DEBTOR'S RIGHTS RESOURCE PAGE

DEBT COLLECTION, BANKRUPTCY, CREDIT AGENCIES, ETC.

A Bankruptcy Primer

Bankruptcy affords you the chance to get rid of creditors and old debts and get a start fresh.

A Debt Collector's Obligations

Debt collectors owe you information, communication and courtesy.

Alimony Maintenance and Child Support

Bankruptcy won't discharge alimony, child support obligations.

Alternatives To Bankruptcy: Debt Consolidation Loans

Avoid bankruptcy by bundling loans into one large one.

American Judicial System: Bankruptcy

Federal courts alone handle bankruptcy matters.

Anticipating Bankruptcy Problems - Questions and Answers

Quick answers to your questions about bankruptcy problems.

Appointment of a Receiver

Court-appointed receiver oversees disposition of assets.

Assignment For the Benefit of Creditors

Debtor's property is assigned to a trustee for liquidation.

Avoiding ECOA Liability

Make sure your business plays by the rules.

Avoiding Internet Investment Scams

If it sounds too good to be true it probably is

Bankruptcy

The federal Bankruptcy Judges Division can answer all your questions.

Bankruptcy - Questions and Answers

Answers to clear up your questions about bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Alternatives: Compositions

State alternatives let you to pay less than you owe.

Bankruptcy From the Creditor's Perspective - Questions and Answers

What creditors should know about the bankruptcy process.

Bankruptcy Reform Unlikely from 'Lame Duck' Congress

Chapter 7 rules are major hurdle.

Bankruptcy System - Questions and Answers

Easy answers to questions about the bankruptcy courts.

Bankruptcy and Your Credit Rating

Bankruptcy offers you a fresh start on your credit problems.

Bankruptcy and its Alternatives

Even when bankruptcy looms, you still have options.

Bankruptcy for Individuals

If you're drowning in debt, bankruptcy can be a lifesaver.

Bankruptcy: An Overview

What you should know before deciding to file.

Bankruptcy: Protecting Your House

You want to show the lowest possible amount of equity in your home to fall under your state's exemption limit

Bankruptcy: Protecting Your Personal Property

Property not exempted is property lost.

Basic Truth in Lending Disclosure Requirements

Truth In Lending Act details lender disclosures.

Chapter 11 Reorganization

Chapter 11 is usually the choice of corporations.

Chapter 13 Adjustments of Debts of an Individual with a Regular Income

If you have a regular salary, Chapter 13 may work for you.

Chapter 13 Made Easy

At least half of all Chapter 13 debtors find it too difficult to finish paying their plan.

Chapter 7 Liquidations

Is Chapter 7 the right one for you?

Chapter 7 Questions and Answers

What happens to your debts under Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Cleaning Up Your Credit Report

You can challenge incorrect information on your credit report and ask the credit reporting bureaus to correct it.

Co-signers

When you co-sign, you pay if the primary borrower doesn't.

Commencing Your Bankruptcy - Questions and Answers

How to start the bankruptcy process.

Commencing the Case

After bankruptcy is filed, your financial situation will be a lot easier.

Common Questions and Answers About Debt and Bankruptcy

Confirming Your Mortgage Loan Balance is a Yearly Task

A few simple calculations let you monitor your lender's math.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCC)

Get help in paying off your debts from the CCC.

Consumer Credit Protection

Federal legislation offers many forms of protection.

Conversions

You can move between chapters under certain circumstances.

Correcting Other Abuses

Government regulations are aimed at curbing credit abuses.

Credit Card Billing Errors

Mistakes happen, but federal law helps correct them.

Credit Problems of Fraud Victims

How fraud victims can restore their credit rating.

Credit and Your Consumer Rights

Protect your credit rating by knowing your rights.

Creditors' Meetings

Your creditors' meeting sets the tone for the proceeding.

Cutting Spending

Tightening the belt is a good way to avoid credit problems.

