Debt collectors must follow certain guidelines as written under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which banishes the use of harassing or misrepresentative tactics. While harassment often gets media coverage, it is a different story for misrepresentation....
Planning your future after Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Home ownership
In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your goal is to pay off what you owe over time on a court-approved payment schedule. The nice thing about Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that it does allow you to settle for less than you owe in most cases, and you have an end-date in sight for...
What can you lose in bankruptcy?
After a recent health scare, you now have an unexpected medical debt to add to your student loan debt, both of which push your finances to the brink. If you file for bankruptcy, what do you stand to lose? Bankrate explores what creditors may take to offset your debt....
Chapter 13 and preventing foreclosure
If you are currently facing foreclosure or you worry that you will find yourself in this position down the road, it is vital to take a careful look at your situation and understand strategies to prevent losing your home to foreclosure. From filing a court motion to...
Is debt relief better than Chapter 13?
When you have financial problems, you do have options for what to do to fix them. The two main options are to file for bankruptcy or seek debt relief. The Federal Trade Commission explains that both options may be helpful for you if you struggle with debt. However,...
Bankruptcy filing may help struggling homeowners
Chapter 13 bankruptcy may serve as a resource for struggling homeowners who are unable to make their mortgage payments. Avoiding foreclosure is a serious concern for many families which is why they should be familiar with legal resources that may be able to help them...
Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Debt limits and eligibility to file
When Oregon residents can no longer keep up with their debts and the harassing phone calls trying to collect never seem to stop, bankruptcy may be a worthwhile alternative. Knowing which chapter suits the individual’s needs can be confusing. This, combined with the...
Debts that may be discharged through Chapter 13 bankruptcy
There are many reasons that people in Oregon take out loans, use credit cards and take on other forms of debt. Some of these are necessary to continue to meet people’s needs, others take them out in order to buy homes, cars and other larger purchases. As long as...
Stopping wage garnishment through Chapter 13
It's hard enough to dig yourself out of debt when you are receiving a full paycheck. When your wages are being garnished, it can feel impossible to return to get out of the red. If you have a judgment against you, Oregon law allows a creditor to issue an order to...
Medical bills cause bankruptcy rise among older adults
People in Oregon who are 55 and older may be more likely to file for bankruptcy than they would have been 30 years ago. Between 1991 and 2016, the percentage of people in the 55 to 64 age group who declared bankruptcy went up 66%. For those 65 to 74, it has increased...
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The Law Office of Kim Covington is a debt relief agency, and I have helped families, individuals and small businesses, file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, for over 19 years.