We’ve written a series of blog posts answering common questions regarding bankruptcy in Wisconsin, and how it can impact your finances. Call (262) 827-0375

The Truth About Bankruptcy

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I’m sure there aren’t too many people in the Milwaukee area who would be surprised to hear that the vast majority of people in southeastern Wisconsin, and America in general, have faced financial hardship at one point or another throughout their lives. There are a whole host of reasons people face these hardships, and there is a huge variance in how long these hardships last. For some people, their hardships may only be temporary and for a very specific and limited cause, and it’s very easy for them to see “the light at the end of the tunnel.” For others, it may seem the financial hard times will never end…and they just can’t imagine getting to a better place in terms of their finances.

It’s also true that sometimes it’s a matter of perspective. I think we have all heard of an actor or athlete who made millions of dollars and ended up broke only a few years later. They may consider “financial hardship” as being no longer able to afford any sports car they desire. Conversely, someone used to living on a much smaller salary may only consider themselves to be facing “financial crisis” when they no longer have the bare minimum to pay their bills and feed their family. Needless to say “financial hardship” can sometimes be just as much a matter of external situations, perspective, and duration as it is about simple dollars-and-cents math.

Today’s post is titled “The Truth About Bankruptcy” for good reason. We want to take a look at some of the nuances of bankruptcy as well as some of the positives and negatives of using bankruptcy law to address a financial hardship. At Burr Law Office LLC, we’re committed to, first and foremost, doing what is in your best interest. While bankruptcy can be a great tool for some situations, we also want to work with you so that you will fully understand how it will affect you – and how you can best protect your future and your family’s future in your unique situation.

First of all, it’s important to understand that bankruptcy will affect your credit history. Depending on which type of bankruptcy you file, it may be either seven or ten years. While this may affect your ability to make some major life purchasing decisions, it may also not hinder certain other decisions (ones you may have assumed it would). When we work with you, we want you to have a complete understanding of the process and what it will mean for you going forward. Depending on upcoming purchases or life situations, alternative solutions may be considered. These considerations may also determine which type of bankruptcy to file.

Second, it’s also important to understand that bankruptcy can be a great tool to help you protect you and your family’s future. While the idea of having a bankruptcy on your credit history may sound unappealing, there are many cases where getting out of debt and starting over with a clean slate is definitely the best option. There are countless stories of people who have used bankruptcy to start over and have ended up coming out of the entire process in a much better situation. For some, they have even used the process and the experience to teach themselves about managing money and become very savvy – and even wealthy – as a result.

At Burr Law Office LLC, our bankruptcy attorneys always want to be upfront and honest when we deal with our clients. We’ll always tell you the truth about bankruptcy, and that means sometimes there will be difficult decisions to make. No matter what we do, we’ll always look out for your best interests and work to protect your financial future. For us, that means we will tell you what to expect when filing for bankruptcy, even if it may be something unpleasant. On the other hand, we’ll also be honest with you about letting you know when filing truly is your best option – and the best thing you can do to protect your future.

If you’re facing financial difficulty and need to know what your options are, call Burr Law office and set up an appointment with one of our skilled Milwaukee bankruptcy attorneys today. We’ll provide you with real, honest, no-nonsense information about your options. Our commitment to all of our clients is to always look out for their best interest. When you meet with us, you’ll understand why thousands of clients have trusted us to protect their financial future.

A Brief Context & History of Western Bankruptcy Law: Part 3

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We’ve come to the third and last installment of our overview of the history of bankruptcy law in the west (and specifically the United States). Though we’ve been able to see bits and pieces of modern-day law developing throughout history, much of the law has looked quite different from what we know today. If you recall, western bankruptcy law in its infancy did very little to protect the debtor and was used almost completely as a means for the creditors to either ruthlessly get their money back or to exact revenge on the debtor when he was unable to pay. In this last post, we will look at the most recent history of bankruptcy law that will explain how we have gotten to where we are today.

Picking up where we left off last time, the next major reform came with The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, often simply referred to as “The Bankruptcy Code.” It went into effect on October 1, 1979 and contained four sections or “titles.” The details of each of the four titles are technical in nature and quite a bit could be written about each one, so we won’t cover them in detail here.

In addition to establishing and defining the four titles, the 1978 Act also dramatically altered the courts themselves by conferring pervasive subject matter jurisdiction to the courts. The act granted jurisdiction over all “civil proceedings arising under title eleven or arising in or related to cases under title 11.” 28 U.S.C. §1471(b) These new bankruptcy courts were designated as adjuncts of the district court, but for all intents and purposes, they operated as free-standing courts apart from the district court. The newly-granted jurisdiction was given to bankruptcy judges who would continue to be Article I judges appointed for a set term.

