Diane talks about bankruptcy, Arizona laws, and more…

Introduction: Zombie mortgages, particularly "zombie second mortgages," are a troubling phenomenon where old, seemingly resolved mortgage debts resurface, catching homeowners off guard. These debts, thought to be forgiven or satisfied, are often sold to debt collectors, who seek to collect on them years later. What Are Zombie Second Mortgages? Before the 2008 financial crisis, it [...]

What are the Basic Bankruptcy Principles? Bankruptcy is a legal process that helps people and businesses overwhelmed by debt get a financial ‘start fresh’. The principles of discharge, disclosure, and due process are key to understanding how bankruptcy works. Key Concepts of Bankruptcy Law Definition Understanding the foundational concepts of Bankruptcy Law can help you [...]

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a report delving into the hidden costs consumers are forced to pay for health savings accounts. May 1, 2024 The following is a reprint from CFPB's website (provided for educational purposes only) The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today released a report detailing the complex costs and fees that [...]

From the National Consumer Law Center "NCLC" a toolkit to deal with your student loans, 5/2024 Whether you are just starting your student loan journey or have been dealing with student loan debt for decades, you can use NCLC’s newly created Student Loan Toolkit to help you take charge of your student loan situation and [...]

Into the Shadows: Unraveling the Dark World of Fraud, Schemes, and Scams The Sneaky World of Fraud and Scams: How They Work and Why You Should Be Careful Fraud and scams are like tricky puzzles designed to trick people out of their money or personal information. They come in many [...]

After 100 Years of Protecting Homeowners, Arizona's Law Changes to Give Creditors New Rights to Take Your Home Depending on the value of your home, creditors can now take it if they get a judgment. Introduction: Arizona homeowners, there's a new law in town, and it's got some folks worried. [...]

Bankruptcy is a complex process that can have significant implications for your business and personal finances. Before considering business bankruptcy as an option for your struggling business, it's crucial to understand the potential pitfalls in detail. Here's a breakdown of some of the key factors to consider: Types of Small Businesses Bankruptcies: Small businesses [...]

In today's consumer landscape, credit cards are the normal tools for managing finances and making purchases. However, having credit card debt can lead to financial stress and vulnerability to predatory schemes. Recognizing the importance of prudent financial management, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a consumer alert highlighting strategies to avoid debt relief [...]

The Arizona Supreme Court decided those living in motorized homes (such as motor homes and RVs) cannot protect their homes. The Arizona Supreme Court's decision In re Drummond, 23-0009 (Sup. Ct. Arizona, 3/7/24) bans motor home and RV owners from using the homestead law (ARS 33-1101) to protect their home (laws that have been [...]

All Attorneys Must Return Client Calls, Even Flat-Fee Attorneys Attorneys are required to return client calls and respond to client's concerns, even flat-fee attorneys. In a recent bankruptcy case, In re: Dennis Molnar, 19-bk-09525, 2024 WL 190919 (Jan. 17, 2024 N.D, Ill.), a court highlighted a crucial lesson: lawyers must keep [...]

Understanding Why Some Bankruptcy Cases Get Dismissed or Discharge Revoked for Bad Faith What does it mean when someone says I have a bad-faith bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is meant to offer individuals and businesses a chance at a fresh start by alleviating financial burdens. However, the concept of bad faith dismissal or revocation [...]

If Keeping Your Home is Important, Know Rules of Bankruptcy  Experiencing bankruptcy brings both challenges and uncertainties Facing bankruptcy can be a challenging and uncertain time. One of the most pressing questions is whether you can keep your home during and after bankruptcy. In this article, we will explore the [...]

The article titled "Dangers of Using Public Wi-Fi Networks" posted on Galloptech Group's blog offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks. Here's an outline of what makes this article particularly informative: The article acknowledges the benefits of public Wi-Fi, setting a balanced tone. It gives a detailed explanation [...]

When a debtor is in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is not unusual that their monthly payments are made through a plan rather than directly to the mortgage lender.  At the end of the year, the mortgage lender is likely to send Form 1098 (mortgage interest paid through the year) to the trustee, not the homeowner.

NEW STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PLAN, plus UPDATES (at end of this article) SAVE – “SAVING ON A VALUABLE EDUCATION” “SAVE” – New Student Loan Repayment Plan (8/23) August, 2023  To the relief of student loan-holders, the White House has launched a new repayment plan. SAVE – [...]

IMPORTANT PROGRESS FOR STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS WHO HAVE BEEN IN REPAYMENT TWO DECADES OR MORE Posting from the National Consumer Law Center Important Progress for Student Loan Borrowers Reposting from NCLC, July 18, 2023: The Department of Education has begun the process of automatically discharging $39 billion in federal student loans for [...]

"Awarded to legal service providers who have devoted expertise and time to changing the justice system to promote access and opportunity for those most vulnerable." 2023 has been a wonderful year - this award is the icing on the cake. My thanks to everyone who has supported me over the last 40 years.

DOD to Help Military and Their Families SIX New Measures to Enhance Well-Being Release from US Department of Defense, March 22, 2023 Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the lives of our dedicated military force and their families. The new plan consists of six additional [...]