If you are worried about how bankruptcy can affect your mortgage, you are not alone. Many New Jersey homeowners know Chapter 13 can help stop foreclosure and give them time to catch up on mortgage arrears, but fewer realize how much the mortgage process itself can change after the case is filed. In my experience, […]
341 Meeting of Creditors: 7 Things to Expect in Your New Jersey Bankruptcy Case
One of the most common concerns people have when filing for bankruptcy is the 341 Meeting of Creditors. Many individuals assume this step will be stressful, confrontational, or complicated. In reality, the meeting is usually far simpler and quicker than most people expect. I have been helping individuals navigate financial challenges for decades, and in […]
Understanding Unsecured Debts in Bankruptcy
If you’re overwhelmed by credit cards, medical bills, or collection lawsuits, you’re not alone. Many New Jersey residents struggle with unsecured debts and aren’t sure what options are available. As a bankruptcy attorney practicing in New Jersey for decades, I’ve seen firsthand how confusion about unsecured debts keeps people stuck in financial stress longer than […]
Bankruptcy Mistakes Homeowners Make When Filing Chapter 7
Bankruptcy Mistakes Homeowners Make When Filing Chapter 7 When filing bankruptcy as a homeowner, few terms cause more anxiety than “abandonment.” It sounds alarming, and many people assume it means they are being forced to give up their home. In reality, misunderstanding abandonment is one of the most common—and costly—bankruptcy mistakes homeowners make. In Chapter […]
Understanding the Bankruptcy Means Test in New Jersey: Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13
What is the Bankruptcy Means Test in New Jersey? If you’re researching bankruptcy in New Jersey options, you may have come across the term means test. But what exactly does the bankruptcy means test mean, and why is it so important? The bankruptcy means test determines whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or if […]
How Bankruptcy Treats Transfers to Friends and Family — What Lee Perlman Wants You to Know
How Bankruptcy Treats Transfers to Friends and Family If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, you might be tempted to transfer money, a car, or other valuable property to a friend or family member to protect it. While that might seem like a straightforward shortcut, bankruptcy law often views such transfers very differently. The trustee — […]
How Much Debt Do You Need to File for Bankruptcy?
Have you ever wondered if there is a specific amount of debt you need before you can file for bankruptcy? Is it ten thousand dollars? Fifty thousand? Does it have to reach six figures before the Court will consider your situation? The truth may surprise you, and understanding it could make all the difference in […]
Should You Use Retirement Savings to Pay Off Debt? Here’s Why I Strongly Advise Against It
Imagine working your entire life, building up strong retirement savings, only to drain them in an attempt to pay off mounting debt. It might seem like a quick fix in a stressful moment, but I have seen too many clients regret that decision. In fact, using retirement savings to pay off debt is one of […]
Can You Rent a Home After Bankruptcy?
If you have recently filed for bankruptcy, you might be wondering whether you will ever be able to rent a home or apartment again. For many people, this is one of the biggest fears when considering bankruptcy. The good news is that while a bankruptcy filing will appear on your credit report, it does not […]
Can Bankruptcy Stop a Utility Shut Off in Its Tracks?
Picture this. You come home and there is a utility shut off notice taped to your door. Suddenly, you’re facing the possibility of losing power, water, and access to the basic things that keep your life running. The panic sets in fast. But what if I told you there is a way to stop that […]
