You are protected from harassment by your creditors under federal law. Don’t let your creditors get away with harassment, know your rights.

I talk with a lot of debtors who are considering filing Provo bankruptcy to resolve their debts.  They often have heart-wrenching stories of losing a job or sustaining a costly injury.  However, the stories that upset me the most are the accounts of creditor harassment.

You see, we all fall on hard times sooner or later.  It’s unfortunate, but it happens.  For those who are hit so hard that they can’t get their financial matters balanced again, Provo bankruptcy is there to make a fresh start possible.  But when creditors come after struggling debtors and attempt to bully them into making the payments they can’t afford, that’s just adding insult to injury.

As a debtor, you have rights of protection guaranteed by federal law.  It is illegal for your creditors to harass you.

Many debtors, however, are unaware of their rights and suffer through inexcusable harassment from their creditors.  I want you to understand your rights, and I want your creditors to understand that they can’t get away with harassing you or your household.

It is illegal for your creditors to:

• Harass you, your family or your friends in any way.
• Threaten you either physically or verbally.
• Contact anyone other than you or your attorney concerning your debt.
• Contact you personally when you have known legal representation.
• Fail to follow up a spoken telephone conversation with written  documentation within 5 days.
• Misrepresent the balance of your debt.
• Disregard a your written denial of the debt.
• Suggest or imply that you can be arrested.

Remember that you are protected by the law.  Don’t tolerate illegal harassment from your creditors.  And also remember that as soon as you file Provo bankruptcy, your creditors will not be permitted to contact you in any way.

Hard times hit all of us.  If you’ve been left with more debt than you can manage and you need a fresh start, please complete our Free Provo Bankruptcy Evaluation and find out i Provo bankruptcy is the solution you need.

» Free Provo Bankruptcy Evaluation

The simple truth is that most folks rely on a car to get to work and to keep their lives in order.  So how do you do that after Provo bankruptcy?

People who find themselves considering bankruptcy have enough troubles as it is.  Perhaps you’ve lost your job, suffered a costly injury, or even a divorce.  Whatever your story is, times are hard and you need help.  With Provo bankruptcy, you can get relief from the debts that are holding you down.  But financial recovery after bankruptcy is just as important.

I cannot stress this enough.  To get their financial affairs in order after filing Provo bankruptcy, debtors need to hold a steady job and use the income to build checking and savings accounts as well as pay all their bills on time.  For those who are out of a job (alarmingly common these days) finding employment is the biggest and hardest step to accomplish.  And the task only becomes more difficult for those without their own transportation.

Retaining a car after Provo bankruptcy then becomes a big issue.  Happily, many debtors successfully keep their automobiles after filing for bankruptcy and the attorneys at Utah County Fresh Start are eager to help you do the same.

Still, as a debtor filing for bankruptcy, it pays to know what your options are when it comes to dealing with a car in Provo bankruptcy court.  If you owe money on your car and you are filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you have 3 options:

• Redeem: This is a single payment you make to your creditor for the fair market value of your car. This makes life easier down the road because you no longer have any car payments to worry about. However, many debtors do not have enough cash on hand to make this a viable option.
• Reaffirm: This is an agreement between the debtor and the creditor to continue to honor the original contract. You keep your car and continue to make payments on it according to a payment schedule you and your creditor agree on.
• Surrender: Finally, if neither of the options above meet your needs, you can surrender your car to your creditor and have all the debt you own on it discharged. This is an appealing choice for debtors who owe more money on a car than it’s actually worth.

If you are filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the Provo bankruptcy court will handle your car in one of two ways depending on how recently you purchased it:

• For Recent Purchases:  If you bought your car within 910 days (about two and a half years) prior to filing your bankruptcy petition, you are required to pay the full value of your loan at  a reduced interest rate.
• For Old Purchases:  If you purchased your car before the 910-day mark, you are only required to pay the fair market value of your car.  The fair market value is the price you could sell your car for today.

At Utah County Fresh Start, we understand that you need relief from your debt.  We also know you are hoping for a financially secure future after Provo bankruptcy.  Having a car will help that happen. That’s why we fight for our clients to keep their assets after Provo bankruptcy, their cars especially. Fill out our Free Evaluation now to see how we can help you loose your debt and keep your car.

» Free Provo Bankruptcy Evaluation

Don’t let this common myth make you avoid getting relief from debt with Provo bankruptcy.

Just like other scary things in life, personal bankruptcy has acquired a reputation consisting of truth mixed with conjecture.  The myths surrounding Provo bankruptcy almost always serve to make it more frightening than it ever needs to be.  Sadly, these misconceptions often persuade debtors to avoid bankruptcy at any cost, avoiding also the benefits that come with a successful Provo bankruptcy filing.  At Utah County Fresh Start, we don’t want you to be a victim of misinformation.  So today we’re going to set you straight concerning a bankruptcy myth you may have heard before: that your employer can fire you because you filed for bankruptcy.

