Archive for the ‘Chapter 128’ Category
Here’s an article by Paul Gores of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel revealing some unfortunate statistics about foreclosures in Milwaukee County last month:
Foreclosure filings spike in August
After slowing down this year, foreclosure filings spiked in Milwaukee County in August, setting the pace for an overall 34% increase in foreclosure actions in southeastern Wisconsin from July.
Court records show there were 970 foreclosure filings in August after 725 were recorded in July in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties. July had fewest filings of any month this year.
In Milwaukee County, foreclosure filings jumped to 543 after totaling only 367 filings in July. August was the first time that Milwaukee County topped 500 foreclosure filings in a single month in 2011. In 2010, Milwaukee County monthly totals exceeded 500 filings nine times.
Kenosha and Racine also posted relatively big jumps in filings from July to August. Kenosha’s rose to 107 from 80, while Racine’s went to 107 from 78.
Economists say foreclosure numbers generally track with unemployment trends.
While foreclosure filings rose on a month-to-month basis, August’s total of 970 still was down about 6.5% from 1,037 in August 2010. Foreclosure filings in southeastern Wisconsin totaled 7,080 through August, compared with 8,175 in the first eight months of last year.
Other July-to-August county results: Ozaukee, 18, up from 16; Walworth, down to 60 from 64; Washington, unchanged at 38; and Waukesha, 97, up from 82.
If you need help with foreclosure proceedings call Miller & Miller today at 414-277-7742. You have options.
One important thing to do when you are speaking with a debt collector is to take detailed notes. The more detail that you can provide about the conversations with collectors, the more credibility you will have if you are involved in a lawsuit against the collector.
Moreover, the more knowledge you have of your conversations, the more intelligently and persuasively you can speak with the debt collectors. Debt collectors are notorious for putting false information in their notes in order to make you feel bad in an effort to convince you that you broke your promise. Isn’t it is ironic that a collector would lie in order to use your sense of morality against you?
When a debt collector says, “This is what you discussed with us last week,” and it is inaccurate, it is empowering to have your notes at hand to tell debt collector exactly what was discussed. It is not unusual for a collector to call one day and make an offer only to have the same collector deny that such an offer was made a few days later.
Naturally, the more detail the better. The more organized and prepared you are, the less likely you are to be badgered by or taken advantage of by rude collectors. I’ve talked about that on this blog here.
Have you asked yourself should you consider bankruptcy? Have you wondered if qualify?
If three or more of the following apply to you, you should consult with Miller & Miller now. We offer free no obligation initial consultations.
*My debt is over $5,000 not including a car or house.
*I am frequently late on payments.
*I buy necessary items like food or clothing, on credit.
I am thinking about getting a loan to pay other loans.
Collection agencies are calling me.
I make payments, but my balances don’t go down.
Payments are over one month behind on more than one bill.
I can’t afford car insurance.
My car is worth much less than I owe.
I frequently get cash advances.
Someone has filed a lawsuit against me.
My drivers license is suspended becasue of an accident.
My mortgage or rent is always late.
I owe income taxes that I can’t pay now.
I have high medical bills that weren’t paid by insurance.
If you can say yes to 3 or more please call Miller & Miller today!
A bankruptcy has an effect on many parts of one’s life and therefore people like your accountant, financial advisor, etc. might end up giving you some advice or sharing a story about someone they know who has filed. While these confidants are usually trying to be helpful, beware: their advice isn’t always accurate, and it is always best to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney to get the right answers.
Attorney Cathy Moran recently posted the following story on her blog covering California bankruptcy topics:
The terrified client in my office was told by her accountant that if she filed Chapter 13 to save her home, the court would not allow her to buy prescription dog food for an ailing 16 year old pet! Further, the accountant went on to declare that in Chapter 13, the debtor could pay only for housing, food and gas: nothing more. No maintenance for the house, no insurance, no clothes, no medical care.
Of course, the accountant was dead wrong. Articulate but wrong. So I explained the operation of Chapter 13, how the means test works, and the balance between the debtor’s reasonable living expenses and the claims of creditors. And assured the client that she can provide for her treasured pet for the balance of its life. Then I fumed.
One of the great things about the age in which we live is that there is a lot of information available about anything you might want to learn about at the click of a mouse. However, there is a lot of bad information on the web. Before you eliminate bankruptcy as an option because of a horror story your favorite bank teller told you call us today at 414-277-7742. The attorneys of Miller & Miller can help you to understand your options and empower you to get the fresh start you need.
A good question that bankruptcy attorneys hear every day is, “Who will know about my bankruptcy?” Generally speaking, bankruptcy is a confidential process, however, the Bankruptcy Code and Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure require that notice of one’s bankruptcy case must be sent to certain individuals and businesses.
Bankruptcy is a legal process and therefore is public record. While it used to be a more common practice, these days few newspapers will publish bankruptcy filings in the “public notices” section. This is because the number of bankruptcy filings makes reporting personal bankruptcies impractical. In 2011, more than a million and a half people will file bankruptcy, and more than 5.7 million people have filed since September 30, 2005. So, unless you are famous or your bankruptcy case is newsworthy for some other reason, notice of your filing is unlikely to be printed in your local newspaper.
When your case is filed, you are required to submit a list of the names and addresses of every individual or business you owe. . Everyone on that list receives a notice of your bankruptcy. The notice also prohibits the creditor from taking any further collection activity. The bankruptcy court will send notices only to the names on your list of creditors, to your attorney, and a notice to you. Friends and family members are not sent notices unless you identify them as a creditor on your list.
In a few limited situations, your employer may receive notice regarding your bankruptcy. Naturally, if you owe your employer money, your employer will be notified. Another reason is if you file a Chapter 13 repayment bankruptcy and wish for your employer to withhold the plan payment from your pay checks. There could also be other reasons to notify your employer, like if your employer is under a court order to garnish your wages and they need to be notified to stop the garnishment.
Since your bankruptcy is public record, any individual may contact the bankruptcy court to obtain information about your case. The majority of bankruptcy courts have an automated telephone system that will provide basic case information to the public. However, some individuals are able to access the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER), an electronic public access service that allows users to obtain bankruptcy case information via the internet. PACER registration is free, but the system charges a an access fee per page.
Most bankruptcy cases are confidential. However, every case is different. If you have specific questions about the effects of filing a bankruptcy, call us today. The attorneys at Miller and Miller can explain the benefits of the federal bankruptcy laws and the process for discharging your debts.