Most residents of western Pennsylvania look upon bankruptcy as a means of discharging debts that they are unable to pay. Why would a person who files a Chapter 7 petition to discharge all debts consider signing an agreement that reinstates—or reaffirms—a debt that can...
Bankruptcy
Should I start giving stuff away before I file for bankruptcy?
When you finally reach the point where bankruptcy makes sense, there are a lot of worries and questions. Indeed, the entire process is rife with questions and concerns. However, some people worry that they may have to sell all of their stuff to qualify for bankruptcy,...
What should I do now that medical debt is treated differently?
This blog regularly posts about medical debt and bankruptcy. And, we have posted on the changing treatment of medical debt in the past. But, now that the new Greensburg, Pennsylvania, medical debt policies have been enacted, do you need to do anything? The policy...
Quick protection from creditors: the power of the automatic stay
Many residents of Pennsylvania view bankruptcy as a financial cataclysm: their assets will be repossessed by creditors, and they will lose their home and many other assets. This view is incorrect: bankruptcy is designed to give petitioners a chance at financial...
Can a bankruptcy help me save my home from foreclosure?
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...