Student Loans and Bankruptcy In Massachusetts
For years, most people heard the same thing about student loans: “Bankruptcy won’t help.” That’s not entirely wrong, but it’s incomplete. Student loans differ from credit cards and medical bills and aren’t automatically discharged in Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. Still,...
Protecting Yourself from Creditor Harassment
It can happen fast and it can happen to anyone. First, you miss a payment or two. Then the next month, a couple more. Before you know it, you have debt adding up quickly that’s weighing you down. And just when you think it can’t get any worse, the collection calls,...
Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions for Chapter 7
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy makes people anxious, mainly over one question: “Will I lose my stuff?” In Massachusetts, bankruptcy exemptions usually protect everyday property and often a substantial amount of home equity—more than most expect. Exemptions are the rules...
Chapter 7 or 13: Which Is Right?
Debt problems don’t usually appear overnight. For many people, financial stress builds slowly, such as an unexpected medical bill, a reduction in income, or rising interest rates that make once-manageable payments feel impossible. When collection calls start coming...
Bankruptcy and Tax Debt in Massachusetts
The tax debts that are most likely to be dischargeable are older federal or state income taxes. People often summarize the federal rules with the “3-2-240” timing test: the return was due at least three years ago, the return was filed at least two years ago, and the...
Unavoidable Causes of Debt and When Bankruptcy Makes Sense
For many individuals and families in local communities, bankruptcy carries an unfair stigma. It is often assumed that filing for bankruptcy results from reckless spending or poor financial planning. In reality, most people who explore bankruptcy do so only after...
Facts Over Fear: 3 Reasons People Avoid Filing Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy filings are on the rise in the United States. And for every person who starts the process, there are a handful of others who are scared to make the same decision. The problem? The longer you go without acting, the worse your financial situation is going to...
How the Means Test Works in Massachusetts Bankruptcy Filings
When individuals in Massachusetts find themselves overwhelmed by debt, bankruptcy can offer a chance to reset their financial lives. But before anyone can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the type that eliminates most unsecured debts - they must pass something called...
End Garnishment & Collections: How Bankruptcy Helps
One of the most distressing consequences of unpaid debt is wage garnishment — when a portion of your paycheck is withheld before you even see it. But there is good news. Filing for bankruptcy can provide immediate and powerful relief from garnishment, lawsuits, and...
Personal Bankruptcy: What Happens After You File
The term “bankruptcy” often gets a bad rap, but it is simply a legal tool that helps those in debt gain a fresh start. For those who are juggling bills, dodging collectors, and feel like they are drowning in debt they can’t pay, filing for bankruptcy can provide a way...
Why Bankruptcy Might be The Right Move for Your Financial Relief
No matter how financially responsible you are, there may be a time when you simply cannot pay your bills on time. Unexpected circumstances such as excessive medical bills, accidents, divorce, or job loss may destabilize your income. Even if the circumstance is...
Smart Steps to Rebuild After Bankruptcy
The number of bankruptcy filings in the state of Massachusetts has risen in the previous two years. So, if you find yourself in this unfortunate predicament, you’re not alone. But there is a silver lining. Many of those before you are living proof that you can rebuild...
Hines Law Offices offers personal bankruptcy protection including Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. We help individuals, families, and clients eliminate debt through the bankruptcy laws afforded in the state of Massachusetts. Individuals who are facing foreclosure, wage garnishment, home repossession, auto repossession, creditor harassment, medical bill debt, credit card debt, utility shutoff notices, mortgage debt, and more can benefit from our legal services. Call Today!
Service Areas Include: Westborough MA, Natick MA, Hopkinton MA, Southborough MA, Marlborough MA, Worcester MA, Waltham MA, Boston MA, Sudbury MA, Wellesley MA, Framingham MA, Leominster MA, Watertown MA, Worcester MA
Personal Bankruptcy MA | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy MA | Chapter 13 Bankruptcy MA