Duncan Law Blog

Bankruptcy Insights & Resources

Practical guidance on Chapter 7, Chapter 13, foreclosure defense, and debt relief for North Carolina families.

Bankruptcy Basics

What if I Get Behind on My Car Payment During Bankruptcy?

If you get behind on your car payment while in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the finance company may file a Motion for Relief from Automatic Stay requesting that the bankruptcy court allow the finance company to repossess the car. In most Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, your car payments will be included in your payments to the Chapter 13 bankruptcy Trustee if you are purchasing the vehicle. If you are leasing the vehicle, you will make lease payments directly to the finance company. If you get behind in your payments to the Chapter 13 bankruptcy Trustee or to the finance company for leases, the finance company may file a Motion for Relief from Automatic Stay requesting that the bankruptcy court allow them to repossess the car.

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Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

What if I Get Behind in My Mortgage Payment While in Bankruptcy?

If you are in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and plan to keep your home, you will need to bring the payments current immediately. Otherwise, the mortgage company may file legal paperwork with the bankruptcy court called a Motion for Relief from Automatic Stay asking the court for permission to foreclose on your home.

If you are in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the impact of getting behind on payments to the mortgage company will depend on when your bankruptcy was filed.

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Bankruptcy Basics

Will My Employer Find Out About My Bankruptcy?

Duncan Law was founded by Terry Duncan in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1996. At that time Terry decided to create a law firm that was dedicated to helping those who are facing tough times. In 2009, Damon Duncan and Melissa Duncan joined the firm in the Greensboro, North Carolina office. Together, this family is here to serve you. We know that too often bad things happen to good people. We are here to help.

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Bankruptcy Basics

What If My Mortgage Company Refuses Payment?

If your mortgage company refuses to accept your first payment after filing bankruptcy, either online or by returning your payment in the mail, you should try sending it to them through the mail again and keep copies of the correspondence/information you sent them plus a copy of the postmarked envelope. If they return the payment again, you should contact your attorney.

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Bankruptcy Basics

How to Pay Attorney's Fees for Bankruptcy

We also understand that because times are tough, funds are limited. That’s why we set up an Easy Payment Plan with all of our clients for your attorney fees. Through our Easy Payment Plan, YOU set the payment schedule for your attorney fees based on your income and how often you get paid. After you have paid the attorney fees, federal court filing fee, completed and paid the credit counseling fee, submitted the proper paperwork and met with an attorney at Duncan Law, your case will be filed with the Court and you can begin your new financial life.

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Bankruptcy Basics

What to Bring to My Free Bankruptcy Consultation

Thank you for your interest in our firm. We know the decision to pursue bankruptcy was not easy for you. Our goal is to make the process as simple as possible for you and your family. We also want your free consultation to be helpful to you. As a result, we have a list of items for you to bring to your free consultation. Although you are not required to bring every document below, the more information you are able to bring to your consultation, the more precise we can be in determining your eligibility for bankruptcy.

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Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Generally, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a reorganization plan bankruptcy, or a legal way to pay back a portion or all of the debts that you owe. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are usually able to keep your house and/or car. The most common reason for filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to allow you to catch up on your house and/or car payments and stop a foreclosure or repossession. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your secured debts including what you are behind on your house, your mortgage payment(s) and what is owed on your car, and a portion of your unsecured debts including credit cards and medical bills will be repaid over a 3 to 5 year time period.

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

How Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Affect My Credit?

You should first understand the difference between your credit score and your ability to obtain credit. Often, these words are used interchangeably and confusion can occur. Your credit score is the number the credit reporting agencies assign to your credit. It is based on your history of making payments on your debts. Your ability to obtain credit is based on your ability to make payments in the future and is determined by your income and your debts. If your debts exceed your ability to make payments, you may be unable to obtain credit even if you have consistently paid your debts on a timely basis. In other words, you may have a good credit score yet be unable to purchase a car because you have too much debt.

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Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

How Does Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Affect My Credit?

You should first understand the difference between your credit score and your ability to obtain credit. Often, these words are used interchangeably and confusion can occur. Your credit score is the number the credit reporting agencies assign to your credit. It is based on your history of making payments on your debts. Your ability to obtain credit is based on your ability to make payments in the future and is determined by your income and your debts. If your debts exceed your ability to make payments, you may be unable to obtain credit even if you have consistently paid your debts on a timely basis. In other words, you may have a good credit score yet be unable to purchase a car because you have too much debt.

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Bankruptcy Basics

What is Credit Counseling?

With the new bankruptcy laws in 2005, Congress passed legislation requiring a person filing bankruptcy to take a credit counseling course within the 180-day period preceding the date the bankruptcy case is filed with the court. A certificate of completion must be filed with your bankruptcy. Most of the approved credit counseling companies provide the course online and the fees vary by company. However, it is important that you take your credit counseling course from an approved credit counseling company.

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