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 […]
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 (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. […]
1521 Concord Pike
Personal Injury Attorney’s Duty of Reasonable Inquiry of a Client’s Bankruptcy
An attorney meets with a potential client about a recent auto accident personal injury claim. The client suffered severe injuries and may be entitled to a large award. The client fails to mention that he is a debtor in an active bankruptcy. The client also has failed to advise his bankruptcy attorney about the personal injury claim. The debtor/client does not realize the importance of disclosure of the claim. The […]