One of the most common reasons our clients file for bankruptcy is help with medical debt. A large, unexpected hospital bill can absolutely destroy the finances of most Dallas-area residents.

Out of control debt can be incredibly stressful – especially when bill collectors make aggressive collection calls at all hours of the day. Once the debt spirals out of control, it seems impossible to catch up.

Medical debt is one of the most common reasons for filing for bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, the medical debt is eliminated. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debt is restructured into a payment plan that lasts several years.

Out of control debt can be terrifying, but there are options available for everyone. It is always best to speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney, but we will explain as much as we can in this post to give you more insight before you call for your free consultation. (more…)

Unfortunately, bad things can happen to good people. The government created the federal bankruptcy laws for that very reason – to protect people who have lost control of their finances due to unforeseen circumstances. Some of the most common questions we hear from potential clients revolve around child support and alimony – and how a bankruptcy case will affect them.

Child support and alimony are treated differently in a bankruptcy cases because they are not standard debts. If you are thinking about bankruptcy and are wondering how your filing might affect child support or alimony payments, you should call us today at 214-760-7777. Our experienced Dallas bankruptcy attorneys can give you specific answers about your unique financial situation. (more…)

Our bankruptcy attorneys have spent decades helping people in the Dallas area through difficult financial times. It does not take much to cause an uncontrollable downward spiral of debt – job loss, unexpected illness, severe injury, and even divorce can change your financial picture quickly.

Unfortunately, those unforeseen disasters can sometimes happen more than once to the same person. We often hear people ask if it’s allowed to file for bankruptcy more than once, and many people are surprised to hear that it is definitely allowed. There is actually no established limit for how many times you can file for bankruptcy. However, multiple bankruptcy filings can result in different rules and timelines. (more…)

When filing for bankruptcy in the Dallas area, whether under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, it is crucial to understand how retirement accounts are treated, as this can significantly impact your financial planning and future security. Bankruptcy laws provide certain protections for retirement accounts to ensure that individuals have resources available for their retirement years, despite undergoing financial distress.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy and retirement accounts

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, a debtor’s assets are sold off to pay creditors. However, most retirement accounts are exempt from this process, since they are safeguarded by federal bankruptcy laws. This means that 401(k)s, 403(b)s, profit-sharing, and IRAs (both Roth and traditional) are protected up to a certain amount. The exemption for IRAs is indexed for inflation and offers significant protection for individuals’ retirement savings. (more…)

For many Americans, debt is a way of life. When that debt continues to pile up, many people think that filing for bankruptcy is the only way to solve their financial problems. While bankruptcy can definitely help erase debts and start you on a fresh path,  it’s not always your only option. Many times, your financial situation might not be as hopeless as you think it is.

You should start by looking at your overall debt situation and assessing the status. If you’re not too far gone yet, these four tips can help you reduce your debt load and avoid bankruptcy. They’ll take time and dedication, but with some patience and hard work, you’ll be able to climb out of your financial hole and start over again.

1. Don’t add any more debt

When your debt spirals to the point where you can no longer pay it off, bankruptcy becomes your only option. The trick is to stop the downward spiral before it’s too late. Don’t add any more debt to your current load – no new loans, no new credit cards… nothing. If you need extra money, consider selling a few minor assets instead of taking out a loan or opening a new credit card.
(more…)