Dealing With Bill Collectors

The law protects you from threats and harassment.

Dealing With Collection Agencies

Know your rights when you come up against a collection agency.

Dealing with Creditors and Collection Agencies

There are ways to get creditors and collection agencies to stop harassing you.

Dealing with the IRS

Bankruptcy does not keep the taxman away.

Debit Cards  What Savvy Consumers Need to Know

They're easy and convenient but don't mistake them for ATM cards.

Debtor's Rights

A debt collection agency can't harass you just because you've missed a few credit payments.

Debtor's Rights After Bankruptcy

What to do if creditors still hound you.

Denial of a Discharge

Don't give the court cause to deny your discharge request.

Disadvantages To Informal Arrangements

Informal solutions to debt problems often are difficult to enforce.

Disadvantages to Bankruptcy

The downside to filing for bankruptcy.

Discharge of Debtor's Rights in Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy might not discharge all your debts.

Discharge of Debts

How the court disposes of debts and property.

Discharge of Debts and Creditors's Objections

If creditors object, you might still have to pay.

Discrimination After The Discharge

In a few cases, events that require action occur after the debtor has received his discharge.

Do You Have the Right Type of Debts?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy might make their life easier.

Do You Need a Lawyer For Bankruptcy?

A good lawyer can save you plenty in the long run.

Don't Transfer Your Assets to Hide Them

While shielding your assets may be appropriate at times, it is best to find out how to do this within the law.

Employment Rights After Discharge in Bankruptcy

Your employer can't fire you for going bankrupt.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act

The ECOA prohibits discrimination in granting credit.

Establishing Credit

You need to create a credit record to get a loan.

Everything Will Be All Right

Choosing a path of retribution or forgiveness.

Exempt Property

Your creditors can't touch your exempt property.

Exemption Planning

Make sure that your property falls under the applicable exemptions.

Expanding Access for Minority Groups

Federal laws prohibit denying credit for racial reasons.

FTC Stops Credit Bureau From Selling Information to Marketers

Consumer privacy protected as FTC curtails Trans Union sales.

FTC Takes Action Against Fraudulent Credit Repair Services

Promises of 'new credit identity' violated federal laws.

Fair Credit Billing: Who to Contact

If your credit card company has billed you incorrectly, you can get help.

Fair Credit Reporting Act

What credit bureaus can do with the information they have about you.

Fair Credit Reporting Act

Credit bureaus must comply with these federal requirements.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Federal law governs collection agencies.

Family Farmer Bankruptcy

Chapter 12 protects the family farm.

Federal Exemption List

Federal law allows bankruptcy exemptions for these properties.

Federal Laws That Protect You

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act bars creditor abuse.

Filing Your Forms

Get your forms to all the right places.

Fiscal Fitness: Choosing a Credit Counselor

Use a counselor to put your affairs in order.

Getting Credit Again

It is not impossible to get credit after a bankruptcy.

Getting Help

You'll need some assistance in starting the bankruptcy process.

Getting a Loan Using Your Home as Security

You can use your home as collateral for personal loans.

Government Regulation of Consumer Credit

The government protects a number of your consumer rights.

Home Equity Credit Lines

Understand the risks before opening up a home equity credit line.

How Much Will You Have To Repay?

All plan payments must be made to get a discharge.

How The Case Proceeds

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy case should last only about four months.

How to Deal With Mortgage Payments When You Are in Financial Trouble

Cooperation with your lender, among other options, may prevent the loss of your home.

How to Dispute Your Credit Report

Check your credit report regularly  and correct the errors.

If Your Credit Card Is Lost or Stolen

Federal law limits the extent of cardholder liability.

Informal Workouts

Resolving problems through a workout with creditors.

Information You Will Need To Start Your Bankruptcy

Begin with details about your debts and your property.

Insolvency

How to assess your financial situation.

Involuntary Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy may not be a choice for some people and firms.

Is Bankruptcy Truly the Road You Want Your Business to Take?

