Debt Consolidation

How to Know When it’s Time to File for Bankruptcy

Posted on by John Mufson

Piling up debt seems like the norm our society today, and so it makes sense that more and more people will see filing for bankruptcy as the only alternative to getting out of debt in the coming years. While it isn’t something we want to happen anytime soon, there are some that see bankruptcy as their only option to escape debt. Your outstanding debts over the years may include credit cards, mortgage, car loan, hospital bills, doctor and dentist bills, car loans, student loans or personal loans. If these debts have become more than you can handle, filing for bankruptcy may be a viable financial option. If this sound like you, then don’t despair because there is help for you out there. If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, it’s important to find an experienced bankruptcy lawyer in Delray Beach to work with because you want to make sure you file all of the papers properly or risk being turned down by a bankruptcy court. At the Law Office of John E. Mufson, our expert legal team is here to help you navigate through the bankruptcy process from start to finish. It can be overwhelming, but rest assured, we specialize in helping our clients find a wide range of solutions to paying back debt.  

Common Mistakes to Avoid if You’re Thinking of Filing for Bankruptcy 

Filing for bankruptcy isn’t an easy process and it requires more than just filing paperwork. You might not know that should not do this before filing for bankruptcy:  

  • Don’t incur any more debt. We know that sounds like a no brainer but you’d be surprised at how many people still continue to use their credit cards after they file the bankruptcy paperwork. You risk not being approved because the bankruptcy court may think that you aren’t serious and have no intention of paying your debts back. This would actually be considered fraud. 
  • Don’t lie about your assets or provide inaccurate information. This is the time to let it “all hang out,” so to speak. If you lie about any of your assets you could be subject to penalties that could equal thousands of dollars. This would include not so obvious things like assets in safe deposit boxes or storage units. Worse yet, lying about assets may cause a bankruptcy court to dismiss your case altogether.  
  • Don’t file for bankruptcy if you think you might come into some money (like a gift or an inheritance) within the first year of filing. It’s most likely that your bankruptcy case will be dismissed because you can use this money to clear up your debt on your own. 
  • Don’t wait too long to file for bankruptcy. It’s always best to file as quickly as possible so that you don’t incur any more debt and especially if a creditor has a lawsuit against you. A bankruptcy attorney in Delray Beach like The Law Office of John E. Mufson can help you make sense of it all and can advise on the ins and outs of bankruptcy law. 

If you’re thinking about filing for bankruptcy, it could not have been an easy decision for you. But when you work with our experienced legal team at the Law Offices of John E. Mufson in Delray Beach, you’ll get honest answers and the highest quality customized client care that you deserve. If you’re considering bankruptcy but our team determines that it’s not aligned with your financial needs and goals, we’ll be upfront and let you know. While you may be shocked to realize that bankruptcy isn’t in your best interests, you’ll also be glad that a bankruptcy lawyer in Delray Beach was upfront with you about your options for debt relief. If filing for bankruptcy is the plan best for you, our legal team will take the time to fully explain your options so that you’re truly confident in the decisions you’re making. Call us today at (561) 272-1003 for a free consultation. We are available to our clients both nights and weekends. 

Fighting Foreclosure: Five Things You Need to Know

Posted on by John Mufson

Owning a home is a goal we all have, so to achieve homeownership is a big milestone. As a financial commitment, home ownership can be challenging, especially as your financial situation changes. Illness, job termination or layoffs, unexpected bills, and other financial strains can make it difficult to keep up with mortgage payments. If you find yourself struggling to stay afloat, threats for foreclosure can feel like the end of everything you’ve worked hard for. Don’t give up—you still have options. If you’ve been notified of foreclosure proceedings against you or you’re struggling to stay ahead of that looming threat, here’s five things you need to know. 

Review Mortgage Documents 

Before you panic, carefully review your mortgage documents. Look for clauses specifying the procedures your lender must follow to execute foreclosure. If they have not followed the proper guidelines, it does not invalidate their claim, but this can buy you time to build your foreclosure defense.  

Beyond just reviewing your mortgage documents yourself, you should also have a foreclosure defense attorney in Delray Beach review it as well. Their knowledge of foreclosure law can be useful in determining your next steps and helping you take advantage of any loopholes that may exist. 

