Bankruptcy and NFL Draft

This Thursday, April 30, 2015 is the NFL Draft. There, college players who lack any experience but have the world of potential will receive millions of dollars to play the game they love. It sounds great, but, a recent article in the April 15, 2015 edition of the Washington Post suggests otherwise. The article states […]

Modification of a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan

A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy repayment plan lasts between 36 and 60 months. During that period of time there are many events that may happen which may diminish or enhance one’s ability to repay their creditors under a Confirmed Chapter 13 repayment plan. Change in circumstances that are cause for a modification of a confirmed bankruptcy […]

Home Purchasing Financial Guidelines

One of the best investments one can make is in their own home. However, for the home to be enjoyable it must be affordable. There is not a single all encompassing test which will determine whether a home is affordable, however, below are some general guidelines to determine affordability prior to purchasing real estate. Guideline […]

Bankruptcy, the Earlier the Better

It is generally agreed that the earlier one makes the decision to file for bankruptcy, generally the better and the quicker their financial recovery process starts. Likewise, filing for bankruptcy sooner in the calendar year may prove to be more advantageous as well. According to American Research Group, Inc., the average family spends $854 in […]

Restoration of Driver’s Privileges and Bankruptcy

The filing of a Petition in Bankruptcy may be of assistance in restoration of a suspended driver’s license in Pennsylvania. First of all it must be determined why the Petitioner in Bankruptcy has his or her driver’s license suspended in the first place in that bankruptcy filings are often most helpful when the underlying license […]

What to expect at a Bankruptcy Hearing

Whether filing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, the Petitioner(s) must attend a 341 Meeting of Creditors. Although named the Meeting of Creditors by Statute, it is extremely rare for a creditor to appear at the 341 Meeting. In the event a Creditor does appear, it is usually because they have additional […]

Bankruptcy and Student Loans, a Brief Overview

The recognized current standard for including student loans in a bankruptcy discharge is broadly defined as a clear showing that the payment of the student loan debt will impose an undue hardship on the Debtor and his or her dependents. To meet this standard the Bankruptcy Courts have implemented the Brunner test. The Brunner test […]

Can I Purchase a Home after filing Bankruptcy?

Can I Purchase a Home after filing Bankruptcy? The answer to this question, is the too frequent legal answer, “It Depends.” Credit scores a/k/a FICO scores and interest rates are in an inverse relationship, meaning, the higher the credit score, the lower the interest rate. Our credit scores are the lead factor in determining the […]

Payday Loans making a comeback in Pennsylvania?

In March, 2010 I posted a blog about the high cost of payday loans, as high as a 426% interest rate. Payday loans are not the first choice of a consumer looking for a short term loan, and are generally sought in the most dire of financial positions. Pay day loans are often used by […]

Pennsylvania Mortgage Foreclosure Process and Legal Strategies for Homeowners

PENNSYLVANIA MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE PROCESS 1. Notice of Intent to Foreclose The first step in the Pennsylvania residential mortgage foreclosure process in Pennsylvania is for the mortgagor/lender to give the mortgagee/borrower a 30 day notice of intention to foreclose. Under Act 6 of 1974, 41 P.S. Section 403, during this 30 day period the lender must […]

Steps Prior to Filing for Bankruptcy

Filing bankruptcy is not something people want to do, rather something they have to do for various different reasons. When a person or married couple makes the decision to file for bankruptcy there are a few guidelines they should follow to make the bankruptcy procedure as easy and quick as possible. 1. Consult with an […]

Unsecured Debts in Chapter 13 Plans

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filers generally have to pay a regular monthly payment to the Chapter 13 Trustee. The subject monthly payment is determined by the amount necessary to cure mortgage arrears over a period of up to 5 years or disposable monthly income, in the event any exists. The Bankruptcy Code strictly regulates for the […]

Stripping Unsecured Junior Liens

On or about January 17, 2012, Sadek Law Office filed an adversary proceeding against a major mortgage servicer for among other things, stripping a wholly unsecured junior mortgage lien. The subject real property at issue was valued less than the first mortgage amount of $180,000.00 thereby deeming the second mortgage lien as “wholly unsecured.” Through […]