Begin Again With Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Violations    In this podcast, Christopher Missick discusses the topic of violations that consumers may knowingly, or unwittingly take part in.  His discussion includes issues such as who counts as an insider, what a preferential transfer involves, and what the consequences of such violations are.As always, this does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney client relationship.  If you have questions, you can find us at MissickLaw.com.

Behind the Book Begin AgainIn this episode, Christopher Missick talks a little bit about why he wrote the book, and what he sees as the benefit for readers.  After so many podcasts that discuss the elements of bankruptcy, we thought it was important to go behind the book, and have Chris talk about the family bankruptcy that led him to want to help others in extreme financial distress.

Bankruptcy Terms In response to a listener question about the meanings of some of the words used in the podcasts and the bankruptcy podcasts, I have decided to record a single podcast just on the definitions of some of the most frequently used words in bankruptcy.This podcast is for the auditory learners out there, the ones who get frustrated by reading things on a screen and would much rather hear the definitions.  It's probably the longest podcast I've recorded, and unless you are constantly wondering what a creditor is, or who is an insider, it might feel kind of long.  It is important, nonetheless, to make sure everyone understands the basics of the "language of bankruptcy."The terms are selected and read from a glossary located at: http://www.uscourts.gov/bankruptcycourts/bankruptcybasics/glossary.html 

The Means Test            Continuing in our series on the Bankruptcy Code changes, implemented in 2005, Christopher Missick spends a few minutes in this podcast addressing the implementation of the means test.  He explores what it is, why the credit card lobby fought to have it included, and whether the impact on debtors was as bad as we all first assumed it would be.  As always, this does not constitute legal advice or an attorney client relationship.  Please contact the offices of the Missick Law Group at info@missicklaw.com with questions.

What is BAPCA?      On October 17, 2005, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act became law, and the processes for filing for bankruptcy changed dramatically.  This podcast is just a brief introduction to the adoption of BAPCA, and begins a short series of looking at what changes were implemented with the legislation.  

Privacy Issues In BankruptcyWill everyone find out I filed for bankruptcy?  This question seems to be asked of every bankruptcy attorney when they first meet with a client that is unfamiliar with the process.  In this episode, I tackle the question and provide a little insight as to how you may want to handle the issue of talking about your bankruptcy.  "As always, these podcasts to don constitute legal advice and no attorney client relationship is formed between the listener and Christopher Missick.  These podcasts are merely a conversion on a legal issues related to a bankruptcy filing, and are a public service of Christopher Missick."

Household Names In BankruptcyEven though this seems to be one of the favorite subjects for bankruptcy attorneys to trot out to make their clients feel better, I do believe it is important to discuss just how many inspirational people have faced financial situations so dire they were pushed to file for bankruptcy.  This short podcasts explores this subject and drops some famous names you might be surprised were forced to Begin Again.

Bankruptcy ExemptionsFortunately, bankruptcy does not mean that you are going to lose everything you have, even though a Chapter 7 is referred to as a liquidation.  Over the course of this podcast, I discuss what an exemption is, and how they are applied.  As an attorney in California, this podcast is a little California heavy.  Exemptions can be complicated, since each state has the opportunity to adopt its own standards, and as a result, there is no one size fits all discussion.  I do try and parse out what an exemption is however, and how they apply to bankruptcy.  That in itself may be helpful and interesting to anyone outside of California.  

Chapter 13 BankruptcyAlthough not nearly as common as a Chapter 7, Chapter 13 offers an alternative to debtors seeking relief and protection in bankruptcy.  Chapter 13, or the Wage Earners Plan, provides for a payment plan over 3-5 years.  In this podcast, I explore not only what a Chapter 13 entails, but also discuss what a chapter 13 plan is and what is required of one in order for it to be approved.

Seniors and BankruptcyIn a companion piece to my discussion on recent college graduates deciding to file bankruptcy, here, I discuss the drastically increasing number of senior citizens that are filing bankruptcy.  Between medical expenses and other financial hardships, seniors are in a terrible position in the midst of this current recession.  

Post-College BankruptciesWith so many students leaving college and entering a workforce without adequate employment options, the burden of hefty non-dischargeable student loans, combined with heavy credit card debt, has left an entire generation of millenials and late members of Gen X terrified at their financial prospects.  Even though bankruptcy is not an ideal way to begin your working professional life, sometimes it just makes sense to consider a bankruptcy filing shortly after college, when your credit card debt is high and your income is low.  That's the point of the discussion in this podcast.

Non-Dischargeable DebtJust because bankruptcy provides consumers a way to get rid of a great deal amount of consumer debt, there are exceptions as to what kinds of debt may be discharged.  In this episode, I discuss those debts which are deemed non-dischargeable, and some that I classify as rarely-dischargeable.

The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy ProcessIn this podcast, I try and make the entire process of filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy a little more clear.  It's really designed to provide an overview of what a Chapter 7 filing entails, how to prepare and what to expect.

The Morality of BankruptcyOne of the most difficult issues for people to confront in bankruptcy, are feelings of guilt or shame.  In this podcast, I examine the moral issues that are involved in filing a bankruptcy, and refute the allegations that filing bankruptcy is an inherently immoral act.