Free Foreclosure, Loan Modification and Bankruptcy Assistance

On September 26, 2012, in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

Free Foreclosure, Loan Modification and Bankruptcy Assistance

The following article appeared in Today’s New York Newsday:

Nassau County homeowners at risk of losing their homes can get free housing and legal advice on Monday, Oct. 1.

The Nassau County Bar Association will hold its monthly foreclosure clinic from 3 to 6 p.m. at its headquarters at 15th and West streets in Mineola. Volunteer attorneys will offer one-on-one guidance about foreclosure, loan modification and bankruptcy. Federally certified housing counselors will also be available.

Residents who meet income guidelines can meet with Nassau-Suffolk Law Services, which provides reduced-fee legal services.

Attorneys who speak Spanish will be on site, and those fluent in other languages can be made available upon request.

Those attending should bring their mortgage documents to the clinic. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 516-747-4070.

The Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC  assists residents of  Nassau county, Suffolk county, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan with their bankruptcy filing, loan modification, and foreclosure defense. Call (516) 858-2620 for a FREE consultation!

Can you handle your own bankruptcy, divorce, eviction and/or foreclosure defense?

Sure!

Should you?

Depends.

We have been receiving more and more calls and visits from individuals whose do-it-yourself legal representation went awry.  These individuals have filed their own bankruptcy petition, started to defend their own foreclosure action, filed their own divorce petition or have tried to evict a tenant. We are usually asked if we can salvage their case by fixing the mistakes that were made. Sometimes we can, sometimes we can’t.

We are certainly not against people handling their own legal matters. We are all for people saving a buck in this economy. There are certainly situations where you can handle your own legal matter without any problems at all. However, you should be fully aware of the potential consequences you face should things not go so well.

Here are some of the potential consequences you face if you fail to properly follow procedure and/or the law when handling your own divorce, tenant eviction, bankruptcy filing, or foreclosure defense:

Eviction

  • Your case is dismissed (you have to start all over. You likely lose time and money)
  • Treble damages for an illegal eviction
  • Jail for an illegal eviction

Bankruptcy

  • Case dismissed for failing to follow law or procedure
  • Loss of non-exempt property
  • Denial of discharge
  • Adversary proceeding brought against (usually alleging  non-dischargeability of debt)
  • Jail for fraud

Foreclosure Defense

  • Your answer is treated as a notice of appearance
  • Loss of meritorious defenses
  • Loss of your home

Divorce

  • Dismissal of petition
  • Unnecessary delay
  • Loss of marital assets and spousal support

The above is not meant to dissuade you from doing any of the above on your own. It is simply meant to give you an idea of some potential consequences you might face. It might be a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable attorney before making a final decision on self-representation. You may find that the potential savings are not that great and that you could actually end up losing lots of money and time if things go wrong.

No matter what you decide to do, we wish you well.  All the best!

As always, The Law Firm of VAUGHN & WEBER, PLLC is here to assist you.  We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island, at 217 Willis Avenue in Mineola, NY.  Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to speak with an attorney.


Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy Case by Spouses

On May 4, 2010, in Bankruptcy, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

Husband and wife joint bankruptcy filing.

Yes, a husband and wife can file a joint bankruptcy case under chapter 7 or chapter 13.  When a joint bankruptcy case is filed, only one bankruptcy petition is filed and only one filing fee is paid to the court.  However, both husband and wife must complete the required pre-filing credit counseling course and the required post-filing financial management course. The more difficult question is whether or not spouses should file a joint bankruptcy case. A knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyer can assist you in making that decision.

As always, the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC is here to assist you.  Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to arrange a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.

Please visit our Bankruptcy category to learn more about filing chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. This website is Attorney Advertising. It does not form an attorney-client relationship. We are a debt relief agency and a law firm that helps people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code – Title 11. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Proudly assisting residents of Long Island, Nassau county, Suffolk county, New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan