John Coble has practiced as both a CPA and an attorney. John's legal specialties were tax law and bankruptcy law. Before starting his own firm, John worked for law offices, accounting firms, and one of America's largest banks. John handled almost 1,500 bankruptcy cases in the eight years that he ran his own law office. John has spent the last few years developing software and working on select data science projects. John holds a second law degree (LLM in Taxation) from the University of Alabama School of Law and a Data Science Certificate from Microsoft. John has worked on other graduate-level education in the fields of business and economics.
Articles written by Lawyer John Coble
8 Fee-Free Bank Accounts You Can Open Even if You Have Bad Credit
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated December 2, 2024
In the past, if you had bad credit, you could only open subpar second-chance checking accounts. They often had high fees and few benefits or good features. Now, a lot of online banks offer checking accounts with great features even if you have bad credit. This article looks at eight great options.
Read More →What Is the 341 Meeting of Creditors?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Lawyer John Coble
Updated November 4, 2024
The 341 meeting of creditors is a required meeting between a bankruptcy filer, the bankruptcy trustee, and sometimes creditors. It's an informal hearing often held virtually. Even when in person, it's not in a courtroom and no judge is present. The main purpose of the meeting is for the trustee to verify the bankruptcy filer's identity and the information in their bankruptcy forms. Creditors can also attend and ask questions, but this isn't common in Chapter 7 cases.
Read More →Credit Restoration: What Is It & How Can It Help Me?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 27, 2024
Credit restoration is a process you can use to improve your credit rating. You don’t need to hire a special credit restoration company to restore your credit; you can take steps to repair your credit yourself. In this article, we’ll discuss credit restoration, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the pros and cons of hiring a for-profit credit repair/restoration company. We’ll also explain how you can repair your credit yourself for free.
Read More →Reverse Mortgages and Foreclosures: What You Need To Know
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 22, 2024
In theory, a reverse mortgage should be the perfect solution for aging seniors who have a lot of equity in their homes but not enough in their retirement accounts. The lender loans the borrower money up to the full value of the equity in their home. The borrower then gets to live in the home rent-free until they move out or pass away. Unfortunately, a lot could go wrong. This article discusses the causes of reverse mortgage foreclosures as well as ways to avoid or stop them.
Read More →Consumer Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 22, 2024
The FCRA regulates consumer reporting agencies, creditors , and those who request another's credit report. This law protects consumers by restricting information that can be used in credit reports, who can access credit information, and how long entries can remain on individual reports.
Read More →Why Is LVNV Funding Calling Me?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 21, 2024
LVNV is a third party debt buyer. It buys charged-off debts from the original creditors such as credit card companies for pennies on the dollar. Even though these companies only pay pennies for these debts, they are able to collect the full amount of the debt.
Read More →Get Rid of Student Loans Through the Closed School Discharge
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 21, 2024
If your school closes while you're attending, are you (as the borrower), still liable for your student loan payments? The short answer is "yes." It's never that simple though. This article will look at the many considerations and actions to take should your school close, whether you will receive the automatic discharge, how the 2020 changes will affect closed school discharges, and the procedure to receive loan forgiveness.
Read More →How Long Do Negative Items Stay on My Credit Report?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 21, 2024
Generally speaking, negative items like a missed payment or collections account stay on your credit report for seven years. Some items, like a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, stay on your report for 10 years. If a creditor or lender performs a hard inquiry (or hard credit check) this will stay on your report for two years. No matter the item, the older it gets, the less it affects your credit score.
Read More →What Are Bankruptcy-Friendly Credit Cards?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 20, 2024
It’s important to rebuild your credit after a bankruptcy. The good news is that you’ll get plenty of offers for credit after your bankruptcy discharge. The bad news is that some of those offers won’t be great, with high interest rates or hidden fees. If you want to rebuild your credit, you need to find the right card to work for you. Read on to learn about some of your options.
Read More →Mortgage Loan Modification — It’s Possible To Lower Your Monthly Payments
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 20, 2024
A mortgage loan modification changes the original terms of your home loan to reduce monthly payments, eliminate arrearage, defer payments, and/or reduce the total amount you owe on your mortgage. Often, a modification is the best way to save your home from foreclosure. Read more to learn about the different government programs for loan modifications, the steps to getting a loan modification, and alternatives to loan modifications.
