Blogs

Student Loan Debt Becoming Increasingly Common in Bankruptcies

The economy is extremely tough right now. It is not only in the backs of everyone’s minds, but it is also the #1 political topic, and for good reason. It seems like every single family has had to deal with financial hardship in some way, whether income was reduced, a job was lost, work hours were increased without pay increase, or a loved one came upon hard times.

There is one group who the economy has hit much harder than others though: Graduating students.

Serving Homeless Veterans Who Served Our Country

As citizens of the United States of America, we are indebted to our veterans and should do all that we can to assist those that are in need. As attorneys, we have an ethical obligation, as recommended by the American Bar Association, to contribute at least fifty hours of pro bono service per year. My law partner, Ron Sykstus, a veteran himself, has chosen to combine his ethical obligation with his desire to serve his fellow veterans.

Pay Attention to Interest Rates

When it comes to credit card debt, it’s all too common for individuals to get stuck in a never-ending, increasing debt spiral. An individual may start their credit history with a few fun purchases, but soon they find themselves unable to pay their balance off, which can eventually lead to needing to pay credit card bills with other credit card accounts.

Do I need my credit reports before I file for Bankruptcy?

This is a question that we get on a daily basis. We strongly urge and advise clients to obtain a copy of all three credit reports from the three main credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Transunion. You can obtain one FREE credit report each year from each credit bureau by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or by phone at 877-322-8228. In our opinion, this is the best way to get your credit reports.

How Will Bankruptcy Affect My Credit?

Virtually every person that comes to see us to talk about a potential bankruptcy filing asks us this question in one form or another. They may have been told by a friend that bankruptcy will ruin their credit. Another has heard that they won't be able to get new credit for 7-10 years. In short, most folks want to know how a bankruptcy filing will affect their credit.

If I'm considering Bankruptcy and I'm married, am I required to file Bankruptcy with my spouse?

The issue for a lot of married people considering bankruptcy is whether to file a joint case with their spouse or an individual case. You are not required to file a joint bankruptcy petition just because you are married. In most traditional marriage situations, there is a good bit of joint debt or both spouses already suffer from problem credit. A joint filing in this instance is usually the most economical household decision to make.

Filling out the form for a government security clearance

When a person’s job requires a security clearance issued by the federal government, they are required to submit a completed standard form (SF) 86 which is also known as the electronic personnel security questionnaire (EPSQ). Obviously, if no one has had any issues in their past, then completing this form is simple. The issue comes up and people get worried when they do have problems that have arisen in their past and they become concerned with how to address them on the security clearance form.

Arkansas Football Coach Announces Plan to File for Bankruptcy

When it comes to purchasing real estate, there is a certain mantra: “It’s always a good investment.”

Unfortunately, though, as Arkansas coach John L. Smith learned, real estate can also be a horrible investment. In the aftermath of the housing crash, Smith was left with multiple properties in Kentucky that “went bust,” and as a result, he is reportedly planning to file for bankruptcy.

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Bond & Botes Law Offices

At Bond & Botes, we now offer full service bankruptcy consultation and filing over the phone or by video from the comfort and safety of your home or office. Please call 1-877-581-3396 or click here to setup your free phone or video consultation.

The lawyers at the Bond & Botes affiliated offices serve clients at offices in Anniston, Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Decatur, Huntsville, Florence, Haleyville and Gadsden, Alabama; Vicksburg, Hattiesburg and Jackson, Mississippi. Read our disclaimer here. You can view our Privacy Policy here.

Alabama Offices

Birmingham

2107 5th Avenue North
Age-Herald Building
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Phone: (205) 802-2200


Shelby County Location
15 Southlake Lane, Ste 140
Birmingham, AL 35244
Phone: (205) 802-2200


Florence Location
121 S. Court Street
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 760-1010


Huntsville Location
225 Pratt Avenue NE
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 539-9899


Montgomery Location
311 Catoma Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 264-3363


Decatur Location
605 Bank Street NE
Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 355-2447


Haleyville Location
914 19th St.
Haleyville, AL 35565
Phone: (256) 760-1010


Gadsden Location
430-B Chestnut Street
Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 485-0195


Opelika Location
216 South 8th Street
Opelika 36801
Phone: (334) 264-3363


Anniston Location
1302 Noble St #2C
Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 485-0195


Cullman Location
200 Second Avenue SW
Cullman, AL 35055
Phone: (256) 739-9866


Mississippi Offices

Jackson Location
120 Southpointe Dr., A
Byram, MS 39272
Phone: (601) 353-5000


Hattiesburg Location
607 Corinne St, Ste B8
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: (601) 353-5000


Vicksburg Location
1212 Farmer Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180
Phone: (601) 353-5000

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