Many of my clients who own a condominium, or live in a neighborhood that is subject to homeowners association dues, are surprised to learn that after they file bankruptcy they still have an obligation to pay the monthly condominium or homeowners association (“HOA”)...
There is some great news for those considering bankruptcy and those who have already filed. In a recent letter communicating the changes, Commissioner Carol Galante announced a new policy of the FHA (Fair Housing Administration) regarding when a prospective home buyer...
After your bankruptcy has been discharged and you have received your much-needed fresh start, you may ask yourself, “Where do I go from here?” There are a number of great possibilities for your financial future, as long as you stay disciplined. However, there are also...
When a debtor files for bankruptcy, he or she may want to surrender certain property that is subject to a lien back to the lender. For example, the debtor may want to surrender a car that is only worth $2,000 but has a lien of $10,000 back to the car lender. Another...
If your wages are currently being garnished as a result of a judgment against you, or you believe that your wages may be garnished in the near future as a result of a pending lawsuit, you need to take action immediately. Laura Margulies & Associates, LLC has...
Last year, the United States Trustee’s Office in New York uncovered a scam that cost Chapter 13 debtors approximately $179 million in excessive fees from their mortgage lenders. It involves “double dipping” of escrow payments. Double dipping is when the mortgage...
The Supreme Court just struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in the case of United States v. Windsor. The end of DOMA marks a turning point in how the United States government treats the relationships of married same-sex couples for federal programs...
A Maryland woman, Diana J. Stout. was sentenced to 27 months in jail followed by three years supervised release for making false statements and concealing assets in her Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. She was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $155,747. Ms....
The attorneys at Laura Margulies & Associates, LLC have successfully represented many Federal employees and contractors in bankruptcy cases due to our location in the Washington, D.C. area. Most Federal employees or contractors who hold current security clearances...
This articles discusses what debtors can expect at the meeting of creditors. First, the court will set the date, time and location for the Section 341 Meeting of Creditors after the debtor’s bankruptcy case is filed. It will be scheduled to occur at least 21 days...