Recent Articles

I have seen and heard lots of advertising by companies saying they can settle my debts for very little and help me avoid filing bankruptcy. Does this work?

Richard L. Collins
March 20, 2009 16:45

Unfortunately, debt settlement falls under the “if it sounds too good to be true, it is” category. While I am sure there may be a few success stories from people using these companies, I have yet to personally hear of...Unfortunately, debt settlement falls under the “if it sounds too good to be...

Credit Card Company Dirty Tricks

Richard L. Collins
March 15, 2009 20:45

I have had numerous clients recently whose financial lives have been thrown into chaos because of "dirty tricks" by credit card companies. These bad acts by the card companies include lowering the credit limit of the card to right at...    I have had numerous clients recently whose financial lives...

New Book: The Alabama Bankruptcy Book

Richard L. Collins
March 11, 2009 20:31

I have redone my book. It is now The Alabama Bankruptcy Book. It still has the Bankruptcy Myths from the prior book, but now has about 20 more pages with Answers to Common Bankruptcy Questions. The best part is that...I have redone my book.  It is now The Alabama Bankruptcy Book. ...

Will a bankruptcy stop a garnishment that is already being deducted from my paycheck?

Richard L. Collins
February 06, 2009 19:11

YES. I have been getting a lot of questions about garnishments lately. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings will stop garnishments. This is accomplished in a two step process. First, we must file your bankruptcy with the bankruptcy...YES.  I have been getting a lot of questions...

Do I qualify to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Alabama under the ???new??? bankruptcy laws?

Richard L. Collins
February 06, 2009 17:46

Many people have been convinced that the bankruptcy reforms that went into effect in October of 2005 have made it impossible for most people to file Chapter 7 bankruptcies. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, there is now...     Many people have been convinced that the...

I have been using a Payday Loan company or Check Cashing store and can no longer pay the fee and I know the check(s) will bounce. Can I file bankruptcy on payday loans or check cashing loans? Can I be charged with a crime or go to jail?

Richard L. Collins
January 14, 2009 17:20

I continue to see more and more clients come in to see me about bankruptcy after being caught up in the payday loan or check cashing trap. It???s an easy lure ??? quick easy money with no credit check. It...I continue to see more and more clients come in to see me about bankruptcy after...

Introduction

Richard L. Collins
January 13, 2009 18:20

I am Richard Collins. I'm an attorney in Cullman, Alabama with the lawfirm of Collins & Hancock. My firm has a general practice, but I handle primarily bankruptcy, personal injury and general litigation. I have been practicing bankruptcy law for...I am Richard Collins.  I'm an attorney in...

These Hard Economic Times Inspire Unique Solutions

Richard L. Collins
January 13, 2009 18:11

If you are having a difficult time with your financial situation, I know it can be extremely depressing, but remember you are not the only one and when of people come together and do not give up, they can do...If you are having a difficult time with your financial situation, I know it can be...

Can a bankruptcy stop my house from being foreclosed on in Alabama?

Richard L. Collins
January 18, 2008 20:15

Yes. You may be able to save your house from foreclosure by filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to put your arrearage (the payments you have missed) in your Chapter 13 plan and pay them...Yes.  You may be able to save your house from foreclosure by filing a...

Why can???t I just put my house, car or other property in someone else???s name before I file for bankruptcy?

Richard L. Collins
December 14, 2007 22:27

Because it would be a huge mistake. The bankruptcy court trustee has the power to avoid such transfers he or she feels were made with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors. Under the amended bankruptcy laws the trustee...Because it would be a huge mistake.  The bankruptcy court...