Myths of Bankruptcy

Juan Velasco • Jul 01, 2022

Addressing the Myths of Bankruptcy for New Jersey Clients

When you are facing a grim financial situation, you may consider filing for bankruptcy but shy away because of the stigma associated with those who have filed in the past. Many people believe that filing for bankruptcy is for the irresponsible, will tarnish their reputation, take all of their possessions, and permanently ruin their credit. Velasco Law Office understands the tough times one goes through when considering the process of bankruptcy. Though the road may be tough, it is possible to endure with the right guidance. Juan C. Velasco, Esq. is ready to compassionately and effectively guide you through the process of bankruptcy and help you right your financial ship. Do not allow the unfounded myths of bankruptcy to scare you. Contact Attorney Velasco today.


My Reputation Will Be Ruined


You may be nervous about filing for bankruptcy because you think it will tarnish your reputation. The only people that should know about your filing are the ones you tell, the trustee and your creditors. In rare cases, high profile individuals and major corporations are in the media for filing. Though bankruptcy is on the public record, the number of cases are so massive that few publications have the ability to run them all.


Bankruptcy Is only For the Irresponsible


This is an unfortunate myth of bankruptcy. Yes, some irresponsible people file for bankruptcy. The fact of the matter is that there are far more instances of responsible people filing for bankruptcy in the face of major life experiences. Some examples of major life events that lead people to bankruptcy include:


- The loss of employment


- Divorce


- Mounting medical bills


Unfortunately, when a person loses a job and cannot recover, he or she may have to consider filing for bankruptcy in the face of mounting bills. Divorcing individuals will sometimes have to file for bankruptcy because of the overwhelming financial strain of legal costs or the cost of running two households. In the face of illness, the high cost of medical care has the potential to ruin a stable financial situation. Bankruptcy is a difficult situation but it does not always mean you are irresponsible.


They Will Take All of My Possessions


This is just false. One of the most frightening facts about filing for bankruptcy is that you will lose all of your possessions in the process. Simply put, many of your small possessions are not worth enough to be included in the process. Many states allow for exemptions up to a certain amount. In addition, many approved Chapter 13 plans allow for people to retain many or all of their possessions through a repayment plan.


I Will Never Get Credit Again


After you file for bankruptcy, you will soon have credit card offers in the mail. Though the terms are not ideal, you will be able to build your credit once again. If you need to buy a car, you will have the opportunity to receive credit to make the purchase. There are plenty of credit card companies that want your business. If you are careful, you may be able to make a comeback as bankruptcy only stays on your credit statement for 10 years.


To learn more about the bankruptcy process, simply read Attorney Velasco’s Complete Guide to NJ Bankruptcy.


Contact a Knowledgeable Attorney to Guide You Through the Process of Bankruptcy


Velasco Law Office has years of experience guiding New Jersey clients through all forms of bankruptcy. We understand that bankruptcy is a difficult situation. Do not allow the stigma of bankruptcy put you in a further dire situation. The right attorney can help you through the process and protect your rights. If you need an effective law firm to represent your needs and ease your stress, contact Velasco Law Office for a consultation.


