can successfully complete multiple bankruptcy filings, receiving a discharge in the second filing. One exception is where your original case was dismissed by the court for failure to appear in court, or you voluntarily dismissed your case for some reason.
If you have questions about multiple bankruptcy filings, please feel free to call. I’m happy to answer those questions—it’s part of my job. I can be reached at 704-749-7747.
Wage Garnishment In North Carolina
BankruptcyIn North Carolina, wage garnishment is strictly limited. The instances in which your wages can be garnished are primarily: federal student loan debt, alimony, child support, taxes, overpayment of unemployment benefits, and ambulance services. A Charlotte bankruptcy lawyer can guide you through the rules and help you determine your rights.
Limitations On Wage Garnishment Amounts
Wage garnishment in North Carolina is not permitted at all if your disposable income is less than 30 times the federal minimum wage. If the wage garnishment relates to a debt owed to the North Carolina Department of Revenue, the applicable threshold is 10% of your gross wages.
Out-Of-State Creditors
While wage garnishment in North Carolina is limited, it may not prevent an out-of-state creditor from garnishing your North Carolina wages if it obtains an order in another state. Regardless, even an out-of-state creditor is limited to the wage garnishment limits set by federal law.
Employer Obligations
An employer is not in violation of the law if it recognizes an out-of-state wage garnishment; this does not mean you cannot hire an attorney to fight it. Additionally, federal law protects your job in the event of a wage garnishment—your employer cannot fire you based on the hassle involved with a wage garnishment.
For Wage Garnishment In Effect Today
Filing a bankruptcy will ‘freeze’ wage garnishment during the time the bankruptcy is active. This is because of the federal law providing for an automatic stay. The automatic stay is the equivalent of freezing all collector activity until the bankruptcy trustee makes a determination as to your bankruptcy case. For debts which are discharged in your bankruptcy, the garnishment will no longer be an issue as the debt will be discharged. While tax garnishments are sometimes an exception to this rule, they most commonly stop while the bankruptcy is active.
Bank Account Levy/Garnishment
Bank account garnishments are different from wage garnishments. Judgment creditors can seek to enforce their judgment through bank garnishments; however, prior to doing so, you are given a chance to protect property by filing the appropriate form with the court. If you believe a judgment creditor is attempting to collect on the judgment by taking your property, reach out to a Charlotte bankruptcy attorney today for advice on how to respond.
Call A Charlotte Bankruptcy Attorney Today
If you have questions about wage garnishment or bankruptcy, I am happy to provide you with guidance. The phone call is free. Please call 704.749.7747 to get answers today. Or, fill in this quick form requesting that the law firm contact you.
Bankruptcy Fees In Charlotte, NC
BankruptcyBankruptcy fees should be clear and easy to understand. If you’re in or near Charlotte, NC and considering hiring a bankruptcy lawyer, there are many qualified attorneys who can assist. Regardless of which bankruptcy attorney you choose to represent you, I encourage you to find an attorney who you feel is suited to your needs, and whose fees are reasonable.
I encourage potential clients to speak with more than one bankruptcy attorney before making a decision. Additionally, it’s your right to compare fees for legal services. If you would like a fee quote for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy from The Layton Law Firm, please enter your name and email address in this contact form. In the field asking for a good time to call, simply put “fee request only” and we will reply with a simple, easy to understand breakdown of our fees. You will not receive a call unless you indicate you would like one.
There are also alternatives to bankruptcy, and we are happy to advise you on those alternatives. We want to help you make an informed decision.
Congratulations on taking steps to a healthier financial life!
File Bankruptcy?! But I’d Feel Bad Doing That!
BankruptcyWhen it comes to deciding whether to file bankruptcy, my job is to help you put emotions to the side and focus on what’s truly important: your health and your family’s health. Here are three great reasons to file bankruptcy.
Call me today to get answers to questions about bankruptcy, find out the limitations on filing, and take next steps to restore financial health to your life. It’s time to put an end to the struggle. You can reach me at 704.749.7747.
Clients who file with The Layton Law Firm, PLLC receive a complimentary Will and Estate Planning package as part of filing. Let’s move forward together.
Healthcare Costs Affecting Charlotte Employees
BankruptcyIf we know one thing about the Affordable Healthcare Act, it is that people disagree on it. This is an argument that happens at the political level. However, as a bankruptcy attorney in Charlotte, NC what is quickly becoming obvious is that employers are responding to the expected changes. With healthcare costs affecting Charlotte employees at large employers like Home Depot and Trader Joe’s, the net effect on individual’s budgets and pocketbooks is a cause for concern.
