Category: Blog


Bankruptcy Filing Fee Increase


Bankruptcy filing fees are scheduled to go up on June 1, 2014. The fee to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is increasing from $306 to $335. The fee to file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is increasing from $281 to $310. The last increase was on November 1, 2011.

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Madison Bankruptcy Attorney Android App

Madison bankruptcy attorney, Zeshan Usman, has helped hundreds of people fight back against abusive bill collectors and mortgage companies.

He holds a B.A. in Finance from the University of Florida, a J.D., M.B.A. from the University of Miami and has been a licensed Real Estate Broker, Mortgage Broker and General Contractor.

Use his new android app to follow his blog and learn more about personal financial management.

Android Marketplace
Direct Download

Usman Law Android App

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Wisconsin Median Income Guidelines

On Umag's little beach

Effective November 1, 2010 all levels in Wisconsin for households of one to three have decreased by about $2k and households of four or more have decreased by about $4k.

Current Figures
Household of 1: $42,205
Household of 2: $57,201
Household of 3: $67,881
Household of 4: $80,243
Add $7,500 for each individual in excess of 4.

Effective November 1, 2010
Household of 1: $40,486
Household of 2: $55,175
Household of 3: $65,187
Household of 4: $76,188
Add $7,500 for each individual in excess of 4.

If you are below the median income you automatically qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and do not have to take the means test. If you are above the median income and do not pass the means test you may not be able to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and will likely have to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

If you have questions about the median income and your household size call or email for a free consultation.

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Top Ten Reasons People File for Bankruptcy

1. Stop or Delay Foreclosure
2. Stop or Delay Repossession
3. Medical Bills
4. Harassment by Debt Collectors
5. Stop Utility Shut Off
6. Stop Garnishment
7. Stop a Law Suit
8. Job Loss
9. Small Business Failure
10. Divorce

Call or email Madison Bankruptcy Attorney Zeshan Usman for a free consultation.

  Tags: Bankruptcy, Blog


How to Pay For Bankruptcy

Paying for an attorney to assist you with your bankruptcy may seem impossible given the financial strain you are facing. Many people give up and just assume that if they can’t pay their bills they can not afford to file bankruptcy. Fortunately that is not the case.

I have met with hundreds of people who have started a consultation with me by stating that they are to broke to even file for bankruptcy. After reviewing their finances we are almost always able to come up with a strategy for them. Below are a few ways clients of our have been able to move forward with their case.

1. Fee Waiver: You may be able to waive the court filing fee and cost of financial counseling.

2. Payment Plans: If you are filing a chapter 13 bankruptcy you can include the majority of your fees in the chapter 13 payments. This will allow you to stretch the payments out over a few years.

3. Restructure Debt Payments: After meeting with your attorney they may advise you to stop paying on your credit cards and other debts. The money you save from not paying those bills can be used to fund your bankruptcy.

4. Gifts: Family and friends may be able to help.

5. Sell Something: You may be able to sell something you no longer use.

6. Overtime: Ask for more hours at work.

7. Second Job: Try to get a second job or a side job.

8. Tax Refund: Wait till it is time to file your taxes and use your tax refund.

9. Retirement Account: Pull money out of your retirement account.

Call or email Madison Bankruptcy Attorney Zeshan Usman for a free consultation.

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Five Ways to Avoid Repossession



1. Refinance You Car Loan – You may be able to refinance your vehicle and get a lower monthly payment.

2. Ask For A Car Loan Modification – For example, if you have a car loan with 24 months remaining to pay, ask your lender if you can extend the term to 30 or more months. This can reduce your monthly payment significantly.

3. Ask For A Deferment – Ask your lender if you can skip one of your payments. Some lenders may let you tack the deferred payment onto the end of your car loan’s term. Therefore if you had 30 months to pay back a car loan, the deferment would make the new repayment time 31 months.

4. Ask for a Late Charge Waiver – If you can prove that waiving or reducing the late fees will help you get bring your car loan payments current, many lenders may be willing to waive or at least reduce those charges.

5. File Bankruptcy – If you’re behind on your car payments and other bills, filing bankruptcy may be the best way to avoid repossession.

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Bankruptcy Videos

Below are a series of short videos produced by the Office of the US Trustee on how the bankruptcy process works.

Introduction to Bankruptcy

Types of Bankruptcy

How Do I File for Bankruptcy?

Can I Represent Myself in a Bankruptcy?

What Debts Cannot be Discharged in Bankruptcy?

The Bankruptcy Discharge: How Does It Help?

Meeting of Creditors in Personal Bankruptcy Cases

Bankruptcy Court Hearings

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What types of income do I have to include in my bankruptcy?

ALL income.

Examples

  • Rental Income
  • Business Income
  • Investment Income
  • Child Support, Alimony, and Maintenance
  • Gambling Winnings
  • Pensions and Retirement Income
  • Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Withdrawals
  • Life Insurance Policy Withdrawals
  • Money received through Inheritance
  • Social Security / SSDI Benefits
  • Disability Payments
  • Unemployment Insurance Proceeds
  • Workman’s Compensation
  • Food Stamps or Welfare
  • Annuity payments
  • Regular Contributions from others in the household
  • Payment on Notes and Mortgages you own
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    What is replacement value?

    Replacement value means the price a retail merchant would charge taking into account age and condition of property.

    Call or email Madison Bankruptcy Attorney Zeshan Usman for a free consultation.

      Tags: Bankruptcy, Blog