Review the Legality of the Foreclosure 

As previously mentioned, a foreclosure defense attorney can use their legal knowledge to your advantage. Mortgage lenders must follow certain procedures which may include providing proper notice of default and opportunities for debt settlement. If it is determined that your home mortgage provider did not follow these laws, it can help to reverse their attempts to foreclose on your home. Again, this does not eliminate your troubles, but it will provide a bit more time to find a solution.  

Contact Your Lender 

Most mortgage companies don’t actually want to waste the time and resources on going through the courts to foreclose on a home. It is more cost effective for them to keep a current resident in place than to try to find a new home buyer. Even if you have defaulted on your loan, if you contact your lender you may be able to come to an agreement in regards to settling your debt and keeping your home. A foreclosure defense attorney in Delray Beach may also come in handy here as well. Lawyer involvement forces your mortgage lender to play fair and work with you in order to avoid heading to courts. 

Examine Finances 

It is also in your best interest to try and settle monetary disputes with your lender outside of the courtroom. Going to court only accrues further debts as you will be responsible for costs and fees. Before you get to that point, try to examine your finances and determine what you can do to get back into the green. Look for areas where you can potentially lower or eliminate your bills so allow for more breathing room.  

As you examine your finances, you may also want to consider if bankruptcy is the best option for you. Filing bankruptcy can put a hold on foreclosure proceedings and stop debt harassment in Delray Beach. Depending on your specific situation, you may file either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in order to reconstruct your financial situation. Be forewarned, though: bankruptcy filings will remain on your credit history for 10 years and may require you to completely rebuild your credit. It may also require you to liquidate your assets and ultimately your lenders and creditors can dispute your filing. 

Court Appeal 

If you have exhausted all of your options, going to court to appeal a foreclosure may be your final option. If it is, having an experienced foreclosure defense attorney in Delray Beach working on your behalf can help you save your home. With the law office of John E. Mufson, you can take advantage of over two decades of foreclosure and bankruptcy law experience. We help you to understand all your options so you can make an educated decision for your future. We are dedicated to getting you the best possible outcome no matter what direction you choose to take. 

Contact us today to begin exploring your foreclosure defense options. 

Five Things You Should Know Before Filing for Bankruptcy

Posted on by John Mufson

One of the most common sources of stress, anxiety, and depression in the United States is financial strains. If you’re in debt, you know how crippling it can be, affecting your life in unanticipated ways. Large amounts of debt can make it impossible to find decent housing, maintain your car properly, or take care of other obligations. It can feel like you’re drowning and struggling to stay afloat with no sign of relief in sight. Not knowing where you turn can make debt seem inescapable, but you do have options out there.

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy for debt relief, here are five things you need to know first. 

Understanding Different Types of Bankruptcy 

For the average person, debt solutions in Delray Beach are a foreign language. Bankruptcy laws are full of confusing language that make them difficult to understand without legal experience. Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Delray Beach can help you navigate and understand your options. 

The primary options for most people filing personal bankruptcy claims are Chapter 7 bankruptcy and chapter 13 bankruptcy.  

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 

Also known as liquidation bankruptcy, filing under chapter 7 means that you are unable to make minimum payments on your debts to become debt-free. As the name suggests, this form of bankruptcy requires the liquidation of all assets to settle debts. However, it does give one the option to halt harassing phone calls and foreclosure proceedings, forcing creditors to accept the terms of your settlement. Once a discharge has been issued by the courts, you can then focus on rebuilding your credit. 

It should be noted, however, that not everyone qualifies for chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your debts are over a certain amount or you belong to a higher tax bracket, you may not qualify. Contact the Law Offices of John E. Mufson for more information today!  

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 

The “reorganization” option for bankruptcy, chapter 13 is a form of consolidation and repayment plan. With a more affordable three to five-year payment schedule, this bankruptcy option offers debt relief without completely surrendering everything. Just as with chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, this option stops harassing phone calls and threats of repossession or foreclosure. Additionally, making your payments regularly and on time helps to build your credit as you pay off the debts. Once you’ve successfully paid off the agreed upon amount, your remaining debts will be dismissed. 

Consequences of Bankruptcy 

Filing bankruptcy isn’t a get out of jail free card. If you choose to liquidate, it will wipe out your good credit as well as bad. Bankruptcy filing also remains on your credit history for up to 10 years, which can affect things like trying to buy a home or car down the line. Having a bankruptcy on your credit history may also affect your chances of approval and interest rates on loans, ability to find an apartment, and other financial transactions. 