There are alternate routes small businesses can venture into before exploring a bankruptcy filing.

Is Bankruptcy for You?

What to consider before choosing bankruptcy.

Judicial Liens

An order from the court can put your property on hold.

Landlords and Leases

Handling leases is tricky under bankruptcy.

Lawyers, Paralegals, and Legal Fees

If you can afford to hire an attorney, it is best to do so.

Liens and Lien Priorities

Lienholders must get in line to claim property.

Liquidation Under the Bankruptcy Code

Sell off assets to pay off your creditors.

Mechanic's Liens

Artisans and tradespeople use them on deadbeats.

Multiple Discharges of Debt

You might get only one bite at the bankruptcy apple.

Nondischargeable Debts

Nondischargeable debts include taxes, child support, and fines.

Options Besides Bankruptcy

Considering all your options before filing is always worthwhile.

Payment Problems

Preserve a good credit record  even when you can't pay.

Penalties for Violating the FDCPA

Punish miscreant collectors with damages claims and class action suits.

Pensions and IRAs

Not all pensions are protected during bankruptcy.

Personal Loans

It always pays to shop for a loan.

Preferential and Fraudulent Transfers

Creditors must share equally in the bankruptcy estate.

Privacy Rights In Credit Reporting

Credit bureaus have lots of information about you that they can sell to creditors, employers, and insurance companies.

Protections Credit Cards Give You

Credit cards are actually safer than cash.

Questions and Answers

Quick answers about alternatives to bankruptcy.

Rebuilding Your Credit

Make your bankruptcy a new beginning.

Receipt and Notification of a Discharge in Bankruptcy

Creditors are notified that your debt is discharged.

Reestablishing Your Credit - Questions and Answers

Easy answers to your questions about recovering from bankruptcy.

Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code

Your company can reorganize its debts under Chapter 11.

Repayment of Debt After Discharge in Bankruptcy

Even after a debt is discharged, you can still pay.

Repossessions and Foreclosures

Miss a payment, and the repo man might take your property.

Requirements to File Bankruptcy

What you need for voluntary bankruptcy.

Revocation of the Discharge in Bankruptcy

If the court revokes the discharge, you might still be liable.

Secured Creditors

Secured creditors can take specified property during bankruptcy.

Selecting a Credit Card

Visa/MC cards may look alike, but fine print discloses worlds of difference.

Senate Passes Bankruptcy Reform

Bill would make it harder for individuals to wipe away debts.

State Exemption Laws

States decide what property is exempt from bankruptcy.

Staying Out of Debt

After bankruptcy, stop making the same credit mistakes.

Staying Out of Debt

Keep a record of expenses.

Stolen Credit Identity

A guide to protecting personal information.

Student Loans

Bankruptcy doesn't discharge student loan debts.

Support Services to Address Credit Problems for Fraud Victims

Support services help victims cope with financial problems.

Taxes

You can avoid paying some forms of taxes through bankruptcy.

The Automatic Stay

A bankruptcy filing puts a freeze on debt collectors.

The Bankruptcy Estate

Your property will be put into an estate under Chapter 7.

The Bankruptcy Process For Creditors

Bankruptcy is designed to ensure the orderly payment of debts.

The Bankruptcy System

A quick guide to the bankruptcy court.

The Chapter 13 Process

You will have to repay at least some of your debts.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act

Credit bureaus must correct their mistakes.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Protect yourself from abuse by debt collectors.

The Family Home

State law often determines whether you keep the family home.

The Risks of Bankruptcy To Creditors

Many creditors find themselves at a disadvantage in bankruptcy.

The Trustee

The trustee distributes the property in the bankruptcy estate.

Truth In Lending Act

Lenders must accurately disclose the terms of their credit offers.

Understanding Credit Bureaus

What they do, and how to deal with them.

Unsolicited Mail, Telemarketing and Email: Where to Go To "Just Say No"

There are steps you can take to reduce the number of telemarketing calls and junk mail you receive.

