Legal Blog
Knowledge is Powerful
Understanding the Social Security Fairness Act
The Social Security Fairness Act is a monumental piece of legislation that holds the promise of financial relief for millions of public servants across the nation. This act addresses outdated...
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Handling Taxes in Bankruptcy: A Quick Guide
When facing bankruptcy, understanding how taxes are managed is crucial for navigating this challenging financial period. The intersection of bankruptcy proceedings and tax obligations can be...
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Do You Need a Business License for Your Summer Side Hustle?
With over 33% of Americans engaged in side hustles, summertime opens up a perfect window for launching a new venture. Whether it's selling homemade goods, providing lawn care, or starting an online...
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Understanding Bankruptcy's Impact on Student Loans
Filing for bankruptcy can feel like a last resort for many struggling with overwhelming debt, but when it comes to student loans, the process can be even more complex. Understanding how bankruptcy...
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Navigating a Deposition with Confidence
Facing a Deposition: What You Need to KnowLet's be honest, facing a deposition can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first experience. However, understanding that a deposition is a crucial...
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Year-End Estate Planning Checklist for Peace of Mind
As the new year starts, it’s a good time to reflect on your financial and personal goals, including your estate plan. Estate planning is a critical task that ensures your assets are protected and...
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Understanding the Bankruptcy 341 Meeting
Filing for bankruptcy can be a daunting process, but understanding each step can ease your journey. One crucial part of this process is the 341 Meeting of Creditors, which is a mandatory meeting...
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Big Life Change in 2024? Steps to Take Before End of Year
As the year draws to a close, it's a natural time to reflect on any big changes that may have come your way in 2024. Whether you've recently gotten married, divorced, welcomed a new child, or...
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San Francisco Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Supreme Court Ruling on DOMA and Effects on Bankruptcy
Today the Supreme Court struck down an important part of the Defense of Marriage Act. The Defense of Marriage Act by the federal government defines marriage as only between a man and a woman which...
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San Francisco Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Toni Braxton’s Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy affects millions of people in the U.S. every year and many of those people are familiar faces that we have seen before. Willie Nelson, Debbie Reynolds, Mark Twain, Rembrandt, and Mike...
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San Jose Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Another Foreclosure Wave
It has been apparent that foreclosure notices are springing up more frequently in every neighborhood in the Bay Area. But the worse has yet to come. Zillow expects the resurgence in foreclosures...
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San Jose Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Creditor Lawsuits
There has been a large wave of debtors who have been sued by the creditors in the last few years. The situation is one that many are familiar with. You, the debtor, have surmounting debt from use...
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San Francisco Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Second Mortgages and Lien Strips
Buying property has always been a good investment, up until it wasn’t. Growing up, we always hear that property investment was a more safe and valuable investment than any other kind. Afterall, why...
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San Jose Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Wage Garnishments
You never thought they would take it this far, but they did. You realize that they can find you anywhere and at anytime and take what you have worked so hard for. This isn’t the plot of the next...
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Repairing Your Credit After Filing for Bankruptcy
According to the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), bankruptcy filings in January of 2023 were up by 19 percent nationwide over 2022. Chapter 7 filings were up from 15,177 to 16,606, and Chapter...
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Paying Your Bills When You’ve Been Laid Off
It’s an unfortunate reality that employers can lay off workers for all sorts of reasons. And in an uncertain economy, you never know when you might be among them. More than 52,000 California...
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REAFFIRM OR NOT TO REAFFIRM
While in the active bankruptcy, Debtors are given the opportunity to enter into a reaffirmation agreement for property with secured liens (most common for vehicle liens). The agreement is a new...
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San Mateo Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Divorce and Bankruptcy
We’ve all heard the old adage, “when it rains it pours” and it is never more true than when a couple files for divorce and then must also file for bankruptcy. Divorces can be costly especially if...
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San Mateo Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Galileo Proof of Claim
Are you a parent who paid a large summer camp deposit only to find out that Galileo has filed for bankruptcy? If so, then you are probably wondering if you can get a refund or are you stuck with...
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San Mateo Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Stockton Chapter 9 Bankruptcy
In June of this year, Stockton, California became the largest city in the U.S. to file for bankruptcy. After failing talks with creditors, Stockton became a Chapter 9 debtor. Bob Dies, the city...
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The Dangers of Overspending for The Holidays in San Mateo
As the holidays approach, many Americans feel obligated to spend more and buy more. This is a dangerous practice that can lead to financial problems in the future. In this blog post, we will...
