Blog | Usman Law Firm, LLC

Top Ten Reasons People File for Bankruptcy

August 26, 2010, Bankruptcy, Blog.

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

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How to Pay For Bankruptcy

August 11, 2010, Bankruptcy, Blog.

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.

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Five Ways to Avoid Repossession

August 1, 2010, Blog, 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.