A bankruptcy exemption is a state- or federal-law protection that lets you keep certain property—often including a portion of home equity, a vehicle, retirement accounts, and basic household goods—while discharging eligible debts. The specific amounts and categories vary by jurisdiction and whether you can use state or federal exemptions. This article explains how exemptions work […]
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What is preferential transfer?
A preferential transfer is a payment or asset transfer made shortly before a bankruptcy filing that lets one creditor receive more than it would in the bankruptcy process and may be clawed back. In most cases, the lookback period is 90 days for non‑insider creditors and up to one year for insiders. This article explains […]
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What is Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a federal court process under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that lets a business—or in some cases an individual—reorganize debts while continuing operations. It typically pauses most creditor collection efforts and allows a plan to restructure payments, contracts, and assets. This article explains how Chapter 11 works, who qualifies, key steps, costs, […]
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What is an automatic stay?
An automatic stay is a court-ordered injunction under 11 U.S.C. § 362 that begins immediately when you file bankruptcy and halts most creditor collection. It can stop calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure actions while the case proceeds. This article explains what the stay covers, key exceptions, and how long it lasts. Understanding the Automatic […]
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What is a discharge?
A bankruptcy discharge is a court order that eliminates your personal liability for certain debts and legally stops creditors from collecting on them. In most cases, it’s issued at the end of a Chapter 7 or after completing a Chapter 13 plan, though some debts aren’t dischargeable. This article explains the discharge process, what it […]
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What is a bankruptcy trustee?
A bankruptcy trustee is a court-appointed fiduciary who administers your bankruptcy case, including reviewing your finances, liquidating nonexempt assets in Chapter 7, or overseeing repayments in Chapter 13. The trustee represents the interests of creditors and the bankruptcy estate, and may challenge improper transfers or object to exemptions. This article explains what trustees do, how […]
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What is a reaffirmation agreement?
A reaffirmation agreement is a written contract filed in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy that lets you keep a secured debt—often a car loan—by agreeing to remain personally liable after discharge. It must be signed before discharge and approved by the court (or your attorney, if represented) to be enforceable. This article explains how reaffirmation agreements […]
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What is bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a court-supervised legal process that can discharge eligible debts or set a 3–5 year repayment plan. It can stop collection actions through the automatic stay while the court reviews income, assets, and debts. This article explains key bankruptcy types, the filing process, and major pros and cons. Understanding Bankruptcy Basics Bankruptcy is a […]
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What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation bankruptcy that typically discharges most unsecured debts in about 3–6 months. A court-appointed trustee may sell non-exempt assets to pay creditors, while many filers keep exempt property. This article explains eligibility, exemptions, the Chapter 7 process, and which debts can or can’t be discharged. Understanding Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Chapter […]
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What is a judgment lien?
A judgment lien is a court-authorized claim a creditor can record against your property after winning a money judgment and you don’t pay. It can attach to real estate and sometimes other assets, affecting your ability to sell or refinance until the debt is satisfied. This article explains how judgment liens work, how they’re recorded, […]
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Chapter 9 Bankruptcy: Complete Municipal Debt Guide
Chapter 9 bankruptcy helps municipalities reorganize debt while maintaining essential services. Unlike bankruptcy chapter 7 vs chapter 13 for individuals, this process allows cities to restructure obligations without liquidation. Learn how Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge differs from municipal debt relief.
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How the Automatic Stay Protects You in Bankruptcy
The automatic stay bankruptcy protection instantly shields you from creditors when filing, stopping wage garnishments, foreclosure protection, and collection calls. This powerful legal tool provides immediate relief for medical debt bankruptcy options and asset protection bankruptcy needs.
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