Read More →Help! I’m Being Sued For An Old Debt
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 9, 2024
This article will discuss the ways to handle a debt collection lawsuit. You'll learn how to save time and money when defending against a debt collection matter and may even learn how to win the case.
Read More →Debt Relief Programs
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 1, 2024
There are many potential debt management solutions, including credit counseling, debt management plans, debt consolidations, debt settlements, and bankruptcy. Read more to learn about these various debt management solutions, how to avoid debt relief scams, and how your credit report will be impacted by various debt relief options.
Read More →How (and Why) To File Back Taxes if You Haven’t Filed in Years
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 27, 2024
If you haven't filed a tax return in years, you may be wondering how to get back on track. The best way to make up for missed filings is to go back and file your old/missed returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Late or missing tax return filings can lead to penalties and possible legal trouble. If you have missed any tax filings in previous years, gather your old tax forms and file as soon as possible. You can file old tax returns online, in person at a local IRS office, or by mail.
Read More →Getting School Transcripts (When You Owe Money to the School)
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated October 6, 2023
If you owe money to your college or university or you’ve defaulted on your student loans, the school may deny your request to get an official academic transcript. Without these transcripts, you may not be able to transfer to another school, attend graduate school, obtain a professional license, or qualify for some jobs. That said, you can get your transcripts if you take action. This may include paying any overdue school fines/fees, negotiating with your school, contacting your state’s Department of Education, or filing bankruptcy to discharge your student loans.
Read More →How Long After Filing Bankruptcy Can I Buy a House?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated September 29, 2023
Many people are concerned that filing bankruptcy will prevent them from buying a house in the future. The truth is, filing bankruptcy doesn’t prevent you from buying a house.
Read More →What Is Student Loan Forgiveness?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated September 7, 2023
Federal student loan forgiveness is possible! There are several federal programs such as: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, etc. that will forgive your federal student loans after a certain period of time, if you work for a qualified employer. You can also have your federal student loans forgiven through qualifying Income Driven Repayment Plan (IDR Plans) such as: Pay As You Earn Repayment, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, and Saving on a Valuable Education (formerly the Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan).
Read More →Student Loans and the Unpaid Refund Discharge
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 31, 2023
When you leave school early, the school should refund your tuition for the portion of the academic period you didn't attend. This is a very important discharge in the time of the coronavirus pandemic when many left school early in the academic period. This refund of loan funds goes to your student loan lender. This will reduce your loan balance and your monthly payments.
Read More →A Guide to New York’s New Debt Collection Laws
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Attorney Paige Hooper
Updated August 28, 2023
New York state's Consumer Credit Fairness Act (CCFA), reduced the statute of limitations for consumer debts from six years to three years. It also added notification requirements for creditors and debt collectors that sue borrowers. Under the CCFA, the statute of limitations can’t be restarted if a borrower makes a payment or acknowledges a debt. Finally, under the CCFA, debt collectors must be able to prove they own the debt when they sue to collect on it.
Read More →When Will My Unemployment Run Out?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 16, 2023
If you're on unemployment, it will eventually run out. There are assistance options including government programs like SNAP, TANF, and Section 8 housing. Your best choice may be to take advantage of the opportunities available to enhance your career training.
Read More →Tax Refund Offset and Timing a Bankruptcy Case
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 14, 2023
There are several different federal, state, and local government agencies that can intercept your federal tax refund if you owe money to these agencies. This procedure is known as a tax offset. This article will look at which agencies can take your refund and how bankruptcy can help you with tax refund offsets.
Read More →Can My Bank Account Be Garnished?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 10, 2023
If you have outstanding unpaid debt, creditors may be able to garnish your bank account. This is similar to a wage garnishment except it’s on your bank account instead of your paycheck, and some of the rules are different. Learn about what these rules are, what you can do to defend yourself from a bank account levy, and whether a bankruptcy could help end the account garnishments.
Read More →Debt Relief for Seniors: Financial Aid Options
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 8, 2023
Being in debt as a senior citizen is a bigger issue than being in debt at a younger age. Whether you are saving for retirement or have already retired and are trying to make ends meet on a fixed income, time is of the essence when it comes to resolving debt at this age. This article will explore bankruptcy as a potential solution for helping senior citizens eliminate debt, as well as other debt-relief, debt management, and financial assistance options.
