If you filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, chances are good that your lawyer either was able to reduce your interest rate, lower the balance of the car loan if the car was old enough to qualify, or both.  Now that your bankruptcy is over, how do you get your title from the finance company?

It should be simple, but it isn’t always the case. You didn’t pay the full sum due under the original contract, and the Chapter 13 trustee was taking your Plan payments and distributing the funds to the car company. After bankruptcy, the loan bounces from one department to another in search of a home.

And after bankruptcy, you’re simply in search of your car title. Here are the five simple steps I recommend for my clients. [Read more...]

It amazes me at how many offers for credit repair services you’ll get after bankruptcy.  It’s as if all the companies that tried to sell you on debt settlement and credit counseling before you filed are still trying to figure out a way to grab some of your hard-earned dollars.

Do me a favor, will you?  Just walk away from them.  Here’s why. [Read more...]

You filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and are waiting for a discharge to be issued. Unfortunately, your old car isn’t so patient – it dies, and you’re left without wheels.

If only the clunker had waited until after your Chapter 7 was over.

Sadly, most cars do not run forever. In fact, when I was younger I went through three cars in as many years; they were all used when purchased, and gave up the ghost shortly after registration of the title in my name.

Had I been in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, I would have thought twice before buying a replacement vehicle.  And if I was in a Chapter 13?  It would have been far tricker.

[Read more...]