2010 June Archive

New Jersey Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is referred to as debt reorganization. A chapter 13 debtor must create a plan, which requires monthly payments to a trustee over a period of 36 to 60 months. The amount of the monthly payment and the creditors that must receive funds are based on a number of criteria, including: income, expenses, assets, liabilities, etc. The plan must include how each creditor is to be treated or paid. A chapter 13 will save an individuals’ house from foreclosure. If a debtor is involved with a mortgage foreclosure action, the bankruptcy laws require the debtor to pay the pre-filing mortgage arrears to the trustee through the plan payments. In addition to the trustee payments, the debtor is required to make their regular monthly mortgage payments.

It is important to note that although the Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan in New Jersey must specify how each creditor is to be treated (paid), the debtor may not be required to make payments to certain creditors, such as unsecured creditors, (i.e. credit cards). Unlike unsecured debt, the debtor must pay priority debt, through the bankruptcy plan. Priority debt can be an income liability or child support arrears. The bankruptcy trustee monitors the debtors’ monthly payments to ensure that payments are made, each month, on a timely basis.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy process in New Jersey is very flexible. The debtor is permitted to sell their house and modify their mortgage loan through the plan. Also, an individual is permitted to surrender their automobile and possibly discharge the loan balance. Furthermore, the debtor may request to modify their bankruptcy plan for any legal reason, that is approved by the trustee, who is administering the case.

To access more helpful information regarding whether filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in New Jersey is the best solution for you, please call New Jersey Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney Robert Manchel at 866-503-5655 or visit http://www.bankruptcylawyer-nj.com.

Many people who are contemplating filing for bankruptcy relief, under the New Jersey bankruptcy laws, are concerned about whether they are able to keep their vehicles. Although individual’s situations vary, there are a few common requirements that are necessary for an individual to avoid auto repossession, in connection with a New Jersey Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

First and foremost, when filing for bankruptcy, the debtor must disclose on the petition all financial information, including assets and their values, liabilities, list of creditors, present and past income and expenses. The debtor may not pick and chose which creditors he wishes to include. The petition must reflect the estimated fair market value of the automobile. The New Jersey Bankruptcy Court accepts the NADA Guide auto values. However, an expert auto appraisal may provide an appraisal or testimony regarding an autos value.

Under Chapter 7, if your automobile is financed, the auto value may not be considerably greater than the loan payoff. The debtors’ bankruptcy attorney and the appointed interim trustee will perform an analysis to determine if the auto’s value is in excess of the allowable amount. Also, typically, but not always, the debtor must be current with the finance payments. Also, typically, but not always, the monthly auto finance payments after the filing must not result in an “undue hardship”, as determined by the court. The debtor may return the vehicle and eliminate the debt.

In a chapter 7 bankruptcy in New Jersey, it is easier to keep a leased vehicle as compared to a financed vehicle. The main reason for the difference is that a financed vehicle is owned, while the leased vehicle is not owned. The value of the leased vehicle is irrelevant. Typically, the only criterion is that the debtor is current with the payments. The debtor may return the auto and eliminate the lease debt.

The only criterion determining, whether a debtor may keep their vehicle, with no financing or lien, is based on the excessive value basis that is explained above, in connection with the financed vehicle.

While most debtors in New Jersey are usually able to keep their vehicle, it is worth the time and effort to get in touch with an experienced Salem County New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer. At the Law Offices of Robert Manchel, our legal team will inform you as to how bankruptcy can help you in relation to your personal needs and finances. Please call Robert Manchel today at 866-503-5655 for more information.

While many Americans may believe that professional athletes and celebrities are immune to financial and personal problems, this is not the case. Just like any other citizen, these individuals may be facing a mortgage foreclosure action or financial difficulties, which may be resolved by a personal bankruptcy.

An article in The Wall Street Journal discusses the details surrounding former National Basketball Association star Antoine Walker’s recent bankruptcy filing. Based on the article, the former NBA player owes casinos $1.27 million and owes creditors $12.7 million, while only possessing $4.3 million in assets. Mr. Walker filed for Chapter 7 protection in Miami at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in which he will liquidate his assets to repay creditors.

While filing for bankruptcy or facing foreclosure is not something that most people anticipate they will ever experience, it is important to become as familiar as possible with the ins and outs of these processes.

The laws and guidelines surrounding bankruptcy and foreclosure resolution may vary on a statewide level. For instance, in New Jersey, if an individual who qualifies to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, may be able to retain all of their assets, while simultaneously eliminating the burden of debt. This may sound simple, but the truth is that this process is complex. Fortunately, New Jersey Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyers are available to guide and advise those hoping to get a fresh financial start, which includes the elimination of: credit card debt; harassing telephone calls; collection letters; filing of liens; wage garnishments; and, much more.

For additional information regarding whether or not you qualify to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New Jersey, please contact skilled Ocean County bankruptcy attorney Robert Manchel. Mr. Manchel has successfully assisted numerous individuals through the bankruptcy process. Mr. Manchel will help you determine the best course of action, based on your particular financial situation, assets, disposable income etc. Call 866-503-5655 today or visit http://www.bankruptcylawyer-nj.com/ to learn more about your bankruptcy filing options.