Chapter 7 bankruptcy laws went through a major overhaul in the recent past which has put a serious crimp in many people's plans to start over. The new laws that were put into effect regarding what is chapter 7 bankruptcy options will substantially increase the number of chapter 13 filings since it is now much harder to qualify for chapter 7. The tough guidelines enacted by lawmakers will quash manipulation of the system by those who wish to wipe out debts that were incurred with no restraint. While many people suffer serious financial hardships at no fault of their own, those who have stacked unreasonably large debt upon debt will now be forced to face the music by submitting to the guidelines of a chapter 13 filing instead.
For those who are considering filing for bankruptcy, it is important to understand what is chapter 7 bankruptcy when it comes to the law. According to the new laws, several things can qualify an individual for this filing and an assessment is made by the courts as to a person's financial circumstances. The IRS has certain allowable limits for necessary living expenses that are assessed such as food and housing. Generally, the food allowance is around $210 and the housing allowance may be upwards of $900. Anyone who spends more than that cannot qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcies. Also, an assessment called a 'means test' is transacted and an individual's earnings are calculated minus a housing and food allowance.
If the subtracted amount of income if less than the mean income in that state, an individual may qualify to file, if not, filing for a chapter 13 will be mandated. These two particular laws put a stop to many people who would otherwise have filed for bankruptcies. When a person files, the current chapter 7 bankruptcy laws determine whether or not he or she must be denied and passed on to a chapter 13 filing. Up until now, many individuals would rather have avoided a chapter 13 because of the strict financial accountability and reorganization of personal finances that become court mandated. For those whose ask, "What is chapter 7 bankruptcy?" the answers have changed as a result of even more legal restraints.
Other changes to chapter 7 bankruptcy laws include restrictions on filing in any state unless a person has been a residence for at least two years. Other changes include mandatory financial counseling and expensive items purchased or cash loans received within 60 days of a petition will have to be repaid in full. In the past, many people attempted to take advantage of some states protective laws regarding assets such as homes and property. In some states, liquidation of personal homes as a result of filings are prohibited. Before filing a petition, some people have moved across state lines to file in another state in hopes of receiving the benefits of that state's laws. Under the new laws, that is no longer possible.
Those who discover more about what is chapter 7 bankruptcy laws will find that financial counseling will be imposed on anyone who advances through the process of filing. Within six months, mandatory counseling must take place as directed by the court. This new requirement of current laws has created an accountability factor that will undoubtedly prove to be useful in resolving debt and educating consumers. An important part of legislation that was enacted that helps creditors is the fact no one is allowed any longer to run up large bills on luxury items or receive cash advances within the last two months before filing for chapter 7. In the past, it has been noted that many people have premeditated their expenditures on luxury products just before filing. They have had their debts written off, but their creditors are left holding the bag. It has proven to be a scam of sorts and current chapter 7 bankruptcy laws have put a stop to that practice. "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sakes..." (1 Peter 2:13a)
The purpose of allowing petitions to be filed through the courts was originally to provide a way for people to have a new lease on life after suffering serious financial setbacks. Over the past years, the original purposes for bankruptcies have been distorted. In order to halt unfair use of the laws, the recent legal requirements have been passed. Now, many people will be required to file a chapter 13 petition instead which will require greater accountability, repayment of most debts and mandatory fiscal responsibility. In order to understand what is chapter 7 bankruptcy requirements for individuals who wish to file, there are many online sources that can further expand the topic for anyone who needs assistance.
http://www.christianet.com/bankruptcy/chapter7bankruptcylaws.htm
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Laws
Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws have been changed to require more tests, which make qualification for filing more difficult than it was before. Of primary importance is the new disposable income test. Debtors must have regular income to qualify, and must propose a three- or five-year plan and show an ability to pay to the plan for the entire time. Under the old laws, judges were allowed to determine the reasonableness of living expenses according to individual circumstances and historical data. The new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws require the judge to calculate disposable income based on a single standard for an approved budget for all people with no allowance for special needs, disabilities, incapacities, or costs of commuting.
