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<channel>
	<title>ABI Bankruptcy Blog Exchange &#187; Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions &#187; July 2009</title>
	<link>http://blogs.abiworld.org/</link>
	<description>ABI Bankruptcy Blog Exchange &#187; Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions &#187; July 2009</description>
	<generator>Gregarius 0.5.4</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: I Am In A Chapter 13–Can I Convert To A Chapter 7, I Don’t Like Chapter 13</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/i-am-in-a-chapter-13-can-i-convert-to-a-chapter-7-i-dont-like-chapter-13/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:59:35 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/i-am-in-a-chapter-13-can-i-convert-to-a-chapter-7-i-dont-like-chapter-13/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	A chapter 13 bankruptcy is often viewed as a repayment or reorganization plan, while a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is called a liquidation.   In a Chapter 13, priority debts (back taxes, child/spousal support) are usually paid in full, followed by short-term secured debt (cars, arrearages on mortgages, property taxes, etc.) being paid, and then, if the Debtor&#8217;s [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What Is An Automatic Stay?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/what-is-an-automatic-stay/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:58:35 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/what-is-an-automatic-stay/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	What is an Automatic Stay?
Creditors have many weapons in their arsenal to try to collect on  a debt:

Repeated telephone calls to your house;
Repeated telephone calls to you at work;
Letters, Letters, Letters;
Letters from an attorney;
Lawsuits;
Garnishments.

And this in when the creditor is being nice.
When someone files for bankruptcy they get what is called an automatic stay.
The automatic [...] ]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Post-Petition Mortgage Payments–Good Records are Key</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/post-petition-mortgage-payments-good-records-are-key/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:31:19 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/post-petition-mortgage-payments-good-records-are-key/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	When you file a Chapter 13 to restructure your debts, you usually keep making your regular mortgage payments.
In some districts, you make those payments to the Chapter 13 trustee, essentially consolidating all you debt payment.  In those districts the trustee is referred to a conduit for mortgage payments.  In others, you make your mortgage payments [...] ]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: “Current Monthly Income:” They Didn’t Ask Me!</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/%e2%80%9ccurrent-monthly-income%e2%80%9d-they-didn%e2%80%99t-ask-me/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:12:55 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/%e2%80%9ccurrent-monthly-income%e2%80%9d-they-didn%e2%80%99t-ask-me/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	If you decide to file bankruptcy, you must first calculate your &#8220;current monthly income.&#8221;  Current monthly income (“CMI”) is a highly artificial number that can have big implications on whether you are allowed a Chapter 7 discharge or how much you must pay to your creditors in Chapter 13.  Calculating CMI also requires your attorney to [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: My Town Can’t Pay It’s Bills…Can It File Bankruptcy?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/my-town-cant-pay-its-billscan-it-file-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:33:31 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/my-town-cant-pay-its-billscan-it-file-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	States, cities, towns and villages all over the country are in financial distress.  Some, like the village of Johnson City in Broome County, New York are considering merging into the surrounding town of Union.  Others are not paying their payrolls on time, or drastically cutting back on essential services.  At least one town in Indiana is [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Bankruptcy isn’t the source of stress</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/bankruptcy-isnt-the-source-of-stress/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:56:54 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/bankruptcy-isnt-the-source-of-stress/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	My friend Jay Fleischman is on point that our clients filing bankruptcy are stressed.  Let me posit that the cause of the stress is not &#8220;filing bankruptcy&#8221; but 1) the situation that lead to the decision to file;  2) fear of the unknown, fueled by bad information and unsupported assumptions about the process; and 3) [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Did The Louisiana Legislature Increase The Homestead Exemption?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/did-the-louisiana-legislature-increase-the-homestead-exemption/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:30:15 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/did-the-louisiana-legislature-increase-the-homestead-exemption/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	In a recent article I reported on two proposals before the Louisiana Legislature to increase the homestead exemption:  one bill would have increased the exemption to $100,000.00 while the second bill would have made the homestead exemption unlimited.
The bad news is that neither of these bills passed in its original form.
However, the Louisiana Legislature did [...] ]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Getting A Bank Account After Being Reported To ChexSystems</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/getting-a-bank-account-after-being-reported-to-chexsystems/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:00:53 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/getting-a-bank-account-after-being-reported-to-chexsystems/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	If you have ever been in trouble with your bank, you have most likely been reported to Chex Systems. Perhaps you&#8217;ve had some NSF checks, or maybe you closed an account without settling a negative balance with the bank. No matter the reason, once you are reported to Chex Systems, managing your finances can be [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What To Do If You Can’t Make Chapter 13 Plan Payments? Part 6 Of 6.</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/what-to-do-if-you-can%e2%80%99t-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-6-of-6/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:00:36 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/31/what-to-do-if-you-can%e2%80%99t-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-6-of-6/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	 In the previous articles in this series I discussed various options that are available to a debtor who is in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy but who can no longer make his Plan payments.
Those options are:

A Hardship Discharge.