Read More →How Long Will a Collection Account Stay on My Credit Report?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 3, 2023
Paying off a collection account isn't enough to get it removed from your credit report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires creditors and collection agencies to report accurate information to the credit bureaus. This article discusses how long collections accounts can stay on your credit report, whether a collection account hurts your credit score, and what you may be able to do to get the collection account off your credit report.
Read More →What Do I Do About My Car Payment That Is Way Too High?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 1, 2023
If you're like most people, you had to take out a loan to buy your car. Car loan payments usually rival health insurance, student loans, and housing payments for the highest expenses. This article will cover your options to reduce your car payment with or without bankruptcy.
Read More →When to Declare Bankruptcy
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated July 28, 2023
You have many options for debt relief. There are debt settlements, debt management plans, debt consolidations, and bankruptcy. Each option has pros and cons. The best choice for you will depend on your particular situation. Whether you should file bankruptcy and what type of bankruptcy to file is unique to your situation. Everyone's financial situation is different.
Read More →What are the advantages of filing bankruptcy?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated July 28, 2023
Bankruptcy can do wonderful things for you and while many bankruptcies have some risk, others are so simple that you can file without having to pay for an attorney. Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of filing bankruptcy.
Read More →Overview of the 7 Most Commonly Used Bankruptcy Exemptions
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated July 28, 2023
Bankruptcy exemptions protect a filer’s property to ensure they're able to take full advantage of their fresh start. While the available exemptions vary depending on the state you live in, there are certain types of common bankruptcy exemptions that are generally found in all exemption schemes. This article gives an overview of the seven most common types of bankruptcy exemptions and how they protect the filer’s property in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Read More →Fighting a Foreclosure
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated July 26, 2023
This article will help you understand the possible outcomes of your foreclosure case and help you to outline a plan unique to your circumstances, needs, and goals.
Read More →Is Filing for Bankruptcy Bad?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Lawyer John Coble
Updated July 14, 2023
Bankruptcy has gotten a negative reputation over the years. But there are many benefits to filing for bankruptcy that don't get as much attention as the drawbacks. Depending on your situation, filing bankruptcy can sometimes be the best course of action.
Read More →3 Ways a Wage Garnishment Lawyer Can Help You
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated July 12, 2023
An experienced wage garnishment lawyer has several tools that may be able to help you with a garnishment order. This article discusses how an attorney can prevent wage garnishments, reduce debts that could lead to wage garnishments, and eliminate existing wage garnishments. Finally, this article examines how a lawyer can help you file bankruptcy.
Read More →Can I Walk Away From a Mortgage?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated July 7, 2023
If you’re struggling financially and can’t make payments on your mortgage loan, you may be wondering what to do. If you owe more on your house than what it's worth, it could make sense to quit making payments and walk away from your mortgage, but it's good to keep in mind that there are consequences to walking away from a mortgage. There are also other options available to you for making your mortgage payment more manageable. Read on to learn about what you can do if you're upside down on your mortgage loan.
Read More →How Does Payday Loan Consolidation Work?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated June 6, 2023
Payday loans are rarely a good idea. These loans are easy to get since there’s usually not a credit check, but they’re hard to get out of. Few people are able to pay off these loans on the next payday. Usually, it takes several paydays to pay off one of these loans, which can put you into a negative cycle of increasing debt. A payday loan consolidation is one option for payday loan relief. Even if you’re paying 30% interest on the consolidation loan, that’s better than paying 400% on the payday loan. This article will discuss how to use lower-interest personal loans to consolidate payday loans and other debt-relief options if you’re struggling to repay payday loans.
Read More →Consumer Credit Counseling: What You Should Know
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated June 6, 2023
If you feel like your debt is unmanageable and you don't know what to do, working with a nonprofit credit counseling agency is a great place to start. Nonprofit credit counselors offer free credit counseling and are held to a high professional standard through an accrediting agency, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). To make the most of your appointment, get an idea of your financial picture before you meet with your counselor by gathering all your financial documents including credit card and medical bills, student loan and other loan statements, and information about your expenses and income.
