Tag: money

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Bankruptcy during COVID-19

Many people are struggling right now with decreased income, but they have the same bills (maybe even more!) since before COVID-19 started. Some are wondering can they still file bankruptcy. The answer is YES! You are still able to file bankruptcy under these conditions, and we are happy to help you navigate this new world. We can meet with you in person, talk over the phone, or even by video conference for an initial discussion on your options and how to reach your goals.

Many people do everything they can to avoid filing bankruptcy, so by the time we talk to them they are ready to file immediately. Other times, people know a change is coming and want to start planning the next right step.

For so many people right now in Tennessee, the end of July will also bring the end of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance payments. That is $600 per week that many people will no longer receive. We can start planning now to determine what the next right step is. We do not have to wait until that income stops coming in.

For others, pay cuts are still happening. Layoffs are still newly announced every week. So for people who are living paycheck to paycheck, the time to start planning may be before you actually get the call that your pay has been cut or you’ve been part of the latest rounds of layoffs. You don’t have to wait to start planning.

For some people, we are even able to say that bankruptcy isn’t the best option, and perhaps other options might be good to try first.

Either way, we are happy to discuss your goals and see how we might be able to help. Just give us a call at 731-424-3315 and we will find a time convenient for you to discuss everything and ask all the questions you have so you can make the most informed decision. I look forward to seeing you soon!

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It’s almost Halloween! Are you haunted by debt?

It’s getting close to Halloween!! Have you checked your credit report lately? As you know, part of having a good credit score is making sure everything on your credit report is correct. Especially in this age of constant hacking and personal information being stolen, you can’t really afford to not look at your report.

So how do you check your report? Simply go to annualcreditreport.com, where you will have access to all three credit reporting agencies. If you find anything incorrect, initiate a dispute with the credit reporting agency to get it fixed. Each agency has a link on their website for disputes.

If you find that you have lots of old debt that’s haunting you, and you are ready for a fresh start, give me a call and I’ll be happy to help you reach your financial goals.

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Small business owners whose customers owe money…..

As a small business owner, you may run into this more often than not these days. You contract with someone for a service with a specified price, and when you complete your task the customer asks if they can pay you next month, or maybe in installments. Because you like your customers, and you’d like customer referrals, you agree. But then the next month they ask to pay the following month. So what happens when they just stop answering the phone when you call, or do not respond to the letters you send? That might be the time to call your attorney, me, for some help.

What can I do as your attorney?

For starters, I can handle all aspects of the case for you, which gives you time to do what you do best — run your business! Once I receive all of the information on the file, I will take the appropriate steps to resolve the matter. What those steps are depends on how you want to resolve the case. There are generally several options available on how to handle the case. Based on your needs and goals, I can recommend the best step for you to take to reach those goals. Depending on the contract you have with your customer, your collection costs may be assessed against the customer.

In addition, with our experience as bankruptcy attorneys, we know how to help you recoup as much of your money as possible if your customer has filed bankruptcy, or may file bankruptcy in the future.

There are many laws that apply when collecting a debt. Be sure not to fall into a trap where you end up paying the customer because you did not follow one of those laws!

Do you have customers who need a little reminder that they need to pay you for your services? Give us a call and find out how we can help you collect what is owed to you and help your business succeed!

Contact Jackson, Tennessee attorney Alissa Gay at Teel & Maroney, PLC 731.424.3315.