Modification of your Chapter 13 Plan to allow Suspension of payments for a period of time or to Extend [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What Happens If The Information On My Bankruptcy Schedules Is Wrong?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/what-happens-if-the-information-on-my-bankruptcy-schedules-is-wrong/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:19:12 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/what-happens-if-the-information-on-my-bankruptcy-schedules-is-wrong/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	When a debtor files bankruptcy, part of the process requires that they list all assets (all the stuff that they own) and all liabilitlies for the bankruptcy court to review.   This rule has been in place for a long time, but under the 2005 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, the rule was emphasized.  [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Student Loan Bankruptcy Discharge, A Hardship!</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/student-loan-discharge-in-bankruptcy-a-real-hardship/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:17:51 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/student-loan-discharge-in-bankruptcy-a-real-hardship/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	It is hard, not impossible, to discharge student loan debt in bankruptcy. Only government guaranteed loans were protected from discharge before 2005, now student loans from private banks are protected.  To qualify for discharge, payment of a student loan must present an undue hardship to the debtor or a dependant of the debtor.  The exceptions [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What To Do If You Can’t Make Chapter 13 Plan Payments? Part 5 Of 6.</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/what-to-do-if-you-can%e2%80%99t-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-6-of-7/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:45:44 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/what-to-do-if-you-can%e2%80%99t-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-6-of-7/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	In Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4  I discussed various things that can be attempted to save a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan if you are having difficulty making the Plan payments.
You have discussed these various options with your attorney and none of them are available to you.
When all else fails a voluntary dismissal of [...] ]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: I’m in Chapter 13 and Behind on Mortgage Payments Again–What Now?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/im-in-chapter-13-and-behind-on-mortgage-payments-again-what-now/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:40:58 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/im-in-chapter-13-and-behind-on-mortgage-payments-again-what-now/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Many of my clients end up in bankruptcy because of a series of unfortunate events.  Sometimes those events continue after the case is filed, and their troubles continue.  When you file a Chapter 13 payment plan, you are generally required to keep making your regular mortgage payments, or resume making those payments if you have [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Children And 341Meetings Do Not Mix.</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/children-and-341meetings-do-not-mix/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:07:40 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/children-and-341meetings-do-not-mix/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	I am sitting in 341 meetings all day today.  So far several debtors have brought their very young children to the meeting.  These debtors are also getting upset because they believe that they should go first and are not.  Now the children are in melt down mode and it is miserable for everyone.  341 meetings [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What To Do If You Can’t Make Chapter 13 Plan Payments? Part 5 Of 7.</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/what-to-do-if-you-can%e2%80%99t-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-5-of-7/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:49:49 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/what-to-do-if-you-can%e2%80%99t-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-5-of-7/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	In Part 4 of this series of articles I discussed the Suspension of your Chapter 13 Plan payments as an option available to you to keep your Chapter 13 bankruptcy alive if you are unable to make your plan payments.
Extending the length of the plan is another possible way to save a Chapter 13 Plan.
If you are in a [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: I Need to File Because I’m Getting Married</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/i-need-to-file-because-im-getting-married/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:49:41 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/i-need-to-file-because-im-getting-married/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Bankruptcy lawyers hear from potential clients fairly regularly that they need to file quickly because they don&#8217;t want their future wife or husband to be held responsible for their debt problem.
In most cases, their fears are misplaced.  The marriage, by itself, usually will not make the new spouse responsible for your past debts.  There are [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Top 4 Ways To Deal With The Stress Of Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/top-ways-to-deal-with-the-stress-of-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:00:15 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/30/top-ways-to-deal-with-the-stress-of-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	If you have discovered that your debt has become unmanageable, and you don&#8217;t see any way out of your financial situation, you may be considering bankruptcy as a solution.
As many people can tell you, though, bankruptcy can be quite stressful. Here are some techniques you can use to reduce your bankruptcy related stress.
First, it&#8217;s important [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Perjury In A Bankruptcy Case Can Land You In Jail!</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/29/perjury-in-a-bankruptcy-case-can-land-you-in-jail/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:04:00 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/29/perjury-in-a-bankruptcy-case-can-land-you-in-jail/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Perjury is a federal crime when it happens in conjunction with a bankruptcy case.  When my clients sign their Petition I inform them no less than 4 times that they are signing the documents under penalty of pejury that everything must be truthful and accurate to best of their knowledge.
This means tell me everything.  Tell [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Bankruptcy and the MLM Distributor - Part III Income Supression Issues</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/29/bankruptcy-and-the-mlm-distributor-part-iii-income-supression-issues/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:06:39 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/29/bankruptcy-and-the-mlm-distributor-part-iii-income-supression-issues/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Over the past few days, I have written two posts about special problems that arise when an MLM distributor seeks to file bankruptcy.  In the last post I spoke about the presumption of abuse problem that could arise if an MLM distributor filed a Chapter 7 immediately after losing his commission stream due to a [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Using Your Student Loans To Pay Off Debts</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/29/using-your-student-loans-to-pay-off-debts/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:00:48 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/29/using-your-student-loans-to-pay-off-debts/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	So you&#8217;re getting a higher education as a means to start or further your career, but the debts you&#8217;ve amassed over the past few years are vying for your attention. You may have thought about using your student loans to pay down credit cards or other debts&#8230; but is it really worth it?
