Sort of like parenting, money management is one of those things that were never taught in school. We were taught to read, write and do some math problems that we will never have to use in real life, but we were never taught how to pay our bills and manage our finances, especially in difficult times. And our parents (at least mine didn't) brought us over to the kitchen table and said "hey son, let's go over my checkbook together and see how we can improve our finances.
Unless you are actually in the business of helping people file for bankruptcy, there is no reason for you to have any idea what bankruptcy is all about. Fortunately, the internet has provided everyone a tool to research and read about bankruptcy, and at least give them a starting point to determine if it is the right thing to do, and if so, how to go about filing bankruptcy.
If you are reading this article, you have already taken the first step. When people call me to discuss bankruptcy, they have alot of questions. As a Maryland bankruptcy lawyer, I do my best to answer those questions. Having practiced bankruptcy law in Maryland for 20 years, there is rarely a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy question that I cannot answer immediately. Everyone pretty much has the same questions, and they are as follows:
1. What debts can I eliminate in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
2. If I am behind on my mortgage, can I save my home in bankruptcy in Maryland?
3. How much do you charge?
4. How do we get started?
It's really that simple. Nine times out of ten, if you have taken the steps to read about Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Maryland, you already know that you need to and want to file. So I ask the following questions, and within about 3 minutes, together we will know if Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Maryland is right for you:
1. What kinds of bills do you have that you are unable to pay, and approximatly how much debt to you have?
2. Are you married or single?
3. Do you own a home, and if so, are you current on the mortgage and is there any equity in your home?
4. How much money do you earn, and if married, how much money does your spouse earn?
5. Have you ever filed bankruptcy before?
Once I know the answers to those questions, I will be able to tell you:
a) If you can file for Maryland bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
b) Whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is right for you.
c) What the exact result will be.
d) How much it will cost.
If you have any questions regarding filing bankruptcy in Maryland, and you would like to speak with a Maryland bankruptcy lawyer, please call us today.
David L. Ruben, Esquire