09 Feb, 2024
Death is an inevitable part of life that we all must face at some point. While it may be a difficult and uncomfortable topic to discuss, it's important to plan for the future and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. One way to do this is by creating a will. However, many people put off making a will, either because they think they're too young or healthy to worry about it or because they simply don't want to think about their own mortality. But what happens if you don't get around to making a will in New Jersey? Let's take a closer look.  If you die without a will in New Jersey (also known as dying intestate), your assets will be distributed according to the state's laws of intestacy. This means that the court will appoint an administrator who will distribute your assets among your surviving heirs based on their relationship to you. For example, if you are married with children, your spouse and children would likely inherit everything equally. If you are unmarried with no children but have living parents, your parents would inherit everything. However, there are some exceptions and complications that can arise when distributing assets through intestacy laws. For example, if you have step-children or foster children whom you haven't legally adopted, they may not be considered legal heirs and therefore wouldn't receive any inheritance under the law. Additionally, if you have debts or outstanding taxes at the time of your death, those debts must be paid before any assets can be distributed. Another issue that arises when dying intestate is probate. Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's estate is settled and their assets are distributed according to their wishes (if outlined in a will) or according to state law (if there is no will). When someone dies intestate, the probate court will appoint an administrator to oversee the distribution of assets. This process can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful for your loved ones who are left behind. So how can an attorney help? An experienced estate planning attorney can help you create a comprehensive estate plan that includes a will, trusts, and other documents that ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. They can also help minimize taxes and avoid probate altogether. Hiring an attorney may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it's important to remember that the cost of not having a proper estate plan in place can far outweigh the cost of hiring an attorney. While no one likes to think about their own mortality, creating a will is an essential part of planning for the future. By taking the time to make a will and other estate planning documents with the assistance of an experienced attorney, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and avoid any unnecessary complications or costs for your loved ones after you're gone. Don't wait until it's too late – start planning today!
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26 Oct, 2023
Running a business is no easy feat, especially in today's challenging economic climate. Despite your best efforts, factors beyond your control may have led your New Jersey business toward financial ruin. While there are many reasons why a business may file for bankruptcy, Subchapter 5 offers a unique opportunity for small businesses to restructure their debts and reorganize their operations. In this blog, we'll explore the requirements and benefits of Subchapter 5 bankruptcy in New Jersey, so you can make an informed decision for your business.  What is Subchapter 5 bankruptcy? Subchapter 5 bankruptcy is a type of reorganization bankruptcy introduced by the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019. This type of bankruptcy is designed specifically for small businesses with debts under $7.5 million, whose owners wish to restructure their debts and avoid liquidation. Subchapter 5 bankruptcy is typically quicker, less expensive, and more accessible than a traditional Chapter 11 bankruptcy, making it a popular choice for small businesses. What are the requirements for Subchapter 5 bankruptcy in New Jersey? To qualify for Subchapter 5 bankruptcy in New Jersey, your business must meet several requirements. Firstly, your business must be a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Secondly, your business must be engaged in commercial or business activities. Thirdly, your debts must be no more than $7.5 million. Fourthly, you must be able to demonstrate that your business requires restructuring due to financial hardship. Finally, you must be willing to propose a plan for repayment through the bankruptcy court. What are the benefits of Subchapter 5 bankruptcy for New Jersey businesses? There are several benefits of filing for Subchapter 5 bankruptcy in New Jersey. Firstly, this type of bankruptcy allows you to retain ownership of your business and reorganize your debts, while still remaining in control of your business operations. Secondly, Subchapter 5 bankruptcy proceedings can be completed in a shorter time frame than other types of bankruptcy, typically lasting around 90 days. Thirdly, Subchapter 5 bankruptcy allows for less complicated and costly legal procedures and can be less burdensome on small business owners. Subchapter 5 bankruptcy also provides several specific benefits for New Jersey businesses. One such benefit is the new ability to modify commercial real estate leases. Previously, businesses could not modify commercial real estate leases in bankruptcy, but Subchapter 5 has changed this, allowing businesses to renegotiate leases to better fit their current financial situation. Another significant benefit of Subchapter 5 bankruptcy is the ability to have a court-appointed mediator for disputes between the business and its creditors, reducing the cost and burden of litigation. Subchapter 5 bankruptcy offers a unique opportunity for small businesses in New Jersey to restructure their debts, renegotiate leases, and avoid liquidation. If your business is struggling with financial hardship, it may be worthwhile to investigate whether you qualify for Subchapter 5 bankruptcy. However, it's important to remember that bankruptcy proceedings can be complex, and it's always wise to consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney before proceeding. With the right guidance, you can take advantage of the benefits of Subchapter 5 bankruptcy and get your New Jersey business back on its feet.
