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How to Cancel a Reaffirmation Agreement

By David Smith | July 9, 2016

When filing bankruptcy typically all, or a majority, of your debts are discharged and you are no longer responsible for these debts.  A reaffirmation agreement comes into play when you are dealing with secured creditors (i.e. car loans, mortgages, etc.).  When you reaffirm a debt you are signing a contract making you responsible for that debt after…

Follow Ohio Estate Attorney on Facebook

By David Smith | June 27, 2016

Facebook doesn’t have to waste time – use it to educate yourself! Most of us waste time everyday on Facebook. But you can gain a lot of useful information by checking out Ohio Estate Attorney’s posts.  If you enjoy this blog, “like” Ohio Estate Attorney on facebook.  It’s all the Ohio Estate Attorney offers here on this blog plus interesting…

Watch John Oliver's Epic Takedown of Debt Buyers

By David Smith | June 18, 2016

Recently the thought provoking HBO show “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” delved into the world of Debt Buyers.  A key point made early on is that many people find themselves in debt due to no fault of their own.  I see this every day when talking with individuals about their specific circumstances.  No matter…

median family income

Median Family Income for Cases Filed On or After May 1, 2016

By David Smith | June 17, 2016

A term you might often hear when discussing or researching information about bankruptcy is “median family income.”  If you do not know what this means you are not alone.  However, the Median Family Income in Ohio amount is very important.  It determines whether you qualify to file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. The current monthly income test looks…

Bankruptcy, Documents and the Clients Who Keep Them

By David Smith | June 5, 2016

If your bankruptcy attorney hasn’t filed your case yet…chances are they are waiting on documents. Once you retain a bankruptcy attorney they will give you a list of documents they need.  An issue that commonly arises is that time goes by and new documents are necessary to obtain.  The quicker you provide the necessary information the quicker…

discharging tax debt

Discharging Tax Debt in Bankruptcy

By David Smith | February 4, 2016

Have you ever heard the statement “tax debt is not dischargeable in bankruptcy”? Luckily that assumption is not entirely correct and relief may be available. Non-dischargeable taxes includes debts for unpaid property taxes and any debts associated with unpaid income taxes, due within the 3 years immediately prior to filing bankruptcy. Requirements of Dischargeable Tax Debt…

reinstatement fees

Are Reinstatement Fees Keeping You From A Valid Driver's License?

By David Smith | January 29, 2016

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Reinstatement Fees Are these reinstatement fees preventing you from obtaining a valid driver’s license?  If so, one way to address this issue is to file bankruptcy. A driver’s license suspension can happen for a number of different reasons.  (getting a DUI/OVI, having multiple traffic violations or speeding tickets, or owing a…

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Make the Most of Your Free Bankruptcy Consultation

By David Smith | January 27, 2016

The following items will help me get to know you so that I can analyze your bankruptcy case as quickly as possible.  This, in turn, will provide more to answer your specific questions during the free consultation.  The items requested are not meant to overwhelm you and should not stop you from seeking legal advice.  If you…

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Keeping Your Tax Refund When Filing Bankruptcy

By David Smith | January 25, 2016

Benjamin Franklin is attributed with the saying that nothing is certain except death and taxes.  And while little can be done about the certainty of death, I can help you maximize the money that stays in your pocket by utilizing your tax refund exemptions when you file for bankruptcy. On the date you file for bankruptcy,…