Read More →The Ultimate Guide To Lowering Student Loan Interest Rates
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated June 5, 2023
Here are five ways to lower your student loan interest rates: Enroll in autopay for an instant interest rate discount. Refinance your student loans at a lower interest rate. Consolidate your student loans. Negotiate with your loan servicer for a lower interest rate. Pay extra toward the principal. (Okay, this doesn’t lower your interest rate, but it does help you pay less in interest over time!) Lowering the interest rate on your student loan can reduce your monthly student loan payment and potentially save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan(s).
Read More →Judgment Enforcement and Collection in New York State
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated April 10, 2023
If a creditor gets a court judgment against you, it can’t enforce it until it’s entered by the court clerk. If you don’t pay the judgment voluntarily, the judgment creditor has several debt collection options at its disposal. In addition to options like wage or bank account garnishment, the creditor could contact an enforcement officer for assistance.
Read More →New York Small Claims Court – Overview and Limits
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated April 10, 2023
The New York Small Claims Court is a special part of the court system. The legal process in small claims courts is simplified and informal so that anyone can access it without needing to hire a lawyer. Only individuals can use small claims courts in New York, and you can only use the court to sue for money. The amount of the claim you can bring ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on where you live in the state.
Read More →New York’s Statute of Limitations for Credit Card Debt
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated April 10, 2023
If you have credit card debt that you can’t pay, creditors and debt collectors can’t try to collect on it forever. Statute of limitations set a timeline for creditors and other debt collectors to collect on a debt. In New York, a recent law is strengthening the protections you get from the statute of limitations by shortening the timeline and not allowing creditors to restart the statute of limitations if you make a payment.
Read More →Is the Money I Make From Self-Employment Considered Business Income, and How Will This Affect My Bankruptcy?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Lawyer John Coble
Updated October 12, 2022
If you're self-employed (as a sole proprietor, gig worker, or independent contractor) and you're struggling with business or personal debt, you can file personal bankruptcy like Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. If you have a separate business entity like an LLC or corporation, you also have the option to put your business into bankruptcy.
Read More →How Does Bankruptcy Affect Alimony?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Lawyer John Coble
Updated May 4, 2022
Alimony impacts your bankruptcy case differently if you’re paying alimony than if you’re receiving alimony. If you pay alimony, you must list it on your Schedule J as an expense. You must also usually continue to make payments while your case is pending and after you receive your bankruptcy discharge. Bankruptcy doesn’t eliminate your obligation to pay court-ordered alimony. If you receive alimony, you must list the amount as income on Schedule I and on the means test calculation form.
Read More →What Happens After the 341 Meeting of Creditors?
Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Lawyer John Coble
Updated May 4, 2022
Completing your meeting of creditors is a milestone in the bankruptcy process. But you still need to finish your financial management course and submit your certificate of completion to the court (if you haven't already). You also have to wait for some court-required deadlines to pass and comply with any information requests from your trustee. Though it won't apply to every filer, if you have an installment payment plan for the court filing fee or you're entering into a reaffirmation agreement with a creditor, you'll need to follow up on those as well.
Read More →Filing a Late Tax Return To Claim Your Refund
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 31, 2022
You can file a late tax return to claim your refund as long as the return is filed no later than 3 years after the due date of the return. If you have withholdings on your paycheck, there's a good chance you have a refund due. Even if nothing was withheld from your paycheck, there's a chance you have a refund due through "refundable tax credits."
Read More →How IRS Wage Garnishments Work
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 31, 2022
If you owe back taxes and haven’t made a plan with the IRS to pay them, the IRS can levy your wages or bank account or record a lien against your property. This means the IRS can take money directly from your paycheck or bank account. You can stop a levy by setting up a payment plan with the IRS. If the tax debt meets certain requirements, you can also discharge it in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Read More →What Does It Mean That a Bankruptcy Is Public Record?
Written by Lawyer John Coble, Your Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated March 21, 2022
Bankruptcy cases are processed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, which is part of the federal court system. Like all other court documents, your bankruptcy petition becomes a public record. This means any member of the public can access the information on your bankruptcy forms either through PACER or by going to the courthouse.
Read More →Student Loan Discharge Due to Death
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated December 31, 2021
This article will focus on whether your federal student loan or private student loan discharges when you die. It will also answer the question of whether a cosigner or your spouse will be liable for your student loan debt. The tax consequences of a student loan debt discharged upon your death will be considered. Last, this article covers strategies to avoid financial difficulty for your family or cosigners after your death.
