For many families in Westmoreland County, the first sign of serious financial distress can be getting behind on house payments. Falling behind on a mortgage is scary, as most lenders will not hesitate to start foreclosure on a family home if they are not getting...
Are courts making it easier to discharge student debt?
For those struggling with student loan debt, the news about bankruptcy courts discharging large amounts of student debt likely gives hope. Indeed, for the past five years or so, there seems to be news of student loan discharge every couple of months. But, does this...
Should I file bankruptcy while I’m getting divorced?
Whether to file a bankruptcy immediately before or in the middle of a divorce is a decision that will depend on a number of individual circumstances. A resident of the Pittsburgh area should speak with a professional who has experience in both bankruptcy and family...
Survey shows prevalence of medical debt across the nation
In Pennsylvania and throughout the United States, more and more people are confronted with medical debt. This is often one of the primary reasons for financial challenges reaching the point that the debtor is worrying about keeping their home and trying to find ways...
With eviction moratorium lifted, many may now face bankruptcy
Over the past year-and-a-half many people in Greensburg struggled financially. Jobs were furloughed or lost altogether, with no relief in sight. Even those who were able to go back to work went back to fewer hours in different positions at lower pay. The federal...
What does a trustee do in a bankruptcy case?
Once the court accepts your bankruptcy petition, it will assign your case to a trustee. Trustees within the system work independently of the bankruptcy court and under the U.S. Trustee Program, which is part of the Department of Justice. Your trustee is the person...
Can you keep your home in bankruptcy?
If you own a home, you may worry about whether you can keep the property if you file for bankruptcy. The answer depends on your state of residence since each provides its own list of assets that remain exempt in a bankruptcy filing. Learn more about protecting your...
Can bankruptcy help you escape abusive debt collectors?
When you fall into debt, it can create many stressors in your life. The last thing you need is a debt collector getting on your case. Unfortunately, abuse from debt collectors is an all too common issue. Is there any way that you can circumvent this? If you are...
What do you know about the psychological impact of debt?
You do not have the most favorable financial health right now, and you may consider filing for bankruptcy. One factor or another may keep you from filing for now, but do you understand the emotional and mental toll that debt takes on you? CogentBlue lists the...
Understanding the difference between chapters 13 and 7
When debts get out of control for someone in Pennsylvania, sometimes he or she needs to consider the option of bankruptcy. Whether someone chooses to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy depends on which is better for his or her situation. What is Chapter 13...