When you sign [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Bankruptcy “Means Test” Doesn’t Dictate Chapter 13 Plan Payments, 5th and 7th Circuit Appeals Courts Say</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/29/bankruptcy-means-test-doesnt-dictate-chapter-13-plan-payments-5th-and-7th-circuit-appeals-courts-say/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:24:05 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/29/bankruptcy-means-test-doesnt-dictate-chapter-13-plan-payments-5th-and-7th-circuit-appeals-courts-say/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	The chorus is growing &#8212; two more appeals courts have ruled that the bankruptcy &#8220;means test&#8221; (also known as Form B22C) doesn&#8217;t establish how much a chapter 13 debtor needs to pay each month into the plan.  Instead, both the Fifth and Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently said that the means test only provides a &#8220;starting [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Reaffirmation Agreement in Bankruptcy, Should I Sign?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/reaffirmation-agreement-in-bankruptcy-should-i-sign/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:29:55 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/reaffirmation-agreement-in-bankruptcy-should-i-sign/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	A bankruptcy reaffirmation agreement is a new promise to pay an old debt.  A reaffirmation agreement is enforceable if it is properly executed and approved by the court.  There can be many reasons to reaffirm a debt.  However, it is important to understand what happens if you reaffirm.
If you reaffirm a debt to one of [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Verification of All Information Important in Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/verification-of-all-information-important-in-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:37:51 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/verification-of-all-information-important-in-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Last week I was attending a meeting of creditors in a Chapter 13 case.  I tell my clients who are nervous at the thought of attending a meeting of creditors that no one is ever going to make a television show about bankruptcy court&#8211;it&#8217;s just boring.
Most of the time, the trustees ask the same series [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: After Bankruptcy:  Florida Is A Renter’s Market</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/after-bankruptcy-florida-is-a-renters-market/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:57:52 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/after-bankruptcy-florida-is-a-renters-market/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	A recent study shows that in some areas of the Country, renting is cheaper than owning.  In Florida, especially Southwest Florida, that study speaks volumes.  Cities in Southwest Florida, like Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte have been hit pretty hard by the devastating real estate market and foreclosures.  Home prices have [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Do You Even Qualify For Chapter 13 In Southern California?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/do-you-even-qualify-for-chapter-13-in-southern-california/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:46:55 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/do-you-even-qualify-for-chapter-13-in-southern-california/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Although the recent downturn in real estate is driving thousands to seek chapter 13 bankruptcy relief to save their homes, the same downturn is also having the ironic affect of denying eligibility to debtor for that very relief.
To file for chapter 13, a debtor must meet the qualifications of 11 USC 109.  Essentially, they must have, [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Dealing With Student Loan Debt After Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/dealing-with-student-loan-debt-after-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:00:47 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/dealing-with-student-loan-debt-after-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	If you are planning on filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you probably know that most of your debts will be discharged. There are some debts, though, that bankruptcy will not erase. Most notably, in many instances, you will still retain student loan debts. This can prove to be a quite a challenge, especially if you owe [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Do I Have to Include My Car and MY House In MY Bankruptcy?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/do-i-have-to-include-my-car-and-my-house-in-my-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:54:59 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/28/do-i-have-to-include-my-car-and-my-house-in-my-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	This question is asked more times in my bankruptcy office than I can count.  I am sorry to say that you do have to include your car, your House, your wedding ring and all your other property in your bankruptcy.
My clients then tell me their friend didn&#8217;t include their car or their house.   I&#8217;d be willing [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: I’m Not In School — What is this “Means Test” I have to Pass?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/27/im-not-in-school-what-is-this-means-test-i-have-to-pass/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:43:37 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/27/im-not-in-school-what-is-this-means-test-i-have-to-pass/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	If you are looking into bankruptcy you have probably heard about having to &#8220;pass the means test&#8221;. OMG, you might be thinking, do I have to take a test in order to even file? Where do I get the list of what to study?!? If I fail, can I retake the test?
Don&#8217;t worry about being [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Payday Loans - The Ugly Truth</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/27/payday-loans-the-ugly-truth/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 06:00:33 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/27/payday-loans-the-ugly-truth/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	If you&#8217;re like most people, you&#8217;ve likely experienced at least one time in your life when you needed to pay bills or buy essentials, but didn&#8217;t have the funds to cover your expenses. You might have considered taking out a payday loan to float you for a while, especially if you didn&#8217;t have access to [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Buying A Car Before Or During Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/27/buying-a-car-before-or-during-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:49:26 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/27/buying-a-car-before-or-during-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	If you are thinking of filing for Bankruptcy, one of the items on your checklist to think about is your car.  Should you purchase a new car or used car prior to filing for bankruptcy protection?  What about your spouse&#8217;s car? 
As an attorney, the current status of the law would prevent me from counseling [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: You Can’t Lose Your $17,165 Social Security Check in a Bankruptcy Case, Appeals Court Says</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/27/you-cant-lose-your-17165-social-security-check-in-a-bankruptcy-case-appeals-court-says/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:55:52 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/27/you-cant-lose-your-17165-social-security-check-in-a-bankruptcy-case-appeals-court-says/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	According to the Eighth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel, a bankruptcy debtor cannot lose social security benefit payments in a bankruptcy case, even the money is paid as a $17,165 lump sum for past benefits.  In re Carpenter, No. 08-6046 (8th Cir. BAP July 13, 2009), held that section 407 of the Social Security Act excludes such [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Husband Killing Did Not Get Hardship Discharge for Wife</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/26/husband-killing-did-not-get-hardship-discharge-for-wife/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:02:31 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/26/husband-killing-did-not-get-hardship-discharge-for-wife/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Mrs. Brown shot her husband and complained that the decrease in family income after his death made Chapter 13 payments a hardship.  She requested a discharge without making all the required payments.  The bankruptcy judge asked the widow Brown to explain herself.  Since she was unwilling to testify under oath about the shooting, the court [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Can I keep my car if I file bankruptcy?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/26/can-i-keep-my-car-if-i-file-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:35:17 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/26/can-i-keep-my-car-if-i-file-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Clients want to know, will I keep my car if I file? How can I file bankruptcy and still maintain the vehicle I need to get to and from work? How can I be sure that I won&#8217;t lose my car?
