Blogs

10 years 3 months ago

Dollars signs and greedFederal investors found that National City Bank systematically charged black and Hispanic borrowers more in interest and fees on mortgages from 2002 through 2008.  This resulted in statistically significant discriminatory pricing disparities based on race and national origin, and caused more than 41,000 Hispanic borrowers and more than 34,000 African-American borrowers to overpay, authorities said.  National City, now PNC Financial Services Group, will pay $35 million to make up for this discriminatory lending practice.
A two-year Consumer Financial Protection Bureau probe of Cleveland-based National City’s lending portfolio, revealed Monday, found that the bank charged around 0.1 percentage point more on loans to 75,000 black and Hispanic borrowers. That added an average of $160 per year to payments.   Law suit:  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau et al v. National City Bank, U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania.
“This settlement will provide deserved relief to thousands of African-American and Hispanic borrowers who suffered discrimination at the hands of National City Bank,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “As alleged, the bank charged borrowers higher rates not based on their creditworthiness, but based on their race and national origin. This alleged conduct resulted in increased loan prices for minority borrowers. This case marks the Justice Department’s latest step to protect Americans from discriminatory lending practices, and shows we will always fight to hold accountable those who take advantage of consumers for financial gain.”
“With today’s settlement, thousands of African-American and Hispanic borrowers who were discriminated against by National City Bank will be entitled to compensation,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We look forward to further collaboration with the Bureau in protecting consumers from illegal and discriminatory lending practices.”

The post National City Discriminatory Loans Costs $35 M appeared first on Diane L. Drain - Phoenix Bankruptcy & Foreclosure Attorney.


10 years 3 months ago

“The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau “CFPB” has ordered Ocwen Financial Corporation (NYSE:OCN) to provide $2 billion in principal forgiveness relief to homeowners throughout the next three years as part of a larger settlement agreement.
ForeclosureThe mortgage servicer announced on Thursday a settlement agreement with the CFPB and state officials resolving allegations it mistreated consumers and committed “systemic misconduct at every stage of the mortgage servicing process,” according to the Bureau.”
View the OCWEN consent order.
OCWEN was created in the late 1980s for the purpose of purchasing defaulted loans.  At that time their intent was to foreclose and normally become the owner of the property.  I can personally attest that they were horrible for the borrower to deal with.  Fast forward 25+ years and they are still abusing consumers.  Gee, what a surprise!!  As to the settlement – will they pay the $2 billion?  Given the history of the fines imposed on the other large lenders I am not holding my breath.  What are the chances of the settlement funds reaching those who were damaged?  Based on the Bank of America, et al, settlements some of those abused borrowers may receive a few dollars.  But, those funds are more of an insult for the pain and suffering the lenders force the borrowers to endure.  Do I sound impassioned about this issue?  Most definitely.   On a daily basis I hear about the damage done by these greedy lenders and servicers.  Will the borrowers ever recover emotionally?  We can only hope so.
The post OCWEN Slammed With $2 Billion Settlement appeared first on Diane L. Drain - Phoenix Bankruptcy & Foreclosure Attorney.


10 years 3 months ago

This is the case of Melika Murray who comes to me from North Chicago which is Lake County, Illinois for a bankruptcy consultation.  Ms. Murray has never filed for bankruptcy before, even though she states that she has been struggling for debt for over 20 years.  She owns no real estate.  She is renting and+ Read MoreThe post Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Would Provide The Fresh Start Needed appeared first on David M. Siegel.


10 years 3 months ago

Late BillsMany debtors feel bankruptcy is their final option in helping them regain financial control.  While there are filing fees and credit counseling fees that are required, many wonder how they can pay if they can’t afford to pay their creditors. You may even have the notion of saying why bother paying for an attorney when [...]


10 years 3 months ago

Elizabeth Warren Nov. 2013U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, introduced legislation on Tuesday that would prohibit employers from requiring job applicants to disclose their credit history.
In a conference call with reporters, Warren argued that a person’s poor credit history is often the result of medical bills, job loss or divorce and does not reflect his ability to perform a job.
A credit reports includes information on the bank accounts and credit card accounts opened by a person and whether those accounts are paid up. It indicates liens, bankruptcy filings and court judgments. A 2012 report by the Society for Human Resource Management found that around half (47 percent) of companies conduct credit checks on some or all prospective employees.
Read more….
The post Bill to Prohibit Running Credit Checks on Job Candidates appeared first on Diane L. Drain - Phoenix Bankruptcy & Foreclosure Attorney.


