Bankruptcy Bias for Blacks
A recent NY Times article discusses a recent study of racial differences in bankruptcy filings that shows a bankruptcy bias for blacks:
The study of racial differences in bankruptcy filings was written by Robert M. Lawless, a bankruptcy expert and law professor, and Dov Cohen, a psychology professor, both with the University of Illinois; and Jean Braucher, a law professor at the University of Arizona.
A survey conducted as part of their research found that bankruptcy lawyers were much more likely to steer black debtors into a Chapter 13 than white filers even when they had identical financial situations. The lawyers, the survey found, were also more likely to view blacks as having “good values” when they expressed a preference for Chapter 13.
This is news to me! As a NY Bankruptcy Attorney this has not been my experience, but I did find the article interesting and look forward to reviewing the study. I can assure you that bankruptcy can be a very difficult area of law (even for attorneys). There are many factors that need to be considered when deciding which bankruptcy chapter is best for you. No one should be steered into any chapter of bankruptcy! Make sure your bankruptcy attorney is a member of NACBA (National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys). Also consult with several attorneys if possible (most offer a free consultation). We have no problem providing a free consultation to answer your general questions. We also have answers to frequently asked bankruptcy questions right here on this site.
New York Bankruptcy Attorneys
As always, the Law Firm of VAUGHN, WEBER & PRAKOPE, PLLC is here to assist you. We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island, at 393 Jericho Tpke., #208, in Mineola, NY. Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to arrange a FREE consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.
Don’t file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy unless you have 500k in debt!
That’s pretty much what a radio show host recently said. We can’t see how this is good advice. There is no minimum amount of debt that one must have in order to file bankruptcy! Even more disturbing was the fact that the host appeared to be offering some sort of debt settlement guide or program they created.
First, Debt settlement can work, but you need money to settle! You have to be able to make a lump sum or monthly payments.
Secondly, we have had clients with very little debt file bankruptcy. Many individuals file bankruptcy to prevent home foreclosure, head off an impending lawsuit, discharge a judgment obtained against them etc.
Finally, Bankruptcy is not for everyone. We suggest that you speak with an attorney about bankruptcy and debt settlement before making a final decision.
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 393 Jericho Tpke., #208, in Mineola, NY. Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to arrange a FREE consultation with a bankruptcy and debt settlement attorney.
How long will my chapter 7 bankruptcy case take to close?
Well, most of our chapter 7 bankruptcy cases take roughly 3 months from case filing until discharge/case closure (Note: Discharge and case closure are not the same thing).
Additionally, when your attorney files his or her chapter 7 bankruptcy cases could add to the length of time you are waiting for your bankruptcy case to close. Some attorneys “batch file” their chapter 7 cases. They hold their chapter 7 cases and file them together on a particular day (i.e. the end of the month). We file our bankruptcy cases as they are ready to be filed. As always, we hope that you found this information helpful.
The Law Firm of Vaughn & Weber, PLLC, proudly assists residents of Long Island (Nassau county, Suffolk county) and New York City (Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island) with their bankruptcy filings. Call (516) 858-2620 to arrange a FREE consultation with a bankruptcy attorney!
We are often asked, “should I short sale my property if I already filed bankruptcy?”
Maybe.
There may be several reasons to proceed with either a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure or a short sale of your home after your bankruptcy discharge is granted and your bankruptcy case is closed:
- To avoid paying Homeowner’s insurance.
- To avoid being liable for any injuries sustained on the property.
- To avoid liability for HOA dues.
- To avoid liability for failure to maintain the property.
The above reasons may cause you to lean towards a short sale or deed-in-lieu of your property. However, it would be wise to consult with an attorney before making a final decision.
We proudly assist residents of Long Island: Nassau county, Suffolk county, New York City: Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan. Call (516) 858-2620 to arrange a FREE consultation with a bankruptcy attorney!
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