In most cases we file, debtors do NOT have to fear that their main source [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Before You File For Bankruptcy, Review The Paperwork</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/26/before-you-file-for-bankruptcy-review-the-paperwork/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:20:11 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/26/before-you-file-for-bankruptcy-review-the-paperwork/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Once the paperwork to file a bankruptcy is completed it needs to be signed.  This sounds easier and simpler than it really is.  It is your opportunity to confirm that your attorney heard everything you told him and has properly accounted for it.
Be sure to read everything carefully and make sure that all of your [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What To Do If You Can’t Make Chapter 13 Plan Payments? Part 4 Of 7.</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/26/what-to-do-if-you-can%e2%80%99t-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-4-of-7-2/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 07:01:17 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/26/what-to-do-if-you-can%e2%80%99t-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-4-of-7-2/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Suspension of Plan payments during a Chapter 13 Plan was discussed in Part 3 as a way to address the situation where Plan payments cannot be made.
A variation on suspension of Plan payments is to extend the length of the Chapter 13 Plan in order to lower the monthly payments.
As with the Suspension of Plan payments, [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Don’t Float Checks To Cover Your Expenses</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/26/dont-float-checks-to-cover-your-expenses/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 06:00:40 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/26/dont-float-checks-to-cover-your-expenses/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	If you&#8217;re running low on personal funds, and you have no room left on your credit card, it may occur too you to float a check or two to pay for essentials. The idea behind floating is that you can write a check for a purchase, and deposit the money to cover it in your [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What To Do If You Can’t Make Chapter 13 Plan Payments? Part 3 Of 7.</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/what-to-do-if-you-can%e2%80%99t-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-4-of-7/</link>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:22:47 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/what-to-do-if-you-can%e2%80%99t-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-4-of-7/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	In Part 2 I discussed the option of a Hardship Discharge if you find yourself unable to make Chapter 13 Plan payments.
Another option to help if you are unable to make your Chapter 13 Plan payments is to suspend the payments.
In order to be able to suspend the Plan payments you must be in a Plan that [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Bankruptcy and the MLM Distributor - Part II Presumption of Abuse</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/bankruptcy-and-the-mlm-distributor-part-ii-presumption-of-abuse/</link>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:29:56 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/bankruptcy-and-the-mlm-distributor-part-ii-presumption-of-abuse/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	A few days ago, I wrote Part I of a series entitled Bankruptcy and the MLM Distributor.  In that post I described my typical MLM distributor as an entrepreneurial, motivated businessperson who worked full time on his MLM business and ran into debt problems because of a sudden or unexpected change in his compensation plan, [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What Not to do When Preparing to File Bankruptcy?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/what-not-to-do-when-preparing-to-file-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:07:10 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/what-not-to-do-when-preparing-to-file-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Certain actions prior to a filing can cause problems in a bankruptcy case.  These problems can range anywhere from having certain debts be declared non-dischargeable, having a general discharge denied, having payments or transfers reversed, among other things. Once you have made the decision to file bankruptcy, there are a number of things you [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Buying A Home After Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/buying-a-home-after-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:00:43 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/buying-a-home-after-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	If you&#8217;ve just filed for personal bankruptcy, or you think you may have to file in the near future, you may be worried about whether you&#8217;ll ever be able to buy a home. Many people think that because a bankruptcy remains on a credit report for a decade, they&#8217;ll have to keep renting for quite [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Rebuilding Good Credit After Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/rebuilding-good-credit-after-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:00:23 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/rebuilding-good-credit-after-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Perhaps you&#8217;ve taken an objective look at your personal finances, and you&#8217;ve decided that the only logical way out of your financial situation is to declare personal bankruptcy. If you&#8217;ve reached this conclusion, you&#8217;re probably wondering if you&#8217;ll ever be able to achieve a good credit score again. This concern stops many consumers from declaring [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What To Do If You Can’t Make Chapter 13 Plan Payments? Part 2 Of 7.</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/what-to-do-if-you-cant-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-2-of-7/</link>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 04:05:24 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/25/what-to-do-if-you-cant-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-2-of-7/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	In Part 1 I provided a general overview of some options that may be available to you if you have found that you are no longer able to make the payments required by your Chapter 13 Plan.
One possible option is a Hardship Discharge.
If your financial situation has changed and the changes have made it impossible to [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Surrender in bankruptcy doesn’t transfer title</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/24/surrender-in-bankruptcy-doesnt-transfer-title/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:25:44 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/24/surrender-in-bankruptcy-doesnt-transfer-title/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Even if you state your intention to surrender property in your Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the creditor will stilll have to foreclose to relieve you of ownership.