Though many of the changes made with the 1978 Act served the general population better than previous bankruptcy law, the provisions of the Act weren’t without scrutiny by some. Take, for example, the case of Northern Pipeline Co. v. Marathon Pipe Line Co. in 1982. In this case, the court determined that the wide grant of jurisdiction given to bankruptcy judges was unconstitutional because those judges were not appointed under and protected by the provisions of Article III of the Constitution. While the technical details of this case are fascinating, the explanation is too lengthy to detail here; however, the important part to note is that this decision paved the way for the next set of reforms to be made.

Because of the court’s ruling that the appointment of the judges and their broad jurisdiction was unconstitutional, the law needed to be adjusted. In the time immediately following the 1982 case, Congress put into place the “Emergency Rule” until such a time where something permanent could be hammered out and put into effect. It’s interesting to note that many challenged even the constitutionality of the “Emergency Rule” itself, so it was clear that something permanent needed to happen.

Finally, in 1984—two years after the initial Marathon case, Congress implemented a “permanent” solution with the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984. In many ways, this act resembled the Bankruptcy Act of 1898 (which we covered in previous blog posts) by re-designating separate units for judges under the district court.

Since 1984, a couple more acts have been passed, including one in 1986 and one in 1994. These acts dealt more specifically with cases of family farming and mortgage and banking, respectively. Today, bankruptcy cases in America are all subject to the rules spelled out by these reforms.

Though this three-part series has only been the most basic of a review of how bankruptcy law developed in the west, and more specifically, in America, it should give you a clear picture of just how complex and involved bankruptcy law can be. Also, because things are constantly changing, getting the best bankruptcy settlement requires the knowledge of someone who has studied the law and is up to date with the very latest changes to the laws. In case you missed them, click here to view Part 1 and click here to view Part 2.

At Burr Law, our bankruptcy attorneys are experts and their expertise means they will use the law to your advantage, always working for the best possible outcome for you. After all, bankruptcy law is all about protecting you and looking out for your future. Always keep in mind that the laws that exist are there to protect you.

If you’re facing a tough financial situation and need more information about bankruptcy, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our Milwaukee bankruptcy attorneys and let us help you.

A Brief Context & History of Western Bankruptcy Law: Part 2

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In this second installation of our three-part blog series on western bankruptcy law, we will pick up where we left off last month. We so far have been looking at the evolution of bankruptcy law in England as that is where the formation for our United States laws came from. We’ll still continue in England as there is a little more to cover, and then we’ll look at the beginnings of some laws in the United States.

We had last talked about the “Insolvent Debtors Act 1813.” If you recall, this act was a move toward more protection for those owing a debt; however, the Act still did favor the creditors quite a bit and didn’t offer true protection for debtors. Though things were starting to move in a positive direction, there was still a long way to go to bring the laws to a place where they worked to protect all parties.

The page really started to turn, and so did attitudes, in 1825. In this year, the “Bankrupts Act 1825” was passed, and this was the first law that allowed people to initiate the proceedings for their own bankruptcy. They did need to do this in agreement with their creditors; however, it was the first time that they had any real say in the process or in initiating the process. Prior to this only a creditor could bring charges to a debtor, and if they couldn’t pay, it was often done as a measure of revenge or as punishing those who owed a debt. Many have questioned if processes that only favored creditors actually served to try to resolve an issue or if they were really simply there as a way to punish people who were insolvent.

1825 marks the beginning of a time when both parties started to see the process as a means to truly resolving an issue and looking out for the interests of both parties and come to as amicable a solution as was possible given the circumstances.

By the middle of the same century, attitudes towards corporations were also changing. Thanks, in part, to the South Sea Bubble fiasco and some other high-profile cases in which people lost a lot of money, many people started to view companies as dangerous to invest in and also inefficient and incompetent. Without being able to trust their own investments, the economy stalled as no one wanted to put up money to support businesses that had proven to simply lose money and be a poor investment. Through a few pieces of legislation, companies were able to be started without royal permission, and companies could take on their own separate legal “personality.” This separated company debts and profits from being tied to individuals personally.

In the next several years, quite a bit happened in terms of bankruptcy law for corporations. While this history is fascinating, we’ll continue on to talk about personal bankruptcy law as that is the focus of this blog series.

