Protect Your Retirement Assets with a Standalone Retirement Trust

Protect Your Retirement Assets with a Standalone Retirement Trust

Five Reasons to Protect Your Retirement Accounts Now Your retirement account provides asset protection during your lifetime, but as soon as you pass that account to a loved one, that protection evaporates. When your spouse, child, or other loved one inherits your retirement account, creditors have the power to seize it and use the funds to satisfy their claims. This means one lawsuit and POOF!—your life-long, hard-earned savings could be […]

The Duty of Non-Bankruptcy Attorneys to Make Reasonable Inquiry of a Client’s Bankruptcy

The Duty of Non-Bankruptcy Attorneys to Make Reasonable Inquiry of a Client’s Bankruptcy

What duty does a non-bankruptcy attorney have to determine whether a client or a potential client is or has been a debtor in a bankruptcy case?  The wrong answer to that question may prove disastrous to successful pursuit of claims on behalf of the client and threatens counsel with professional and financial exposure. A debtor’s failure to disclose causes of action in a bankruptcy case has ramifications for the debtor, […]

Have You Chosen the Right Trustee?

Have You Chosen the Right Trustee?

Whether you are reviewing your existing trust or creating a new trust, you should understand the important role that a trustee plays not only in handling trust matters but also in providing for and protecting your loved ones. What is a trust? A trust is an agreement between an owner of accounts and property (trustmaker) and another person (trustee) who agrees to manage the accounts and property on behalf of […]

Impact of the Repeal of CARES Act Chapter 13 Plan Modifications

Impact of the Repeal of CARES Act Chapter 13 Plan Modifications

Is it a death knell for cases beyond 60 months? Under the CARES Act  11 USC Sec. 1329 was amended to include a temporary provision that permitted confirmed chapter 13 plans to extend the plan term to up to 84 months. To do so, debtors were required to show they were affected by COVID, Sec. 1329(d). [i]  The maximum term under 11 USC Sec. 1329(c ) has always been 60 […]

Personal Injury Attorney’s Duty of Reasonable Inquiry of a Client’s Bankruptcy

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 […]