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Is It Possible to Declare Bankruptcy For Student Loans?

If you are wondering “Can you file bankruptcy on student loans?” then you’re not alone. Many students take out large student loans during college and struggle to pay them back. That’s because college tuition seems to increase significantly each year, but annual salaries for jobs just out of college don’t pay enough to meet monthly student loan repayment obligations. It’s a trap that many people fall into.

While in most instances student loans cannot be discharged through bankruptcy, this is not always the case. There are certain circumstances where you can discharge student loans, and laws regarding bankruptcy have changed to make it easier to get relie [...]

Can I File Bankruptcy Without My Spouse Knowing?

Married individuals are allowed to file bankruptcy without their spouse in Missouri, so it can be possible to file without your spouse knowing about it.  However, this does not mean it is a good idea to do so, or even to file individually with your spouse’s consent.  Bankruptcy laws are complicated; there are consequences to filing incorrectly; and there are many factors you should consider in order to determine whether filing bankruptcy with or without your spouse makes the most sense. It can help to consult with an experienced Missouri bankruptcy lawyer who can examine your individual situation and help you determine which type of bankruptcy is best for you, whether you should file [...]

Why Farmers File for Bankruptcy

Farmers have always faced unique challenges for survival, such as extreme weather and seasonal and market fluctuations that can negatively impact their income, so it is not uncommon for them to be in a situation where they are faced with filing for bankruptcy.

Small farmers often struggle the most because they do not have the financial resources of larger corporate farming operations. Recognizing the importance of the farming industry, the United States created a special type of bankruptcy – Chapter 12 -- that makes it easier for family farmers to file and get out of debt. If successful, Chapter 12 allows farmers to discharge certain debts while protecting their land and other [...]

How to Declare Bankruptcy on Credit Cards

Falling behind on credit card debt can leave you feeling overwhelmed and trapped and cause a domino effect of cascading problems. First, if your credit cards are maxed out, then just making minimum payments can mean lots of money, which leaves less for day-to-day living expenses. You can also incur late fees and over-the-limit fees, which cause the total amount you owe to keep climbing. If you fall far enough behind, your debt can go into collection, and you face constant harassing phone calls from collections agencies. Finally, overdue debt can be hard on your credit score, causing it to tumble.

If you face overwhelming debt, it may be time to declare bankruptcy on credit cards [...]

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy for Medical Debt: What You Need to Know

Medical debt can hit you at a time when you are particularly vulnerable – sick and unable to work. When you are in a serious medical crisis, it’s more important to get well than to worry about how you are going to pay your bills; but when doctors and hospitals go after you for payments that you can’t afford to make, you are left in a terrible situation.

There is a way out. While no one wants to have to declare bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be an effective way to eliminate medical debt and allow you to get back on your feet again with a fresh financial start. An experienced Missouri bankruptcy lawyer can help evaluate your situation and determine if bankruptcy is you [...]

Avoiding Bankruptcy Scams in Missouri: Protect Yourself

When your debts and unpaid bills have become overwhelming and you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you are very vulnerable to being a victim of bankruptcy scams. Bankruptcy scams are fraudulent schemes that attempt to take advantage of people facing financial difficulties, and they can also be perpetrated by people who try to abuse the bankruptcy system. Scam victims find themselves bilked out of their money, and they still face the dire consequences of not being able to pay their bills.

Anyone facing the prospect of bankruptcy should be wary of any offer that seems too good to be true, tries to sell you unnecessary products and services, or makes outlandish promises to tu [...]

Chapter 12 Bankruptcy in Missouri: Relief for Family Farmers & Fishermen

Farmers and fishermen face special challenges such as extreme weather and seasonal fluctuations that can negatively impact their income, so it is not uncommon for them to wind up in debt and unable to meet their bills. With the knowledge of how important these industries are to the economy and taking into account the unique nature of their businesses and income cycles, the United States Bankruptcy Code has created a special type of bankruptcy – Chapter 12 -- that makes it easier for them to get out of debt.

Understanding Chapter 12 Bankruptcy

Chapter 12 bankruptcy is for family farmers and fishermen who have “regular annual income” from their operations and wis [...]

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Missouri: A Fresh Start Guide

If you find yourself overwhelmed with debt, being harassed by creditors, and faced with the possibility of losing your home and possessions, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the answer you need to get a fresh financial start.  While no one wants to be in a position of having to file for bankruptcy, it is a legal way to have many debts discharged (eliminated) and give you the breathing space you need to begin rebuilding your life.

How do you know if bankruptcy is right for you?  An experienced Missouri bankruptcy attorney can help you explore your options and determine whether bankruptcy or some other debt-relief option is best in your individual situation. To get started, it is imp [...]

Is Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Right for Your Missouri Business?

You have worked hard to build your Missouri business, but have run into some snags and find yourself in a financial bind.  You are faced with some tough choices, and one of them is deciding whether you should file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

While no one wants to have to file for bankruptcy, there are times that doing so is your best option and allows your business to get a fresh financial start. How do you know if Chapter 11 bankruptcy is the right solution for you?  It is important to understand how bankruptcy works, what the benefits and drawbacks of filing Chapter 11 are, and how these apply to you. A consultation with an experienced Missouri business bankruptcy attorney ca [...]

Missouri Spousal Support: A Guide to Alimony Laws

  • September 21, 2024
  • Kelvin Birk
  • Divorce

Divorce brings a change in the financial circumstances and needs of both spouses, and in many situations, one spouse is not able to make it on their own.  If this is the case, that spouse may be eligible for spousal support, also known as spousal maintenance or alimony, from their ex.

Spousal support is a monthly payment issued from one spouse to the other after the marriage dissolves. Whether or not a spouse qualifies for alimony and the amount and duration of the support is determined by the court and based on a number of factors. This determination will affect [...]