Apparently, it was abuse that spurred the passage of the new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws. Now, anyone considering filing under any of the various legal channels must attend an approved course that provides credit counseling, budget investigation, and financial analysis, and the course must be concluded within 180 days before filing his case with the Bankruptcy Court. There are no guidelines in the law for how much should be charged for tuition for this course, but there are free classes online, and some nonprofit organizations that are subsidized by major credit card companies are offering the course. For the attentive student, the course should give an improved vision of his or her financial status and goals, and the tools for avoiding getting into financial trouble again. This is significant, since the Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse lawmakers were particularly concerned about was repeated filings of petitions by an individual.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse under the new laws is probably not impossible, but very much less likely to happen. If there is a presumption of abuse by someone filing under Chapter 7 (which would wipe the slate clean), his case will automatically be changed to a 13 (requiring a plan of payment). The presumption of abuse depends upon the outcome of the means test now in place. Debtors who net more every month than their state's median income would be subject to a means test. If the debtor has at least $166.67 in current monthly income after the allowed deductions, abuse is presumed no matter the amount of the debtor's unsecured debt; or, if the debtor had at least $100 of such income, abuse is presumed if he has sufficient funds to pay at least twenty-five percent of non priority unsecured debt over five years. There is a clause that allows rebuttal of the presumption of abuse if there are detailed documents proving special circumstances requiring additional expenses, or adjustment of current monthly total income.
IRS standards are used to calculate what debtors can claim as monthly living expenses, which would include food, clothing, personal care, and entertainment, depending on the debtor's family size. An increase up to five percent of that national standard can be allowed if it can be shown that it is reasonable and necessary. The new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws require the debtor must file a certificate of credit counseling and repayment plan within 180 days of filing. (This requirement is waived for debtors who are disabled, incapacitated, or on active duty in a military zone.) The debtor must also submit the following: (1) a statement demonstrating debtor has received and read Sec. 342(b) notice; (2) pay stubs for the previous 60 days; (3) a statement of projected income after discharge or dismissal of the case, or increases in expenditures; (4) itemized monthly net income; (5) his most recent IRS return; (6) provide tax returns each year of the proceeding; (7) an annual income/expense statement; (8) disclosure of qualified education savings accounts and tuition programs; and (9) if requested by trustee, a photo ID. (Whew!) And that isn't all. Debtors must perform their intent to surrender, reaffirm, or redeem debt secured by property of the estate within 30 days after the first date set for the meeting of creditors. There are some other provisions fitting particular circumstances, and the best source for that information would be a good attorney. In fact, having a good attorney may be the only way to completely avoid the pitfalls of inadvertent Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse.
Previous Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse has been addressed by several provisions, and they are: increased protection for secured debtors; prompt filing of schedules and other information; adjustments to ensure that creditors receive notice of filings; require plans to extend for five years for debtors with incomes over the statutory limit; and limit the shelter to real estate assets. Also the time between filing Chapters 7 and 13 has been expanded to eight years. Further, non dischargeable debts have been expanded. The Court has to trust that the debtor will comply with the requirements under the law, and the debtor trusts that he will be protected and his work will be appreciated. Scripture mentions trust in the Lord: "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." (Ruth 2:12)
Clearly, the new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws have made filing under that provision more difficult, and have given greater protection to creditors. For debtors who are in the position of really needing the protection of these provisions for getting out from under an excessive debt burden, this is probably not a total deterrent. Good attorneys will be able to evaluate an individual's position and explain the requirements thoroughly, so one can navigate the proverbial rough waters with some certainty. On the other side of the coin, Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse should certainly be substantially reduced.
http://www.christianet.com/bankruptcy/chapter13bankruptcylaws.htm
Apparently, it was abuse that spurred the passage of the new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws. Now, anyone considering filing under any of the various legal channels must attend an approved course that provides credit counseling, budget investigation, and financial analysis, and the course must be concluded within 180 days before filing his case with the Bankruptcy Court. There are no guidelines in the law for how much should be charged for tuition for this course, but there are free classes online, and some nonprofit organizations that are subsidized by major credit card companies are offering the course. For the attentive student, the course should give an improved vision of his or her financial status and goals, and the tools for avoiding getting into financial trouble again. This is significant, since the Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse lawmakers were particularly concerned about was repeated filings of petitions by an individual.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse under the new laws is probably not impossible, but very much less likely to happen. If there is a presumption of abuse by someone filing under Chapter 7 (which would wipe the slate clean), his case will automatically be changed to a 13 (requiring a plan of payment). The presumption of abuse depends upon the outcome of the means test now in place. Debtors who net more every month than their state's median income would be subject to a means test. If the debtor has at least $166.67 in current monthly income after the allowed deductions, abuse is presumed no matter the amount of the debtor's unsecured debt; or, if the debtor had at least $100 of such income, abuse is presumed if he has sufficient funds to pay at least twenty-five percent of non priority unsecured debt over five years. There is a clause that allows rebuttal of the presumption of abuse if there are detailed documents proving special circumstances requiring additional expenses, or adjustment of current monthly total income.
