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I'm having trouble figuring out how to do a simple thing. Our non-profit rents out our facilities. Applicants complete google form which dumps event data into google sheet. I'm trying to merge the responses from the sheet into a google … Continue reading →
The post I’m having trouble figuring out how to do a simple thing. Our non-profit rents out our facilities. Applicants… appeared first on Vonda S. McLeod, Attorney at Law.
I'm having trouble figuring out how to do a simple thing. Our non-profit rents out our facilities. Applicants complete google form which dumps event data into google sheet. I'm trying to merge the responses from the sheet into a google … Continue reading →
The post I’m having trouble figuring out how to do a simple thing. Our non-profit rents out our facilities. Applicants… appeared first on Vonda S. McLeod, Attorney at Law.
I'm having trouble figuring out how to do a simple thing. Our non-profit rents out our facilities. Applicants complete google form which dumps event data into google sheet. I'm trying to merge the responses from the sheet into a google … Continue reading →
The post I’m having trouble figuring out how to do a simple thing. Our non-profit rents out our facilities. Applicants… appeared first on Vonda S. McLeod, Attorney at Law.
I'm having trouble figuring out how to do a simple thing. Our non-profit rents out our facilities. Applicants complete google form which dumps event data into google sheet. I'm trying to merge the responses from the sheet into a google … Continue reading →
The post I’m having trouble figuring out how to do a simple thing. Our non-profit rents out our facilities. Applicants… appeared first on Vonda S. McLeod, Attorney at Law.
Bankruptcy and Gumption Most people come to talk to me about bankruptcy have been putting it off for years. People want to protect their “good credit” when all they are really doing is piling up bad credit. People worry that filing bankruptcy is “not how they were brought up.” They think they are better than Donald […]The post Bankruptcy and Gumption by Robert Weed appeared first on Robert Weed.
Bankruptcy and Gumption Most people come to talk to me about bankruptcy have been putting it off for years. People want to protect their “good credit” when all they are really doing is piling up bad credit. People worry that filing bankruptcy is “not how they were brought up.” They think they are better than Donald […]
Bankruptcy and Gumption Most people come to talk to me about bankruptcy have been putting it off for years. People want to protect their “good credit” when all they are really doing is piling up bad credit. People worry that filing bankruptcy is “not how they were brought up.” They think they are better than Donald […]
The post Bankruptcy and Gumption by Robert Weed appeared first on Robert Weed.
CREDIT REPAIR SCAMS – COMPANIES SUED FOR CHARGING ILLEGAL FEES AND MISLEADING CONSUMERS
Credit repair schemes
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), June 27, 2017, filed two complaints and proposed final judgments in federal court against Prime Credit, LLC, IMC Capital, LLC, Commercial Credit Consultants (Accurise), Blake Johnson, Eric Schlegel, Park View Law, fka as Prime Law Experts, Inc., and its owner Arthur Barens. What are charges/allegations: charged illegal advance fees for credit repair services, misrepresenting their ability to repair consumers’ credit scores.
Companies and Individuals to Pay More Than $2 Million in Penalties and Relinquished Funds
The CFPB alleges that the companies charged these consumers millions of dollars in illegal advance fees for their services.
credit repair scam
- Charged illegal advance fees: Federal law bars telemarketers and certain companies from requesting or collecting fees for credit repair services until certain conditions are met. Specifically, the companies charged consumers fees for an initial consultation to review a consumer’s credit report and set-up fees totaling hundreds of dollars and monthly fees.
- Failed to disclose limits on “money-back guarantees”
- Misled consumers about the benefits of their services
In addition to paying the amounts contained in the proposed final judgments, all defendants would be prohibited from doing business within the credit repair industry for five years.
The Bureau also issued a consumer advisory in September 2016 to alert consumers about companies that engage in potentially misleading credit repair services.
- A copy of the complaint filed in federal district court against Prime Credit, IMC Capital, Commercial Credit Consultants, Blake Johnson, and Eric Schlegel
- A copy of the proposed final judgment filed in federal district court against Prime Credit, IMC Capital, Commercial Credit Consultants, Blake Johnson, and Eric Schlegel
- A copy of the complaint filed in federal district court against Park View Law and Arthur Barens
- A copy of the proposed final judgement filed in federal district court against Park View Law and Arthur Barens
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About the Author:
Diane L. Drain is a well known and respected Arizona bankruptcy attorney. She is an expert in both consumer bankruptcy and Arizona foreclosure. Since 1985 she has been a dedicated advocate for her clients and spokesperson for Arizona citizens. Diane is a retired professor of law teaching bankruptcy for more than 20 years. As a teacher she believes in offering everyone, not just her clients, advice about the Arizona bankruptcy laws. She is also a mentor to hundreds of Arizona attorneys. 
