Second Mortgage Foreclosures
Facing foreclosure can be a stressful and complex process for homeowners, particularly for those with more than one mortgage on their home. In New York, defaulted second mortgages are increasingly leading to foreclosure due to an increase in home values which creates more equity for a second mortgage lien holder to pursue. There are a […]
The 2025 Update to Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Debt Limits
What Are Chapter 13 Debt Limits? Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individuals to reorganize their debts through a court-approved repayment plan, that typically lasts up to five years. One of the most important eligibility requirements is that your total debts must fall under certain limits set by the Bankruptcy Code. These limits are particularly relevant for […]
The Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions Increase Effective April 1, 2025
What Is a Bankruptcy Exemption? When a debtor is considering filing for bankruptcy, they may think that they will need to give up their assets as part of the process. In most cases, this is not true, because of bankruptcy exemptions, which are legal protections that allow debtors to keep certain property or portion thereof […]
Are Personal Injury Settlements Protected in Bankruptcy?
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy and have the right to sue someone for a personal injury claim, you may be wondering whether the settlement proceeds, or award will be protected. The good news is that at least a portion of any personal injury settlement or award can be protected when filing for bankruptcy. […]
The 2025 Update to Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Debt Limits
What Are Chapter 13 Debt Limits? Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individuals to reorganize their debts through a court-approved repayment plan, that typically lasts up to five years. One of the most important eligibility requirements is that your total debts must fall under certain limits set by the Bankruptcy Code. These limits are particularly relevant for […]
Understanding the April 2025 Update to the Bankruptcy Means Test Figures
For individuals facing overwhelming debt, bankruptcy can offer a much-needed fresh start. However, for those debtors who are considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, they must first find out if the means test applies to their case, and if it does, whether they pass it. As of April 1, 2025, the income thresholds used in […]
Is Tax Debt Dischargeable in Bankruptcy?
Now that tax season is nearing an end, what better time to discuss the dischargeability of taxes in bankruptcy? Receiving tax bills from the I.R.S. or New York State can be quite nerve-wracking. Additionally, the I.R.S. and New York State tax authorities can be very difficult to negotiate with. This may be further compounded by […]
American Credit Card Debt Hits a New Record High
According to the New York Federal Reserve, Americans’ credit card debt has reached a staggering new record, surpassing $1.2 trillion for the first time. This troubling milestone has sparked concerns about the financial wellbeing of millions of consumers. As the cost of living continues to rise, many households are relying more on credit cards to […]
What Are Your Debt Relief Options When Struggling with Credit Card Debt?
In today’s economic climate, many consumers are still struggling with the effects of inflation and higher interest rates, making it harder for them to manage their debt. As more people rely on credit cards to bridge the gap in their budgets, debt levels continue to rise. Many are just paying the monthly minimum payments on […]
Can I Save My Home from Foreclosure with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Foreclosure can be an overwhelming experience for homeowners who face it. There are a wide range of factors that can lead to foreclosure, especially in today’s economic climate, where inflation and rising homeownership costs have been shrinking household budgets. Unexpected financial setbacks, such as job loss, reduced income from lower commissions or decreased overtime can […]