The election or intention to &#8220;surrender&#8221;  in the bankruptcy papers is really nothing more than an announcement that the debtor doesn&#8217;t intend to attempt to keep the property.  Since state [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Cramdown On First Mortgages Gets A Second Look By Senate</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/24/cramdown-on-first-mortgages-gets-a-second-look-by-senate/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:35:26 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/24/cramdown-on-first-mortgages-gets-a-second-look-by-senate/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Several months ago, there was a bill before Congress which, if passed into law, would have allowed Bankruptcy Judges to modify first mortgages on homesteads.  However, the bill failed in the Senate.  As of now, the Bankruptcy Code does not allow a debtor to cramdown the mortgage on his first mortgage.  So, many people are [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What To Do If You Can’t Make Chapter 13 Plan Payments? Part 1 Of 7.</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/24/what-to-do-if-you-cant-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-1-of-7/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:51:35 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/24/what-to-do-if-you-cant-make-chapter-13-plan-payments-part-1-of-7/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	You are in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and something has happened that is making it impossible to make your Chapter 13 Plan payments.  What should you do?
First, the worst thing you can do is to do nothing!
If you stop making your Chapter 13 Plan payments to the Trustee eventually the Trustee will dismiss your Chapter [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Saving Your Home After Job Loss</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/24/saving-your-home-after-job-loss/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:00:20 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/24/saving-your-home-after-job-loss/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Most people who have lost their jobs immediately become afraid of lose their homes - and for good reason. After all, the stress of going foreclosure and being evicted from your home is an experience no one wants to have to endure. Plus, most homeowners view mortgage lenders as being unsympathetic to the plights of [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Federal Parent Plus Student Loan Discharges On Death</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/federal-parent-plus-student-loan-discharges-on-death/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:31:56 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/federal-parent-plus-student-loan-discharges-on-death/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Death of the parent or dependent student discharges the obligation to pay a Federal Parent Plus student loan.  Most people learn the hard way that student loans are difficult if not impossible to discharge in bankruptcy.  The seminal case, In re Bruner, has been discussed on this site.
(Brunner v. New York State Higher Education Services [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Who is the U.S. Trustee?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/who-is-the-us-trustee/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:22:26 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/who-is-the-us-trustee/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	The Office of the United States Trustee is an arm of the Department of Justice charged with certain duties in bankruptcy cases.  The role of the U.S. Trustee can differ from district to district, but principal responsibilities are to appoint and supervise case trustees, i.e., the trustees appointed in your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Ninth Circuit Allows Post Petition Attorney Fees as Unsecured Claim</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/ninth-circuit-allows-post-petition-attorney-fees-as-unsecured-claim/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:46:03 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/ninth-circuit-allows-post-petition-attorney-fees-as-unsecured-claim/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	On June 23, 2009, in the case of SNTL Corp. 2009 WL 1758759 (9th Cir. Cal.)), the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that unsecured creditors may claim attorney fees incurred postpetition based on a prepetition contract with the debtor.  The Ninth Circuit essentially adopted the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel decision and attached the same as an [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What Debts are Dischargeable?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/what-debts-are-dischargeable/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:06:15 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/what-debts-are-dischargeable/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Debts that are generally dischargeable in bankruptcy include credit card debts, unsecured personal loans, outstanding medical bills, overdue utility bills and other types of unsecured obligations owed by a debtor.  With secured debts, liens are generally discharged in special circumstances, via special proceedings.  However, a debtor’s personal liability on the secured debt is [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Is There Life After Bankruptcy?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/is-the-life-after-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:00:32 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/is-the-life-after-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Even when faced with a financial crisis, many people hesitate to declare personal bankruptcy, primarily because they think they&#8217;ll never be able to take out a home mortgage, obtain a credit card, or buy a car again. They envision themselves having to pay bills through Western Union, and being unable to use a credit card [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Are You The Next Success Story?  Bankruptcy Is A New Beginning</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/are-you-the-next-success-story-bankruptcy-is-a-new-beginning/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:59:23 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/23/are-you-the-next-success-story-bankruptcy-is-a-new-beginning/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Bankruptcy is not the end of the road.  Bankruptcy is only the beginning.  I&#8217;ve been practicing bankruptcy law for many years, and I can honestly say that I have helped thousands of families receive a Fresh Start.
The one thing that I always wonder is:  What will they do with that Fresh Start?  Most Bankruptcy Attorneys [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Attorney on the Go, Chip Parker, releases video blogs on YouTube</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/22/attorney-on-the-go-chip-parker-releases-video-blogs-on-youtube/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:47:26 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/22/attorney-on-the-go-chip-parker-releases-video-blogs-on-youtube/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Jacksonville bankruptcy attorney Chip Parker has begun releasing a series of video blogs entitled Attorney on the Go on the Bankruptcy Law Network YouTube Channel.