 What Bankruptcy Doesn’t Cover 

Not all debts qualify for dismissal through bankruptcy. If you owe child support or back taxes, bankruptcy will not remove these debts. Seeking other debt programs in Delray Beach can help you manage these expenses. The Law Offices of John E. Mufson can guide you through your options. 

Bankruptcy is on Public Record 

If you decide to file for bankruptcy, you should know that information will be available through public records. Not only will potential loan companies, realtors, and car dealerships be able to find the information, but others may be able to find it as well. If this is a concern for you, consider other debt solutions available to you. 

Creditors Can Challenge Your Request 

Filing bankruptcy is not a guaranteed solution. If you owe significant amounts to lienholders or other lenders, they can challenge your bankruptcy correct. A bankruptcy lawyer in Delray Beach can help you navigate the court process should a company decide to challenge your filing. At the Law Offices of John E. Mufson, we are well versed in bankruptcy law and fully capable of helping you make the best decision for your specific situation. 

For more information about how we can help you, contact us now! 

Five Things You Should Know Before Filing Bankruptcy

Posted on by John Mufson

One of the most common sources of stress, anxiety, and depression in the United States is financial strains. If you’re in debt, you know how crippling it can be, affecting your life in unanticipated ways. Large amounts of debt can make it impossible to find decent housing, maintain your car properly, or take care of other obligations. It can feel like you’re drowning and struggling to stay afloat with no sign of relief in sight. Not knowing where you turn can make debt seem inescapable, but you do have options out there.

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy for debt relief, here are five things you need to know first. 

Understanding Different Types of Bankruptcy 

For the average person, debt solutions in Delray Beach are a foreign language. Bankruptcy laws are full of confusing language that make them difficult to understand without legal experience. Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Delray Beach can help you navigate and understand your options. 

The primary options for most people filing personal bankruptcy claims are Chapter 7 bankruptcy and chapter 13 bankruptcy.  

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 

Also known as liquidation bankruptcy, filing under chapter 7 means that you are unable to make minimum payments on your debts to become debt-free. As the name suggests, this form of bankruptcy requires the liquidation of all assets to settle debts. However, it does give one the option to halt harassing phone calls and foreclosure proceedings, forcing creditors to accept the terms of your settlement. Once a discharge has been issued by the courts, you can then focus on rebuilding your credit. 

It should be noted, however, that not everyone qualifies for chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your debts are over a certain amount or you belong to a higher tax bracket, you may not qualify. Contact the Law Offices of John E. Mufson for more information today!  

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 

The “reorganization” option for bankruptcy, chapter 13 is a form of consolidation and repayment plan. With a more affordable three to five-year payment schedule, this bankruptcy option offers debt relief without completely surrendering everything. Just as with chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, this option stops harassing phone calls and threats of repossession or foreclosure. Additionally, making your payments regularly and on time helps to build your credit as you pay off the debts. Once you’ve successfully paid off the agreed upon amount, your remaining debts will be dismissed. 

Consequences of Bankruptcy 

Filing bankruptcy isn’t a get out of jail free card. If you choose to liquidate, it will wipe out your good credit as well as bad. Bankruptcy filing also remains on your credit history for up to 10 years, which can affect things like trying to buy a home or car down the line. Having a bankruptcy on your credit history may also affect your chances of approval and interest rates on loans, ability to find an apartment, and other financial transactions. 

 What Bankruptcy Doesn’t Cover 

Not all debts qualify for dismissal through bankruptcy. If you owe child support or back taxes, bankruptcy will not remove these debts. Seeking other debt programs in Delray Beach can help you manage these expenses. The Law Offices of John E. Mufson can guide you through your options. 

Bankruptcy is on Public Record 

If you decide to file for bankruptcy, you should know that information will be available through public records. Not only will potential loan companies, realtors, and car dealerships be able to find the information, but others may be able to find it as well. If this is a concern for you, consider other debt solutions available to you. 

Creditors Can Challenge Your Request 

Filing bankruptcy is not a guaranteed solution. If you owe significant amounts to lienholders or other lenders, they can challenge your bankruptcy correct. A bankruptcy lawyer in Delray Beach can help you navigate the court process should a company decide to challenge your filing. At the Law Offices of John E. Mufson, we are well versed in bankruptcy law and fully capable of helping you make the best decision for your specific situation. 

For more information about how we can help you, contact us now! 