Bankruptcy filings happen for numerous reasons. Sometimes there is a life-changing event like a personal injury or unemployment. These events make sense without much explanation. More common is the totality of circumstances– expenses creep up over time, credit card debt increases to cover those expenses, and individuals find they can no longer pay their bills. Struggling to do the right thing, they struggle for a few years until it becomes obvious the numbers just don’t work anymore. They need another option.
Home Depot recently announced changes to their healthcare offerings for employees and other large employers are following suit. While some employers generously offer full healthcare coverage, most business moves like these are meant to positively affect the company’s bottom line. Unfortunately, this usually means the employee will pick up a new expense.
If your company announces a major change in healthcare coverage, and if you feel that change is going to put you and your family outside of your ability to pay for necessities like healthcare, dental, rent, mortgage and transportation, reach out now to discuss your options with a bankruptcy attorney. Plan for your family the way large companies plan for their future. Bankruptcy can be a critical part of that planning and can put you in a position where you’re able to meet your essential needs and begin saving money again. You deserve financial stability.
Call 704.749.7747 today to get your questions answered.
Judgment Liens In Bankruptcy
BankruptcyJudgment liens in bankruptcy have special treatment. Clients in bankruptcy have the reasonable goal of discharging both their debt and the judgment associated with it. In many cases, this can be accomplished.
What Is A Judgment Lien?
A judgment in our context is a court order declaring that a debtor officially owes a creditor. Judgments immediately attach or become a lien against, any property owned by the debtor or later acquired by the debtor. In North Carolina, one exception to this is where a debtor acquires property with a spouse as tenants by the entirety. In this case, the judgment is still effective but does not attach or affect the property.
Will A Judgment Go Away In Bankruptcy?
A better question is will a judgment attach to property acquired after the bankruptcy. The answer is this: If the judgment had attached to property on the date of the filing of the bankruptcy, then it will have the power to attach to newly acquired property after bankruptcy.
Example: John has a judgment against him AND owns a home in his name only. He files bankruptcy. After bankruptcy, he purchases another home in his name only. In this case, the judgment will attach to the newly acquired property.
Example: John has a judgment against him AND owns a home with his wife in both of their names. He files bankruptcy. After bankruptcy, he purchases another home in his name only (or in his name and his spouse’s name). In this case, the judgment will NOT attach. The reason is that prior to filing, the judgment had not become a lien against property he owned. Upon discharge in bankruptcy, his personal liability on the judgment is extinguished.
Will The Judgment Remain On The Public Record?
Absent a motion to the court, the judgment will remain on the public record; however, the effect is the same as in the examples above. In any case where you are purchasing property, the closing attorney will understand the rules and the judgment will not cause a problem with your purchase or later sale of the property.
Every case is unique. If you have questions about bankruptcy or judgment liens in bankruptcy, please call me at 704.749.7747. The call is free and I’m happy to help.
Documents Required For Bankruptcy
BankruptcyFinancial pressure is overwhelming enough, without the added task of compiling endless documents required for bankruptcy. Fortunately, with the help of electronic communications and software advances, you can find out quickly and easily whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
For simplicity sake, here are the next steps to determine whether you qualify for bankruptcy:
A phone call with me, your bankruptcy attorney—I’ll ask you a few questions about your debt, your income, and your belongings in an attempt to uncover any red flags which might be an obstacle for filing;
A questionnaire—Once we determine over the phone that you will likely qualify, you’ll need to complete an online questionnaire I’ll send via email invite. This questionnaire works with my software. I can see your progress, and you can ask questions to me directly through the questionnaire. It does not require any documentation;
A few documents—After we review the questionnaire together, by phone or in person, I’ll need to see a few documents to substantiate the info on the questionnaire.
Again, the need to provide these documents required for bankruptcy only arises once we have determined that you qualify for filing. If you’re interested in getting assistance determining whether you qualify for bankruptcy, and you’re willing to take the steps above, there is no charge from my firm to assist with this process. You only incur an attorney fee if you decide to move forward and actually file.
Please reach out today to set up a consultation by phone or in person. Or, complete this online contact form and we will call you back shortly. I can be reached directly at 704.749.7747.