Read More →I Received an Eviction Notice. What Does It Really Mean?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated December 31, 2021
When you receive a residential eviction notice from your landlord, there are different ways you can respond and the strategy you choose may depend on the type of eviction notice you receive. This article covers the different types of notices required for eviction proceedings and what options you have if the landlord fails to send an eviction letter before an eviction.
Read More →Do I Still Owe the Bank After a Mortgage Foreclosure?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated December 31, 2021
The proceeds of a foreclosure sale don't always cover the total balance that a homeowner owes their lenders. When this occurs, the remainder owed is referred to as a deficiency balance. State law dictates when and how a lender may hold a borrower responsible for a deficiency balance. Borrowers may proactively work out a repayment arrangement with their lenders, they may seek to have the balance forgiven via bankruptcy, or they may be held responsible for repayment of the balance via a deficiency judgment.
Read More →Will the Mortgage Company Garnish My Wages After the Foreclosure?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated December 12, 2021
After a foreclosure, a mortgage company can pursue you for the difference in the proceeds of the sale of your home and the remaining balance. They can use all the collection techniques that other creditors use. They can garnish your wages, levy your bank account, or place a lien on things you own.
Read More →Can You Sell a Car That Has a Lien on the Title?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated December 12, 2021
If you want to sell a car that has a lien on the title, you’ll need to take a few extra steps. If you trade your car in with a dealer, they’ll handle the process. If you sell to a private party, you’ll need to handle getting the lien released. You can do this at the lender’s office or hire an escrow company to help. If you have negative equity in the car, you’ll need to be able to pay it off to get the lien released.
Read More →Can You Sell a Car That Has a Lien on the Title?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated December 12, 2021
If you want to sell a car that has a lien on the title, you’ll need to take a few extra steps. If you trade your car in with a dealer, they’ll handle the process. If you sell to a private party, you’ll need to handle getting the lien released. You can do this at the lender’s office or hire an escrow company to help. If you have negative equity in the car, you’ll need to be able to pay it off to get the lien released.
Read More →Understanding Foreclosure Statutes of Limitations
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 30, 2021
Statutes of limitation dictate the amount of time that a creditor can initiate a foreclosure case against a borrower in the event of nonpayment. If a case is brought after the statute of limitations has run, the case should be dismissed. Certain actions may "restart the clock" on a statute of limitations period available to creditors interested in foreclosing on a borrower's property.
Read More →Refinancing a Car Loan With Bad Credit
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 30, 2021
Favorable auto refinancing terms are often extended to borrowers with good credit. Borrowers with bad credit need to "shop around" carefully to secure decent refinancing rates. If decent rates are extended, refinancing an auto loan can save a borrower thousands of dollars. But, borrowers with bad credit need to understand the terms that they are being offered carefully or the potential savings overall could be minimal.
Read More →Rebuilt Title Car Loans Explained
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 30, 2021
When a car's title is classified as a "salvage" title, this means that the vehicle has either been severely damaged or totaled. If the vehicle is repaired, the salvage title classification may shift to a "rebuilt" title. Buyers should be cautious when purchasing a vehicle with a rebuilt title because the car or truck may cost more to insure and the purchase may be harder to finance. Buying a vehicle with a salvage title is a process additionally burdened by the costs of repairing the damaged car.
Read More →Can I Erase Negative Items From My Credit Report?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 29, 2021
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute inaccurate negative items on your credit report, but you don't have a right to remove accurate items. Yet, there still may be some things you can do about negative items even when they are accurate. This article will discuss what you can do about negative items on your credit report and how to find and dispute inaccuracies on your credit reports. We’ll also touch on requests to remove items through pay-for-delete negotiations and goodwill letters.
Read More →What Is a Lien and How Does It Affect My Property?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 28, 2021
A lien is a property right held by a creditor to secure the creditor’s right to payment from the borrower. Once the creditor is paid in full, the lien is released and the borrower owns the property free and clear. This article will provide an overview of the different types of liens, how they arise, and provide some guidance and additional resources on how to deal with liens in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Read More →What Is Robo-Signing and How Does It Affect My Mortgage?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 26, 2021
Robo-signing is when documents are signed by someone who doesn't understand them. It was a problem with mortgage documents in the 2008-10 housing crisis. Mortgages were being transferred between many different parties. This made it hard to know who had the legal right to foreclosure. Robo-signing is not illegal, but the practice is no longer common.
