Credit Counseling and Debtor Education

Many of my clients initially balk at the thought of taking a credit counseling course and debtor education as part of the bankruptcy filing process. They worry it will be a hassle or more of the pat advice you see for saving money as web homepage news article titles. After taking these two courses, many clients write or call to tell me how much they appreciated the classes, how the information was helpful and gave that it gave them hope for their future post-bankruptcy. The information presented will help you move through the bankruptcy process and come out the other side with a better handle on your bills, spending habits and thoughts about managing money and debt.

Most agencies providing these services are open to direct consumer clients as well as those who are working with an attorney. Visit the Department of Justice website below for more information about approved agencies: http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/CC_Files/CC_Approved_Agencies_HTML/cc_massachusetts/cc_massachusetts.htm

Remember, if you do plan to file for bankruptcy, speak with an attorney before taking a course like this. There are completion date requirements set by the Bankruptcy Court that must be complied with for the counseling to be valid. In addition, your attorney may have a relationship with an agency he or she trusts so that copies of records that must be filed with the court go directly to his or her firm for prompt filing with the Bankruptcy Trustee.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not establish a client-attorney relationship. Consult with an attorney before taking action on any information found herein as individual circumstances may affect the applicability of information provided. Call The Law Office of Michael Riley at 508-405-0831 with any questions.

Mortgage Defaults and Bankruptcy

There is little information available to homeowners facing possible foreclosure or attempting to renegotiate a mortgage as lender practices are individual. From my own practice, when I say individual, I do not mean from lender to lender, but borrower to borrower even within the same lender! There are no consistent policies, timelines or procedures despite legislation introduced to produce fair and equitable results for consumers. At the same time that information and consistency are lacking, misinformation abounds. You will hear things from co-workers, friends, family and even your mortgage company that may be entirely wrong, or possibly illegal.

Consult with an attorney if you have questions about steps you can take if you are behind on your mortgage.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not establish a client-attorney relationship. Consult with an attorney before taking action on any information found herein as individual circumstances may affect the applicability of information provided. Call The Law Office of Michael Riley at 508-405-0831 with any questions.

Welcome!

I'm glad you found my blog. You will find posts here about twice a week that address topics related to filing bankruptcy. My practice is located in Framingham, MA. However, I serve clients in all Courts in Massachusetts.

Follow my blog for updates related to bankruptcy. As a potential filer, a past filer or for information sake if you work with people or have your own clients who might need a bankruptcy attorney, following my blog will give you a regular reminder of information in this legal practice area.

Of course, my legal disclaimer is that blog posts provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice, nor establish a client-attorney relationship. Always consult with an attorney directly before taking action on information provided in this or any other blog or website.

Thank you!