as-vts5midw's blog

 There are two commonly available types of Social Security disability benefits available to individuals:  Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

I will be writing a series of blog articles over the next few weeks concerning a specialized chapter under the Bankruptcy Code for farmers and fishermen.

That, unfortunately, is a very broad question.

Let me start off by saying that the social security disability hearing is not supposed to be an adversarial event, e.g. the courtroom-type action you see on Law & Order or Matlock with objections flying and lots of yelling.

In Mississippi, each county has a justice court. These courts are staffed by not less than two nor more than five part-time judges and other staff. Justice courts hear small civil, i.e., non-criminal claims, and misdemeanor criminal cases. A "small" civil claim is defined as a claim of $3,500.00 or less excluding court filing fees which usually run between $64.00 and $74.00.

One of the stars of the television show, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, was charged with bankruptcy fraud in federal court this week. In addition to being indicted for bankruptcy fraud, the couple is also charged with fraudulently obtaining loans based upon false loan applications and failing to file income tax returns.

If you receive a summons stating that you have been sued by a debt collector or creditor, do not ignore it!  You have a right to request a trial and to demand that the Plaintiff (the entity bringing the lawsuit) prove its case in court. If you do not timely file an answer to a lawsuit, then you will automatically lose under what is called a default judgment.

A bankruptcy discharge releases the debtor from personal liability for certain specified types of debts. In other words, the debtor is no longer legally required to pay any debts that are discharged.

Take an honest look at your current situation. Write down all of your living expenses such as rent, food, clothing, medicine, insurance premiums, utility bills, vehicle related expenses (such as maintenance and gas), recreation, and all of your other ongoing monthly living expenses. Then, write down all of your monthly debt payments each month such as your mortgage payments, car notes, credit card bills, and other installment payments on your debt. With your current income, are you able to timely pay your living expenses and debts each month?