A common question we hear from clients we meet with before tax season is if it is better to file bankruptcy before or after they file their tax return. Many times they have heard from someone that if they file bankruptcy the court will take their tax refunds. This is the biggest concern most people have about filing bankruptcy and taxes. The truth is that filing bankruptcy does not directly affect filing tax returns and you should not wait to file bankruptcy based on a fear of losing your tax refunds. The consequences of waiting to seek bankruptcy relief can be very serious. You could be risking your home and other assets by waiting to file bankruptcy.

The new year is a time for new beginnings, and if you haven’t already done so, it is time to make your New Year's resolutions for 2016. If you are living with overwhelming debt, this year’s resolution should be easy to determine – take control of your finances and improve your financial well-being in 2016. To make your New Year’s resolution easier to attain, we’ve compiled a list of several tools you can use to reach your goal.

Are you putting off filing bankruptcy because you believe that the process is too complicated, too time-consuming, or too expensive? If these beliefs are preventing you from receiving the debt relief you need, please let us help. Our experienced bankruptcy attorneys will explain the bankruptcy process and tell you what you need to file bankruptcy. When we finish your bankruptcy consultation, you will have a much better understanding why filing bankruptcy is not as complicated, time-consuming, or costly as you have read or heard.

Debt collectors can take several actions if you ignore their letters, including filing a lawsuit, reporting to credit bureaus, and using debt collection tactics. To avoid these consequences, it's important to respond to collection letters promptly and take steps to resolve the debt.

Are you tired of spending your evenings pouring over bills that you cannot pay? Have you reached the end of your financial rope and you are ready to consider filing bankruptcy? Filing bankruptcy is a serious step; however, filing bankruptcy is a step that will put you on the road to financial recovery.

Completing a bankruptcy case can be a relief after the stress, anxiety, and frustration you experienced trying to pay debts that you could not afford to pay. Regardless of whether you filed a Chapter 7 case or a Chapter 13 case, you now have a fresh start to begin rebuilding your financial well-being for the future. Many of our clients have heard or been told that they would never qualify for a loan after bankruptcy, or that it would be many years and very difficult if they did qualify for a loan after bankruptcy. This is a common misconception about bankruptcy.

The History of Bankruptcy

The history of bankruptcy in the United States dates back to the founding of our country. The framers of the Constitution recognized that bankruptcy would be an essential element of a successful capitalist economy because the alternatives of sending individuals to “debtor’s prison” or allowing individuals to suffer under the weight of overwhelming debt would be unacceptable. Therefore, they authorized Congress to provide a legal process for citizens to resolve debt problems.

When you make the decision to file bankruptcy, your next thought is likely to be how long does bankruptcy take. Your attorney understands that you have been under a great deal of stress as you have tried to handle your debt problem on your own. The frustration, fear, and anxiety of dealing with angry creditors, abusive debt collectors, and the thought of losing your home, car, and other property causes emotional and physical stress; therefore, you want to know how long bankruptcy takes and how quickly can you get on with your life.

Are you considering filing a bankruptcy to solve your debt problems but you have heard from friends, family members, co-workers and others that bankruptcy attorneys can be difficult, harsh, and somewhat coldhearted? If so, we want to introduce you to our way of doing business as a bankruptcy law firm…

Time has a way of flying by before you realize it. That’s what happened to me. I thought I had my entire life ahead of me but before I realized it, it was almost time to retire. I had enjoyed a good life and I was looking forward to enjoying my retirement with my family, until I received the news that no one wants to hear — “you have cancer.” Those first few weeks were spent in doctors’ offices discussing treatment options and attorneys’ offices preparing for the worst-case scenario. I fought cancer and I won! I have been in remission now for five years; however, the fight was very long and very costly.

It is not hard to fall behind on bills. Most people you know have probably done so at some point in their life; it is common and can happen to anyone at any time.

At Kain & Scott, PA, you - the client - are our number one priority. Each client’s situation is different; therefore, we take the time to get to know your individual financial situation so that we can help you determine the best way to resolve your financial problem.

Jackie had a bright future ahead of her. She graduated high school at the top of her class and she was accepted to one of the top colleges in her state. Jackie had received help with tuition from several sources including some grants and scholarships; however, the cost of room, board, and tuition far exceeded the funds. In addition, she needed to support herself on a part-time job because her parents were not able to help her and her course of study did not allow her to work a fulltime job. In spite of the challenges, Jackie excelled in college.