Read More →4 Facts About Child Support and Garnishment
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 11, 2021
If you’ve been ordered to pay child support, you probably have a lot of questions. How did the court determine that you should pay this amount? What happens if you fall behind on payments? Could you go to jail or lose your license for not paying child support? What can you do if you can’t afford to make the payments you’ve been ordered to make? All these questions and more are covered in this article.
Read More →Understanding the Ability-To-Repay Rule
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 9, 2021
The ability-to-repay (ATR) rule requires mortgage lenders to verify that borrowers will be able to repay their mortgage loans. Lenders must verify this when underwriting a new residential mortgage. This article explains when mortgage lenders are required to use the ATR rules, how the ATR rules are applied, and the legal remedies for violations of the ATR rules.
Read More →Do Mortgage Companies Have To Wait 120 Days To Foreclose?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 8, 2021
As a general rule, your mortgage company can't foreclose unless you’re more than 120 days delinquent on payments for your principal residence. This article will cover the 120-day rule, when it doesn't apply, and certain actions the servicer must take during the 120 days. Finally, the article will look at some temporary COVID-related regulations that can extend the no-foreclosure period longer than 120 days.
Read More →The Lender Won’t Show Me the Note. Can It Foreclose Anyway?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 6, 2021
Asking the lender to show you the note is a defense you can use to stop or delay mortgage foreclosure. How well this defense works will depend on your state's laws. It often only buys time for you to work on other foreclosure alternatives. This article explains what the show-me-the-note defense is, how it works in different states, and where it’s most likely to work.
Read More →How To Protect a Non-Borrowing Spouse in a Reverse Mortgage
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated October 12, 2021
One of the most common problems with reverse mortgages has been foreclosures on the non-borrowing spouse (NBS) after the borrower leaves the home. This article focuses on how to protect a spouse that’s not on a reverse mortgage.
Read More →How Do I File Back Taxes?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated October 1, 2021
There's a way you may be able to make more money while in quarantine. By filing old federal income tax returns, you may be able to claim tax refunds you didn't know that you are entitled to.
Read More →Late Mortgage Payment? Here’s What You Need To Know.
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated September 29, 2021
Have you ever wondered what happens when you make a late mortgage payment? With most mortgage companies, a grace period on your mortgage payment will give you breathing room to make the payment after the due date without late fees, penalty payments, or a negative report to the credit bureau. When you make your mortgage payment beyond the grace period, though, you will start to see some consequences. This article will go into detail about what happens when you make a late payment or have a missed payment and how to avoid both.
Read More →What’s a Qualified Written Request and How Can It Help Me?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated September 22, 2021
A Qualified Written Request (QWR) is a tool to get information about your mortgage or notify your mortgage servicer of an error. This article will discuss what a QWR is, what it must contain, and what loan servicers are required by law to do when they receive a QWR. We’ll also touch on instances that a servicer doesn't have to comply with your QWR and what you can do if your servicer fails to comply with your QWR.
Read More →How Do I Dispute a Negative Item on My Credit Report?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 12, 2021
In this article, we’ll discuss the common errors people find in their credit histories along with step-by-step instructions on how to dispute inaccurate items on your credit reports. We’ll also discuss how much time the credit bureaus have under the FCRA to investigate disputed items and what to do if you don't agree with the investigation results.
Read More →What Happens In Small Claims Court?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated July 22, 2021
In small claims court, the rules and procedures are relaxed so that non-lawyers can argue their own cases. Court costs, such as filing fees, are lower. As a result, small claims court hearings are much less expensive. This article will explore what kinds of cases you can bring to a small claims court and how this court differs from other courts.
Read More →Offer in Compromise vs. Bankruptcy: Which Is Better?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated June 21, 2021
When deciding whether to file bankruptcy or try to do an offer in compromise to deal with your tax debt, there are many variables to consider. You’ll have to consider what you can afford and the probability of a case being accepted and being completed.
