Harrisburg Bankruptcy Blog | Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C.

Can you discharge student loan debt in bankruptcy?

On behalf of Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. on Friday, January 18, 2019.

The amount of student loan debt in the United States has become a genuine crisis. In 2018, the total amount of student loan debt reached $1.5 trillion. Numerous people in Pennsylvania have to contend with this, and sadly, many are unable to ever completely eliminate the debt.

As a result of succumbing to too many debts, many in the state have no choice but to resort to bankruptcy. While it tends to be a dirty word, it has helped many people across the country take control of their finances. However, it will not help you in every endeavor. As a result, many people wonder if filing for bankruptcy will eliminate student loan debt once and for all.

Before you start your estate plan: Understanding probate

On behalf of Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. on Wednesday, December 26, 2018.

People refer to probate like it is a bad thing that you should avoid. However, probate is simply a legal process, and it is not inherently good or bad.

Whether you should take steps to avoid it and how you may do so depends largely on the estate you will leave behind.

Finding debt relief by filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy

On behalf of Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. on Thursday, December 20, 2018.

Having a decent income does not guarantee the ability to pay all the monthly bills and expenses. If your earnings each month are not enough to keep you afloat, you may want to consider whether filing bankruptcy is an option for you.

If you do not pass the means test, meaning that you make too much money to qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may still be able to find relief through Chapter 13.

Key factors of Pennsylvania spousal support

On behalf of Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. on Monday, November 26, 2018.

If your marriage is ending, there are several financial issues that you and your spouse must figure out. In some cases, the court grants a spousal support award to one of the parties.

Whether you are looking to receive or may have to pay spousal support after your divorce, there are a few key issues to keep in mind.

How to handle the emotional impact of bankruptcy

On behalf of Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

No entity, no matter how big or small, is immune from bankruptcy. Recently, Sears has made headlines for having to file for bankruptcy, which has necessitated the closing of many of its Pennsylvania locations. The stores in Pleasant Hills, Allentown and other cities around the state will have to close soon.

Filing for bankruptcy is a significant decision to make. In addition to the toll it will take on your credit score and future finances, it can also bring about an emotional toll. It is normal to feel angry, depressed or frustrated, but it is vital to manage your feelings so that you can get through this time in a healthy way.

Can I keep my home even if I file for bankruptcy?

On behalf of Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. on Wednesday, September 26, 2018.

If you are struggling with overwhelming debt and are unable to pay your mortgage, you may be concerned that you could lose your home. Banks are usually quite swift in foreclosing on homeowners who miss their mortgage payments, and depending on how many payments you have missed, you may be at a high risk of foreclosure in the near future.

The risk of foreclosure can bring a lot of anxiety, and you could be contemplating bankruptcy as an option to help you get out from under your debt. A big question that many homeowners contemplating bankruptcy ask is whether they can actually save their homes and file for bankruptcy as well. The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the specific type of bankruptcy you file for.

Mistakes to avoid when filing for bankruptcy

On behalf of Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. on Monday, September 24, 2018.

Filing for bankruptcy can provide you with a way to deal with your debts and begin getting your finances in order. To make sure you reap the full extent of the benefits this process offers, it is important to do it properly.

There are some common mistakes people make when embarking upon the bankruptcy process. Steering clear of them can help things go smoothly for you. Additional considerations may apply, depending on your individual situation.

3 common yet avoidable estate planning mistakes

On behalf of Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. on Saturday, August 25, 2018.

Estate planning is not a popular subject, and it is easy to understand why. Nobody wants to think about the time when they inevitably pass, but it is important to face the future so that your loved ones are adequately cared for. To this end, there are several common mistakes you should avoid that can jeopardize the effectiveness of your estate plan and ultimately create more problems than solutions.

A recent survey conducted by Caring.com reveals that less than half of Americans have created a will. It is important to ensure that when you draft yours it is clear and specific. Avoid the following three missteps to ensure your plan is as effective as possible:

How will you handle financial issues for property division?

On behalf of Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. on Friday, July 27, 2018.

In many marriages, one party usually manages more of the financial responsibilities than the other. For example, your spouse may pay the household bills and make the investments.

When you decide to end your marriage, you need to get up to speed on financial matters. How should you prepare for the property division phase of your divorce?

Chapter 7 filers should prepare to attend the 341 meeting

On behalf of Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C. on Wednesday, June 27, 2018.

Perhaps you have decided that your best course of action for getting out of debt is to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

You have taken the means test to confirm that you qualify, so once you have filed your petition, the next step is to prepare for the upcoming 341 meeting.