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calls were returned promptly, [we] felt like we were in excellent hands,
and
well taken care of!" - J.K. and M.K. - Fort Worth, Texas
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Fort Worth Bankruptcy Blog
November 15, 2009 -
John Kennedy Saitis Named "Top Lawyer"
Fort Worth, Texas Magazine has named John Kennedy Saitis "Top Bankruptcy
Lawyer" for 2009. This marks the fourth year in a row Mr. Saitis
has received this honor.
November 1, 2009 -
Census Bureau Median Income Figures Updated
All bankruptcy cases filed on or after November 1, 2009, will be
required to use updated Census Bureau figures. These figures
determine the appropriate median household income to be used in the
Median Income Test and the Means Test
October 17, 2009 -
Four Year Anniversary of Bankruptcy "Reform"
Today marks the four year anniversary of the
effective date of the new bankruptcy law passed by Congress in 2005.
After four years, all the evidence shows bankruptcy fraud is not rampant
as claimed by law's proponents, but rather almost non-existent. In
these difficult financial times people can more easily see that
bankruptcy is something that can happen to any family - even if you do
everything right.
September 7, 2009 -
Metroplexlaw.com Goes Green
We are pleased to announce that Metroplexlaw.com is
now 100% powered by wind energy. All the electricity used to run
our servers is being generated by the wind's completely renewable and
non-polluting energy. It's a small change, but one we're very
pleased about.
August 14, 2009 -
More than 125,000 Bankruptcies Filed in July
Total bankruptcy filings in the U.S. totaled
126,434 for the month of July. This is the highest number since
the bankruptcy laws were changed in 2005. This increase is an
expected and natural outgrowth of the U.S. recession and high
unemployment rate.
July 25, 2009 - Medical Bankruptcies May Rise Further Due to Recession
Medical bills drive many families to file
bankruptcy. The recession's high unemployment rate may cause a
spike in these medical bankruptcies. Losing a job represents more
than just loss of income. It often represents a loss of health
insurance. And while other bills may be kept under control by
"belt tightening", medical bills are rarely optional expenditures.
June 1, 2009 -
General Motors Files Bankruptcy
General Motors filed bankruptcy today.
By all accounts this bankruptcy will be over in a very short period and
will hopefully put GM back on track to financial health.
May 19, 2009 -
Moving May Affect Bankruptcy Plans
In these rough economic times, many families are
considering relocating to different states in search of jobs and a lower
cost of living. If bankruptcy is a possibility, you should talk to
a lawyer before you move. Moving may require you to file your case
in a different court venue and require you operate under different, and
potentially less advantageous, rules.
April 22, 2009 -
Loan Modification or Just Delay to Get More Money?
A loan modification may sound like a great
alternative to foreclosure, but is often just a way for mortgage
companies to squeeze a few more payments out of customers before
foreclosing. Clients have repeatedly reported they were approved
for loan modifications only to have their applications denied at the
last moment. While some loan modifications are legitimate, great
caution should be used when dealing with mortgage companies.
April 8, 2009 - Student Loans Not Generally Forgiven in Chapter 7
Student loans normally survive a bankruptcy unless
you can show repaying them would constitute an "undue hardship".
This term has a very specific legal meaning with respect to student
loans and is very high standard most people can't meet. The good
news is that while student loans won't go away, you typically get to
take a break from making payments while your Chapter 7 case is pending.
March 28, 2009 -
Creditor Meeting Cause Significant Stress
Most bankruptcy creditor meetings are short and
successful, but cause significant amounts of stress for clients.
Try to remember that everyone is focused on themselves and their meeting
and isn't really paying attention to you. And remember it's ok to
be nervous.
March 4, 2009 - Elevator Music May Never Be The Same
Muzak, a company known for elevator music, filed
Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February. Let's all hope their bankruptcy
restructuring is successful, or elevator rides with strangers may become
even more awkward.
February 7, 2009 -
Always Alert Your Attorney About Previous Bankruptcy Filings
If you've ever filed bankruptcy in the past, make
sure to tell you attorney about it. While a past bankruptcy
doesn't automatically prevent a future filing, it is critical your
attorney be aware of it's existence so they can properly plan around it.
January 12, 2009 -
Bankruptcy Can Make Divorce Easier
If you're planning on getting divorced and you have
money troubles, bankruptcy might be a good fit for you. By
declaring bankruptcy prior to filing for divorce you wipe out the
marital debt. This eliminates battles in divorce court over who'll
have to pay that debt. Your divorce might be a lot smoother (and
less expensive) if you file bankruptcy first.
January 4,
2009 - New Year Brings Old Myths
Even though we're now in the year 2009, some myths
about bankruptcy just won't die. One of the biggest is that
bankruptcy ruins your credit for 10 years. This is just not true.
Bankruptcy does cause a dip in your credit score when your case is
filed, but most clients get their credit rebuilt within two years of
their bankruptcy. And if they'd done nothing, their credit would
have just gotten worse.
Fort Worth Bankruptcy Blog - Archive 2005 to 2008