The topics will cover a variety of bankruptcy and foreclosure basics.  You can subscribe to the channel, and whenever any of the BLN authors post a video blog, you&#8217;ll be the [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Bankrupty and the MLM Distributor - Part I: Why there is Enhanced Risk</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/22/bankrupty-and-the-mlm-distributor-part-1-enhanced-risk/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:29:21 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/22/bankrupty-and-the-mlm-distributor-part-1-enhanced-risk/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Over the past couple of years I have met with several potential clients who were in the MLM (multi-level-marketing) business and were looking to file (Chapter 7) bankruptcy.   Recently I spent a good 45 minutes on the phone with another potential client in the MLM business and this conversation got me thinking about the issues [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Reasons to file a Chapter 13</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/22/reasons-to-file-a-chapter-13/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:41:25 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/22/reasons-to-file-a-chapter-13/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Individuals file Chapter 13 bankruptcy for a variety of reasons.  The following are some of the most common ones we hear from clients:
1.  You fell behind on your mortgage or car payments and need bankruptcy to catch up.
2. You make more than the median income in your state and do not pass the [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: When is Bankruptcy the Right Choice?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/22/when-is-bankruptcy-the-right-choice/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:56:54 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/22/when-is-bankruptcy-the-right-choice/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	In today&#8217;s economic climate, an increasing number of people are discovering their incomes are no longer enough to pay for their debt and essential expenses. Hundreds of companies are outsourcing work and laying off workers every week.. not to mention “encouraging” workers to resign from their jobs so that employers can avoid paying unemployment benefits. [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Stephen Baldwin - Another Celebrity Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/22/stephen-baldwin-another-celebrity-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:36:58 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/22/stephen-baldwin-another-celebrity-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Stephen Baldwin file Chapter 11 Bankruptcy yesterday.  He is just another celebrity who has been brought back to reality.  Although I have yet to see the Petition and Schedules that were filed in the Bankruptcy Court, news reports state that the actor is millions of dollars in debt.  His website does not make a mention [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: The Bankruptcy Means Test</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/21/the-bankruptcy-means-test/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:37:17 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/21/the-bankruptcy-means-test/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	The 2005 amendments to the bankruptcy code created a new “Means Test.”  The main purpose of this test is to a) determine if an individual is eligible to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and b) to determine the disposable income of a Chapter 13 debtor who is above the median income.
In order to determine [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Can I Bankrupt My Student Loan?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/19/can-i-bankrupt-my-student-loan/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:29:13 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/19/can-i-bankrupt-my-student-loan/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Student loans are not discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding unless repayment of the loan will create an undue hardship for the debtor or the debtor&#8217;s dependents.  The bankruptcy code prevents student loan discharge in most cases.
Many courts have adopted a test formulated in 1987 by the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and often [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Credit Counseling And Filing Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/19/credit-counseling-and-filing-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:19:51 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/19/credit-counseling-and-filing-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	The law requires that all debtors take a credit counseling course before a bankruptcy is filed.  That means that both spouses in a joint case must take the course.  It isn’t a multi-session course: just one class of an hour to two on the phone or the internet.  And yes, you’ll have to pay for [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What to Bring to an Initial Bankruptcy Consultation</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/19/what-to-bring-to-an-initial-bankruptcy-consultation/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:36:01 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/19/what-to-bring-to-an-initial-bankruptcy-consultation/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Many times, it is possible for a bankruptcy attorney to tentatively diagnose your financial problems and outline solutions without detailed documentation.  However, the following documents may be helpful during an initial bankruptcy consultation:
1.  A recent pay slip for you and your spouse (if you are married).  
2.  If you own an [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Selling Your Home in Bankruptcy (Part One: Chapter 7)</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/19/selling-your-home-in-bankruptcy-part-one-chapter-7/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:00:24 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/19/selling-your-home-in-bankruptcy-part-one-chapter-7/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	If you’ve filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, you can usually still sell your home. But there is likely to be a delay before you can complete the sale, so you need to understand basic bankruptcy procedure.  
Can your home be sold? The answer is: It depends. In fact, that’s the initial answer to [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Bankruptcy Exemptions in Massachusetts</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/18/bankruptcy-exemptions-in-massachusetts/</link>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2009 10:34:43 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/18/bankruptcy-exemptions-in-massachusetts/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Bankruptcy debtors have the right to exempt property from the bankruptcy estate up to a certain dollar amount.  In Massachusetts, bankruptcy debtors have the option of using either the Federal or Massachusetts exemptions to do this.
Where a debtor has a large amount of home equity they want to protect, he or she should use [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What debts to include in bankruptcy?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/18/what-debts-to-include-in-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2009 08:12:15 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/18/what-debts-to-include-in-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	My clients struggle deciding which of their debts should be listed in their bankruptcy papers.  This is wasted time.  My headline poses a trick question.  There is no decision to make:  you include ALL of your debts. Period.
&#8220;But, but, but,&#8221; the clients sputter. &#8221; I want to keep my car, or patronize my dentist, or [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Bankruptcy No Document Proof of Claim Disallowed</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/17/bankruptcy-no-document-proof-of-claim-disallowed/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:32:24 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/17/bankruptcy-no-document-proof-of-claim-disallowed/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	On July 14, 2009, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision disallowing a &#8220;no doc&#8221; claim in a Bankruptcy Case.  Such a holding by the 10th Circuit now binds all Courts in that Circuit and will have an impact on similar proof of claims throughout the United States.