I would be flattered if you connected with me on GOOGLE+
*From Diane: This article/blog is available for educational purposes only and does not provide specific legal advice. By using this information, you agree there is no attorney client relationship between you and me, and that this information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from an attorney familiar with your personal circumstances and licensed to practice law in your state.*
The post Credit Repair Scams – $2 Million for Misleading Consumers & Illegal Fees appeared first on Diane L. Drain - Phoenix Bankruptcy & Foreclosure Attorney.
It is perfectly legal to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California without a lawyer. However, while nothing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code will prevent you from filing bankruptcy without legal representation, it is financially unwise to declare bankruptcy without professional help from an experienced attorney. Continue reading to find out why you should never file Chapter 7 without consulting a Sacramento bankruptcy lawyer first.
5 Drawbacks of Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy without a Lawyer
Filing for bankruptcy without a lawyer is called filing “pro se.” Filing pro se is legal, but strongly discouraged.
We aren’t only saying that because we’re bankruptcy lawyers – it’s for your own financial protection, as you’ll learn in just a few moments. Before you file Chapter 7 without an experienced Sacramento Chapter 7 attorney, consider carefully these five risks of pro se bankruptcy.
Risk #1 — Chapter 7 might be wrong for your financial situation.
If you’re having trouble with excessive debt, you need to take action. However, that doesn’t mean filing Chapter 7 in Sacramento is the right way to handle the issue. Chapter 7 is specifically designed for people with lower income and minimal assets, and usually isn’t the most effective way to prevent foreclosure. If you have high income or want to stop foreclosure, you might be better off filing Chapter 13 in Sacramento, or even exploring alternatives to bankruptcy. Depending on the nature of your debts, you might be better served by a mortgage modification, debt consolidation, or other non-bankruptcy options.
Risk #2 — You could make a mistake on your bankruptcy paperwork – and be punished for it.
A document called the “bankruptcy petition” creates a record that you are filing for bankruptcy. However, the petition isn’t the only document you need to prepare. You’ll also be expected to submit dozens of supporting documents that list all of your debts, assets, and creditors in extremely specific detail.
If you make an error or leave something out, it could cause costly delays in your case. If the error is serious, the bankruptcy court could dismiss your case altogether. The longer it takes to resolve your case and obtain a discharge, the longer you will remain saddled with debt – and in the meantime, the greater your risk of foreclosure, repossession, wage garnishment, and other problems becomes.
Risk #3 — If you choose the wrong exemptions, you’ll lose property you could have kept.
The way Chapter 7 works is that the bankruptcy court authorizes a trustee to sell some of your property. The proceeds from the sale help to repay your creditors, and most of your debts are eliminated. Bankruptcy “exemptions” can help you prevent your property from being sold – but only if you choose exemptions that make financial sense. Sacramento residents have two different options for bankruptcy exemptions, and making the wrong choice could cost you thousands.
Risk #4 — If your creditors cause problems, you won’t be able to defend yourself as effectively.
All it takes is a single uncooperative creditor to throw a wrench into your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. For example, a creditor might try to lift the automatic stay, which is what protects you from debt collectors while your case is pending. You need to be prepared with an aggressive, reliable back-up plan in the event of any dispute or setback.
Risk #5 — Filing for bankruptcy without an attorney is often much more expensive than hiring a lawyer.
Legal costs can cause concern for those who are thinking of filing for bankruptcy. If you’re worried about how you will pay for a bankruptcy attorney, please keep two points in mind:
- Representing yourself is likely to cost you more than hiring a Chapter 7 lawyer in the long run. Legal mistakes will cost you time and money, which is exactly what you need to avoid when the clock is ticking on your debts. Without an attorney, you are at greater risk of missing deadlines, filing for the wrong chapter of bankruptcy, misinterpreting bankruptcy statutes, filing the wrong motions, and encountering other problems that waste your resources.
- At The Bankruptcy Group, we understand that legal expenses are often a concern for our clients. We know that you are in a difficult financial position if you are considering bankruptcy, and will work with you to find affordable payment options.
Get Debt Relief with Bankruptcy Attorneys in Sacramento, CA
If you live in Sacramento or the Sacramento area, and you are having trouble paying off your debts, you should explore your legal options with The Bankruptcy Group. We can help you reduce or even erase what you owe, so that you can get back on your feet. With years of experience, affordable payment options, around-the-clock availability, and law offices conveniently located to serve residents of Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, and other communities in the area, our attorneys are ready to help you wipe the slate clean and get a fresh start.
In addition to serving individual debtors and married couples who are filing jointly, our Sacramento business bankruptcy attorneys also represent small business owners in the Sacramento area. Chapter 7 may be an option for your company, or, if you are a sole proprietor, Chapter 13. You may also wish to discuss Chapter 11 with our Sacramento Chapter 11 attorneys.
To learn more about procedures for filing for Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 in Sacramento County or Placer County, call our Sacramento Chapter 13 attorneys at (800) 920-5351 today.
The post The Risks of Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy without an Attorney in California appeared first on The Bankruptcy Group, P.C..
Updated daily, this blog will keep you informed on the latest bankruptcy news! 
Learn more about how Bankruptcy works and what you need to know.