Michael L. Detzky Bankruptcy Law Blog

Most consumer bankruptcy attorneys routinely offer potential clients a complimentary initial consultation at which time the client can be screened for their eligibility for bankruptcy relief and have all of their questions and concerns addressed. In order to make this interview most productive it is essential that you gather together certain vital information which your lawyer will need to provide you with the correct advice and information. At a miniumum you should provide the bankruptcy... Read More

Recently I've met with several clients who have attempted to resolve their financial problems through a debt consolidation agency they learned about on the radio, television or in a newspaper ad. Often after spending several thousand dollars with these firms, they find that they are still hopelessly in debt and that the agency was not able to deliver on their promises. Many were shocked to learn that they now owed money to the IRS on the difference between what they originally owed to... Read More

Halloween brings its fair share of scary things. Ghosts, goblins, vampires and things that go bump in the night are certainly worthy of  fright. A "Notice of Abandonment" from the Bankruptcy Trustee shouldn't be one of them. Unfortunately all too often I receive frantic calls from concerned clients who have just received a trustee's notice of "Proposed Abandonment" of his or her interest in the client's home. Even though we discussed the meaning of a notice of... Read More

I've been practicing consumer bankruptcy law for more than 30 years and it never ceases to amaze me that there are some pretty incredible myths about the bankruptcy process that are widely held. One of the most common is that if you file for bankruptcy you will be able to completely eliminate your home mortgage or car loan and get to keep the home or auto debt free. This is completely false. A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy will NOT wipe out a home mortgage or car loan since these are... Read More

America has spoken and chosen our new President and Congress telling them resoundingly that they want CHANGE. As a bankruptcy and immigration lawyer who has increasingly found himself in the last few years unable to help desperate clients due to draconian changes in our laws instituted in the last eight years, here is my personal "Wish-List" for the new Administration:

1. Reverse the  infamous Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005 and the unnecessary, ineffective, and... Read More

There's a lot of talk out of Washington about new plans and schemes to help homeowners in financial distress from losing their homes in foreclosure. Unfortunately, that's all it is, talk. Nothing concrete or definitive has yet been enacted into law and it's doubtful that there will be any relief at all until after the election. Instead of waiting for new relief out of Washington that may never come, homeowners in distress should consult with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer about how... Read More