Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Fines Debt Collection Agency $3.2 Million
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, July 22, 2013
On July 9, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined Expert Global Solutions, the world’s largest debt collection agency, $3.2 million for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FTC’s complaint, which you can read here says that Expert Global Solutions called consumers multiple times each day, morning and night, even when consumers asked them to stop.
Can I Dismiss My Chapter 7 Bankruptcy If I Change My Mind After Filing?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Thursday, July 18, 2013
Can a School Withhold My Transcripts if I Included my School Tuition in My Bankruptcy?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Five Myths about Bankruptcy
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, July 15, 2013
Myth #1: I can never get credit again
What is the Presumption of Abuse in Bankruptcy?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, July 12, 2013
My clients often look at me confused when I mention the presumption of abuse to them when we are reviewing their Means Test. The presumption of abuse guidelines was established in 2005 when Congress enacted the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA). One of the primary reasons for this Act was to make it more difficult for consumers who made too much money to be able to file a
An Opportunity to Update the Real and Personal Property Exemptions Under Alabama State Law
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Medical Debts and Bankruptcy
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, July 8, 2013
Recently, NerdWallet Health published an article that estimates that 56 million Americans under the age of 65 will struggle with medical debts in the year 2013. Astonishingly, NerdWallet stated that one in five American adults will struggle to pay medical debts this year. The article further stated that medical bills are the leading cause of personal bankruptcy.
Interest Rates Can Be Reduced in Bankruptcy
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, July 3, 2013
If you have a high rate of interest on loans, a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can reduce the interest rate resulting in a much lower monthly payment. This is called a “cramdown.” The interest rate unsecured creditors such as credit cards, finance company loans,
When Can I File For Bankruptcy Again?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, June 28, 2013
Despite what most people think, considering the current economy, bankruptcy filings are actually down nationwide. One would think that with the high rate of foreclosures, job losses, sequestration and cut backs that more people would have a need to file bankruptcy.
Can Filing for Bankruptcy Affect the Auto Shut Off Device On My Car?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, June 26, 2013
An auto shut off device is a device installed on a vehicle by a car dealer that is usually a buy here, pay here type auto dealer. If you do not make your payments to the dealership timely, the device will be activated and it disables the vehicle until a payment is made and the buyer obtains a new code. If a payment is not made, this shut off device allows t