Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Wage Garnishment for Student Loans, Taxes, and Child Support: What Bankruptcy Can and Can’t Do
Wage garnishment is one of the most stressful experiences individuals can face, significantly impacting their financial stability, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. When creditors garnish wages, they directly deduct money from a debtor’s paycheck to repay outstanding debts. Common reasons for wage garnishments include unpaid student loans, taxes, and child support. While… Read More »
Can You File Bankruptcy After a Foreclosure or Repossession? Rebuilding After Losing Property
Experiencing a foreclosure or repossession is emotionally overwhelming and financially devastating. Losing a home or vehicle, often symbols of stability and independence, can leave you feeling defeated, anxious, and uncertain about your financial future. It is important to know that even after such difficult events, there are still paths to financial recovery and stability…. Read More »
Helping Seniors and Retirees Struggling with Debt: Bankruptcy Options in Later Life
Retirement is often imagined as a time of financial security, relaxation, and freedom from life’s previous responsibilities. Unfortunately, for many seniors and retirees, the reality can be quite different. Increasingly, older adults find themselves burdened by substantial debt, facing significant emotional stress, financial instability, and reduced quality of life. Bankruptcy, although frequently misunderstood, can… Read More »
The Emotional Toll of Debt: How Bankruptcy Can Be a Step Toward Peace of Mind
Debt is far more than just a financial problem—it can also be a deeply emotional struggle that profoundly impacts a person’s mental health and overall quality of life. Those living under the constant pressure of overwhelming debt often experience stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of shame or failure. However, seeking relief through bankruptcy doesn’t… Read More »
Rising Bankruptcy Filings Reflect Growing Economic Pressures: A Closer Look at California and Beyond
The economic landscape following the global pandemic has presented significant financial challenges for individuals and businesses alike. Despite a brief decline during the pandemic era, largely attributed to federal aid and temporary relief measures, the number of bankruptcy filings has been steadily increasing, signaling deeper economic distress for many Americans. According to recent statistics… Read More »
Does Your Ex-Spouse’s Bankruptcy Filing Affect Your Financial Obligations? A California Perspective
Divorce can profoundly impact your financial stability, but the situation can become even more complicated when an ex-spouse files for bankruptcy. In California, a community property state, understanding how bankruptcy proceedings initiated by a former spouse may affect your financial obligations, particularly regarding joint debts, divorce settlements, and support payments, is crucial. Clarifying these… Read More »
How Joint Debts are Handled in Bankruptcy and Divorce Proceedings
Debt is often a central issue in divorce proceedings, significantly impacting both parties’ financial stability. In California, where community property laws prevail, the handling of joint debts accumulated during a marriage can become particularly complex when bankruptcy intersects with divorce. Understanding precisely how these debts are treated under bankruptcy law and during divorce settlements… Read More »
Should You File Bankruptcy Before or After Divorce in California? Strategic Timing Matters
Divorce is never easy, emotionally or financially, and when significant debt enters the picture, the complexity multiplies. Deciding when to file for bankruptcy —before or after a divorce —can have a drastic impact on both proceedings. California’s unique community property laws further complicate the matter, making strategic timing essential. Understanding the pros and cons… Read More »
Can You Use California’s Homestead Exemption If You Recently Moved? Residency Requirements in Bankruptcy
Moving to a new state is often a fresh start, but what happens if financial challenges prompt you to file for bankruptcy shortly after relocating? If you’ve recently moved to California and are considering bankruptcy, it’s essential to understand how residency requirements affect your eligibility for the state’s generous homestead exemption. Knowing the time-based… Read More »
Can You Eliminate a Second Mortgage Through Bankruptcy? The Power of Lien Stripping in Chapter 13
If you’re struggling financially and burdened by a second mortgage, you might wonder if bankruptcy can provide relief. The good news is that Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a powerful tool known as “lien stripping,” which can potentially eliminate your second mortgage if your home’s value is less than the amount you owe on your… Read More »