Members of the National Guard or Reserves May Be Exempt from the Chapter 7 Means Test
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, October 12, 2015
If you make above the median income, the means test has to be completed to determine whether you qualify to file chapter 7 without a presumption of abuse. However, if you are a member of the Natio
Can You Get Divorce Records Sealed like the Governor of Alabama?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Disabled Vets Able to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Regardless of Income
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Can I File for Bankruptcy if I Only Receive Social Security Benefits?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, July 20, 2015
Same Sex Marriage Licenses Still Being Denied in Some States
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Over the weekend, I am sure many Americans have had numerous discussions with friends, family and strangers regarding the recent U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v.
Beware of Lenders Who Offer “Quick Cash” by Sending Checks in the Mail
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, June 8, 2015
As a former banker and employee of several loan companies, I am very familiar with the lending practice of lenders sending valid checks in the mail offering “quick cash” to people who qualify. Once the consumer cashes the check, a valid loan is made and all the terms outlined on the letter or check that was sent by mail apply. This loan is an
Alabama has Various Programs to Help Low-Income Families
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, May 18, 2015
The most difficult part of my job is counseling individuals where bankruptcy will not help with their financial struggles. These are individuals who may have lost their jobs, have no income, and are looking for a way to feed, house or keep their utilities on at home. A creditor is not what they fear but instead it is the fear of not being able
Take the 52-Week Money Challenge to Start Saving Money Today
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Have you heard about the 52-Week Money Challenge that has been published all over the internet? It is an easy plan to help someone establish a savings account and to help people who have difficulty saving money actually have a method to SAVE money. I have
Buyer Beware: Inspect Your New Home Purchase Closely Before Closing
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Recently, my husband and I were blessed in purchasing a larger home since our 11 month old needs a lot more space. We fell in love immediately with a lovely home that was decorated to the nines by the sellers. The sellers had impeccable taste and seemed very organized. Although my husband and I are both attorneys, we were so enamored by the home layout and the way the sellers had it decorated that we fai
Is Earned Income Tax Credit Protected in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, February 23, 2015
In Alabama, the answer is YES. If you are receiving a tax refund that includes an earned income tax credit (EITC), then that portion of your refund is protected pursuant to Alabama Code § 38-4-8 (1975). In 2005, the Eleventh Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals answered this question directly in the case of In re James, 406 F.3d 1340 (11th Cir 2005), by finding that Alabama Code § 38-4-8 protects