Phone scammers are targeting bankruptcy filers in several states, using personal information from filings and posing as attorneys to get intended victims to immediately wire money to satisfy a debt.

The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys issued a warning that “Under no circumstances would a bankruptcy attorney or staff member telephone a client and ask for a wire transfer immediately to satisfy a debt. Nor would the bankruptcy attorney and staff ever threaten arrest if a debt isn’t paid.”

Bankruptcy filers in Vermont and Virginia reportedly have received calls. Vermont’s Attorney General says scammers use software to “spoof” the Caller ID system so the call appears to be originating from the phone line of the consumer’s bankruptcy attorney. Typically the calls come late in the evening or during non-business hours to make it difficult for intended victims to verify the call by contacting their attorney.

October 17, 2015 marked the ten year anniversary of the implementation of the 2005 "reform" legislation (entitled the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection act and commonly known as BAPCPA.). While some of the doom and gloom predictions that the Bankruptcy practice would be eradicated in this country were obviously overstated and have proven utterly groundless, it would equally be inappropriate to deny the reality that the practice has substantially changed in these years- and has become much more difficult, aggravating and expensive for bankruptcy debtors.

This peculiar concept in Bankruptcy Law can offer immeasurable relief to bankruptcy debtors in general, and struggling homeowners in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy specifically. It refers to whether or not a creditor’s claim is truly “secured” under the Bankruptcy law, and if not –it potentially can be treated as an unsecured creditor and be paid little (or even nothing) in the Bankruptcy and the lien on the collateral voided.

Bankruptcy filing is rarely the first option for debt relief.  People normally try to move heaven and earth to avoid this alternative, which while understandable and even commendable at times, can often lead to unanticipated and extremely negative consequences.

Misconceptions abound respecting the treatment of Condominium and Association fees in Bankruptcy filings. Certain changes in the law starting in 2005 gave such associations greater protection from the ability of debtors to totally eliminate these fees in bankruptcy.

Unfortunately in these recent times, this has become an all too familiar problem. The years of ever climbing home values were certainly rewarding, but in many ways sowed the seeds for the 2007/2008 economic meltdown.

For adult children, the death of a parent is a fraught experience. Adding to the stress: the unwelcome surprise that Mom or Dad died with big debts.

It’s the time of year where society’s noteworthy and notables appear on college campuses to congratulate and inspire the newest members of the college-educated workforce.

There are creditors who on some occasions insist on being heard, and there is a Bankruptcy Trustee who is appointed by the United States Trustee’s office to administer the case and review assets and income.

So much of our region has been physically and materially devastated over the last months. Added to the already existing weak and fragile economic situation, the overall effects of this storm may be beyond repair for many.

On average, 5,102 Americans filed for bankruptcy each day that court was in session over the first four months of this year — and that’s the good news.

Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy laws allow Americans who are overburdened by bills to have many types of debt wiped away. One way to understand this debt relief is to talk about the kinds of debts that do not disappear.

Building better credit takes patience, discipline and a clear understanding of the strategies that really make a difference. Start by knowing the financial moves that don't work.

Declaring bankruptcy is a decision that affects not only your finances but also your credit score. While your score may decrease after financial hardship, there are practical and real ways to improve it and get back on a better financial path.