Call Mufson Law for Professional Wrongful Death Attorneys in Delray Beach  

Tired of Living with Debt? Discover Debt Solution in Delray Beach

Posted on by John Mufson

Are you living with debt? Have you been doing so for most of your life? Do you want to leave this lifestyle behind? If you have answered “yes” to all these questions, especially the latter, then we can help. In fact, we want to help! The Law Office of John E. Mufson has been aiding individuals in getting rid of their debts once and for all. Nobody wants to carry such a heavy burden, especially if you don’t have to. Come in for a consultation and we’ll discuss a responsible and effective debt solution in Delray Beach.

Speak with Professionals about Debt Solution in Delray Beach

Navigating the financial world can be challenging, and at times quite confusing. Especially if it has nothing to do with your day job, and you lack the tools and resources to drastically change your upsetting financial situation. Thankfully, finances and helping people put away their financial nightmares are our expertise at The Law Office of John E. Mufson. We have been coming to the aid of clients for 25 years and advocate for those who may not know how to resolve debt issues for themselves. Providing bankruptcy representation and debt solution in Delray Beach to individuals and small business owners has been our mission and one that we’ve gladly taken on.

A great portion of the work we do at The Law Office of John E. Mufson has to do with representing consumer debtors and businesses who file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the bankruptcy code. We also assist those who need workouts with creditors, mortgage foreclosures and credit card lawsuits filed by creditors. We lend our undivided attention to each case, listening carefully to our clients’ concerns, developing a strategy specifically tailored to their unique circumstances. With great expertise and experience in such matters, it’s no surprise that our clients keep recommending us to others who are struggling with debt and need a way out, through either debt solution in Delray Beach or another approach better suited to their situation.

Review a Debt Solution Strategy in Delray Beach

The idea behind most debt solution methods in Delray Beach is to negotiate a deal with your creditors to reduce the amount of money owed, reduce the interest rate, extend a loan period, or at times a combination of these. Such objectives can be met through various debt solution plans. It is important that you commit to one that will ultimately work for you and your individual concerns. Luckily for you, that’s exactly what we can do for you at The Law Office of John E. Mufson. We can set you up with the best debt solution plan in Delray Beach so you can embrace a new life free of debt! Call us today at (561) 272-1003 and schedule an initial free consultation to talk about your options!

What is Debt Consolidation?

Posted on by John Mufson

Debt consolidation is essentially when multiple debts are rolled over into a single one with a lower payment. One could use either a personal loan or a credit card to consolidate debt. If you’re unfamiliar with the idea of debt consolidation, you may want to see how it works, when it’s a good idea, and determine in which cases it is a bad idea. Equally important, you’ll want to find out who is the best team to consult when considering debt consolidation. Luckily for you, we’re here to tell you that The Law Office of John E. Mufson is exactly who you will want to seek counsel from at times like these. We can provide you with useful information about the various consolidation programs in Delray Beach and more.

How Does Debt Consolidation Work?

Before you commit yourself to any sort of debt solution method, it’s imperative that you are well informed about precisely how it works and if it will benefit or affect you, depending on your unique circumstances. To understand how debt consolidation works, let’s break down the process. According to industry experts, there are two main ways to consolidate debt, and both concentrate your debt payments into one monthly bill. The first option has a 0% interest, balance-transfer credit card: transfer all your debts onto this card and pay the full balance during the promotional period. You can also opt for the second option, which is a fixed-rate debt consolidation loan: you can use the loan to pay off your debt, then pay back the loan installments over a set term. Besides these two methods, there is the home equity loan and the 401(k) loan, which tend to be riskier choices since they could affect your home or retirement. Ultimately, the best way forward will depend on your credit score and profile, and other relevant details. Whatever option you consider, speaking with a professional about consolidation programs in Delray Beach is the best way to get started.

Is Debt Consolidation Good for You?

The answer to this question will be highly dependent on your situation. Debt consolidation is considered the best approach if you, for instance appear like a suitable candidate for a 0% credit card or low interest debt consolidation loan, if you have secure and frequent income to cover the payments toward the debt, and if the total of your debt, taking out your mortgage, doesn’t go over 40% of your income. Of course, every case will be different, but these are some of the key points you’ll want to look out before fully committing to debt consolidation.

For those who are overwhelmed by debt and think they will not be able to pay it off even with reduced payments, then debt consolidation may not be your best option. If you have a small debt load, then you may be better off by paying your debt in increments over a period of six months to a year. If the totality of your debts goes over half of your income, then you may need to seek debt relief instead. In any case, scheduling a consultation with a specialist in the matter is the best thing you can do for yourself. Call The Law Office of John E. Mufson at (561) 272-1003 and we’ll discuss the best consolidation programs for you!

