A discharge is a court order that says you do not have to repay your debts. A discharge can be denied if you, for example: destroy or conceal property; destroy, conceal or falsify records; or make a false oath. Creditors cannot ask you to pay a discharged debt.
[ more ]Resources
Introduction to Bankruptcy from U.S. Courts.gov
Web Video Part 1 Introduction to Bankruptcy Bankruptcy is a legal process that provides relief to many individuals who can no longer pay all of their debts. Running Time: (2:38)
[ more ]Types of Bankruptcy
Web Video Part 2 Types of Bankruptcy There are three main types of bankruptcy cases for individuals, the most common of which are chapter 7 and chapter 13. Running Time: (3:55)
[ more ]Where can I report a debt collector for an alleged violation?
Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your State Attorney General’s office and the Federal Trade Commission. Many states have their own debt collection laws, and your Attorney General’s office can help you determine your rights. You can file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the Consumer Response Center by phone:
[ more ]What can I do if I believe a debt collector violated the law?
You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, you may recover money for the damages you suffered plus an additional amount up to $1,000.00. Court costs and attorney’s fees can also be recovered. A group of
[ more ]What are debt collectors required to do?
They must contact you between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. They must disclose their identity and the company they work for when telephoning. If the creditor who owes the money has an attorney, the debt collector must talk only with the attorney. Debt collectors must notify the debtor of the amount of
[ more ]Limits of Bankruptcy
Web Video Part 3 Limits of Bankruptcy Some debts cannot be discharged in a bankruptcy. Running Time: (4:34)
[ more ]Filing for Bankruptcy
Web Video Part 4 Filing for Bankruptcy In order to file for bankruptcy, an individual must take a credit counseling course and accurately complete and file a number of documents. Running Time: (2:57)
[ more ]Creditors’ Meeting
Web Video Part 5 Creditors’ Meeting Every debtor is required to appear at a creditors’ meeting conducted by a trustee who asks the debtor questions about the debtor’s financial condition and gives creditors the opportunity to do the same. Running Time: (1:27)
[ more ]Bankruptcy Crime
Web Video Part 6 Bankruptcy Crime A debtor must be honest and accurate in dealing with the court or face serious consequences, including being charged with a bankruptcy crime. Running Time: (3:12)
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Recent Posts
Attorney Megan Quillen Earns Certification as Consumer Bankruptcy Law Specialist
The law office of Harlan and Quillen is proud to announce that attorney Megan Quillen has been named board certified by the American Board of Certification (ABC) as a Consumer Bankruptcy Law Specialist. “Achieving board certification as a Consumer Bankruptcy Law Specialist is a proud moment in my legal career,” says Quillen. “I am honored
H&Q Paralegal Receives Advanced Certification
H&Q Paralegal April Watson recently achieved the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Advanced Certificate through the Professional Background Screening Association. The certification program content included fair credit reporting compliance, accuracy and litigation information and strategy. Watson manages the firm’s credit report review process. H&Q provides a no-cost credit report review for clients following their bankruptcy
H&Q Attorney Keith Slocum named to the Board of the American Board of Certification
Consumer bankruptcy firm, Harlan and Quillen, is proud to announce that attorney Keith Slocum has been named to the Board of the American Board of Certification (ABC). “I’m honored to be named to the ABC board and work alongside other professionals that are leading our legal field,” says Slocum. The ABC is the premier legal