It is true that bankruptcy case proceedings are public, but there are so many bankruptcy filings that the media doesn’t have the resources or the even the desire to report on all of them.  Unless you’re a celebrity or major corporation, the chances of your employer or anyone else being aware of your Provo bankruptcy is minimal.

Even if your employer becomes aware of your Provo bankruptcy filing, the bankruptcy code clearly prohibits employers from discriminating against their employees based only on their bankruptcy filings.  That does not mean you’re completely untouchable, however.  Employers can fire bankrupt employees if they can prove that their bankruptcy was not the only factor in the decision.  So be careful, but overall you have nothing to worry about.  If you were a good employee before your bankruptcy, you will still be a good employee after Provo bankruptcy, and your employer knows that.

Many people file bankruptcy.  They file after they lose a job, get a divorce, or get expensive medical treatment.  If you can’t keep up with your bills, don’t be afraid to file Provo bankruptcy.  We can help you get out of debt and move on with your life.  Don’t carry the burden of debt forever, let Utah County Fresh Start get you out of debt fast.

Click on the link below to fill out our free Provo bankruptcy evaluation.  We will contact you right away and share how we can help you resolve your debt.  You’ll also be invited to visit us for a free consultation with an experienced Provo bankruptcy attorney.  Find out how you can get out of debt.  Fill out our free Provo bankruptcy evaluation now!

» Free Provo Bankruptcy Evaluation

For many Americans, finding a reliable income has never been more difficult or more important.

Debtors all over the country, including those here in Utah County, are struggling with their finances.  Many have lost jobs or had their hours cut.  Those who own their own businesses are losing revenue as consumer spending continues to drop.  But credit card bills, mortgage payments and medical expenses are relentless.  Out of options, many debtors are turning to Utah bankruptcy for help.  At Utah County Fresh Start, we can get you relief from the debt that is holding you down.  However, Utah bankruptcy is only the beginning of the road that leads to financial security.

At Utah Country Fresh Start, we are interested in your success, not only in Utah bankruptcy court, but in the years that follow.  We want your post-bankruptcy years to be better than the years that lead up to your bankruptcy.  Rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy requires the discipline to follow the Life After Bankruptcy steps for financial success.  A critical part of that success is a steady job.

Unfortunately, unemployment is still very high.  Jobs are hard to come by and the competition can be fierce.  To succeed, you need to learn important job seeking skills.

• Have a Resume:  Most people know to have a resume.  Not everyone knows how important it is to custom tailor your resume for each job interview.  Highlight your experience, skills and contacts that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
• Have a Cover Letter:  The cover letter is the place to explain the information that doesn’t belong on your resume.  How are you uniquely qualified for the job?  What are your career goals and how does this job help you accomplish them?
• Dress Appropriately:  Before you go to your interview, find out what kind of dress is appropriate.  Some places expect you to show up in a suit and tie, at other places you should go in just a tee-shirt and jeans.
• Prepare for the Interview:  Research the company before the interview.  Come up with a list of questions for you to ask the interviewer.  A job interview isn’t an interrogation, it’s a two-way conversation.  So ask questions.

With the economy such as it is, finding a job will take some time and effort for most people.  However, determination is rewarded and people just like you are finding new jobs.  Reaching financial stability from overwhelming debt may be difficult, but it is possible.  Let us help you get started.  Submit our free online Utah bankruptcy evaluation form today.  Let us help you become free from debt so that you can pursue a better financial future.

» Submit Your Utah Bankruptcy Evaluation Now!

For the best results, your preparation for Provo bankruptcy needs to start even before your free consultation.

Debtors in trouble often struggle for years to keep up with mounting debt.  Once the debt becomes too overwhelming, many debtors turn to Provo bankruptcy for immediate relief.  Chapter 7 Provo bankruptcy does bring debtors fast relief from debt, but our clients enjoy greater success when they plan and prepare their bankruptcy in advance.

If you are in trouble with rising debts, start following these simple guidelines today, come in for a free consultation, and plan a better Provo bankruptcy.

• Credit Cards: Be careful how you use your credit cards.  The Provo bankruptcy court claims credit card expenses of $600 or more made within 90 days before your filing.  If at all possible, avoid these expenses.
• Preference: Some debtors prefer particular creditors and attempt to pay their debts to these creditors before filing Provo bankruptcy.  To ensure fair treatment of all creditors, the court claims all payments made to creditors within 90 days before filing.  The court also claims all payments made to family members within 1 year before filing.  It’s best not to attempt to pay back certain loans and not others.
• Inheritance: The court claims all non-exempt assets that debtors have inherited within 120 days before filing Provo bankruptcy.  If you and struggling with debt and planning for bankruptcy, be careful of inheriting valued family heirlooms and other property.  Our attorneys will fight to protect all your property, but you might consider keeping these valuables elsewhere in the family.