IRS standards are used to calculate what debtors can claim as monthly living expenses, which would include food, clothing, personal care, and entertainment, depending on the debtor's family size. An increase up to five percent of that national standard can be allowed if it can be shown that it is reasonable and necessary. The new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws require the debtor must file a certificate of credit counseling and repayment plan within 180 days of filing. (This requirement is waived for debtors who are disabled, incapacitated, or on active duty in a military zone.) The debtor must also submit the following: (1) a statement demonstrating debtor has received and read Sec. 342(b) notice; (2) pay stubs for the previous 60 days; (3) a statement of projected income after discharge or dismissal of the case, or increases in expenditures; (4) itemized monthly net income; (5) his most recent IRS return; (6) provide tax returns each year of the proceeding; (7) an annual income/expense statement; (8) disclosure of qualified education savings accounts and tuition programs; and (9) if requested by trustee, a photo ID. (Whew!) And that isn't all. Debtors must perform their intent to surrender, reaffirm, or redeem debt secured by property of the estate within 30 days after the first date set for the meeting of creditors. There are some other provisions fitting particular circumstances, and the best source for that information would be a good attorney. In fact, having a good attorney may be the only way to completely avoid the pitfalls of inadvertent Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse.
Previous Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse has been addressed by several provisions, and they are: increased protection for secured debtors; prompt filing of schedules and other information; adjustments to ensure that creditors receive notice of filings; require plans to extend for five years for debtors with incomes over the statutory limit; and limit the shelter to real estate assets. Also the time between filing Chapters 7 and 13 has been expanded to eight years. Further, non dischargeable debts have been expanded. The Court has to trust that the debtor will comply with the requirements under the law, and the debtor trusts that he will be protected and his work will be appreciated. Scripture mentions trust in the Lord: "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." (Ruth 2:12)
Clearly, the new Chapter 13 bankruptcy laws have made filing under that provision more difficult, and have given greater protection to creditors. For debtors who are in the position of really needing the protection of these provisions for getting out from under an excessive debt burden, this is probably not a total deterrent. Good attorneys will be able to evaluate an individual's position and explain the requirements thoroughly, so one can navigate the proverbial rough waters with some certainty. On the other side of the coin, Chapter 13 bankruptcy abuse should certainly be substantially reduced.
http://www.christianet.com/bankruptcy/chapter13bankruptcylaws.htm
Chapter 13 Attorney
A chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney is the person to call for professional assistance in deciding to go bankrupt and how the whole process works. The attorney will work with clients so that filing will help them rehabilitate their credit through the restrictions and limitations of the court. When filing, debtors pay off some debts, but it is on much better terms, i.e., lower or no interest. Also, clients don't have to sell assets under a Chapter 13 if they are working and can make payments. The United States Code allows up to five years to pay off creditors, and the process is completely supervised by the court. The chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney will make sure the debtor's interests are protected.
"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever" (Psalm 37:29). Despite the fact that our earthly possessions mean little in the long run, the debtor is allowed to keep all of his property under Chapter 13. Currently, a bankruptcy lawyer will take into account the debtor's regular monthly payments such as house and car notes, and utilities when deciding what the monthly payments will be. After the attorney has worked out a plan with the court, the client begins making payments 30 to 45 days after the case begins. Payments are made to the trustee who has been appointed by the court, and he disburses the funds to the creditors. The creditors are required by law to strictly follow the terms of the repayment plan. They can no longer look to the debtor directly for payment. After the payment plan is filed, there will be a confirmation hearing before a judge. Clients may appear at the hearing, and if they have a problem with the plan, objections are permitted. The judge will hear both sides before confirming the plan. Once the plan is confirmed, payments can begin.
The ability to make the monthly payments is a necessary part of a Chapter 13, so the client must be gainfully employed, or at least have prospects of future income. Those who need to file because of job loss and trouble finding employment may have to file under Chapter 7, or find some other way out of indebtedness, such as consolidation or an equity loan. When consulting a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney, he will lay out the options and will know his client's ability to obtain new loans or credit without the court's permission. The debtor's bank may be one of those which offers "secured" credit cards, those with a certain amount of money put on it by the cardholder. Two years after going bankrupt, clients will once again be eligible for mortgage loans on the same terms as someone who never filed for bankruptcy with a bankruptcy lawyer.
