Website Hosting                 Website Solutions                    Website Sales                   Website Auctions                    site map

New Bankruptcy Law - Five Essential Things to Know


Last April, Congress passed the Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act, the most sweeping reform of our nation's bankruptcy laws in more than twenty-five years. Proponents of the bill argue that most consumers who file for bankruptcy do so simply because they do not wish to pay their bills. That is an arguable point, as studies show that most bankruptcy filers have suffered illness, injury or job loss. Regardless of the reasons, Congress has made the changes, and millions of Americans will be affected when the new law takes effect on October 15.

Here is a short list of the changes and how consumers will be affected.

  • Goodbye, Chapter 7 - Until now, most consumers have been permitted to file under Chapter 7 of the Federal bankruptcy code. Chapter 7 permits the court to wipe away most consumer debt, allowing the debtor to make a fresh start. The new law establishes a "means test." Anyone with income that exceeds the median income for his or her state will have to file under the stricter Chapter 13 instead, which requires a repayment schedule of up to five years.
  • Attorney problems - The more complicated Chapter 13 filings will make it necessary for filers to hire an attorney. Most attorneys who practice bankruptcy law are already reporting dramatically increased business; some are even turning clients away. If you need an attorney, hire one now, as they are soon going to be very busy
  • More attorney problems - The law also leaves lawyers legally responsible for the accuracy of the information filed on their clients' behalf. This has led most lawyers to increase their fees. Some, including those who do bankruptcy work on a pro bono, or free, basis, have decided to forego bankruptcy work altogether. In short, it will soon be more difficult and more expensive to hire an attorney.
  • Mandatory credit counseling - Congress has required that debtors obtain credit counseling from an approved agency within six months of filing for bankruptcy. As of now, this requirement is largely undefined, with rules, regulations, and qualifications for counselors still up in the air.
  • Expect to may more bills - Some obligations, such as student loans or taxes, must be paid in full even after a bankruptcy filing. The new law lengthens the list of debts that cannot be forgiven.
  • The new legislation, rightly or wrongly, makes it more difficult, more time consuming and more expensive for a debtor to file for bankruptcy. Consumers who are considering doing so should act now, as the regulations will soon become stricter. Bankruptcy should always be a last resort option, but if you cannot avoid it, you should act quickly.

    ©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to establishing credit, debt consolidation and credit counseling.


    MORE RESOURCES:
    Obama Credit Card Debt Relief Program – New Act to Help Lower Debt Load - Subprime Blogger (blog)

    Card Trak

    Obama Credit Card Debt Relief Program – New Act to Help Lower Debt Load
    Subprime Blogger (blog)
    The Obama credit card debt relief program was designed to help all Americans alleviate their credit card issues. The new Credit CARD Act that was signed ...
    Credit Card Debt Relief: 3 Simple StepsBigNews.biz (press release)
    Credit Card Debt Relief Self-Help Tips Offered by Total Debt ReliefSYS-CON Media (press release)
    ConsumerDebt and New Federal Credit Card Act (CARD) to be Topic of March 9 ...PR Web (press release)

    all 318 news articles »

    Handling Debt Relief On Your Own - BigNews.biz (press release)

    BigNews.biz (press release)

    Handling Debt Relief On Your Own
    BigNews.biz (press release)
    Not all debt relief companies are honorable in their intentions. Tackling the mountain alone obviously reduces the risk of being a victim of fraud and saves ...
    DEBT RELIEF- A WAY TO HANDLE DEBTS WITHOUT FILING FOR BANKRUPTCYRelease-news.com (press release)
    Bad Credit Debt Consolidation – High Interest Debt Relief Starting TodaySubprime Blogger (blog)
    Low Rate Credit Card Debt Consolidation Loans - How To Choose The Best Debt ...BatchBuzz (satire)
    Earthtimes (press release)
    all 41 news articles »

    HAITI: US Acts Quickly on Debt Relief Ahead of Preval Visit - Inter Press Service