Debtors who anticipate the need for bankruptcy and prepare properly get better results.  Even if you aren’t in serious financial trouble, if you are falling behind on your debts please start today by following these simple steps and coming in for a free consultation.  Start by filling out our free evaluation, let us help you find the solution to your problems with debt, before it becomes a crisis.

» Free Provo Bankruptcy Evaluation

You can avoid financial distress in the future if you follow the steps that lead to strong credit and stable finance.

Debtors come to us for personal bankruptcy services to get them out of financial trouble.  We are happy to help, but we’d like to do more.  We are dedicated to the long-term success of our clients.  That means solving the problems our clients are facing now and helping them rebuild their finances afterward.

Many debtors worry that Provo bankruptcy will ruin their credit.  I would like to show you that your credit can be stronger than ever if you follow a few simple steps, even after filing Provo bankruptcy.  We will help you get your fresh start, these steps will help you make the most of it.

• Have A Steady Job: Many debtors file Provo bankruptcy because they lost their jobs.  Times are hard and finding a job can be tough, but do whatever it takes to get a job and keep it.  A steady income is very important to a good credit score and feeds into each of the other steps.
• Pay Bills On Time, Every Time: We can get your old debts discharged through Provo bankruptcy, but you will acquire new debts in the future.  Use a budget and be careful not to get into more debt than you can handle.  Always pay your bills on time, set up an automatic pay system or reminders so that you never miss a payment.
• Low-Limit Credit Card: You must successfully manage a credit card to get a good credit score.  Start with a low-limit card from a major company.  Never max out a card, in fact, try not to use more than 30% of your available credit.  And never get behind on your payments.  Pay your credit card bill every month.
• Savings And Checking Accounts: Maintain a good balance in a checking account and make monthly deposits into a savings account.  The people who give you a credit score love to see money in the bank.  Besides, this is just good personal money management.

Debtors who follow these steps recover their credit quickly and have minimal financial trouble in the future.  At Utah County Fresh Start, we are commited to the success of our clients.  We want to get you out of debt and help you avoid provo bankruptcy in the future.  Come in for a free consultation to see what we can do for you.  To start on the road to financial recovery, fill out a free evaluation form today!
» Free Provo Bankruptcy Evaluation

Some creditors have stronger claims on your assets than others.  How can you maximize your debt relief while minimizing the risk of losing your property?

Not all debts are the same, and not all creditors have the same power in your 341 meeting during Provo bankruptcy.  With good planning, you can discharge the debts that give you the relief you need and minimize the risk of losing your car or your home.  The difference is in secured debt, unsecured debt, and a contract stipulation called a lien.

Secured debts are made for specific, high-cost assets such as automobiles and real estate.  Your car and home mortgage loans are secured debts.  Secured debt contracts give the rights to the asset (the car or home) to the creditor if the debtor stops making payments on the debt.  The creditor’s legal claim on your property is a lien. If the debtor has filed for Provo bankruptcy and wants the secured debt discharged, the creditor can make a claim on the asset.  These secured claims are the first consideration during the 341 meeting.

Unsecured debts have no assets connected to them.  Credit card and medical debts are unsecured.  If a debtor stops making payments on these debts, the creditor has a general unsecured claim on the debtor’s property.  These claims are less powerful than secured claims during the 341 meeting of Provo bankruptcy.  Debtors can defend their assets from unsecured creditors more easily than from secured creditors.

The temptation is to discharge as much debt as possible.  In truth, which debts you choose to discharge is an important decision that can make the difference between successful provo bankruptcy and failure.  If you can get control of your finances by only discharging unsecured credit card and medical bills, the risk of losing your car or home are nearly zero.

This is an important option to keep in mind while planning your Provo bankruptcy.  The best way to find your best option is to fill out a free evaluation form today.

» Free Provo Bankruptcy Evaluation

Debtors can get into a lot of trouble if the debts they need to escape turn out to be non-discharging.

Debtors from all over the country and all walks of life turn to bankruptcy for help when their financial supports are taken out from under them. That’s what bankruptcy is for, to give us a fresh start when we need one. Bankruptcy is diverse too. Everyone from penniless individuals to billion dollar corporations have a place in modern bankruptcy law.  That’s good too, because our modern economy needs the insurance that bankruptcy provides.  Bankruptcy is not, however, a cure-all.

