Bankruptcy and You

What are the different types of bankruptcy?  What is a "Chapter 7" case?  What is a "Chapter 13?"  Which chapter is best for me?  These are some of the questions Mr. Bolger will answer for you in this episode. 

Mr. Bolger answers one of the most common questions he is asked by callers and stresses the importance of telling the truth at all times in your case.

Are you retired or retiring and realize your expenses are increasing while your income is not?  Has your parent asked you for help in resolving their financial affairs and you realize they cannot afford to pay their debts and maintain a decent standard of living?  Statistics indicate senior citizens are filing bankruptcy petitions at an increasing rate.

Will I lose my security clearance if I file for bankruptcy protection?  I am applying for the first time for a security clearance.  Will I be denied because I filed for bankruptcy protection?  Mr. Bolger has been filing bankruptcy petitions in the Washington DC metropolitan area since 1987, and the area he serves has a large number of residents who possess security clearances.

"Why not try for a win-win scenario?  Tell the creditor they'll get nothing if I file bankruptcy.  Won't that work?"  Mr. Bolger describes how and why he started filing bankruptcy cases for individuals and small businesses over 30 years ago.  

What happens to my home if I file a bankruptcy petition?  Will I lose it?  What do I have to do in order to keep it?  What if I have a Home Equity Line of Credit?  What if I am behind on my payments?  These and other questions regarding your home are discussed in this episode.

Ever wondered what it is like to be the person who files a bankruptcy petition?  Attorney Bolger describes what it is like to be the debtor in a typical Chapter 7 case from start to finish.

Can you file for bankruptcy protection even if you earn a good salary?  How does my income affect my ability to file a bankruptcy case?

A married couple realizes the retirement plans they work so hard on for decades were in jeopardy as they approached their retirement because of their investing in vacation real estate at the peak of the market. 

What are the pros and cons of filing a bankruptcy petition versus enrolling in a debt settlement program?  Is bankruptcy really the worst case scenario?  Are debt settlement companies all they claim to be in their slick advertising?