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The Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
Although most people are familiar with the basics of what filing for bankruptcy means, they may not adequately understand the difference between chapter 7 bankruptcy and chapter 13 bankruptcy....
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The Pros and Cons of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is often seen as a “do or die” choice for individuals and businesses that have found themselves in an unfortunate financial situation. The reality...
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The Time to Save Is Now
Let’s face it; we are not getting any younger and that means we have less time to save for the future. If your working career is consumed with repaying your debts, how will you save for your...
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Three Ways to Avoid Getting Your Chapter 13 Case Dismissed
Sometimes our clients feel so much relief from the bankruptcy filing that they neglect to follow the court ordered rules in a chapter 13 case. 1. Debtors must make...
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Tips for Selecting the Right Bankruptcy Attorney
The decision to file for bankruptcy can be a difficult choice, so don’t make it more difficult by hiring the wrong bankruptcy attorney. Here are some tips to consider when selecting an attorney....
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Understanding the Rights and Limitations of Creditors
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans’ total credit card balance stood at $986 billion in the first quarter of 2023, the highest level since they began tracking in 1999....
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What Not to Do Before Filing for Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy can be a frightening word. Many people equate it with losing everything and never being able to get credit again to buy a car or home. For the most part, those fears are unfounded....
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What You Need to Know About Bankruptcy and Divorce
According to a recent report, more than 3.7 million families in California don’t make enough income to meet their basic needs. As a result, many couples in California facing financial distress...
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What if I Can’t Fulfill the Repayment Plan Under Chapter 13?
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes despite our best efforts and intentions, we find ourselves grappling with financial hardships that can derail even the most meticulously planned budget. For...
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When Is Filing Bankruptcy a Good Option?
Nobody looks forward to the day when they have to file for bankruptcy, but in most cases, this will be the best decision to help get your finances back in order. Recently, the amount of...
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Why an Attorney Is Important When Filing for Bankruptcy
We understand that the decision to file for bankruptcy is often a difficult one, fraught with stress and uncertainty. It's not just about the money; it's about the impact on your life, your family,...
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Will Bankruptcy Affect My Immigration Status or That of a Relative
At EH Law Group, we understand that your financial well-being is a priority in your life. We also know that filing for bankruptcy is not a decision you take lightly, and the process can often feel...
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Will Bankruptcy Discharge My Tax Debt?
We often hear from individuals facing financial distress and overwhelming debts, wondering if bankruptcy can discharge their tax debt. It's a common concern and one we're going to explore today....
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Will I Lose My Retirement Accounts if I File for Bankruptcy?
The thought of filing for bankruptcy can be unsettling, to say the least. It's a decision that carries significant weight, and it's natural to worry about the potential impact on your financial...
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How Bankruptcy Affects Tax Returns
With financial uncertainty on the rise, many individuals are considering bankruptcy to manage mounting debts. However, the implications of bankruptcy extend beyond immediate debt relief; it also...
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Bankruptcy May Not Be Fun, but Our Firm Makes It Easy
Although bankruptcy may not be fun, we make it easy. The most difficult step in filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy is making the decision to contact an Attorney. Many of our clients did not realize...
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CHAPTER 13 109(E) DEBT LIMITS
The 109(e) limits for a consumer chapter 13 case are $336,900 for unsecured debts and $1,010,650 for secured debts. These debt limits are reasonable if a Debtor has one or two properties but with...
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California Homestead Exemptions Increase in 2010
Effective January 1, 2010 the California homestead exemption will increase and it is about time. A single person will be allowed $75,000; a married couple $100,000 and elderly or disabled persons...
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Can I Continue to Pay Into a Retirement Account Under Chapter 13?
One of the questions we often hear at EH Law Group is whether it's possible to continue making voluntary contributions to retirement accounts during a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The answer isn't as...
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Can I File for Bankruptcy More Than Once?
When overwhelmed with debts, bankruptcy is among the possible options to achieve relief or get a fresh financial start. However, you won't automatically become immune to financial challenges, even...
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Can I File for Bankruptcy if I Lost My Job?
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , about 16.8 million individuals lost their jobs in 2022. Losing a job can...
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Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer
If you are struggling with your finances, you may need to seek out Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer. With the help of a trained legal team, you can formalize a payment...
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Dispelling Bankruptcy Myths
The word “bankruptcy” can send chills down people’s spines, with thoughts of losing everything and permanent financial ruin. When it comes to bankruptcy, there are many misconceptions about the...