Read More →4 Ways To Get "Currently Not Collectible" Status From The IRS
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated June 21, 2021
If you're granted IRS currently not collectible status, the IRS will no longer try to collect taxes from you via bank account levies, wage garnishments, or seizures of your other property. If you can't afford to pay anything toward your IRS tax debt, you'll need to request CNC status. Otherwise, you could see your paycheck garnished or have funds in your bank account taken from you due to a bank account levy.
Read More →What Is an IRS Collection Due Process Hearing?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated June 5, 2021
When the IRS attempts to levy or place a lien on your property, you have the right to a collection due process (CDP) hearing. If you're like most people, you're panicking. Take deep breaths. This article explains the rights you still have and how you can avoid enforcement of the lien or levy.
Read More →How to File a Form 1040-V Payment Voucher
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated June 5, 2021
IRS Form 1040-V is a payment voucher that taxpayers often send when submitting payments to the Internal Revenue Service. This form shows the amount they're paying. This article will explore when to use a 1040-V, exactly how to fill out a 1040-V, and alternative payment options that don't require a 1040-V.
Read More →How Much Money Can Be Garnished From My Paycheck?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated May 28, 2021
This article will discuss the basics of wage garnishments, how wage garnishments are calculated, what income is exempt from garnishment, and how to stop a garnishment. Once you understand your options, you’ll be empowered to use whatever options apply best to your situation.
Read More →Are You Getting Calls From Collection Agencies and Worried What Might Happen? Find Out Here!
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2021
Calls from debt collectors are stressful and - if you don’t know what to expect they can be downright scary. Learn whether a collection agency can sue you and how to protect your rights, so you’re ready the next time a collection agency calls.
Read More →False Certification Discharge
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated January 6, 2021
This article will go into more detail about each of these types of false certification loan discharges. A discharge ends your loan like a cancellation or loan forgiveness program. The difference is that student loan forgiveness usually refers to the loan ending due to a period of time served in a teaching or public service job whereas discharge is for some other reason.
Read More →Can a Married Person File Taxes Without Their Spouse?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 7, 2020
A married couple filing income tax returns can choose to do so married filing jointly or married filing separately. In the past, the primary reason for filing separate tax returns was to shield one spouse from the tax liability of the other spouse. Couples filing separate returns paid much more in income taxes than couples filing joint returns. Today, with tax law changes, there are situations where filing separately can result in a lower combined tax burden.
Read More →How Will Filing Bankruptcy Affect My Children?
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated July 22, 2020
If you’re a parent, your children are the most important parts of your life. You don’t want to do anything that could harm their futures. If you’re considering bankruptcy, you may be worried about the impact this will have on your children. The good news is that for those who need to file bankruptcy, the positive impact on your family will far outweigh any inconveniences. This guide examines the issues that could impact your minor children.
Read More →Repossession Laws in Montana
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2024
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of Montana's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in North Dakota
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2024
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of North Dakota's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Ohio
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2024
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of Ohio's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Wyoming
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2024
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of Wyoming's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Oregon
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2024
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of Oregon's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Wisconsin
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2024
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of Wisconsin's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Washington
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2024
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of Washington's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Pennsylvania
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2024
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of Pennsylvania's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in South Carolina
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2024
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of South Carolina's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
Repossession Laws in Tennessee
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 22, 2024
Repossession is the process of taking back a car after the owner defaults on their auto loan. Each state has different laws and regulations that dictate every step of the repossession process from start to finish. This page will provide an overview of Tennessee's Repossession Laws and what you should know if you've fallen behind on car payments.
How to Become Debt Free With a Debt Management Plan in Virginia
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated December 20, 2023
This part of the guide will focus on the different steps to achieving a successful Virginia DMP. Then, this guide will finish by looking at some other debt-relief options for you.
How to Settle Your Debts in Michigan
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated December 20, 2023
The rest of this section will focus on the debt settlement process in Michigan. The last part of this guide will look at debt-relief options besides debt settlements.
How to Become Debt Free With a Debt Management Plan in Illinois
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 15, 2023
The rest of this guide will focus on the different phases of setting up and maintaining an Illinois debt management plan. Then, we will look at some other debt-relief options.
How to Become Debt Free With a Debt Management Plan in Missouri
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 15, 2023
This part of the guide will focus on the steps for a DMP. The rest of this guide will look at alternative debt solutions.
How to Become Debt Free With a Debt Management Plan in Utah
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 15, 2023
This section will focus on the different steps to a successful Utah debt management plan. The rest of this guide will discuss alternative debt solutions.
