Best Practices in Bankruptcy: Power of Attorney or Guardian

Best Practices in Bankruptcy: Power of Attorney or Guardian

It is always troublesome when an individual bankruptcy petition is filed by power of attorney.  It may be less of a concern in a chapter 7 case when the debtor is in the military, incarcerated, or temporarily disabled.  More worrisome is the incompetent or advanced aged debtor who has been placed in a chapter 13 by someone holding a power of attorney (POA).  What sort of inquiry is necessary and […]

Game Stop: Dismissals with Prejudice

Game Stop: Dismissals with Prejudice

Faced with abusive and serial bankruptcy cases, courts have fashioned various sanctions to put a stop to gaming the system. The favored sanction of the majority of courts is to enter an order of dismissal with prejudice under Section 349(a) of the Bankruptcy Code that adds a condition prohibiting refiling another bankruptcy case for a set period of time. See Lundin on Chapter 13 Sec. 153.3 “Court-Imposed Conditions and Restrictions […]

The Elderly, Consumer Debt, & Financial Abuse

The Elderly, Consumer Debt, & Financial Abuse

The Elderly, Consumer Debt, & Financial Abuse (August 2016) By: Michael B. Joseph, Esquire             Senior citizens, those 65 years old and older are increasingly burdened by alarming levels of consumer debt.  Retirement and fixed income is insufficient to sustain the monthly expenses for many older adults. Some are unable to pay ongoing regular monthly expenses, costs of health care, and make payments on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.  […]