By Juan Velasco 28 Sep, 2023
Filing for bankruptcy can be an overwhelming experience, but it can also provide you with a new financial beginning. In February 2020, the Small Business Reorganization Act (SBRA) was enacted, which introduced a new type of bankruptcy called Subchapter 5 bankruptcy. The SBRA was created to help small businesses and individuals with debts under $2,725,625 to reorganize their debts and keep their businesses alive. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of Subchapter 5 bankruptcy, how to file for it, what happens during and after filing, and how Juan C. Velasco, Esq. can assist New Jersey residents with sub chapter 5 bankruptcy matters. Benefits of subchapter 5 bankruptcy One of the advantages of Subchapter 5 bankruptcy is that it allows small businesses to restructure their debts and retain ownership of their company. This kind of bankruptcy is faster, less expensive, and easier than a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Subchapter 5 bankruptcy also allows debtors to modify their mortgages on investment properties, if the sale or refinance of the property is not feasible. Debtors can also modify their car loans, reducing the amount owed to the fair market value of the car and reducing the interest rate. Filing for subchapter 5 bankruptcy To file for Subchapter 5 bankruptcy, you have to complete specific forms, such as a petition, schedules, and a proposed plan, and submit them with the court. You also have to attend a meeting with the trustee and the creditors and provide the necessary documentation to support your case. If your proposed plan is approved by the court and meets the bankruptcy code's requirements, it will be confirmed, and you will make monthly payments to the trustee for three to five years. After successful completion of the plan, any remaining unsecured debt will be discharged, and you will be debt-free. What happens after filing subchapter 5 bankruptcy After filing, you'll have an automatic stay, a legal injunction that stops most creditors from making collection attempts, and may even stop foreclosure and repossession proceedings on your property. You will also have to attend a hearing to go over the proposed plan with the trustee and the creditors, and possibly modify the plan if needed. During the three- to five-year plan period, you will make monthly payments to the trustee, who will distribute the funds to your creditors. Once the plan period is over, any remaining unsecured debt will be discharged. Juan C. Velasco, Esq. is a trusted bankruptcy and debt relief lawyer who can help you navigate the complex process of Subchapter 5 bankruptcy. He can assist you in preparing necessary documents, attending meetings, and representing you in court. He offers tailored legal solutions that fit your specific situation and can help you eliminate your debt and achieve financial relief. Subchapter 5 bankruptcy can provide a powerful financial solution for small businesses and individuals struggling with debt. It is a faster, less expensive, and more accessible form of bankruptcy than Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Filing for Subchapter 5 bankruptcy can be challenging, but the benefits of doing so can be life-changing. With the help of an experienced bankruptcy lawyer like Juan C. Velasco, Esq., you can navigate the bankruptcy process with confidence and achieve lasting financial relief. If you are a New Jersey resident facing financial difficulties, contact Juan C. Velasco, Esq. to discuss your options for Subchapter 5 bankruptcy.
By Juan C. Velasco 31 Aug, 2023
Starting a small business is an exciting and challenging journey. It requires careful planning, hard work, and a lot of determination to make it successful. One aspect of running a business that can be intimidating for owners is dealing with legal requirements. In New Jersey, there are various legalities that small business owners should be aware of to avoid legal problems and protect their companies. In this blog, we will provide essential legal tips that every small business owner in New Jersey should know.  1. Choose the Right Legal Structure for Your Business: One of the primary decisions small business owners in New Jersey need to make relates to the legal structure of their company. Selecting the right structure can mean the difference between success and failure. The most common forms of business structures in New Jersey are Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and Corporation. Each structure has its pros and cons and varying legal formalities that should be considered. 2. Register Your Business: In New Jersey, all businesses must register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Registering your business is a critical step in complying with the State's legal requirements, obtaining tax identification numbers, and opening a business bank account. 3. Obtain Licenses and Permits: Depending on the type of business you operate, you may need to obtain licenses and permits from the local or state government. In New Jersey, certain businesses require permits for operating in specific industries. Failure to obtain these licenses and permits can result in penalties, fines, and legal problems. 4. Protect Your Business with Contracts: Contracts play an essential role in protecting your business interests. They define the terms of service, payment, and the expectations of both parties. Every business deal should be backed by a written contract, even with trusted customers or partners. 5. Consult an Attorney: Small business owners in New Jersey must ask for legal guidance from an experienced business attorney. An attorney can help you establish legal best practices and avoid legal issues in the future. If you are involved in legal disputes, an attorney can help you navigate through the complexities of the legal system. Starting a small business in New Jersey is an incredible accomplishment. However, small business owners must be aware of the legal implications of running a business. By following the essential legal tips highlighted in this blog, you can protect your business and avoid legal trouble. Remember to choose the right legal structure, register your business, obtain licenses and permits, protect your business with contracts, and consult with a business attorney. With these legal tips, you are on your way to running a successful business in New Jersey.
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