In the case of Caplan v. [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Wrong Amount Listed for Bank Account Balance; Debtors Lose Over $13,000</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/17/wrong-amount-listed-for-bank-account-balance-debtors-lose-over-13000/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:18:38 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/17/wrong-amount-listed-for-bank-account-balance-debtors-lose-over-13000/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Think you can always amend the bankruptcy schedules later if it turns out there was more in the bank than was originally listed?  Think again &#8212; that&#8217;s the message of In re Barrows, No. 09-6003 ((8th Cir. BAP July 10, 2009).  In Barrows, the debtors were not allowed to amend their exemptions, thereby losing over [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Reasons to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/16/reasons-to-file-a-chapter-7-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:34:34 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/16/reasons-to-file-a-chapter-7-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	There are many reasons people decide to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Here are a few we have been seeing a lot of recently:
1. Your monthly debt payments, when combined with your living expenses, exceed your monthly income.
2. You would like to wipe out your debts and receive a fresh start as quickly as possible.
3. [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Consumer Bankruptcy Cases Approaching Record Level</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/16/consumer-bankruptcy-cases-approaching-record-level/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:32:09 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/16/consumer-bankruptcy-cases-approaching-record-level/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	When Congress changed the bankruptcy law in 2005, cases spiked.  People feared, and rightly so, that bankruptcy cases would get harder to file.
Guess what?  Bankruptcy cases are spiking again.  According the the American Bankruptcy Institute, consumer bankruptcy cases for 2009 will be at the highest level at any time since the 2005 peak.
There were roughly [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Online Federal Tax Filing Available For Free</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/14/online-federal-tax-filing-available-for-free/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:35:26 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/14/online-federal-tax-filing-available-for-free/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Most bankruptcy debtors will need to file their taxes before, or soon after, filing for bankruptcy.   If your adjusted gross income for 2008 was $56,000 or  less, you are eligible for free tax preparation and e-filing of your federal taxes.
This services is available through a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Who Needs Small Business Chapter 11? (Part Two)</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/14/who-needs-small-business-chapter-11-part-two/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:58:24 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/14/who-needs-small-business-chapter-11-part-two/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Chapter 11 small business part one discussed some of the reasons businesses lose money, and the start of the analysis business owners need to do before deciding if a small business Chapter 11 makes sense.
So, you figure out what it cost to run the business every month, then, you know how much you need to [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Means Test and 707(b): Huge House Payment, Motor Home, and Boat Payments Allowed for Chapter 7 Debtors</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/14/means-test-and-707b-huge-house-payment-motor-home-and-boat-payments-allowed-for-chapter-7-debtors/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:31:20 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/14/means-test-and-707b-huge-house-payment-motor-home-and-boat-payments-allowed-for-chapter-7-debtors/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	A surprising result in a California bankruptcy case: an $800,000 house with a monthly payment of $4,446, a motor home with a monthly payment of $396, and a boat with a monthly payment of $760 actually enabled a married couple to successfully file chapter 7.  The court in In re Jensen, 2009 WL 1708229 (Bky.C.D.Cal. [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Should I Keep My House In A Bankruptcy Filing?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/13/should-i-keep-my-house-in-a-bankruptcy-filing/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:03:12 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/13/should-i-keep-my-house-in-a-bankruptcy-filing/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	With all the news stories about the foreclosure crisis and with the available programs for folks to try to maintain their house, a more basic question arises&#8211;should I even keep my house in a bankruptcy filing?  To be sure, this is not a decision to be made lightly and only after exploring all available options.  [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Remodeling Contractors - Bankruptcy Considerations Part 1</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/13/remodeling-contractors-bankruptcy-considerations-part-1/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:57:58 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/13/remodeling-contractors-bankruptcy-considerations-part-1/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Over the past couple of years I have met with several dozen remodeling contractors to discuss bankruptcy.  Like many places, the Atlanta area has experienced a downturn in home building and home renovations and building contractors of all sizes have suffered greatly.
Clients and potential clients in this profession range from the one man contractor who [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Bankruptcy Can Be Good for Your Health</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/13/bankruptcy-can-be-good-for-your-health/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:40:36 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/13/bankruptcy-can-be-good-for-your-health/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	It’s no secret that if you need to file bankruptcy, you are under stress. Financial problems are horrible, and they are real. But don’t let financial problems consume your life. Concentrate on what’s truly important: your health and your family. 
I keep a box of Kleenex on my desk for my clients. By the time [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Who Needs Small Business Chapter 11?  (Part One)</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/13/who-needs-small-business-chapter-11-part-one/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:20:13 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/13/who-needs-small-business-chapter-11-part-one/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Latest on the list:  Lenny &#8220;Nails&#8221; Dykstra.
What happens to cause a small business to file Chapter 11?
Evil partner, bookkeeper, employee leaves with the money.  Happens a lot.
For most of my clients, not starting with enough money.
I always say, you want to be the boss, start your own business?
Have enough to operate the business for a [...] ]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Are the Chicago Cubs going bankrupt?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/13/are-the-chicago-cubs-going-bankrupt/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:39:34 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/13/are-the-chicago-cubs-going-bankrupt/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	It&#8217;s been over 100 years since the Cubs won the World Series.  And now, we hear they may be going bankrupt!  Why?
The parent company, Tribune Corporation, like many other newspapers all over the United States, is in bankruptcy.  Owner Sam Zell acquired Tribune Corporation a few years ago in a very expensive deal and took [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Easy Bankruptcy: File In July</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/09/easy-bankruptcy-file-in-july/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:21:13 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/09/easy-bankruptcy-file-in-july/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	The easiest month to file bankruptcy is July.  Consumers filing bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 need to complete a Means Test of average income derived during the last six months.  If you file in July, you need to look at your income during the first six months of the year - January through and including [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Should You Withdraw Money From Your Pension To Pay Your Debts?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/09/should-you-withdraw-money-from-your-pension-to-pay-your-debts/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:10:36 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/09/should-you-withdraw-money-from-your-pension-to-pay-your-debts/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Thinking about filing bankruptcy? Wondering if you should just take money from your pension to pay debt? Don&#8217;t do it until you watch this video.
