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Debt Settlement Misery: Peddlers of Relief Fall Short
The NY Times has a fascinating article about the challenges facing the individual debtor in the confusing, oversold, and under-delivered marketplace of the debt relief peddlers. Indeed, the lucrative debt settlement industry is booming in lean economic times capitalizing on desperation. My offices in Lancaster and Woodland Hills are filled with individuals promised relief and [...]
Read MoreWhat Los Angeles and Former Mayor Richard Riordan Can Tell You About Your Bankruptcy
In a recent article in the Los Angeles Business Journal, former Mayor Richard Riordan hit the nail on the head not only for the City of Los Angeles itself, but all those considering filing for bankruptcy. With no small amount of insight, Mayor Riordan declared, “Bankruptcy is not a bad word–insolvency is!” Indeed, the Bankruptcy [...]
Read MoreWilliam J. Lasarow Award Ceremony Pictures
As I noted on my bankruptcy blog post, Ilyse Klavir to be Awarded 2010 William J. Lasarow Award, I was recognized on January 26, 2010 for my “outstanding pro bono service” on behalf of debtors filing for bankruptcy. I finally got pictures of the award ceremony and reception I thought it would be fun to [...]
Read MoreSample Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition
How often I have seen Pro Se Debtors huddled around this Sample Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition at the United States Bankruptcy Court in Woodland Hills. Of course, the material is hopefully helpful as a sample to ALL debtors wherever you may reside given the general uniformity of these forms in the federal bankruptcy courts. I [...]
Read MoreLancaster Bankrupty, Religion, and the Bible – Is Filing Bankruptcy Moral?
Mayor R. Rex Parris of Lancaster, CA recently declared that in the Antelope Valley, “We’re growing a Christian community, and don’t let anybody shy away from that.” The remarks stirred controversy with Antelope Valley Muslims and became a rather large news story. Mayor Rex has since apologized, but not before provoking a thought in me [...]
Read MoreBankruptcy Boom Continuing?
The bankruptcy boom seems to be surging unabated by very modest improvement among some economic indicators. Although not citing specific numbers of bankruptcy filings, one recent survey of lawyers by the Robert Half Legal poll showed 32% or approximately 1 in 3 lawyers believe bankruptcy/foreclosure to be the area of most growth in the next [...]
Read MoreWho Is Filing Bankruptcy?
So who is filing bankruptcy anyway? The data illustrated on this poster is from 2008 so its not entirely up to date; however, it does a good job at breaking down the demographics of the question (Click on the image for a larger view). I have to admit the data is somewhat surprising to me [...]
Read MoreThe Geography of the Recession
I feel the recession everyday one bankruptcy client at a time. I have found an amazing illustration of the geography of the recession which starts one year before the recession in January 2007 and continues with the most up to date unemployment data. Of course, I payed particular close attention to the Antelope Valley’s shift [...]
Read MoreTales from the Bankruptcy Self-Help Desk
Ironically, there were more lawyers at the bankruptcy self-help desk today than debtors. It seems that many of my fellow bankruptcy lawyers are coming around to something I have known for quite a while: the bankruptcy self help desk is a great place learn about every scenario imaginable in personal bankruptcy while providing valuable assistance. [...]
Read MoreHelpful Hints for Pro Se Debtors: Lessons Learned at Creditors Meetings
I have seen many ways Creditor Meetings (341a Meetings) can go wrong for Pro Se Debtors. A few major lessons to be learned and which Pro Se Debtors should be aware are as follows: Make sure to have proof of social security number and a valid government issued picture idea. Tax Returns should be provided [...]
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