Massachusetts residents who face large debts may consider Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This process can erase many unsecured debts, but income affects who can qualify. Federal law uses a means test to review income and certain expenses. There is no single income limit that...
Bankruptcy
How bankruptcy affects your ability to rent an apartment?
Finding an apartment after bankruptcy can feel difficult. A bankruptcy filing can affect your credit history for years. Landlords may review your credit report, rental history and income before approving your application. However, bankruptcy does not always prevent...
3 facts about Chapter 13 repayment plans
Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to keep personal items while you pay back debt through an affordable payment plan. Federal court rules let you protect property if you stay current on monthly plan payments and pay back required balances on secured loans. Payments can...
What happens to your tax refund in Chapter 7?
Few things feel as satisfying as a tax refund landing in your account, especially when money is tight. If you are preparing to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, however, that refund raises an important question: is it still yours to keep? The answer depends on your...
Should you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Are you in debt? Is your debt caused by medical bills, late fees or maxed credit cards? Is your debt causing financial strain? You may need to consider filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a process that can help you remove large amounts of debt within a few months or...
What happens at a bankruptcy 341 meeting in Massachusetts?
Filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy can raise many questions about what happens next. One important step is the meeting of creditors, commonly called the 341 review. The name may sound formal, but this meeting is not a courtroom trial. In most consumer...
What are the pros and cons of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Facing a mountain of debt can make you feel trapped and uncertain about your financial future. In Massachusetts, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a common path for individuals who need a fresh start by liquidating assets to pay off creditors. While this process can wipe the...
Which debts can Chapter 13 help you repay?
If you struggle with overwhelming debt, Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a structured way to regain control of your finances. This process allows you to reorganize what you owe into a repayment plan approved by the court that usually lasts three to five years During that...
What happens after a job loss during Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a multi-year process. After the filer submits initial paperwork to the courts, they must negotiate terms for a court-approved repayment plan. They must then make between 36 and 60 monthly payments over the course of three to five years to...
Can you file for bankruptcy multiple times?
Bankruptcy can be a way to create a fresh financial start. Exactly how this works depends on the type of bankruptcy you file for. Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires the liquidation of non-exempt assets to pay back a portion of the debt, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy...
