Dallas bankruptcy blog

Will it affect your spouse if you file for bankruptcy?

If you are considering bankruptcy and you are married, one of the first questions on your mind is probably about your spouse. Will your decision hurt their credit? Will it affect their property? Will they have to file too? These are smart questions to ask, and the answers depend on a few specific details about your situation.

The short answer is that filing bankruptcy on your own does not automatically put your spouse into bankruptcy with you. In most cases, your spouse can keep their separate credit, their separate property, and their financial independence. There are exceptions, however, and Texas community property law adds some wrinkles that are worth understanding before you file. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-04-27T13:46:58-05:00April 27th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

Will you keep the equity in your car if you file for bankruptcy?

“Will I keep the equity in my car if I file for bankruptcy?” This is one of the common questions people ask when they first walk into our office. They are worried about losing their vehicle — their way to get to work, drop the kids off at school, and keep their lives running. The short answer is: in most cases, yes, you can protect your car equity when you file for bankruptcy. But the full answer depends on which chapter you file and how much equity you have. Let me walk you through how this works. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-03-30T13:24:00-05:00March 30th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Repossession, Texas Bankruptcy|

Is there a minimum debt limit to file for bankruptcy?

One of the common questions we hear from potential clients is: “Is there a minimum debt limit to file for bankruptcy?” Many people assume that bankruptcy is only for individuals with overwhelming six-figure debt. Others worry that their debt is “not bad enough” to qualify for relief. The truth is simple and reassuring.

There is no minimum debt limit to file for bankruptcy.

If you are struggling to keep up with your financial obligations, bankruptcy may be an option worth exploring, regardless of whether you owe $10,000 or $10,000,000.

We have helped Dallas-area individuals and families across every spectrum of financial hardship. We have successfully filed bankruptcy cases for clients with as little as $10,000 to $15,000 in debt. We have also represented individuals with hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in obligations. Bankruptcy relief is not determined by a specific minimum debt threshold. It is determined by whether filing would meaningfully improve your financial situation. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-02-28T12:21:32-06:00February 28th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Money Management, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

Is your house protected in a bankruptcy case?

For many people considering bankruptcy, the single biggest concern is their home. Nearly every client we work with asks “Is the equity in my house protected if I file bankruptcy?” This is an entirely reasonable question, and the fear of losing your home often stems from misinformation and myth. Your home is likely your largest asset, and protecting it is a top priority for most families. The good news is that bankruptcy laws are specifically designed to protect homes and the equity built into them, especially here in Texas. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-02-02T21:30:56-06:00January 29th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Foreclosure in Texas, Texas Bankruptcy|

How often will you have to go to court in a bankruptcy case?

One of the most common questions our clients have when they first consider filing bankruptcy is how often they have to go to court. Many imagine multiple intimidating hearings, extensive time off of work, long waits in crowded courtrooms, and uncomfortable interactions with judges or creditors. If you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy in Dallas, Texas, it is completely normal to worry about how often you will have to go to court and what that experience will be like.

The good news is that bankruptcy today looks nothing like what most people imagine. In fact, for the vast majority of cases, you will not have to go to court at all.

As a bankruptcy attorney who focuses on delivering a higher level of customer service than most lawyers in the Dallas market, I want to walk you through exactly what to expect so there are no surprises. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2025-12-29T15:08:44-06:00December 29th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Texas Bankruptcy|

What happens in an initial bankruptcy consultation?

If you are struggling with overwhelming debt, constant collection calls, or the fear of losing your home or vehicle, the first step toward relief is understanding your options. At Rubin & Associates, we know how intimidating the idea of “talking to a bankruptcy attorney” can feel. That is why our initial consultation process is designed to be simple, straightforward, and pressure-free.

When you meet with us, you will get honest guidance from one of the most experienced bankruptcy lawyers in Dallas. Whether you ultimately choose to file for bankruptcy or decide that another solution is better, we want you to leave the meeting with clarity and confidence.

Since so many people ask us what’s involved in the initial bankruptcy consultation, We wanted to write this post to give you a detailed look at what you can expect during your first consultation.

How long does a bankruptcy consultation take?

Most initial consultations last 45 minutes to an hour. Some meetings are shorter, and others run a bit longer depending on your situation. WE prefer to spend as much time as necessary to understand your financial picture and answer all your questions. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2025-12-01T16:26:33-06:00November 25th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Texas Bankruptcy|

What is a bankruptcy trustee?

When people who are struggling with debt begin exploring the possibility of filing for bankruptcy, one of the first unfamiliar terms they encounter is usually “bankruptcy trustee.” Many clients ask us what a trustee actually does, how they fit into the process, and whether they’re there to help or to make things harder. Understanding the trustee’s role can remove a lot of uncertainty and help you feel more confident as you move through your case.

The trustee’s role in bankruptcy

A bankruptcy trustee is an impartial third party appointed to oversee your case. Trustees are not employees of the court, nor do they work for you or your creditors. Instead, they act as an administrator who ensures that all aspects of the bankruptcy process follow federal bankruptcy law and that all parties are treated fairly. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2025-10-29T16:10:37-05:00October 29th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Money Management, Personal Finance, Repossession, Texas Bankruptcy|

Can you file for bankruptcy without an attorney?

For many DFW-area families, it only takes one unexpected expense to cause out-of-control debt. When debt starts to spiral, many individuals and families begin to explore the possibility of bankruptcy. One of the most common questions people ask at this early stats is “Can I file for bankruptcy without an attorney?” While it is legally possible to file a bankruptcy petition on your own, it is never a good idea to file without the guidance of an experienced bankruptcy attorney. Bankruptcy is a complex legal process with high stakes, and attempting to handle it on your own can create significant risks. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2025-09-28T15:04:12-05:00September 26th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Foreclosure in Texas, Repossession, Texas Bankruptcy|

Can you keep your stuff in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

One of the emost common questions we hear from potential clients is, “If I file for Chapter 13, am I going to be able to keep all of my stuff?” If you are asking this question, I want you to know that you are not alone. This is one of the most common and most understandable questions people have when they consider bankruptcy. The thought of losing your home, your car, or even your personal belongings is frightening. When you site down for a free consultation with me, my goal is to explain exactly how Chapter 13 works, why you are generally able to keep your property, and which laws provide those protections. By the end of our discussion, I want you to feel informed and reassured that bankruptcy was designed to give people a structured path to rebuild. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2025-08-31T12:28:38-05:00August 28th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Foreclosure in Texas, Repossession, Texas Bankruptcy|

Which debts are covered in a bankruptcy case?

If you are struggling with debt in the Dallas area, you may be considering bankruptcy as a potential solution. One of the most common questions we hear from potential clients is, “Which types of debt can actually be eliminated or reduced in a bankruptcy case?” The answer depends on your specific situation, the type of bankruptcy you file, and the nature of your debt.

In this post, we will break down the types of debt typically covered in a bankruptcy case, explain the difference between dischargeable and non-dischargeable debt, and help you understand your options. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2025-08-01T17:27:42-05:00July 31st, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Foreclosure in Texas, Repossession, Student Loan Debt, Texas Bankruptcy|

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