Category: Illinois - page 3

What You Should Know About Filing for Bankruptcy in Illinois Without an Attorney

At Debtstoppers, we admire the American can-do spirit. So, if you’re saying, “Yes, I can become debt free,” we’re with you 100 percent. Our attorneys have the knowledge, skill and experience to guide you through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the most efficient and painless way possible. But if your can-do impulse suggests that bankruptcy is a do-it-yourself project, we have to caution that common errors by pro se (DIY) filers lead to expensive, often irreversible, losses. In fact, the courts throw out most pro se filings because the average… Read More »

Illegal Repossession Tactics

Illinois law states the repossession of a car or truck is illegal if the consumer is not actually in default on the loan or if the creditor doesn’t have a valid security interest in the vehicle. But a valid repossession can become illegal if the repossessor used tactics that “breach the peace” when seizing the… Read More »

How Bank Overdraft Fees Punish the Poor

Last year, CNN Money reported that the big three banks in the United States – JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo – had made $1.1 billion on overdraft fees in the first three months of that year alone. Obviously, overdraft fees are a big money-maker for the banks, but who is most likely… Read More »

When is the Best Time of Year to File Bankruptcy?

A common question for people in debt is when they should file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Often, filing for bankruptcy cannot wait for a specific time of year, as it often comes after a major, surprising life event such as unexpected medical bills. There are, however, a few ways you can time your bankruptcy to… Read More »

Consumers Beware: Avoid Debt Elimination Scams with Due Diligence

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, the last thing you need is to be taken in by a scam. Unfortunately, debt elimination scams are an increasingly popular way for fraudsters in Illinois to take advantage of people when they are most desperate. One of the most important things to look out for is the general… Read More »

Can I File for Bankruptcy if I’m Unemployed?

The stress of being in debt is exacerbated if you are also unemployed. How can you repay your loans if you don’t have a steady income? Don’t worry – you still have options. You don’t have to be employed to file for bankruptcy. You can still file without having a job, although it may complicate… Read More »

Wiping Out Lawsuit Judgments with Bankruptcy

The only thing worse than having a debt in collections may be having a debt that’s become a judgment. A judgment is a court decision that allows a creditor or debt collector to take legal steps to collect payment from a delinquent debtor. This can include freezing your bank account, garnishing your wages, and… Read More »

What happens to a cosigner when the borrower files for bankruptcy?

Most people have the best of intentions when they ask a loved one to cosign a loan. But what happens when a well-meaning borrower can no longer afford to make loan payments? All too often, co-signers bear the burden when a family member defaults on a debt. It’s hard to say no when a child,… Read More »

Can Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Help Me Get My Car Back?

If you’re anything like millions of Americans, your car is one of your most loyal companions. You rely on your car, truck or SUV to get you to work, to school, or wherever it is you need to go each and every day. But what if your vehicle – and your freedom – were taken… Read More »

Debt Collector Scams Targeting Payday Loan Borrowers

There’s a new reason to be stressed about phone calls from debt collectors: a growing number of debtors are being scammed into paying off debts they don’t owe by phantom debt collection agencies. Thousands of Americans have reported receiving calls from fake debt collectors, according to the Federal Trade Commission. In response, the FTC has… Read More »