Putting An End To Collections Calls
BankruptcyClients considering a bankruptcy filing all want to know the same thing: how do I put a stop to collections calls? The answer is that filing bankruptcy will legally put a stop to all attempts at collecting, whether by phone or mail. In the meantime, here are five things you should know about your rights when it comes to collections calls:
1. Debt collectors CAN NOT make false or misleading statements to you regarding your debt.
TIP: Keep track of threats made during collections calls by keeping a notepad near your phone. Your notes may serve as the basis for a legal action against the collections agency down the road.
2. Once you tell a debt collector not to call you at work, they must abide by that request.
TIP: Draft a form letter requesting that you not be called at work regarding your bill. Leave a blank for your account number and the name of the creditor. Keep a few copies on hand. The next time you get a bill, send in the letter with the account number written on it. Do this until each account has received a letter. Make note of when you submitted the request, and make note of any later calls you receive at work.
3. It is a violation of your personal right to privacy for a debt collector to speak with another individual (other than your spouse) about your debt, whether during a collections call or by mail.
TIP: If someone you know alerts you to this activity, ask for details about the call (Time, Date, Remarks made).
4. Debt collectors must treat you with civility. They can tell you the nature of the call, request payment, and let you know of their next steps if payment is not made. They can not use abusive language or harass you over the phone or by mail.
TIP: Keep track of SPECIFIC words and phrases used during collections calls. Most abusive activity takes place over the phone. Get the name of the individual you are speaking with, and write it down. Your lawyer will need this information if action is taken against the creditor.
5. Collections calls aside, any information reported to credit bureaus must be accurate and truthful.
TIP: Obtain a credit report once a year and immediately alert a creditor if they have reported inaccurate information about your payment history or the amount you owe. Follow up with them in 30 days. If no action is taken, call an attorney.
If you’d like to find out how to make collections calls STOP, call 704.749.7747 for more information. If filing a bankruptcy is the best choice for you, I hope you’ll trust me to assist with that process and help you move forward peacefully. Things CAN change.
Charlotte Bankruptcy Fees
BankruptcyAs a Charlotte bankruptcy attorney, I often discus fees with potential clients. I gladly give my potential clients my fee for a Charlotte bankruptcy, and encourage them to call other law firms to ask about fees. It matters a great deal to me that clients end up with an attorney they like, and one whose fees are reasonable.
We also discuss the cost of not filing a bankruptcy. Typically, clients who call have already temporarily damaged their credit scores with late payments and non-payments to creditors. Often times, your credit score one year after bankruptcy will be as good as or better than it was before filing. Additionally, with the discharge of credit card debt, medical bills and other debts in a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the threat of lawsuits and creditor attorneys fees is removed from your life.
Attorney fees are due prior to the filing of the bankruptcy petition, but that does not keep my clients and I from working together in the meantime. Depending upon the client, it takes anywhere from three weeks to three months to prepare for bankruptcy. I do not require fees up front in order to get started with my clients– if you’re willing to work to gather information, I take that as a sign that you are serious about filing. And I’m happy to work with you toward that goal.
My clients are good people. They have had life changing experiences or a series of experiences that have brought them where they are financially. My goal is to understand their current situation, prevent further harm, and assist them in taking steps to restore themselves to financial health.
If you’d like answers to questions, please call me at 704.749.7747. There’s no obligation to file. I’m here as a resource and I’m happy to help.
Estate Planning Package
Bankruptcy, WillsCaring for clients means assisting with existing problems and preventing future problems. Most of my bankruptcy clients do not have a Will or any other estate planning documents. While I do not recommend a Will or Estate Planning package for all individuals, if you have minor children you need both.
Choose Us For Bankruptcy or Personal Injury, We’ll Do The Rest
We understand the cost of an Estate Planning Package is just one more bill, in addition to the bills you already owe. And if you’re paying for a bankruptcy, very rarely is there money left over for Estate Planning. As a way to say thank you to clients who choose The Layton Law Firm to assist them with their bankruptcy or personal injury, we offer a reduced rate on an Estate Planning Package for existing bankruptcy or personal injury clients.
It’s easy to take advantage of this. When you call the firm to inquire about bankruptcy or personal injury, simply ask about the Estate Planning package and we will plan on executing the Will and other accompanying documents after we have completed your representation for your initial matter.
It feels good to take care of clients, and we look forward to seeing client achieve peace of mind by assisting with personal injury, bankruptcy filings, and planning for the future through Estate Planning.
Call Today
Call today to get your bankruptcy questions answered, and we can move forward together to restore financial well-being to your life. We’re also here to talk about alternatives to bankruptcy, if you feel that may be a better option for you. You can call us at 704.749.7747 or click here for a FREE CONSULTATION.