Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Introduction Facing the possibility of losing one's home to foreclosure can be intimidating and unnerving. However, for homeowners facing such a hardship, there is a chance at finding relief and saving their homes by following a legal avenue known as…
Do I need title insurance when I purchase my new home?
One of the frequent questions we are asked by buyers is “do I need title insurance?” In short, yes, you absolutely need to have title insurance and here is why: Everyone knows that your homeowner’s insurance policy insures the physical…
Do I need a survey when I purchase my home?
A survey is a detailed drawing of the boundaries of a particular piece of real property, which should include any improvements (such as a driveway, buildings, deck, etc.), any encroachments, access points to the property from a public road, any…
What happens to my digital assets when I die?
In the last twenty years, smartphones, tablets, computers, and apps have become part of our daily lives. Americans are increasingly dependent on these technologies to create, store, and access personal belongings and accounts that exist only in digital format. Even…
Estate Planning Documents Can Help Provide Peace of Mind
Importance of a Will A Will ensures that your final wishes are followed and your assets go to those you have chosen. Without a Will, your assets will be distributed as directed by the code of Virginia. This can significantly…
Documents Needed for Filing Bankruptcy
When a debtor seeks bankruptcy protection from the bankruptcy court, there is a duty to submit documentation of your assets, liabilities, income sources and expenses. Your eligibility to seek a Chapter 7 discharge will depend on your household income and…
Property Settlement Agreement in a Virginia Divorce
A property settlement agreement, or PSA, is a contract that married couples can enter into to resolve the rights, interests, and obligations the parties may have to each other during and after the divorce process. PSA’s are frequently used to…
Using Bankruptcy to Stop a Wage Garnishment
Immediately upon filing a bankruptcy, the automatic stay is entered. The automatic stay is an injunction, which prohibits creditors from taking any collection efforts against you, including continuing to garnish your wages. Additionally, the bankruptcy code has a mechanism to…
Probate Issues: An Executor’s Checklist
Many people avoid preparing for estate matters; however, setting up an estate plan to include a will, power of attorney and advance medical directive will assist loved ones after you’re gone. The executor is the person that will be appointed…
Estate Planning Pitfall: Proper Funding of your Revocable Trust
A revocable trust, also referred to as a living trust, is a great tool to manage assets during your lifetime and avoid the probate process at your death. The trust administration process following your death can be more streamlined for…
Will a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Prevent a Car Repossession?
If you fall behind on making your car payments, the lender may consider repossessing the vehicle. Filing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy will temporarily stop your car lender from repossessing your car and will allow you more time to resolve any…
Advantages of Using a Real Estate Attorney vs. a Title Company for your Real Estate Closing
Once the contract negotiations are complete and the contract is signed, it may seem like the hard work is done. But getting to the closing will require more work. Buying or selling a home is an involved process that is…
A Spendthrift Trust Can Protect Your Children From Themselves
You’ve worked hard, saved when you could, and tried to make sound financial decisions. You’ve done all this so that you can hopefully provide for your family and still pass something on to your loved ones one day. You have…
IRS: Currently Not Collectible Status
What happens when you cannot afford to pay the IRS? Many Americans find themselves with a large tax bill from the IRS that they cannot afford to pay. You may be receiving threatening letters from the IRS or a Revenue…
You’ve Been Stopped for DUI: What Now?
We tend to think that people who get convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence; basically, driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs) probably deserve what they get. After all, nobody wants to think of drunk drivers out on…