What Areas Are Regulated

Federal laws govern in these areas.

What Can Go Wrong?

Most cases conclude without any significant problems.

What is Discharge in Bankruptcy?

Discharge might not eliminate all your debts.

When Does the Discharge In Bankruptcy Occur?

Your debts can be discharged at any time.

Which Type of Bankruptcy Filing is the Correct One?

Once you've decided that you need protection from your creditors, you've got to determine just how far you need to go.

Who Might Go Bankrupt?

Debtor's bankruptcy disrupts small businesses.

Cumulative Voting
Protecting minority shareholder interests

The Civil Rights Act of 1871
Law bans discrimination enacted under color of state law

State Will Statutes
State Differences in Last Will and Testament Checklist

Discrimination
Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability

Case Law Development: Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Finds Domestic Violence Police Response Case Admissible
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, in the case of Jess...

Eminent Domain in China: Private property rights law opens the door to capitalism
by Priya Prakash Royal'The revision of the property law delivers a...

California's Proposed Student Civil Rights Act Gives Broad Definition to "Religion"
On Tuesday, the California Senate Judiciary Committee approved by ...

Eminent Domain, Fifth Amendment Property Rights, and Government Retaliation
On June 25, 2007, the Supreme Court of the United States dec...

Civil Rights Leader Settles Discrimination Lawsuit
Atlanta, GA: Rep. John Lewis has spent a large part of his life fi...

Debtor's liability on trade secrets claim and fixing minimum amount of that iability, was neither "contingent" nor "unliquidated"
Background: Motion was filed to dismiss debtor's Chapter 12 case, on ground that at least 50% of debtor's noncontingent, liquidated debt did not arise out of farming operation, as required for debtor to qualify as "family farmer" eligible for Chapter 12 relief...

RI: Debtor's Prison
go to reinvestinjustice.org to learn more and see video testimony of people that have in debtor's prison in RI Skipped debt hearings put 2,500 in ACI Providence Journal, Tuesday, April 22, 2008 BY EDWARD FITZPATRICK PROVIDENCE ? Nearly 2,500 people...

A Debtor's World: An Interdisciplinary Academic Conference
On May 2-3, the University of Illinois College of Law and the American Bankruptcy Institute are sponsoring "A Debtor's World: An Interdisciplinary Academic on Debt...

Is Unmarried Roomate Included in Household Size?
Here's an interesting article I found concerning the amount of people counted in determining size of a debtor's household...

Rhode Island Passes Reform to End Debtor's Prisons
Rhode Island Passes Reform to End Debtor's Prisons August 13, 20008 With a $400 million dollar deficit in the budget this year, the state of Rhode Island was forced to confront the spiraling $186 million dollar prison budget...

11th Circuit: Party May Not Proceed In Forma Pauperis Where Appeal Is Frivolous
Ghee v. Retailers Nat. Bank, No. 07-14128, 2008 WL 816666 (11th Cir. March 27, 2008)...

Can a former employee use photographs of jobs completed whie working for me in marketing material for a new business?
There are several issues here

1. Sub contractor started up a compe...

My husband's Grandmother died intestate. She had one sole heir, my husband's Father. He and his wife kept paying taxes on the property.Then he also died intestate. Now, my Mother-in-law wants to sell this property. Accor
Based on my research, his wife would have a 1/3 interest in the property. The ot...

What rights does a father have when a woman waits 13 years to tell a man he is a father & he missed out on the growing up of that child?
Actually, he has as much right as she to request a paternity test, plus he can f...

My exwife got a judgement aganst me. years latter i remarried and bought a home i told my new wife that I was not sure about owning real property so soon . our realtor told us I could file a quick claim deed. i sign it t
A quick claim deed has "No warranties" to anything. Your real estate a...

I want to know if its legal for a healthcare provider to tell you something is going to be covered and when it isn't charge you; after you specifically said you couldn't afford it?
I'm not going to sugar coat anything. It's a sad world we live in toda...