    Reuters

    HAITI: US Acts Quickly on Debt Relief Ahead of Preval Visit
    Inter Press Service
    "I have long been a proponent of debt relief for low-income countries to enable them to focus on providing health care, education, and other vital services ...
    Senate supports Haiti debt reliefCaribbean Life

    all 135 news articles »

    Highlights of Senate bill extending tax breaks, jobless aid - Gaea Times (blog)

    MiamiHerald.com

    Highlights of Senate bill extending tax breaks, jobless aid
    Gaea Times (blog)
    It meets and exceeds all government regulations on sexiness. amortgagedebt Government Credit Card Debt Relief Program CARD Act Offers New Rules and ...
    State capitol report: House Dems push on for reformLake Wylie Pilot

    all 1,710 news articles »

    Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill Committee - DeHavilland (press release) (subscription)

    Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill Committee
    DeHavilland (press release) (subscription)
    The Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill Committee has met to consider the provision of the legislation. The Chair: Good morning everybody. ...

    and more »

    Justices to Hear Funeral Protest, Vaccine Cases - Courthouse News Service

    Los Angeles Times

    Justices to Hear Funeral Protest, Vaccine Cases
    Courthouse News Service
    (CN) - Bankruptcy attorneys must identify themselves as "debt relief agencies" and can't advise consumers to rack up more debt before filing for bankruptcy, ...
    Supreme Court Rules on Bankruptcy Advice, Takes Funeral Protest CaseThe BLT: Blog of Legal Times
    Legal Briefing: Are Hateful Funeral Protests Protected Speech?DailyFinance

    all 516 news articles »

    Gov: Debt relief needs regulation - The Detroit News

    Gov: Debt relief needs regulation
    The Detroit News
    Credit unions, banks and regulated debt management companies can help consumers with debt relief, she said, while unregulated settlement programs can be ...
    Warning For Debt ReliefWILX-TV

    all 5 news articles »

    Obama Refinance Plan – Need Mortgage and Home Debt Relief Today? - Subprime Blogger (blog)

    Obama Refinance Plan – Need Mortgage and Home Debt Relief Today?
    Subprime Blogger (blog)
    Many American homeowners are in need of mortgage and home debt relief. The Obama refinance plan was created to help all Americans gain access to lower ...

    and more »

    High Court Finds Lawyers and Their Advice Covered by Bankruptcy Reform Law - The American Lawyer

    CNBC

    High Court Finds Lawyers and Their Advice Covered by Bankruptcy Reform Law
    The American Lawyer
    Consumer bankruptcy lawyers are "debt relief agencies" under a 2005 federal bankruptcy law and restrictions on the type of advice they can give clients are ...
    Justices reject First Amendment challenges to bankruptcy lawFirst Amendment Center
    MILAVETZ, GALLOP & MILAVETZ, P. A. v. U.S.Leagle.com
    Silenced! High Court Upholds Ban on Type of Legal AdviceWall Street Journal (blog)
    The Business Insider -Wall Street Journal -Reuters
    all 15 news articles »

    Obama Credit Card Debt Relief Plan – Get Out of Debt in March 2010 - Subprime Blogger (blog)

    Obama Credit Card Debt Relief Plan – Get Out of Debt in March 2010
    Subprime Blogger (blog)
    The Obama credit card debt relief plan was designed to help Americans get out of debt as soon as possible. If you are looking to take the necessary steps to ...
    Why Debt Relief Can Help You and the Importance of Identifying a Professional ...BigNews.biz (press release)
    Best Credit Card Debt Relief Programs: How to Get StartedMarket Wire (press release)
    Obama Credit Card Debt Relief Plan – Credit CARD Act Now Law in MarchSubprime Blogger (blog)
    BigNews.biz (press release) -Subprime Blogger (blog)
    all 508 news articles »

