chapter 13 bankruptcy Archives

Empty courtroom with sunlight streaming through tall windows, a judge’s gavel resting on the bench—symbolizing stalled judicial proceedings during a federal government shutdown, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy payments continue uninterrupted.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy & the Federal Government Shutdown

Filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy during a government shutdown? Bankruptcy attorney and law professor’s guide to your next steps.

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 2 min read

Bankruptcy Fraud: What Dr. Phil’s Chapter 7 Case Teaches Every Debtor

An attorney and bankruptcy law professor breaks down Dr. Phil’s bankruptcy fraud case. Understand the consequences of lying to the Trustee.

A wooden gavel resting on the judge's bench in the foreground of an empty courtroom, symbolizing the authority of a judge and the potential delay in a filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy case during a government shutdown.

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 4 min read

Does the Government Shutdown Stop Your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and now there’s the government shutdown? A bankruptcy attorney and professor explains how this affects your case.

An empty federal courthouse hallway with many closed doors, symbolizing court delays and operational impacts during a federal government shutdown on bankruptcy cases.

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 4 min read

Government Shutdown & Your Bankruptcy Case: What You Need to Know Now

Will the federal government shutdown affect your bankruptcy case? A bankruptcy attorney and professor explains the process.

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 4 min read

Schedule H: How to Protect Co-Debtors from Debt Liability

Expert analysis of Bankruptcy Schedule H, Co-Debtors and the Automatic Stay and how it protects co-debtors.

Severely damaged black car after a front-end collision on a wet highway. The image illustrates the financial and legal consequences that can lead to Chapter 13 license reinstatement.

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 5 min read

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Driver’s License Reinstatement

Bankruptcy law professor explains how Chapter 13 license reinstatement works to wipe out debt from a car accident debt.

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 7 min read

The 2% Gamble: Why Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is Not a DIY Project

Bankruptcy Professor explains the harsh truth: pro se Chapter 13 filings have a near-zero success rate.

Red blocks spelling DEBT with gold coin stacks increasing underneath a sharp red upward arrow, signifying rising financial obligation and debt surge leading to an increase in bankruptcy filings.

Insights & Analysis

Alexander Hernandez 2 min read

Bankruptcy Filings Surge in 2025: What the Numbers Reveal About Economic Stress

A Sharp Rise in Bankruptcy Filings—What’s Driving It? According to recent data from Epiq AACER, U.S. bankruptcy filings have surged

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 5 min read

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: When to Surrender Your Car

Surrendering your car in Chapter 7 is complex. A bankruptcy law professor explains the critical timing of vehicle surrender, how the loan deficiency becomes unsecured debt, and the crucial financial trap you must avoid when listing your expenses.

Bankruptcy

Alexander Hernandez 4 min read

Professor: What to List on Bankruptcy Schedule G.

Professor’s guide to Schedule G: Avoid common mistakes with leases and executory contracts.