In Utah County, debtors occationally seek out personal bankruptcy services with the intent of discharging debts that are non-discharging.  Meaning that no matter how good your attorney is, the Provo bankruptcy court will not release the debtor from these debts.  Any Provo bankruptcy attorney worth his or her salt will warn their clients about these kinds of debts right away.  The people who get into trouble are debtors who are planning for a bankruptcy to cover these kinds of debts.

So it is important for people considering Provo bankruptcy to make sure that their debts can be discharged.  Debts that cannot be discharged are those the government feels debtors are responsible for no matter what.  Taxes, for example.

Federal and state taxes cannot, for the most part, be discharged.  Neither can debts related to a previous court judgement, such as DUI and criminal punishment fines.  No bankruptcy attorney in the world can get your alimony or child-support debts discharged.

The one that surprises most is school loan debt.  Only rarely will the Provo bankruptcy court discharge these fines.  So rarely, in fact, that debtors should not expect it.  It isn’t uncommon for new BYU or UVU graduates to have difficulty finding employment to pay off all the student loans they’ve accumulated.  Sadly, Provo bankruptcy really isn’t a solution.

I want Utah County debtors to know about this because time spent planning a bankruptcy for student loans is time wasted.  Be sure your debts are dischargeable.  If they are, we’re here to help.

» Free Provo Bankruptcy Evaluation

Some debtors planning on filing for chapter 7 Provo bankruptcy will find that new laws prohibit them from doing so.

Bankruptcy is intended to provide troubled individuals and companies the opportunity to get out of debt, re-organize their finances and go on to be more profitable and successful. If it were not for this fresh start, many companies and individuals would be trapped in unmanageable debt indefinitely. Provo bankruptcy has helped countless local households and businesses to stay on top of their finances and to contribute to our community.

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) was passed to ensure that bankruptcy is used to provide relief to debtors who need it and not abused by those who don’t. This will keep credit and Provo bankruptcy services more affordable for the rest of us. A part of the BAPCPA is the means test.

The means test is applied to all debtors who intend to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy. The purpose of the test is to assess the debtor’s ability to make payments towards their debts. The test compares the debtor’s income to the average (or mean) income of households the same size. Most debtors who receive an income below the average for their household size will be approved for chapter 7 bankruptcy. Debtors who receive a higher income will likely be required to file chapter 13 bankruptcy, also known as debt restructuring.

Debtors considering to file for chapter 7 Provo bankruptcy can find out if they qualify under the means test by visiting with us. One of the things we discuss in a free consultation is the means test. Debtors who bring information about their income and household find out if they pass the means test very quickly. The good news is that about 95% of debtors who want to file for chapter 7 Provo bankruptcy pass the means test.

At Utah County Fresh Start, we want to give you the legal and financial advice that will best meet your needs. Come in for a free consultation and find out how you can become free from debt!

» Fill Out A Free Provo Bankruptcy Evaluation Today!

Debtors who are considering bankruptcy need to know about the current trends for person Utah bankruptcy cases.

Personal bankruptcy, like any business, has its ups and downs.  Most people who seek bankruptcy services are familiar with that cycle.  The recent down-turn in the economy left small business owners and others in unmanagable debt and many of them turned to Utah bankrupty for relief.

As a result, The number of personal Utah bankruptcies filed annually has increased steadily over the last few years.  In 2009 there have been 10,704 personal Utah bankruptcy cases to date, compared to 9,243 total cases in 2008.

It is unsettling to see the number of Utah bankruptcy cases increasing year after year.  However, this information needs to be understood in context.  The truth is that current bankruptcy rates are still below the average from eariler in the decade.  We are coming out of a recession and the credit and financial markets are beginning to stabilize.  I am very confident that the rate of personal Utah bankruptcy will stabilize as well.

Meanwhile, for debtors who are considering filing for Utah bankruptcy, it is very important to be familiar with current trends.  Debtors need to understand that demand for bankruptcy attorneys is growing every year due to the increased rate of filings.  The Utah bankruptcy courts are also much busier places than they used to be.  All these factors make choosing an experienced and trustworthy bankrutpcy attorney more important.

Furthermore, debtors need to understand who their peers are.  Of the 10,704 personal Utah bankruptcy cases filed this year, 65% of them were under Chapter 7.  The remaining 35% filed under Chapter 13.  Debtors who are unsure of which chapter to file under should note that odds are they need to prepare for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

If you are considering Utah bankruptcy, you should know that you aren’t alone.  There are many others facing similar challenges and, more importantly, many who have overcome them.  I want you to know that you are more than just a statistic.  At Utah County Fresh Start we want to see you get out of debt and get on with the rest of your life.  Let us help you find the way to financial security.

» Fill Out A Free Utah Bankruptcy Evaluation Today!