Which is Better, Debt Settlement or Bankruptcy?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Bankruptcy can often be a far better option than a debt settlement program. It is a process that has a defined beginning and end with protection from collection efforts from your creditors while you are in that process.
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The ads on the radio always sound alluring. Simply respond by calling a toll free number and the debt settlement company will solve all of your financial problems. But is the promised relief as good as described?
Financial Debt Help: How You Can Help Yourself
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Thursday, April 24, 2014
There is no law that says you must seek any formal, legal debt relief. For example, you can contact your creditors at any time and inform them that you’re having a hard time making ends meet and ask them to work with you. You might ask them to reduce your monthly payments. Or, perhaps they would be willing to take less than the balance owed if you pay the reduced balance in a lump sum.
Bankruptcy Filing Fees Will Increase June 1, 2014
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, April 23, 2014
The Judicial Conference of the United States approved two amendments to the Miscellaneous Fee Schedule in its March 2014 session that impact bankruptcy filings. The filing fee for a chapter 7 bankruptcy will increase from $306.00 to $335.00 and the filing fee for a
Beware of Scammers Impersonating the IRS
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, April 18, 2014
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently issued a statement warning taxpayers about a nationwide scam that is being carried out by telephone and email. Scammers are calling innocent taxpayers and demanding payments with a prepaid debit card or a wire transfer.
New Expedited Social Security Disability Process for Veterans
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, April 14, 2014
The Social Security Administration announced that, effective March 17, 2014, it will expedite disability claims for veterans receiving VA service-connected compensation benefits and who have a rating of 100% permanent and total disability from the VA.
Mortgage Foreclosure Crisis
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, April 11, 2014
For some Alabamians, the American dream of owning a home has become a nightmare. One in sixty Alabama homeowners is projected to experience foreclosure on their home as a result of a high-cost loan. In Alabama, foreclosure proceedings can be concluded in as few as 21 days.
Are You Responsible for a Family Member's Debt When They Die
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, April 9, 2014
I am often asked this question by clients and the bottom line is this: You do not inherit debt under Alabama law. If you co-signed on a loan with them, then you would be liable for the remainder of that loan. But if they ran up $50,000 on a credit card debt in their name only before they died, then the credit card company just won’t be paid. You may have to provide a copy of the de
How Do You Disclose Assets When Filing for Bankruptcy?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Thursday, April 3, 2014
When you seek relief through Chapter 13 personal reorganization or Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are required to disclose your income and your assets. Disclosing your income is usually quite simple.
Can Tax Debt be Discharged in Bankruptcy?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, March 31, 2014
Contrary to general belief, you can discharge tax debt in a bankruptcy if the tax debt meets certain and specific criteria. Some of the initial questions to ask are whether the tax returns are deemed filed, what constitutes a tax return, and when was the tax assessed.
Security Clearance Restrictions Announced by Department of Defense (DOD)
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, March 24, 2014
The Department of Defense (DOD) announced a policy on March 18, 2014 to begin tightening up access to classified information by potentially shrinking the list of 3.5 million people who currently hold active security clearances.