The holiday season is almost over and January 1 is the official start of tax season. For people considering bankruptcy, it’s also a time to start getting those 2009 tax returns promptly. I’ve written about this important subject before, and it’s worth bringing it up again on the eve of tax season. Here’s why. (more…)
Archive for December, 2009
Means Test Not Required in Converted Case
Monday, December 7th, 2009
If you file chapter 7, you need to complete Form 22A, the Statement of Current Monthly Income and Means Test Calculation. But if you file a chapter 13, and then convert the case to chapter 7 are you still obligated to file the Means Test form? A Massachusetts Bankruptcy Judge has ruled on this important issue (In re Guarin, 09-42294 JBR).
Under Water, Walking Away & My Two Cents
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
Over the holiday weekend, there were a number of press reports about a discussion paper, Under Water and Not Walking Away: Shame, Fear and the Social Management of the Housing Crisis. Reportedly Brent T. White, an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law advocates that homeowners who are underwater (meaning, the outstanding mortgage balance[s] is more than the value of the home…is now, or in some cases, will ever be) should simply walk away from their obligations and not look back without feeling a bit of guilt. Obviously this all got my attention, but before I took to this here blog and declared “You Have Got to be Kidding Me!” (which at first glance seemed like the most expedient way to address it), I opted to read the discussion paper (rather than just the abstract). Before you click the link below, pour yourself a fresh cup of tea.
Here’s my take:
Christmas 2009: Light and Darkness
In 2006, I shared my most cherished memories of Christmas Eve. And today, while reading it again, I was brought back to some very happy times. Admittedly, it was not always happy. Like everyone else, my family saw some very difficult times, and not every Christmas Eve was spent in laughter and joy, fueled by a cheese platter that had been left out far, far too long. But even in the most difficult of times, even when in times of what felt like unending darkness, there is something good to be found. A goodness that can last for years to come. (more…)
Tags: Commentary
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