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Documents You Will Need to Submit to File for Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy: it's a word that carries a weight of worry and stress for many. But as we venture into this topic, let's remember one thing—bankruptcy isn't a dead end. It's a legal tool designed to...
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Does Bankruptcy Affect Social Security Income?
Making the decision to file for bankruptcy is never easy, especially for those who rely on Social Security income as their primary or sole source of financial support....
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Galileo Recent Settlement Options
Parents who signed up for Galileo Summer Camps recently got an email or letter giving them (3) Options regarding their prepaid camp funds. Here is a summary: Option 1:...
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Hiding Assets in Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is designed to give individuals and businesses a fresh start by discharging their debts. However, some people might be tempted to hide assets to protect them from being used to repay...
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Preparing for Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is among the promising options for individuals, families, and businesses going through financial distress to seek debt relief or a financial fresh start. However, filing for bankruptcy...
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How Bankruptcy Affects Your Spouse
Statistics show that people filing for bankruptcy protection in California file for chapter 7 bankruptcy 80 percent of the time and for Chapter 13 bankruptcy 20 percent of the time. There are major...
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Mortgage Modifications: Beware
I had a client express their frustration with their mortgage lender with a theme all too familiar to me. They requested a mortgage modification to reduce their interest rate and monthly payments...
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5 Signs That You Are Living Beyond Your Means
Today, many Americans now have access to credit cards, personal loans, and payday loans. While these tools can be a lifesaver during emergencies, many people end up overspending without thinking...
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Our San Mateo Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Galileo Bankruptcy
On May 6, 2020, Galileo Learning, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. For parents in the Bay Area, that meant all camps including summer camps were cancelled. Lucky parents were given a sad email...
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Our San Jose Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Short Sales and Foreclosures
It’s a very difficult decision that many San Jose and Bay Area residents have to make: to have your house go into a short sale or foreclosure. First, a short sale can prove to be difficult because...
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Our San Jose Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Bankruptcy and Stopping Foreclosure
One home in every 111 homes in the U.S. is currently facing foreclosure. About a million home foreclosures have been pushed back from previous years to be foreclosed on permanently in 2012. This...
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Our San Francisco Bankruptcy Attorney Talks About New Loan Modification Law
If you are a person that has been struggling with getting a loan modification in San Francisco or San Jose, do not feel beaten, because as of June 1, 2010 the new HAMP laws came into effect helping...
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Our San Francisco Bankruptcy Attorney Discusses Benefits of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy can be a hard decision to make due to the complexity of each individuals situation. Many people tend to shy away from the Chapter 13 bankruptcy because they do not know all the benefits...
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Offer in Compromise Eligibility
Life can take unexpected twists and turns, leading many of us down a road of financial uncertainty. It's during these challenging times that the concept of an Offer in Compromise (OIC) becomes a...
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My Mortgage Forbearance Ended. Now What?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided $2 trillion in federal funds to help Americans through the pandemic when the country faced lockdowns, and people’s income...
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How Long Does Bankruptcy Appear on a Credit Report?
Bankruptcy, of course, is a frightening concept to most people. It seems like an admission of failure or even a scar on your personal integrity, but it can have many benefits. Most bankruptcies...
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Modifying a Repayment Plan Under Chapter 13
Life is full of surprises, and you never know when the plot of your personal story will take an unexpected turn. While some plot twists are welcome and wonderful, others are more challenging and...
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Medical Debt and Bankruptcy
Dealing with medical debt can be overwhelming. It's a burden that many Americans face, and it's important to know you're not alone. At EH Law Group, we're here to guide you through your options,...
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Joint Accounts and Bankruptcy
A joint bank account is an account shared by two or more individuals, typically used by couples, business partners, or family members. Both parties have access to the funds in the account and can...
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How Will Bankruptcy Affect Me in the Workplace?
The decision to declare bankruptcy is not one taken lightly, especially when considering its potential repercussions on your job. Whether you're considering filing for bankruptcy or have already...
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Understanding Homeowner Liability When Hosting Holiday Parties
Many homeowners enjoy hosting holiday gatherings with friends and family, but few consider the risks that come with it. While parties are meant to be fun, they can bring unintended consequences if...
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Using Bankruptcy to Handle Large Tax Debts
If you have a large tax debt coming up, bankruptcy could be an option to help manage and pay it off. Many people are unaware that certain types of bankruptcy may be used to discharge federal tax...
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Essential Terminology for New Bankruptcy Clients
Facing bankruptcy can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially if you're unfamiliar with the process. However, understanding bankruptcy terminology can empower you, helping you to navigate your...
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