While laws were changing and the foundations of modern bankruptcy was being set in Great Britain, the same thing was happening here in the U.S. Because of the relatively young economy at the time, the changes in the U.S. were fewer and further between, but the general direction of the laws were following those of Great Britain throughout the 1800s.

The first real law that established our modern concepts of debtor-creditor relationships came in the form of the “Nelson Act” of 1898. Though changed over time, this Act would ultimately be in tact until a major overhaul in 1978 which we will look at in depth next month.

Next came the Bankruptcy Act of 1938, also known as the “Chandler Act.” Though the previous “Nelson Act” remained in effect, the “Chandler Act” expanded voluntary access to the bankruptcy system. It also gave the US Securities and Exchange Commission authority in the administration of bankruptcy procedures. This was yet another move towards formalizing and establishing precedent for bankruptcy filings.

Although we’ve seen how things have been changing over the centuries, the biggest reform to date will come in 1978, and that will be the single biggest Act that affects the current-day law that we practice at Burr Law as Milwaukee bankruptcy attorneys.

We’re reminded again that, the history is interesting, but what matters most for our clients right here and now is that we know the law and work toward your best interest. Our Milwaukee bankruptcy lawyers are experts in the field and always have your future and well-being in mind as we work towards the best possible outcome for you.

Missed the first installment? Click here to take a look at that. As always, we welcome you to contact us to get more information on what we can do to help you.

HISTORY OF BANKRUPTCY PART 1

HISTORY OF BANKRUPTCY PART 3 

What does it mean to be “in the black” or “in the red?”

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If you’re even slightly familiar with the world of accounting and finance, you’ve probably heard the phrases “in the red” and “in the black” before. Even if you are not in finance, you may have heard the terms anyway—they have become a part of our everyday speech and they are often used in common conversation.

For those of you not familiar with the phrases, I’ll briefly explain. The phrase “in the black” refers to being financially solvent or profitable, or sometimes more generally, just not in debt. A business that is “in the black” is usually making a profit or, at the very least, making enough to get by without having to worry about going bankrupt. Conversely, the phrase, “in the red” means to be in debt, running a deficit, or generally just not making money—being cash negative. Although cash flow cycles for businesses and people change from year to year, a business that is “in the red” for several years in a row without a plan to get out of debt often fail. Of course, the phrases aren’t always used consistently, and there are always exceptions to the rule, but in general, being “in the black” is a positive thing, and being “in the red” is usually considered to be a negative thing.

So, now that you know what both of these phrases mean, you may be wondering where the terms came from or what their origins are? After all, there aren’t really any other fields in which these colors (black and red) are used to indicate positive and negative. So if you are guessing that these color indicators are somewhat unique to the world of finance, you would be correct.

To understand where these phrases come from, we have to go back to the days before accounting was done on computers. Before computers, accountants did everything by hand and with pen and paper. In order to help them differentiate between deposits and debits, they started using different color ink for each. Because black and red ink were two readily available colors, they were chosen for the purpose. Though it’s only speculation, some say that red was chosen to denote debits/losses/debts because red is considered a harsh color and can catch one’s attention. It also subtly reinforces the idea of negativity or something “bad.” They wanted to make debts stand out and catch people’s attention. It’s the same reason that teachers often correct homework and quizzes and tests with red pens—it grabs a student’s attention and lets them focus on what they did wrong so, hopefully, they can learn from their mistake and correct the mistake on the next test or quiz or homework assignment.

And now that everything is done on computers, the history of the phrases has still stuck around. In many cases, they really are meaningless. Most software now uses parentheses to indicate a negative number or a debit. Sometimes, they also simply put a minus sign before a number or even have a separate column in a spreadsheet for debits. It is, however, interesting to note that some computer programs still do use red type for debts and debits—a nod to the history of accounting. Again, there is really no practical purpose for this, but it fits with the history of accounting.

As mentioned earlier, businesses and people too (in their personal finances) often go through cycles of “being in the black” and “being in the red.” Maybe you had an exceptionally good year at work or in your line of business and you have a year where you are really making good money. Maybe you inherited some money and it puts you in a good place for the short term, but it’s not money you can count on as reoccurring and consistent income. These would be scenarios where you would be “in the black” for a period of time, but maybe not consistently year to year.

On the other hand, maybe it’s a large but necessary purchase that puts you “in the red” for a brief period of time. The goal, however, should be that running deficits or being heavily indebted should not be standard operating mode. If you have to run in debt, it should be briefly and for a purpose with a specific plan to get back into “the black.” Many times businesses or people can fall into a pattern of consistently running in “the red” without a plan or any practical way of turning things around.