How to Settle Your Debts in Maryland
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 1, 2023
This guide will walk you through the debt settlement process, step by step. If you ultimately decide that debt settlement isn’t a good option for you, you can read about debt management alternatives at the end of the piece.
How To Settle Your Debts in Oklahoma
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated August 1, 2023
Debt settlement is a several step process. Read on to learn about what you can expect from debt settlement and to better determine whether it’s the best option for you at this time.
How To Settle Your Debts in South Carolina
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated January 5, 2022
This guide will walk you through the steps you’ll need to take to achieve a successful debt settlement program. If a debt settlement plan doesn’t look like a good fit for you, consider the other debt solutions and money management options mentioned at the end of the guide.
Wage Garnishment in Arkansas
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated December 3, 2021
A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Arkansas regulates wage garnishments.
Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights in New York
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated November 19, 2021
Landlords in New York can’t just change the locks, toss your belongings out on the front yard, or shut down essential utilities. A landlord must follow the eviction process in order to have a tenant evicted for any reason. Here's an overview of what this means for tenants in New York.
Wage Garnishment in Wisconsin
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated October 25, 2021
A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Wisconsin regulates wage garnishments.
Wage Garnishment in Florida
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated October 25, 2021
A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Florida regulates wage garnishments.
Wage Garnishments in Colorado
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated October 25, 2021
A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Colorado regulates wage garnishments.
Wage Garnishments In Virginia
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated October 21, 2021
A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Virginia regulates wage garnishments.
How to Consolidate Your Debts in Pennsylvania
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 25, 2021
The rest of this section will focus on the steps for a successful debt consolidation. After this section, we will look at alternatives to debt consolidation.
How to Settle Your Debts in West Virginia
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 19, 2020
Read on to learn about the steps you’ll need to take to achieve a successful debt settlement. If you determine that debt settlement isn’t the best option for you, note that other potential debt-relief options are explored at the end of this guide.
How to Settle Your Debts in Texas
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 19, 2020
Successful debt settlement requires some time and effort. This guide will walk you through the debt settlement process and some popular debt management alternatives so that you can make an informed decision concerning how best to proceed.
How to Settle Your Debts in Montana
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 19, 2020
This guide will provide you with a solid overview of the debt settlement process. At the end, it will also explore some debt management alternatives, in the event that debt settlement isn’t a good fit for your situation.
How to Settle Your Debts in Massachusetts
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 18, 2020
The rest of this guide will cover the steps involved in achieving a successful debt settlement. At the end of this guide, other debt management solutions are explored.
How to Settle Your Debts in Maine
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated March 18, 2020
This guide focuses on the steps you’ll need to take to accomplish a successful debt settlement. The remainder of the guide looks at other debt-relief options that may be a better fit for your financial situation, depending on your circumstances.
How to Become Debt Free With a Debt Management Plan in South Carolina
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated January 3, 2020
This section will focus on the steps to a successful South Carolina debt management plan. The rest of the article will focus on other debt-relief options should a South Carolina DMP not be the best debt solution for you.
How to Become Debt Free With a Debt Management Plan in Nevada
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated January 3, 2020
The rest of this section will cover the different steps in a Nevada debt management plan. After this section, the rest of this guide will look at other debt-relief options besides DMPs.
How to Become Debt Free With a Debt Management Plan in Massachusetts
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated January 3, 2020
This section will look at the steps for a successful Massachusetts DMP. The rest of this guide will look at alternatives to a Massachusetts debt management plan.
How to Become Debt Free With a Debt Management Plan in
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated January 3, 2020
The rest of this guide covers debt management plans in more detail. We will look at some alternative debt solutions in case a debt management plan isn’t the best solution for you.
How to Become Debt Free With a Debt Management Plan in Georgia
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated January 2, 2020
In this article, we will look at factors to consider when deciding on a debt relief plan. Then, we will examine alternatives to help you decide if another form of debt reduction might be better for you.
How to Consolidate Your Debts in Virginia
Written by Lawyer John Coble.
Updated January 2, 2020
Before developing a plan of action, you need your monthly bills, pay stubs, bank statements and credit reports. You will use these documents to decide the best option for reducing your debts.
