Bankruptcy attorney Houston, Texas and chapter 13 premium guides: Many of the courts in Harris County, Galveston County and Fort Bend County require mediation to be completed before a trial can be held. Mediation is when both sides meet with an independent third person who attempts to get the parties to reach an agreement. A mediator is a go-between and does not have the power to make any decisions in the case. If neither side files or prevails on a summary judgment motion and settlement is not reached, the case will be set for trial. In a trial for an unpaid debt, the judge (or jury in some instances) decides two questions. The first question the judge decides is if the Defendant legally owes a debt to the Plaintiff or not. If it is decided a debt is owed, the second question the judge decides is how much the Defendant owes to the Plaintiff. In a debt lawsuit, the Defendant’s ability to repay the debt or reason the Defendant failed to make payments on the debt is irrelevant to the questions the judge is deciding.
How Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Work? When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court places an automatic temporary stay on your current debts. This stops creditors from collecting payments, garnishing your wages, foreclosing on your home, repossessing property, evicting you or turning off your utilities. The court will take legal possession of your property and appoint a bankruptcy trustee to your case.
If you have questions about how a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Houston (or the surrounding areas) may be able to help you or your business, please call today to schedule a free consultation. Even if bankruptcy is not right for you and your situation, I may be able to help you through the process of debt settlement, if needed. My job as a lawyer is to educate you about all of your options when seeking a financial fresh start so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you. I believe that customer help should be the number one priority in any business, but it is especially important in the bankruptcy and debt settlement field. When people are struggling financially they may be stressed, nervous and scared about their situation. The prompt returning of telephone calls and e-mails is important so as to help alleviate anxiety. You can also take comfort in knowing that you will be speaking with an attorney every time you call or come in for an appointment. Dove Law Firm, PLLC is a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code as well as resolve other debt issues.
Out-of-pocket charitable contributions: It’s hard to overlook the big charitable gifts you made during the year by check or payroll deduction. But the little things add up, too, and you can write off out-of-pocket costs you incur while doing good deeds. Ingredients for casseroles you regularly prepare for a qualified nonprofit organization’s soup kitchen, for example, or the cost of stamps you buy for your school’s fundraiser count as a charitable contribution. If you drove your car for charity in 2019, remember to deduct 14 cents per mile. Jury pay paid to employer: Some employers continue to pay employees’ full salary while they are doing their civic duty, but ask that they turn over their jury fees to the company. The only problem is that the IRS demands that you report those fees as taxable income. If you give the money to your employer you have a right to deduct the amount so you aren’t taxed on money that simply passes through your hands.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is like Chapter 11, which applies to businesses. In both cases, the petitioner submits a reorganization plan that safeguards assets against repossession or foreclosure and typically requests forgiveness of other debts. They both differ from the more extreme Chapter 7 filing, which liquidates all assets except those specifically protected. No bankruptcy filing eliminates all debts. Child support and alimony payments aren’t dischargeable, nor are student loans and unpaid taxes. But bankruptcy can clear away many other debts, though it will likely make it harder for the debtor to borrow in the future. Find additional information at dove bankruptcy law firm.
Hold Off on Mutual Fund Purchases: People should be wary of buying mutual funds at this time of year if they will be held in a taxable account. You could get hit with a tax bill for year-end dividends even if you just purchased shares. “That’s how mutual funds work, but people don’t realize it,” says Joanna Powell, managing director in the Boston office of accounting firm CBIZ MHM. To avoid paying additional taxes, consult with a broker before making a purchase to find out when distributions are made.