James Kutkowski combines his knowledge of bankruptcy law and debt collections to advocate for clients in a way that only he can. A graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, he is licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Courts and the Pennsylvania Eastern and Middle District Federal Court. He now runs The Law Offices of J. Kutkowski, Esq., based in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and talks here about what bankruptcy can do for you.
Is Bankruptcy the Right Option for You?
It might sound obvious, but bankruptcy is not the right option for everybody. If you have a relatively small credit card debt, for example, then bankruptcy may not be the way to go. Don’t trust an attorney who tries to solve everything with bankruptcy as that’s not a good course of action and you could regret it.
Will Bankruptcy Affect My Job?
You cannot be discriminated against in your job simply because you went ahead and filed for bankruptcy. If you feel you are facing discrimination because of this, you can do a few things to protect yourself. However, bankruptcy will affect your credit, and if you are applying for a new job, you may need a certain amount of credit to get it.
Who Will Know I Went Bankrupt?
While bankruptcy cases are on the public record, in realistic terms, the only people who know that you have filed bankruptcy are people you tell. That is apart from those who have vested interests, of course, such as people to whom you owe money.
What Is Filing Bankruptcy Pro Se?
Filing bankruptcy per se is when an individual attempts to file on his own, without the advice and help of a bankruptcy lawyer. This is not a recommended course of action, and if things go wrong for you – which they probably will – then getting back on track will be even more difficult.
Rescuing a Bankruptcy Case from Dismissal
If your bankruptcy case has been dismissed, don’t try to deal with things on your own. You will need an experienced bankruptcy attorney who is familiar with the judge in question to plead your case for you.
What is a Bogus Proof of Claim?
If a creditor wants to get money owed, they first have to file a proof of claim. Sometimes these proofs of claim are bogus. If you don’t want to be responsible for debts that you do not actually owe, enlist the services of a qualified bankruptcy attorney.
Defending a Credit Card Lawsuit
You always need to appear to defend yourself at a credit card lawsuit, along with your attorney. The easiest line of defense is a lack of documentation. But remember, this is not a laughing matter in the state of Pennsylvania, and your home be at stake.
Does Credit Counseling Work?
The simple answer is no. Credit counseling might cost you a lot more money in the long run than bankruptcy would. Look into both options carefully if you are having financial worries, and get sound advice before you proceed and enter into something you will later regret.
Dealing with Debt Collectors
There are many ways to deal with debt collectors, and the simple yet obvious way is to always be polite. You should also ask for evidence – in writing – of what you owe. The law requires that creditors supply this, so don’t be afraid to ask.
What is a Debt Relief Agency?
Bankruptcy attorneys are now required by law to call themselves debt relief agencies. But phone jockeys who hassle people for money fall under the same rubric. It’s not really fair, according to this article.
Is Foreclosure a Good Idea?
The idea of foreclosure fills most people with dread. But while it’s not always a good idea, it often is. Remember, a house is simply a structure that is made from bricks and mortar. You can always get another one.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
People are lured into getting an adjustable rate mortgage when interest rates are low. Then, when the rates rise, they find they can no longer afford to make payments on their home. Getting a fixed rate mortgage is a better idea – you will always know where you stand, and are less likely to run into difficulties in future.
What is Forbearance?
If your mortgage lender or another secured creditor gives you a few months off from making regular payments, that is called forbearance. It might sound like a fantastic idea on the surface, but it can be fraught with difficulties and problems, as this article explains.
Current Phone Frauds and Scams
Many people think they are savvy when it comes to protecting themselves from scams. But phone scams in particular are becoming more and more common these days, and a lot of folk are getting suckered into them. Read on to find out what the most common scams are today – and how to prevent yourself from getting caught in them.
This article is for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this article as a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances, and you should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Publication of this article and your receipt of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