    Google News

    RELATED ARTICLES
    Are You SURE Your A Bad Debt?
    Many people who seek the advice and guidance of debt counsellors are driven to them in the first place by fear and ignorance - two powerful emotions which often mask the real scale of the problems.In many cases, what you made have been led to believe is a 'bad' level of debt, may instead need only some careful reorganisation and a new set of mortgage priorities.
    Debt Elimination Is The Key to Financial Freedom
    If you want financial freedom, the first thing that you will need to do is to get rid of your debts. After all, as long as you owe money, you can't consider yourself to be financially free.
    Free Quick and Easy Money Saving Tips - Part 2
    Although many consumers would argue differently saving money doesn't have to be difficult. In fact by making just a few changes in your normal lifestyle you can find ways to free up extra cash that can be put to better use in a savings account or an investment account.
    You Can Make Financial Resolutions Anytime
    The New Year often brings with it a desire to right the wrongs in yourlife. From this desire springs the tradition of New Year resolutions.
    How to Become Debt Free
    In today's consumer society it is all too easy to get into debt. If you have a few credit cards, car loan, mortgage and possibly student loans it can easily add up.
    What Is A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
    Many consumers that are bogged down in debt frequently turn to bankruptcy as a form of restoring their financial status back to a zero balance. Unfortunately many of these same consumers are confused when it comes to the difference between a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
    Debt Elimination 3
    Planning To Achieve Debt EliminationOnce you have started the process of changing your debt mindset to be against taking on consumer debt, then that is something you need to continue until it becomes the norm in your life. In some ways it is like stopping smoking; trying on will power alone is not enough, you need to get to the source of your problem and permanently change it.
    Going Bankrupt in the World
    It all starts by defaulting on an obligation: Money owed to creditors or to suppliers is not paid on time, interest payments due on bank loans or on corporate bonds issued to the public are withheld. It may be a temporary problem - or a permanent one.
    Credit Counseling or Bankruptcy: Which is Best for You?
    People often get to a place where they simply can't pay their bills, especially in today's economy which is not particularly sympathetic toward the poor or even the middle class. Inflation has impacted nearly every facet of daily life including food, gas, rent, clothes, utility bills and more.
    Debt Validation: Do you have to pay ?
    It happens all the time. Debt collectors try to collect on debts that consumers have no knowledge of or never owed in the first place.
    What is Bankruptcy?
    Personal bankruptcy is a legal way to give people with overwhelming debt a fresh financial start. However, it is important to realize that certain forms of debt, such as student loans, are not forgiven through the bankruptcy process.
    Credit Repair - Understanding The Basics
    What is Credit?Credit means that you are using someone else's money topay for things. It also means that you are making a promiseto repay the money to the person or company that loaned youthe money.
    Debt: Dont Pay Your Minimum Balance
    Almost all Americans carry credit card debt. Actually, over 40% of US families spend more than they earn.
    Bank Like a Banker
    The business of banking has changed dramatically over the last decade. Because the cost of doing business the old-fashioned way is no longer effective, banks are interested in changing their customers' behavior by encouraging electronic banking alternatives whenever possible.
    Christian Debt Consolidation - Feel Comfortable About Managing Your Debt
    Many Christians feel uncomfortable with the notion of being in debt, and even more so when the debt has gotten out of control. Some say that it is not acceptable for Christians to owe any money, even for such necessities as a home.
    Budget the Luxuries First!
    Strictly speaking, his advice was preceded by another Heinlein maxim as well. "Sovereign ingredient for a happy marriage: Pay cash or do without.
    New Bankruptcy Law - Targeting the Wrong People?
    Last April, President Bush enthusiastically signed into law the oddly-named Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act. This bill, representing the biggest overhaul of bankruptcy law in twenty-five years, was written in order to discourage "bankruptcy of convenience.
    Getting Past The Idea Of Budgeting & Saving Money
    I'm sure you'll agree that budgeting, saving money, and eliminating debt are very appealing ideas. If effectively tackled, these goals can secure your financial status for the future, and allow you to live a comfortable, debt-free life.
    Individual Voluntary Arrangements- A New Alternative to Bankruptcy
    This May, the Department of Trade and Industry in the UK found that there were 10,091 bankruptcies in the first quarter of 2005. This represents an increase of 24.
    How to Deal with Bill Collectors
    So you've screwed up. You're drowning in debt.

    Website Hosting                 Website Solutions                    Website Sales                   Website Auctions                    site map                    
    © 2008  DEBTRELIEFPRO.INFO