10 years 3 months ago

Diane L. Drain, attorney and counselor
Diane L. Drain, attorney and counselor

Demystifying Current Real Estate Problems.  Diane will be a featured speaker at the American Bankruptcy Institute Western Consumer Conference, Monday, January 20, 2014
ABI’s Second Annual Western Consumer Conference is a day-long program designed specifically for consumer bankruptcy practitioners. This year’s program will address the topics that consumer practitioners need most: current real estate problems, student loans, case law update, bankruptcy treatment of same-sex marriages and reaffirmations, including ethics. The program will close with a cocktail reception. The conference is a must-attend for every consumer bankruptcy practitioner!
The post Demystifying Current Real Estate Problems appeared first on Diane L. Drain - Phoenix Bankruptcy & Foreclosure Attorney.


10 years 3 months ago

This is the case of Jeffrey and Debra Miller who live in Gilberts, Illinois which is in Kane County Illinois.  They were here for a consultation on either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.  As we run through the facts here, they have not filed a bankruptcy before.  They do own a home with a+ Read MoreThe post Bankruptcy Filing Will Depend Upon The Means Test appeared first on David M. Siegel.


10 years 3 months ago

hand-holding-car-keyChapter 13 bankruptcy is a repayment plan that restructures debt obligations to help you make affordable payments each month.  The plan is designed to help you get out of debt or help you catch up on debts you may have fallen behind on.  Making a purchase in Chapter 13 such as a vehicle may be [...]


10 years 1 month ago

Many people know they are in a desperate situation and need to file a Delavan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. What they don’t know is that timing can make all the difference in the outcome of the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and in their livelihood. Several factors are involved when determining when is the right time to file a Delavan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Our Delavan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy attorney discusses some of the most important timing issues below.
Factors you need to consider before filing a Delavan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy:
 

  • Are you unemployed with a large amount of creditors? Losing your job can place a tremendous amount of stress on you. Losing your job with a huge amount of credit card debt can place even more stress on your shoulders. Before you fall too far behind, hinder your credit score, and have your items repossessed, you may wish to file for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
  • Do you have a large amount of medical expenses? Medical expenses can be an enormous financial drain. Bills from the hospital, radiologist, laboratory, specialist, doctor and more all come piling in the mailbox, and possibly from just one emergency visit. If you have or are facing major medical problems, you may know the reality of this situation. Several office visits, surgical procedures, and physical therapy can add up quick. Filing for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can help save you from drowning in medical debt. You need to focus on your recovery.
  • Are you currently having marital problems? As difficult as it may be to face, marital problems may be a major reason to file a Delavan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. You may have lost the income of a spouse and can’t handle all of the bills on your own. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and you can get help. You deserve help. A fresh start from a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy may be just what you need.
  • Is your home about to be foreclosed on or are your wages about to be garnished by a creditor? If your livelihood or home is being threatened by a creditor, you may wish to file a Delavan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy immediately. Once the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is filed, it will take immediate effect. Creditors will no longer be able to seize, foreclosure, garnish, or attach to any of your assets.
  • Our Delavan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy law firm knows that bankruptcy can be scary. We are here to guide you through the process and relieve your worries and stress. Knowledge is power and the more you know and understand about a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, the less stress and worry you will feel. It is also important to rely on a Delavan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy attorney you can trust. We want you to feel comfortable with your decision to file for bankruptcy. A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is a perfectly acceptable solution to your overwhelming debt in this difficult economy. Please, contact us to discuss whether a Delavan Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is right for you by calling our bankruptcy law firm at 262-725-0175 or by email via our contact page.
    Burlington Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Wisconsin
     
    *The content and material on this web page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.



10 years 3 months ago

52acfcc37260c.preview-620Bringing you the most up-to-date news, tips and blogs throughout the web. Here’s your Bankruptcy Update for December 19, 2013 Ski center slaloms toward bankruptcy finish line Bankruptcy Auction Yet to Produce Buyer for Atlantic Club Bankruptcy judge suspends trial over proposed swaps settlement  


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