If you expect to owe 2012 income taxes, and you file bankruptcy after December 31, that tax can be “included” in your case.
Defeating Creditors’ Accusations That You Misused Their Credit to Pay for the Holidays
The risk that creditors will not allow you to discharge some of their debts can be minimized through smart timing of your bankruptcy.
The After-Christmas Bankruptcy
It’s human nature to hold off filing bankruptcy until after the holidays. Here’s what you need to know once you think again about filing.
The Honest Christmas
Your abundant love for your children, spouse, and others is not defined by an (over)abundance of holiday gifts.
“Converting” Your Chapter 13 Case into a Chapter 7 One
When you start a Chapter 13 plan, it’s good to have Chapter 7 available as a backup plan.
The Practical Consequences of Voluntarily Dismissal of Chapter 13
One advantage of filing a Chapter 13 case is that you can get out of it at any time. But what happens if you do dismiss your case?
Dumping Your Chapter 13 Case Midstream
You can usually get out of an ongoing Chapter 13 “adjustment of debts” bankruptcy case by simply asking to do so.
Dumping Your Chapter 7 Case Midstream, or Switching to a Chapter 13 One
You can usually change from an ongoing straight Chapter 7 case into a Chapter 13 payment plan. But getting out of bankruptcy altogether is generally not allowed.
Changing Your Mind After Filing Under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13
You have some wiggle room if you either want to get out of your bankruptcy case or change to the other Chapter.
Income Taxes and Self-Interest in a Marriage
Each spouse in a marriage with significant tax debt has his or her self-interest, which may need a different solution than the other spouse.
Spouse Needs to Join Bankruptcy to Discharge Income Taxes, But Reluctant Because Has No Other Debts and Has Separate Asset
Finding the best way out of this seeming Catch-22 depends on a full understanding of your unique situation and your goals.
Married Couples’ Protection from the IRS under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
Filing bankruptcy with or without your spouse, and under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, may affect what protections you each receive.
The Discharge of Debts for Married Couples in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
Filing bankruptcy with or without your spouse affects the discharge of debts you each receive, and also affects whether you file under Chapter 7 or 13.
The “Automatic Stay” for Married Couples in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
Filing bankruptcy with or without your spouse affects the protection from creditors each of you receives, and also affects whether you file under Chapter 7 or 13.
Married Couples in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
Bankruptcy law allows married couples to file bankruptcy separately or together. That option comes with consequences, which can also effect whether you file under Chapter 7 or 13.