The Trustee’s discount interest rate effective 7/1/09 through 7/31/09 is 4.75%, William H. Griffin, the standing chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee for cases filed in Kansas City, KS, announced today. This is the interest rate paid on secured claims … [Continue reading]
Debt Settlement Company Files Bankruptcy, Leaves Consumers in the Lurch
Posted on June 26, 2009 Written by
The debt settlement company, Debt Relief USA of Addison, TX, which several of my clients have had the unfortunate experience of signing up with, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief today in Dallas with about $5 million in debts owed to thousands … [Continue reading]
Shawnee County Scores 7.56% Financial Stress Rating, Up 2.20% from Year Ago
Posted on June 26, 2009 Written by
Here is an interactive map that shows financial strain in every county in the United States by the Associated Press. It measures the impact of the economic recession and recovery by showing the rates of unemployment, foreclosure and bankruptcy. … [Continue reading]
What Will the Trustee Ask Me at My Bankruptcy Hearing?
Posted on June 24, 2009 Written by
Here are the standard questions that the bankruptcy trustee asks debtors at chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy hearings also called a meeting of creditors or a 341 hearing. The bankruptcy trustee is required to ask all debtors the first group of … [Continue reading]
Eron Law Offices Opened in Wichita
Posted on June 21, 2009 Written by
David P. Eron left his post with the Region 20 U.S. Trustee and opened his private law practice last week. Eron will represent individuals and businesses in bankruptcy and business transactions. He has three years experience as trial attorney with … [Continue reading]
Kansas Bank Seized by Regulators
Posted on June 21, 2009 Written by
The First National Bank of Anthony in Harper County near the Oklahoma border was seized by bank regulars Friday. The bank will reopen as a branch of the South Hutchinson-based SNB Bank of Kansas. The bank has branches in Wichita, Olathe, Overland … [Continue reading]
Income Tax Calculator
Posted on June 20, 2009 Written by
Here is an income tax calculator from the Internal Revenue Service. Remember, this doesn't include Social Security (7.65% or 15.3% if self-employed), Medicare, or state income tax. The IRS website includes a section for itemizing deductions. … [Continue reading]
Bankruptcy Help for Farmers
Posted on June 18, 2009 Written by
Chapter 12 is a provision of the Bankruptcy Code that permits financially distressed family farmers to reorganize debts in a simple and efficient manner and save their farms. It is limited to debtors who qualify as a family farmer with debts under … [Continue reading]
Yes, You Can File Bankruptcy on Credit Cards
Posted on June 18, 2009 Written by
Here we are four years since the bankruptcy law was changed and people are still telling me you can't file bankruptcy on credit cards. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, you can file bankruptcy on credit cards! It just goes to show … [Continue reading]
Watch Out for Mortgage Modification Scams
Posted on June 17, 2009 Written by
Watch out for all the mortgage modification scams out there preying on good people who desperately want to keep their home mortgage out of foreclosure. Many of the mortgage brokers who formerly got people into subprime loans are now calling … [Continue reading]
Yes, You Can File Bankruptcy on Medical Bills
Posted on June 16, 2009 Written by
There is a myth floating around that you can't file bankruptcy on your medical bills. Nothing is further from the truth. In fact, a study published in the June issue of the American Journal of Medicine reports that 62% of bankruptcy cases involve … [Continue reading]
Often Overlooked Expenses
Posted on June 15, 2009 Written by
OFTEN OVERLOOKED EXPENSES The first step to analyzing your finances is to write down all your income and all your expenses for your household.  The local credit counseling office recommends using a fritter finder, writing down every penny you … [Continue reading]
Bankruptcy Without Attorney is Bad Idea
Posted on June 14, 2009 Written by
Think again before you decide to represent yourself in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a technical area of law full of traps for the unwary. As the old saying goes a person who represents himself has a fool for a client. Seriously, many people who … [Continue reading]
Can They Take My Home Away from Me if I File Bankruptcy in Kansas?
Posted on June 14, 2009 Written by
Kansans in financial distress often ask, "Will I will lose my home if I file bankruptcy?" The simple answer is that most Kansans do not lose their home if they file for bankruptcy. We are lucky in Kansas to have a homestead law that protects one … [Continue reading]
Mark Neis Recertified as Consumer Bankruptcy Law Specialist
Posted on June 13, 2009 Written by
Topeka attorney Mark W Neis has been recertified as a consumer bankruptcy law specialist by the American Board of Certification. You expect certification from your doctor - expect it from your lawyer too. Board certification means that Neis has met … [Continue reading]
Kansas City, Kansas "Till" Rate
Posted on June 3, 2009 Written by
The trustee's discount rate ("Till rate") paid on secured claims in chapter 13 bankruptcy cases filed in Kansas City, Kansas, is 4.75% for cases filed in June 2009. … [Continue reading]
