November 2023

Student Loan Discharges Approved In 99% Of Cases Under New Policy

The Biden administration this week released highly-anticipated data on a new initiative that makes it easier for borrowers experiencing hardships to discharge their student loans in bankruptcy.

The Education Department and the Department of Justice rolled out experimental guidance last fall to encourage cooperation between the government and student loan borrowers seeking bankruptcy relief. After a year, the program is showing clear signs of success.

“One year ago, we set out to simplify and improve the process for student loan borrowers in bankruptcy,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta in a statement on Thursday. “I am thrilled that our one-year review indicates that our efforts have made a real difference in borrowers’ lives by ensuring student-loan discharges are more accessible to eligible borrowers. We will continue working with our partners at the

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November 28, 2023 by ATTORNEY

Bankruptcy Attorney Daniel Straffi Announces Plans to Expand Service Area in Lakehurst, New Jersey

Bankruptcy attorney Daniel Straffi of Straffi & Straffi Attorneys at Law has announced plans to expand their area of service to additional neighborhoods in Lakehurst, New Jersey. This expansion indicates a significant step in the firm’s commitment to providing comprehensive legal support to more residents within the borough.

Located in Ocean County, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is a community steeped in history and natural beauty. The small borough, known for its rich culture and geographic features, will be the focus of Straffi’s expansion plans. With its idyllic setting and unique attractions, Lakehurst’s neighborhoods represent an opportunity to bring legal services closer to the residents.

“Lakehurst, New Jersey is a wonderful community known for its commitment and resilience,” Straffi said. “The firm is excited about the opportunity to provide more residents with the legal support they require.”

Lakehurst is renowned for its Historical Museum, which acts as a treasure trove of local history. The museum, located in the heart of the borough, offers an educational experience that reveals the layers of stories this town holds. It provides insights into the infamous Hindenburg disaster, a significant event in the town’s history that is etched in the memories of the residents.

Besides its

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November 27, 2023 by ATTORNEY

Ethics probe into Texas bankruptcy judge ends following resignation
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Jones, who announced he is stepping down from handling cases, is seen during a virtual interview with Reuters in December 2020

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Jones, who oversees more major Chapter 11 cases than any other U.S. judge, is seen in a screenshot from video shot during a virtual interview with Reuters done from Houston, Texas, U.S. December 11, 2020. REUTERS/Staff/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights

  • 5th Circuit probe into former Bankruptcy Judge David Jones ends
  • DOJ’s bankruptcy trustee seeking return of fees from Jackson Walker

Nov 16 (Reuters) – A federal judicial ethics probe into former U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Jones’ failure to disclose his romantic relationship with a lawyer whose firm regularly appeared before him has come to an end following the Houston judge’s resignation.

The chief judge of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Priscilla Richman, in an order on Wednesday said further action was “unnecessary” after Jones last month submitted his resignation as a Southern District of Texas bankruptcy judge.

Jones announced plans to resign on Oct. 15 after acknowledging to the Wall Street Journal that he had been in a years-long romantic relationship with bankruptcy attorney Elizabeth Freeman and shared a home with her.

Freeman until recently worked at Jackson Walker, a local law firm that worked on many corporate bankruptcy cases in Jones’ Houston courthouse.

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November 26, 2023 by ATTORNEY

Bad pool builder – and his attorney

FOX 2 (WJBK) – Look who’s got a new photo for their Instagram feed – it’s internet personality Brandon Heitmann.  Yep, Brandon the pool-building-bum has been arrested again.

“There’s going to be justice and that justice is going to take place here in Macomb County,” said Prosecutor Pete Lucido.

Justice is taking place on the federal level as well. It seems Brandon’s company’s ‘restructuring bankruptcy’ has been involuntarily placed into the ‘this company is toast’ category.

With official statements  like this, from a federal bankruptcy trustee, declaring: “The debtor and it’s sole owner and president, Brandon Heitmann, have engaged in conduct pre-and post-petition that is either dishonest or incompetent.”

Harsh words for the headmaster of the Heitmann Academy. And as bad as things are for Brandon Heitmann, it might be even worse for his criminal attorney.

Or should we say ex-attorney, now criminal, Glenn Franklin – because he just got convicted of felony wire fraud.

A lot has happened since Rob Wolchelk did his first story on Brandon just three months ago.

Heitmann runs a company called Exigent.  Brandon liked to brag a lot about his success, showing off fancy cars and vacations.
 
This influencer had a

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November 25, 2023 by ATTORNEY

Can you use bankruptcy to clear tax debt?

When outstanding tax debt becomes overwhelming, you should weigh all of your options. There are two main types of bankruptcy you can use  to discharge tax debt, but it’s important to work with legal and financial professionals to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. 

What is bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process that helps you deal with debt you cannot pay off, but it should be considered an option of last-resort since it comes with significant trade-offs and is only available if you meet certain requirements. 

Even if you qualify, it’s not an easy fix. Rather, you’re in for a long ordeal that will, hopefully, allow you to satisfy your debts either by liquidating assets or enrolling in a payment plan with creditors. 

There are two primary types of bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. 

Chapter 7 bankruptcy 

In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a trustee takes control of your assets and tries to sell them to make your creditors whole. You may be allowed to retain some of your assets.

Typically, whatever debt remains would be forgiven. In order to qualify for this type of protection, you need to pass a means test proving that you are

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November 24, 2023 by ATTORNEY
November 2023
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