Can You File Bankruptcy and Keep Your Car?

When you’re overwhelmed with debt and considering bankruptcy, you probably have a lot of financial questions. One of these may be, “Can you file bankruptcy and keep your car?” That’s a good question. Read on to find out the answer. Federal and state bankruptcy exemptions are designed to help you protect some property (like a car or house) when you are going through the bankruptcy process. In Indiana, most people can protect some assets through exemptions, depending on their level o [...]

Can I Keep My House if I File Bankruptcy?

If you own a home but are in severe financial trouble, you’re probably wondering, can I keep my house if I file bankruptcy? You might, depending on many issues. How much equity do you have in the home? Are you behind in mortgage payments? What chapter of the bankruptcy code will you use? Jerry E. Smith is a bankruptcy attorney who helps clients like you. He’s a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who works to get the best results for those behind in their debts. Our firm has been helping th [...]

How to find an affordable bankruptcy lawyer

Searching for an affordable bankruptcy lawyer online can feel like a daunting task when you have almost no money. It can even be embarrassing to call various law firms, find out about their services, and then ask about costs. Your heart sinks when you realize that the attorney fees are far beyond what you’re able to pay. You can have a different experience with attorney Jerry E. Smith. Providing you with hope, help and peace of mind is our goal. We know that this is a very stressful tim [...]

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

When debt becomes overwhelming and you’re considering your options about what to do next, bankruptcy may be a solution. But you could be asking yourself, “how long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?” It is true that bankruptcy will significantly impact and lower your credit score. How great the drop in your score could be depends on several factors. The important thing to keep in mind is that completing a bankruptcy gives you a fresh start, which means you can begin rebuilding [...]

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Indiana

The statute of limitations on debt in Indiana varies, depending on the kind of debt it is. For example, car loan debt has a 4-year statute of limitations, whereas state tax debt has a 10-year statute of limitations. Many other debts have a 6-year statute of limitations in Indiana. A “statute of limitations” refers to the amount of time a creditor has to file a lawsuit to collect an unpaid debt. Even though the statute of limitations on a debt has passed, you should still proceed cautio [...]

Indiana Bankruptcy Exemptions

State and federal bankruptcy exemptions are designed to help you protect some property when you are going through the bankruptcy process. In Indiana, most people can protect some assets through exemptions, depending on what they own, their level of income and which bankruptcy chapter they file under. Some individuals can exempt everything they own, while others may have to sell some assets to pay creditors. For the most part, you can exempt items you need to maintain a job and household.&nb [...]

How to Declare Bankruptcy on Credit Cards

Credit card debt can build up quickly until you feel overwhelmed and struggle to make even minimum monthly payments. Interest charges and late fees make the situation worse. Sometimes it’s important to pause and look at your other options. If you’re wondering how to declare bankruptcy on credit cards, there are some simple steps to follow, depending on your circumstances. The first thing you want to do is hire an affordable and skilled bankruptcy la [...]

How Do You Qualify for a Loan Modification?

If you’re having a hard time making mortgage payments, you may want to know, how do you qualify for a loan modification? A mortgage modification changes your repayment plan and lowers your monthly payments. You might be eligible if you show your lender your financial situation has changed and you can’t make payments. Is loan modification a good idea? Attorney and CPA Jerry E. Smith has found that loan modifications usually don’t prevent people from seeking bankruptcy protection. Gettin [...]

Can I File Bankruptcy Without My Spouse?

Indiana is a non-community-property state, which means that you can file bankruptcy without your spouse. You have the option of filing as an individual or as a couple, depending on which option works best for you. Here are some examples of non-community property:

  • Items you brought into the marriage that were purchased in your name only
  • Real estate, vehicles, etc. that you purchased without your spouse as co-owner
  • P [...]

Can You Go to Jail for Credit Card Debt?

“Can you go to jail for credit card debt?” is a common question among consumers struggling with overwhelming debt. The short answer is “no,” because “Debtor’s Prisons” were an archaic tool used by lenders in the 1700s and 1800s in the U.S. to punish poor people who didn’t pay their debts. Debtor’s prisons were eliminated in many U.S. states in the mid-1800s and are now non-existent. The U.S. government has outlawed imprisonment for failure to pay a debt. However, there is [...]

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