LinkedTube
If you liked that post, then try these...Automatic Stay: The magic shield may not be automatic anymore. Part II by Rachel Lynn Foley, Kansas City, MO, Bankruptcy AttorneyWhat Is  A [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: What To Do When Creditors Are Calling While You Are In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/08/what-to-do-when-creditors-are-calling-while-you-are-in-chapter-13-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:55:51 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/08/what-to-do-when-creditors-are-calling-while-you-are-in-chapter-13-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, creditors are normally not allowed to call, write, bill, or otherwise contact you. You are protected by the automatic stay in your bankruptcy case. But if you see a creditor&#8217;s number come up on your caller ID, don&#8217;t ignore it. They will keep calling and calling until they get some type [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Should You File Bankruptcy If You Have No Assets?</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/07/should-you-file-bankruptcy-if-you-have-no-assets/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:42:34 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/07/should-you-file-bankruptcy-if-you-have-no-assets/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Protection of your assets is one of the most important reasons to file for bankruptcy.  Even if you don&#8217;t have any assets now, filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy can protect your future assets.
Under state laws, creditors can sue you and take your property, but most states have laws called &#8220;exemptions&#8221; that protect [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Mortgage Loan Modifications Dropping</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/07/mortgage-loan-modifications-dropping/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:49:45 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/07/mortgage-loan-modifications-dropping/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Mortgage loan modifications are dropping, according to a July 5, 2009 article in the New York Times,
Alan M. White, an assistant professor at the Valparaiso University law school in Indiana, analyzed data on 3.5 million mortgages written in 2005 through 2007. These mortgages are serviced by five of the nation&#8217;s largest loan servicing companies, including [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Debtor With Unrelated Roommate Lived In “Two-Person Household”; Roommate’s Income Not Counted in Means Test</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/07/debtor-with-unrelated-roommate-lived-in-two-person-household-roommates-income-not-counted-in-means-test/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:45:56 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/07/debtor-with-unrelated-roommate-lived-in-two-person-household-roommates-income-not-counted-in-means-test/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	A recent Minnesota bankruptcy court ruling makes it easier for persons with roommates to claim a two-person household, while simultaneously excluding the roommate&#8217;s income from use in the means test.
This is important because in some cases, this can result in the debtor&#8217;s income being below the state&#8217;s median income for a two-person household, thereby relieving the debtor [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: 8th Circuit BAP Resolves Iowa Court Split on Tools of Trade</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/06/8th-circuit-bap-resolves-iowa-court-split-on-tools-of-trade/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:22:07 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/06/8th-circuit-bap-resolves-iowa-court-split-on-tools-of-trade/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Iowa bankruptcy courts have been split for a decade over a simple question:  Can a consumer exempt a motor vehicle under state law and strip a non-purchase money lien on the car as a tool of trade under bankruptcy law.  That split was resolved in favor of consumers by the 8th Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: 2009 Bankruptcy Filings Up</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/06/2009-bankruptcy-filings-up/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:49:36 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/06/2009-bankruptcy-filings-up/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	According to a July 2, 2009 Bloomberg report, there were 675,351 consumer bankruptcy filings in the first half of 2009, a 36.5 percent increase over 2008 numbers. June consumer filings totaled 116,365, up 40.6 percent from the same period in 2008. The monthly rate of consumer filings slowed, however, declining by 6.8 percent from May [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Most alternatives to bankruptcy involve wishful thinking</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/05/most-alternatives-to-bankruptcy-involve-wishful-thinking/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:12:17 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/05/most-alternatives-to-bankruptcy-involve-wishful-thinking/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Clients arrive in my office hoping that I can explain  the secret alternative which will solve their debt problems outside of bankruptcy. Why not?  Ads for debt settlement companies and do it yourself books always promise to reveal  the tricks ( known only to someone who wants to sell you something) to make your bills [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Keeping mum about discharging taxes in bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/02/keeping-mum-about-discharging-taxes-in-bankruptcy/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:50:49 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/02/keeping-mum-about-discharging-taxes-in-bankruptcy/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	The client owes a fistful of taxes from years ago and has spent another fistful of dollars with widely advertised outfits that solve your tax problems.  None of these tax professionals told him that old income taxes can be eliminated in bankruptcy.!
The client first hired J K Harris, with no results, except a lighter wallet.  [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Law Network - Real Lawyers, Real Solutions: Today, I am Reviewing the Claims File from my Client’s Chapter 13</title>
		<link>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/01/today-i-am-reviewing-the-claims-file-from-my-clients-chapter-13/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:56:53 -0700</pubDate>
		<guid>http://www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com/2009/07/01/today-i-am-reviewing-the-claims-file-from-my-clients-chapter-13/</guid>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[	Several years ago, the Chapter 13 trustees and the bankruptcy judges in the Northern District of Georgia added a new administrative burden to lawyers who file Chapter 13 cases in the Atlanta area.  Under this local rule, within 30 days after the &#8220;bar date&#8221; for creditors to file claims, lawyers must review all of the [...] ]]></content:encoded>
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