This may be a point where one needs to consider the option of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy laws are created to protect people and give them a way to turn around their finances. The expert Milwaukee bankruptcy lawyers at Burr Law Office know the laws and can help you answer your questions, and explore your options. Contact them today to see what options are available.

Getting the Most of Your Chapter 7

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Given the circumstances of filing for bankruptcy, everyone wants the process to be as comfortable as possible. There are a number of things you can do to help make make your Milwaukee Chapter 7 go smoothly. Take a look at these tips and contact Burr Law Office LLC for more information.

Stay organized

One of the most crucial elements to a successful filing is paperwork. Your legal documents like bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, and others need to be well organized so they can be accessed at any point during the process. This also helps to ease communication and build trust with everyone involved.

Don’t be afraid to talk

You don’t need to go blabbing to anyone and everyone who will listen, but discussing your financial situation with trusted family members or friends can help you cope. Plus, they may know someone else that’s gone through something similar and have some advice to offer.

This isn’t forever

The most important thing to help ease the pain of filing for bankruptcy is this: it won’t be like this forever. The process may be difficult, and you’ll likely experience quite a bit of stress, but life will go on. If you don’t allow yourself to see the light at the end of the tunnel, you’re making it more difficult for yourself.

To learn more about Milwaukee Chapter 7 bankruptcy, contact attorney Michael Burr at Burr Law Office LLC for a free consultation. He will be happy to assist you with your case!

Legal Aid Milwaukee: Why to File at the Beginning of the Year

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When you’re looking for legal aid in Milwaukee and you visit a bankruptcy attorney, they’ll like say “now is the best time for you to file,” regardless of when it is. There is some truth to this statement. If you’re in a situation of financial distress, waiting to file may only increase your risk for things like repossession of belongings, garnishment of wages, or even foreclosure on your home. However, now that we’re just into the new year, it truly is a good time to consider filing. Here’s why.

Tax debts

Income tax debt specifications state that you aren’t required to pay off income tax debt until the first day of the following year in bankruptcy. If you have a large amount of debt from taxes, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a popular option. In this case, waiting until after the first of the year is a good idea – that means your tax debt from the previous year is considered pre-petition debt.

Holiday debt

It’s no secret that people spend more during the holidays, and often it’s done on a credit card. After having built up additional debt from the holidays, the new year is a good time to file as it’s when this debt comes due.

As a rule of thumb, if you’re filing for bankruptcy you should stop using your credit cards right away. If you continue to use your credit cards after you’ve filed, it appears to the courts that you’re doing so with no indication of repaying the debt incurred.

If you’d like to learn more about when to file for bankruptcy, contact the legal aid experts in Milwaukee at Burr Law Offices LLC.

Is Your Tax Return Taken in Bankruptcy?

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As we make our way into February, it’s time to start getting our finances in order to prepare for taxes. For those looking to file for bankruptcy in the Milwaukee and Waukesha area, the topic of tax returns often comes up. At Burr Law Office, we want to make sure you fully understand the process and feel confident in your case.

When looking to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your tax return is an important consideration. People who will receive a return right before filing often wonder – will I be able to keep my return or will it be taken as part of the bankruptcy? The answer is dependent upon a number of factors (including the size of the return), but generally the person filing for bankruptcy will be able to keep the return. Under federal bankruptcy exemptions, you’re generally good to go – the exemptions are normally large enough to protect most tax refunds.

While being able to keep your return is great news, you should take precautions as to how you plan to use the money. It’s often recommended that people use their tax return money to pay for the costs and fees associated with bankruptcy. In essence, it’s best to use the money towards making the bankruptcy process easier as opposed to purchasing other things. One thing to note – you should consult your bankruptcy attorney if you plan to use the money to pay off debt you owe to a creditor or family member. Often the trustee has the ability to take the money back from whomever you paid.

If you’re unsure of your situation, the best idea is to call our bankruptcy attorney team at Burr Law Office. We’ll help make the bankruptcy process as smooth as possible for you.

Is It Time for You to File for Bankruptcy?

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We all know how stressful the holidays can be on our wallet and bank account. Sometimes it can be hard to come to terms with the fact that you need to reach out to external sources for help. One of the most important things to understand is that open communication is key to successfully getting out of debt. Whether your spouse, bankruptcy attorney, or other source, open communication and willingness to cooperate will help make the process smoother and much less difficult. Here are a few ways to know if it may be time to file for a bankruptcy.