Looking for the Best Debt Programs in Delray Beach?

Posted on by John Mufson

You are in debt. Frightened about your financial condition and desperate for answers, you’re searching for debt programs that can help you somehow regain your stability. Let us just tell you that you’re not the only one facing this kind of hardship. Many people today are in debt and they, just like you, are constantly looking for new and safe solutions to eradicate their debt and balance their status once and for all. In these circumstances, the best thing you can do is consult a specialist in the matter. You are already dealing with a less than comfortable scenario, the last thing you want to do is get yourself into another predicament. With the expertise and experience of the team at The Law Office of John E. Mufson, that won’t ever be the case. We will set you up with the best debt programs in Delray Beach, finally giving you the fresh start you need.

Actions, Not Promises with Our Debt Programs in Delray Beach

The worst thing you can do, if you’re currently struggling with debt, is to ignore the problem. Problems don’t need to be ignored, they need to be dealt with and resolved. What’s important is that whatever solution you’re considering is safe and eliminates the issue at the root. At The Law Office of John E. Mufson, we are used to working with clients who may have tried every possible resolution but have sadly not been able to put a definitive end to this challenge. The truth is that many haven’t filed for bankruptcy because they are afraid of the bankruptcy system, and have therefore decided to invest in other debt relief options such as loan modifications, debt consolidations, and more. Such measures, however, often achieve zero results and can leave the individual in worse financial shape. Don’t waste your time with these debt workout schemes, when you can consult a professional and get actual help.

Protect Your Assets with Our Debt Programs in Delray Beach

At The Law Office of John E. Mufson, we are experts at helping you resolve your debts while keeping your assets intact. In fact, we use the bankruptcy system to protect the rights of our clients and avoid repossession, foreclosure, and creditor lawsuits. During a free initial consultation, Mr. Mufson will review your situation thoroughly and advise you about the best ways to proceed in your particular case.

Contact Us to View the Various Debt Programs in Delray Beach

Debt isn’t something you should take lightly. However, you don’t have to worry if you act soon. Speaking with a known professional in the matter is the best thing you can do to secure your present and your future. Find the relief that you need today by calling the team at The Law Office of John E. Mufson at (561) 272-1003 and schedule your first appointment with our leading expert to discuss the best debt programs in Delray Beach.

Have You Considered a Debt Consolidation Program in Delray Beach?

Posted on by John Mufson

Can a Debt Consolidation Program in Delray Beach help Eliminate my Debt?

For those who find themselves in debt in Delray Beach, it can be difficult to find ways to lower or eliminate your debts. Some people wonder if using a debt consolidation plan can help them. It sounds like a good idea, but it’s very important to be cautious when looking for a debt consolidation program. Many of these plans promise to help you eliminate your debt, but they actually end up scamming you and leaving you in more debt than you originally were in. If you’re looking for ways to lower your debts and think a debt consolidation program is best for you, make sure you talk to a bankruptcy attorney before doing so. Our attorneys at The Law Offices of John E. Mufson can help you determine which debt relief options are best for your current financial situation. We offer free, no hassle consultations and can provide you with different options to help eliminate your debt.

When looking into a debt consolidation plan you need to be very cautious to make sure you don’t fall into a scam which can potentially leave you in more debt. 

When you work with our attorneys at The Law Offices of John E. Mufson we can help you find the best option to relieve your debt. There are many debt consolidation plans that say they’ll help you eliminate your debts, but be careful before you decide to do so. Many require large upfront payments, which many people can’t afford when they are in a lot of debt. These programs often charge you a fee, so when you make your payment they take out a certain percentage or fee before paying creditors. Also, many of these programs only stay in business for a short time, just enough time to take your money. Then they close and you’ll never hear from them again.

We know that taking charge of your finances and eliminating your debt is important. Finding a debt consolidation plan in Delray Beach which can help you can be difficult because there are a lot of scams out there. When you call our attorneys at The Law Offices of John E. Mufson you can learn about the different options you have. The amount of debt you’re in and the type of debt you have can help determine which option will work best for you. Everyone’s financial situation is different, and the path to becoming debt free will be different for everyone. Call The Law Offices of John E. Mufson today to schedule a free consultation and learn about ways which you can lower and eliminate your debt.