Funds in joint bank accounts can generally be accessed by all account-holders — each of them can withdraw all of the money in the account regardless of who actually deposited the funds in the account.  This is often the reason for having a joint account.  However, this can create a huge problem for the account holders when one of them is subject to a garnishment or files a Bankruptcy case.  If the account is garnished…

Yes. I could probably end with that simple, straightforward answer but, really, the answer is always the same.  One of the very common questions that comes up fairly regularly on online forums is some form of this question.  Often it seems like the person is concerned they forgot something, or may be in trouble in the case.  Today I read a long post from someone who, at the end, asked whether or not she should…

  The following news release discusses a rise in a scam involving criminals impersonating federal court and law enforcement personnel. Across the United States, individuals posing as federal court officials and U.S. Marshals are targeting citizens, threatening them with arrest unless they pay. “This year’s scams are more aggressive and sophisticated than we’ve seen in years past,” says Melissa Muir, Director of Administrative Services for the U.S. District Court of Western Washington.  “Scammers are setting…

You have filed and completed your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy case, and finally received your all-important discharge.  Unless you have very unusual circumstances, you did not officially reaffirm any of your debts in your case.  However, now you have thought about it and you want to pay back a certain pre-petition debt that was discharged.  Maybe it is to a friend or family member, or to a small bank or credit union…

You have been informed by a creditor that your debt has been “charged off,” or your credit report shows that a debt has been charged off.  You believe that this is the end of the matter, but all of a sudden you find out you have been sued for the debt by a debt collector.  Can they do that?  The answer is yes.  The term “charge off” can be a little confusing, but basically it…

If you have been sued by a creditor or a collection agency on a debt that you owe, one way to resolve it is a settlement.  Settlements are generally good for both parties, or at least less painful for both parties.  The creditor gets some of the money it is owed, and you hopefully are able to pay less than the total amount of the debt.  Both sides avoid the attorneys fees and expenses of…

Most of the discussion in this Blog, and most other Bankruptcy websites, involve the primary benefit and goal of Bankruptcy – the discharge of debt.  Many other posts are dedicated to avoiding foreclosure so you can catch up on your payments and keep your house, and this is still primarily an issue of dealing with your debt.  However, what if your debt issues have progressed to the point where you are actually facing an…