When the new rules for filing are in place, the plan will be based on total income, without the payments mentioned above being a consideration. This is going to make it harder to file unless the debtor's income is below the local poverty level. It may require the client to sell their house and car, and move to a less expensive neighborhood in order to meet the debt payback requirements. Consultation with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney will provide the details about filing before the new rules go into effect, and what to expect if debtors wait.
Any bankruptcy lawyer will say that any of the chapters should be a last resort, because it is there to allow debtors to get out from under and make a fresh start. Although the record of going bankrupt stays on a credit report for ten years, it won't be that long before filers can get credit again. The more time that passes afterward, the better the chances for obtaining credit. It is expected that after filing, filers will be more careful with managing debt in the future. However, should filers find difficulty again, they are allowed to file for protection again in six years.
There are some important facts a good bankruptcy lawyer will point out concerning the process: Clients get legal protection from creditors; most of debt can be eliminated; financial ruin can be stopped, enabling a fresh start. The counselor will also say that debtors will still have some debt to pay, will have to go to court, and the disadvantages to not filing. Filers can find a local law firm either on the Internet or in the local telephone book. Asking around if friends and family can recommend one is also a good idea. Most options are reputable, but debtors need to be sure that the counselor is licensed and has a solid reputation. Before taking any action toward bankruptcy, filers should consult with a good Chapter 13 law office to determine if this is the best action for the particular situation.
http://www.christianet.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcylawyer.htm
"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever" (Psalm 37:29). Despite the fact that our earthly possessions mean little in the long run, the debtor is allowed to keep all of his property under Chapter 13. Currently, a bankruptcy lawyer will take into account the debtor's regular monthly payments such as house and car notes, and utilities when deciding what the monthly payments will be. After the attorney has worked out a plan with the court, the client begins making payments 30 to 45 days after the case begins. Payments are made to the trustee who has been appointed by the court, and he disburses the funds to the creditors. The creditors are required by law to strictly follow the terms of the repayment plan. They can no longer look to the debtor directly for payment. After the payment plan is filed, there will be a confirmation hearing before a judge. Clients may appear at the hearing, and if they have a problem with the plan, objections are permitted. The judge will hear both sides before confirming the plan. Once the plan is confirmed, payments can begin.
The ability to make the monthly payments is a necessary part of a Chapter 13, so the client must be gainfully employed, or at least have prospects of future income. Those who need to file because of job loss and trouble finding employment may have to file under Chapter 7, or find some other way out of indebtedness, such as consolidation or an equity loan. When consulting a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney, he will lay out the options and will know his client's ability to obtain new loans or credit without the court's permission. The debtor's bank may be one of those which offers "secured" credit cards, those with a certain amount of money put on it by the cardholder. Two years after going bankrupt, clients will once again be eligible for mortgage loans on the same terms as someone who never filed for bankruptcy with a bankruptcy lawyer.
When the new rules for filing are in place, the plan will be based on total income, without the payments mentioned above being a consideration. This is going to make it harder to file unless the debtor's income is below the local poverty level. It may require the client to sell their house and car, and move to a less expensive neighborhood in order to meet the debt payback requirements. Consultation with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney will provide the details about filing before the new rules go into effect, and what to expect if debtors wait.
Any bankruptcy lawyer will say that any of the chapters should be a last resort, because it is there to allow debtors to get out from under and make a fresh start. Although the record of going bankrupt stays on a credit report for ten years, it won't be that long before filers can get credit again. The more time that passes afterward, the better the chances for obtaining credit. It is expected that after filing, filers will be more careful with managing debt in the future. However, should filers find difficulty again, they are allowed to file for protection again in six years.
There are some important facts a good bankruptcy lawyer will point out concerning the process: Clients get legal protection from creditors; most of debt can be eliminated; financial ruin can be stopped, enabling a fresh start. The counselor will also say that debtors will still have some debt to pay, will have to go to court, and the disadvantages to not filing. Filers can find a local law firm either on the Internet or in the local telephone book. Asking around if friends and family can recommend one is also a good idea. Most options are reputable, but debtors need to be sure that the counselor is licensed and has a solid reputation. Before taking any action toward bankruptcy, filers should consult with a good Chapter 13 law office to determine if this is the best action for the particular situation.
http://www.christianet.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcylawyer.htm
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