Bankruptcy & Debt

Chapter 7, Chapter 13, debt collection defense, and foreclosure

Topics

Topics in Bankruptcy & Debt

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers a fresh start by eliminating most debts. If you'r...

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you keep your assets while repaying debts over tim...

Debt Collection Defense

Debt collectors must follow strict rules. If you're being harassed, threatene...

Foreclosure Defense

Facing foreclosure doesn't mean losing your home is inevitable. Legal options...

IRS Tax Problems

IRS problems can feel insurmountable, but solutions exist. From payment plans...

Wage Garnishment

Wage garnishment takes money directly from your paycheck. Understand the limi...

Small Claims

Small claims court provides access to justice without expensive attorneys. Le...

Resources

Legal Guides

Bankruptcy & Debt

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Guide: Eliminating Debt Through Liquidation

Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges most unsecured debts in approximately 4 months, giving you a fresh financial start. Understand who qualifies under the means test, which debts can be eliminated, what property you can keep, and long-term credit impacts.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

Chapter 7 Means Test: Do You Qualify Based on Your Income?

The means test compares your income to your state's median to determine Chapter 7 eligibility. Learn how to calculate your current monthly income, allowable deductions, what happens if you fail the test, and exceptions for disabled veterans and certain military members.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Guide: Reorganizing Debt While Keeping Your Assets

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you catch up on mortgage and car payments through a 3-5 year repayment plan while keeping your property. Learn who qualifies, how payment plans work, which debts must be paid in full, and differences from Chapter 7.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

Chapter 13 Repayment Plans: How Monthly Payments Are Calculated

Your Chapter 13 plan payment depends on your disposable income, debt types, and plan length. Understand how trustees calculate payments, priority debts that must be paid 100%, what happens to unsecured creditors, and how to modify plans if circumstances change.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

Debt Collection Defense: Your Rights When Creditors Come Calling in 2026

Debt collectors must follow strict federal rules under the FDCPA, and many lawsuits contain fatal flaws you can exploit. Learn your rights against harassment, how to verify debts are legitimate, common defenses that defeat collection lawsuits, and when the debt may be too old to collect legally.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit: 30-Day Answer Deadline and Defense Strategies

Getting sued by a debt collector is frightening, but ignoring the lawsuit guarantees a default judgment against you. Understand your answer deadline, how to file proper responses, affirmative defenses that may defeat the claim, and why many collection lawsuits fail when challenged.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

Foreclosure Defense Guide: Options to Save Your Home in 2026

Facing foreclosure does not mean losing your home is inevitable. Understand the foreclosure timeline in your state, legal defenses that can delay or stop proceedings, loan modification options, and government programs designed to help struggling homeowners keep their properties.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

Foreclosure Process by State: Judicial vs. Non-Judicial Procedures and Timeline

Foreclosure works very differently depending on your state—judicial foreclosure requires court proceedings while non-judicial uses trustee sales. Learn your state specific process, typical timelines from missed payment to auction, and critical deadlines for asserting your rights.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

IRS Tax Problems Guide: Resolving Tax Debt, Audits, and Disputes in 2026

The IRS has powerful collection tools—wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens—but also offers programs for taxpayers who cannot pay. Understand your options including payment plans, offers in compromise, penalty abatement, and how to navigate audits and appeals.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

IRS Payment Plans: Installment Agreements for Tax Debt You Cannot Pay in Full

The IRS offers several payment plan options for taxpayers who owe but cannot pay immediately. Learn about short-term extensions, streamlined installment agreements for debts under $50,000, and non-streamlined plans for larger amounts—including how to apply and what payments to expect.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

Wage Garnishment Guide: Protecting Your Paycheck from Creditor Seizure

Creditors with judgments can take up to 25% of your disposable income directly from your paycheck. Understand how wage garnishment works, exemptions that protect part of your income, procedures to challenge improper garnishments, and strategies to stop or reduce paycheck deductions.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

Wage Garnishment Exemptions: How Much of Your Income Is Protected by Law

Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable earnings, and many states provide greater protection. Certain income sources like Social Security are completely exempt. Learn federal and state exemption amounts, how to claim exemptions, and protecting bank accounts from levy.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

Small Claims Court Guide: How to Sue Without a Lawyer in 2026

Small claims court provides an affordable way to resolve disputes up to state limits without attorney fees. Learn which cases qualify for small claims, how to file your claim, what evidence you need, and how to present your case effectively before a judge.

January 19, 2026

Bankruptcy & Debt

Small Claims Court Limits by State: Maximum Dollar Amounts You Can Sue For

Small claims limits vary dramatically by state—from $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Tennessee. Understanding your state limit determines whether small claims is appropriate for your dispute. Review current limits, exceptions for certain case types, and when regular court is required.

January 19, 2026