Privacy Issues In Bankruptcy

Privacy Issues In Bankruptcy

Will everyone find out I filed for bankruptcy?  This question seems to be asked of every bankruptcy attorney when they first meet with a client that is unfamiliar with the process.  In this episode, I tackle the question and provide a little insight as to how you may want to handle the issue of talking about your bankruptcy.  

"As always, these podcasts to don constitute legal advice and no attorney client relationship is formed between the listener and Christopher Missick.  These podcasts are merely a conversion on a legal issues related to a bankruptcy filing, and are a public service of Christopher Missick."

Welcome

As you can see, I've posted a series of podcasts here.  Many more are in preparation, and most of them are based largely on my recently completed book, Begin Again.  

Begin Again is a sort of inspirational guide for those most hurt in todays economy.  Throughout the book, I explain how my own families' experience with bankruptcy ultimately led me to become a bankruptcy attorney.  I also try and inform my clients as well as the general reader, about the process of consumer bankruptcy.  

These are difficult times we live in.  No one wants to file for bankruptcy, but sometimes, it is the best decision you can make for yourself and your family.  

Check out my websites at missick.com and missicklaw.com for more information.

Household Names In Bankruptcy

Household Names In Bankruptcy

Even though this seems to be one of the favorite subjects for bankruptcy attorneys to trot out to make their clients feel better, I do believe it is important to discuss just how many inspirational people have faced financial situations so dire they were pushed to file for bankruptcy.  

This short podcasts explores this subject and drops some famous names you might be surprised were forced to Begin Again.

Bankruptcy Exemptions

Bankruptcy Exemptions

Fortunately, bankruptcy does not mean that you are going to lose everything you have, even though a Chapter 7 is referred to as a liquidation.  

Over the course of this podcast, I discuss what an exemption is, and how they are applied.  As an attorney in California, this podcast is a little California heavy.  Exemptions can be complicated, since each state has the opportunity to adopt its own standards, and as a result, there is no one size fits all discussion.  I do try and parse out what an exemption is however, and how they apply to bankruptcy.  That in itself may be helpful and interesting to anyone outside of California.  

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Although not nearly as common as a Chapter 7, Chapter 13 offers an alternative to debtors seeking relief and protection in bankruptcy.  Chapter 13, or the Wage Earners Plan, provides for a payment plan over 3-5 years.  

In this podcast, I explore not only what a Chapter 13 entails, but also discuss what a chapter 13 plan is and what is required of one in order for it to be approved.

Seniors and Bankruptcy

Seniors and Bankruptcy

In a companion piece to my discussion on recent college graduates deciding to file bankruptcy, here, I discuss the drastically increasing number of senior citizens that are filing bankruptcy.  Between medical expenses and other financial hardships, seniors are in a terrible position in the midst of this current recession.  

Post-College Bankruptcies

Post-College Bankruptcies

With so many students leaving college and entering a workforce without adequate employment options, the burden of hefty non-dischargeable student loans, combined with heavy credit card debt, has left an entire generation of millenials and late members of Gen X terrified at their financial prospects.  

Even though bankruptcy is not an ideal way to begin your working professional life, sometimes it just makes sense to consider a bankruptcy filing shortly after college, when your credit card debt is high and your income is low.  That's the point of the discussion in this podcast.

Non-Dischargeable Debt

Non-Dischargeable Debt

Just because bankruptcy provides consumers a way to get rid of a great deal amount of consumer debt, there are exceptions as to what kinds of debt may be discharged.  In this episode, I discuss those debts which are deemed non-dischargeable, and some that I classify as rarely-dischargeable.

The Morality of Bankruptcy

The Morality of Bankruptcy

One of the most difficult issues for people to confront in bankruptcy, are feelings of guilt or shame.  In this podcast, I examine the moral issues that are involved in filing a bankruptcy, and refute the allegations that filing bankruptcy is an inherently immoral act.  

Filing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process

In this podcast, I try and make the entire process of filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy a little more clear.  It's really designed to provide an overview of what a Chapter 7 filing entails, how to prepare and what to expect.