3/5/2020 I have been using a Payday Loan company or Check Cashing store and can no longer pay the fee and I know the check(s) will bounce. Can I file bankruptcy on payday loans or check cashing loans? Can I be charged with a crime or go to jail?Read NowI continue to see more and more clients come in to see me about filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy after being caught up in the payday loan or check cashing trap. It’s an easy lure – quick easy money with no credit check. It is easy for consumers to rationalize that they can pay the money back out of their next paycheck and be caught up. However, far too often the next paycheck is “already spent” as well and you have to “renew” the loan and pay the fee.
The cycle of renewing these loans becomes extremely draining on a person’s finances which were assumedly already teetering on the edge. All it takes is one look at the interest rate on these types of loans to see why. The average “fees” paid on these loans amount to normally between 400% to 720% annual interest rate. The cycle also often leads to obtaining these loans at multiple companies in an effort to “borrow from Peter to pay Paul.” The FTC has issued a Consumer Alert regarding these loans Payday Loans Equal Very Costly Cash. You can file bankruptcy in Alabama on payday and check cashing loans and these loans are dischargeable. Do not let these companies convince you otherwise. I have had clients who have been told “You cannot file bankruptcy because you signed a form saying you wouldn’t.” This is NOT true (wouldn’t every lender do this if it was). In addition I have had clients who have been told they would be charged with a crime for writing a bad check. This again is NOT true. The crime of writing a bad check is a form of fraud, i.e. saying you have enough money in the bank to cover the check at the time of writing it. This fraud has to be relied on by the person receiving the check. In the payday and check cashing loan situation, these companies know the check is not good at the time they accept it; therefore, there is no fraud and there is no crime. Do not let these predatory loans continue to financially and mentally drain you. Obtaining these types of loans is often a sign of other debt problems as well. Make an appointment with an experienced and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney and see about obtaining a fresh start.
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3/5/2020 Why can’t I just put my house, car or other property in someone else’s name before I file for bankruptcy?Read NowBecause it would be a huge mistake. The bankruptcy court trustee has the power to avoid such transfers he or she feels were made with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors. Under the amended bankruptcy laws the trustee can “look back” at least two years, but may “look back” even longer in some circumstances. The trustees for the Northern District of Alabama routinely ask about real property transfers in the past ten years. Do not worry if you have legitimately (that is transferred to a third party and receipt of fair market value) sold a house or vehicle; however, be prepared to present the paperwork for the transaction.
The consequences of getting caught attempting a “fraudulent transfer” can be severe. The trustee’s avoidance of the transfer itself may cause a debtor many new legal problems; including, but not limited to, issues with the person(s) or entity to which the property was transferred and/or possible criminal charges. In addition such a transfer may result in a debtor not receiving a discharge in his or her bankruptcy which means no protection from creditors. So, what do you do if you have too much equity in your real or personal property? You probably will be able to file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. In a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Alabama you may pay some or all of this equity into the bankruptcy court in affordable monthly payments over a period of time. While you may have to pay some money into the court, you will still avoid lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, foreclosures, and have the other protections provided by the bankruptcy laws. If you have any questions regarding this or Alabama Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filings or other bankruptcy or debt related issues please email me. |
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AuthorI am an attorney located in Cullman, AL. I practice extensively in the area of consumer bankruptcy law, that is, I file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies for individuals. I handle cases all over North Alabama and have helped hundreds of clients through the bankruptcy process., I receive many referrals from former clients and their families and other attorneys. Why? Unlike other firms, I have a local office. If you are from out of town, we have the technology available to keep your traveling to a minimum. Also, unlike many firms, you will meet personally with an attorney, not a paralegal. An attorney will handle your case from start to finish. , Archives
December 2021
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