Bradford W. Botes's blog

If you’ve ever been pursued by a debt collector, chances are good that you felt harassed. But, “debt collector harassment” has a specific legal meaning. And, when that line is crossed, the law protects consumers and creates a framework for fighting back. A consumer who has been harassed by a debt collector may even be entitled to statutory damages of up to $1,000, in addition to any actual damages suffered. In some cases, punitive damages may also be appropriate. 

Many people who are struggling financially hesitate to consider bankruptcy because they have heard that they will lose their homes if they file for bankruptcy protection. "Can I keep my home if I file for Bankruptcy" is one of the most common questions we hear in our office. The truth, though, is that most bankruptcy filers are able to keep their homes. In fact, some people who have fallen behind on mortgage debt can use the bankruptcy process to help save their homes. 

Financial stress is one of the leading causes of divorce, and divorce increases financial strain by splitting income and assets into two separate households. So, it’s no surprise that divorce often follows bankruptcy or vice versa. Unfortunately, when marital stress is coupled with financial stress, decisions about how best to address the more practical issues are often influenced by emotion. Too often, that leads to faulty decision-making that comes back to haunt one or both partners.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” 

— Martin Luther King, Jr.

Life is hectic. It seems like we are always busy. We have jobs. We have family obligations. We have meetings to attend, shopping to do, clothes that need to be cleaned and a never-ending string of chores that need to be completed. With all of this going on it is hard to find time for ourselves. Time to rest. And when an opportunity does come along to do so, our natural impulse is to find a comfortable couch and seize the moment!  

Many people facing foreclosure want to know whether bankruptcy can stop the foreclosure process and save their homes. The answer isn't a straightforward “yes” or “no”. Rather, it is something like "yes, possibly, but probably not exactly the way you mean, and it depends on your circumstances." The information below provides a general overview of how bankruptcy impacts foreclosure.

At Bond & Botes, we know that Christmas is supposed to be a wonderful time for family members to come together, spend quality time with one another, and reflect on the long year that’s coming to an end. Unfortunately, not everyone can take part in these festivities.

It is almost 7:00 PM and I am still in my office.  Today has been a busy today and it doesn’t look likes things will let up tomorrow.  I have a lot of work to do and seemingly not enough time to get it all done.  Challenges exist both at work and at home.

Usury involves the practice of making high interest loans which take advantage of the borrower. They are unfair loans that unjustly enrich the lender. Throughout history, these type loans have been deemed to be unethical or immoral. The Bible itself condemns taking interest from the poor. Exodus 22:25