If you owe an outstanding debt, one way that the lender may try to collect is through wage garnishment. This is a legal process and therefore has to be properly ordered by the court -- a lender cannot just contact your employer on their own -- but it means you have...
Chattanooga Bankruptcy Law Blog
New rule bolsters debt collectors’ ability to contact you
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was created to protect consumers after the 2008 financial crisis. However, the agency has approved a rule allowing debt collectors new avenues to contact you over past-due balances. Under the ruling, collection agencies...
A few ways to negotiate down your medical debt
We have discussed medical debt in our legal blog many times. We have even talked about the possibility of negotiating such debt to make it more manageable. In this post, our bankruptcy lawyers want to tell you how to begin the seemingly impossible task of getting your...
Can you protect your home during Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Like many people who need to file bankruptcy, you may not have the means to satisfy your debts through a Chapter 13 repayment plan. You will likely fear the prospect of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, though, since it could cause you to lose your home. Keeping it after...
Considering bankruptcy and engaged to be married? Which should you do first?
If you’re planning to get married in the near future, it’s always best for you and your spouse-to-be to talk with each other honestly about your finances. This includes not just your current financial situation, but your attitudes towards spending vs. savings and your...
Don’t let fear of bankruptcy stop you from getting out of debt
Millions of Americans file for bankruptcy every year. Then there are millions more who could benefit from filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy but don't. People who put off or avoid bankruptcy have many reasons for their actions. Fear is one of the biggest....
Can you stop the cash advance cycle?
Having to wait until payday to get the things you need isn’t always easy. For some, the need to get money fast leads them to seek out a payday loan or cash advance. With very few exceptions, people who take out one of these will get caught in a vicious cycle. Every...
The pros and cons of filing for bankruptcy
There’s a great deal of misinformation surrounding the bankruptcy process – perhaps the most damaging being that it leads to financial ruin. The truth is, like most major life decisions, bankruptcy comes with both pros and cons for those who file. If you’re facing...
These things could lead you toward Chapter 7 bankruptcy
As you realize you’re in financial trouble, there’s a lot to think about. But the one thing you never want to do is panic. You must keep your cool, review your situation in great detail and devise a plan that you can carry out in an efficient and effective manner....
Tips for credit card spending
Thousands of hardworking Americans face financial pressure every day of their adult lives. Their precarious monetary balance can be upset by significant life events such as job loss, demotion, divorce, home repairs or medical emergencies. Unfortunately, unexpected...