Credit Card Payments

If you’re consistently making the minimum payments on your credit card, it can mean one of two things. You may be making purchases you shouldn’t be which is more linked in irresponsible spending, or you may need help getting your credit situation figured out. If the latter is the case, contacting an experienced bankruptcy attorney may be a smart idea.

Debt Collectors

If you’ve been receiving phone calls from debt collectors, you’d be smart to consider contacting a bankruptcy attorney. One of the main reasons working with an attorney is smart is because they have the capability and knowledge to resolve issues like debt collectors.

Unsure About Debt

If you’re not sure how much money you owe, it would be in your best interest to contact a bankruptcy attorney. If you aren’t aware of your financial situation, it’s hard to determine the next steps.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact Burr Law Office today. Our expert Milwaukee and Waukesha bankruptcy team will help you find the best debt relief solution for your needs.

How to File for Bankruptcy

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Waukesha bankruptcy adviceMany people find themselves in difficult financial situations and come to a point where they need to decide whether or not bankruptcy is the right option. The best thing to do in this situation is schedule a complimentary consultation with Attorney Michael Burr. He will help guide you through the entire process of how to file for bankruptcy, catering to your specific needs. Here are a few quick bits of information that can help you determine if you should move forward.

You won’t lose everything.

It’s a common misconception that filing for bankruptcy means you’ll lose everything. Depending on your particular situation, you are allowed to exempt a certain amount of property. You cannot, however, hide possessions or “sell” things to family or friends in attempts to keep them. There are serious penalties for such actions, as they are considered fraud. An experienced Milwaukee bankruptcy attorney, like Attorney Michael Burr, can explain how to properly list your assets to maximize your exemptions.

There are multiple types of bankruptcy.

Depending on your situation, you may only qualify for certain types of bankruptcy. Chapter 7, or “straight bankruptcy,” is quite difficult to qualify for. More common is Chapter 13, or “wage earners bankruptcy,” which reorganizes your debts into a repayment schedule. In order to qualify for bankruptcy, you will be required to complete a means test which determines your eligibility.

Work with a lawyer.

New bankruptcy laws in 2005 have made it much more difficult to file for bankruptcy. While it’s not required by law, it is highly recommended that you work with a lawyer when filing. Milwaukee Bankruptcy Attorney, Michael Burr, has over 20 years of experience in bankruptcy law and truly cares about his clients. At the very least, we recommend scheduling a consultation to learn why working with Attorney Burr can help save time, money, and pain.

These tips are by no means legal advice and should be considered a guide as to whether or not you should inquire further about how to file for bankruptcy with Attorney Burr. At Burr Law Offices, we want to give you the fresh financial start you’re looking for. Contact the best bankruptcy lawyers Milwaukee us today to schedule your consultation.

Tips to Avoid Financial Troubles During the Holidays

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As you head into the holidays, it’s important to keep a close eye on your financials and spending habits. Many people tend to go a bit overboard because of parties and other obligations and find themselves in trouble after the holidays have ended. Milwaukee bankruptcy Attorney Michael Burr has a few tips to help keep your spending under control this season.

Shop with a plan.

Just as you bring a list when you grocery shopping, it’s important to make a list when buying gifts. Before you go to any stores, decide how much you are able to spend on each person and stick to that amount. It’s helpful to jot down a few gift ideas, too. If you find yourself wanting to purchase things that aren’t on your list, hold on to them but give yourself time to look around and really think about whether or not it’s a necessary purchase. Note: Don’t forget about extra expenses like wrapping materials, host gifts, etc. when making your list!

Retail isn’t the only place to shop.

In this day and age, there are tons of opportunities to find lower prices on gifts for the holidays. Don’t feel as though you need to purchase every gift from the mall or other retail stores. Many sites offer free shipping and other discounts during the holidays.

Pay in cash as often as possible.

The biggest mistake people make during the holidays is racking up enormous charges on their credit cards that they aren’t able to pay back after the holidays. Try to pay for as many purchases with cash as you can. If you don’t feel comfortable carrying cash and don’t have a debit card, use one credit card and keep close tabs on your purchases by writing each one down.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

Rushing to the store the day before (or worse, the day of) a party can cause you to impulsively buy the first thing you see. When you don’t have time to think about your purchase, you’re more likely to overspend or convince yourself that the cost is not important. Plus, if you’re an online shopper, waiting until the last minute will generally lead to massive shipping fees to get things on time.

The best advice we can give is to make a budget plan and stick to it. There’s no need to go out of your means to impress anyone. Enjoy the holidays with friends and family and keep your finances in check. Our Milwaukee bankruptcy team at Burr Law Office is here to answer any questions you may have about shopping during the holidays!