Recent Articles

A debt collector called me and said ???We will garnish your next paycheck.??? Can they do this?

Richard L. Collins
January 05, 2009 12:00

I am continuously amazed at the depths some collectors will go to in order to scare unwary debtors into making payments they cannot afford at the time. The statement ???We will garnish your next paycheck??? is probably a lie. In...      I am continuously amazed at the depths...

Do I need to file bankruptcy?

Richard L. Collins
December 31, 2008 05:51

Filing for bankruptcy is a heart wrenching decision. On the one hand you want to do what you promised your creditors you would do, but on the other hand you have to house, feed, and clothe your family and yourself....Filing for bankruptcy is a heart wrenching decision.  On the one hand you...

What does a bankruptcy do?

Richard L. Collins
December 27, 2008 16:06

Here is a brief overview of a bankruptcy. There may come a point in a person's life, whether its due to health problems, spending problems, employments problems, etc., where a person owes more money than even the tightest budget will...Here is a brief overview of a bankruptcy. There may come a...

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

Richard L. Collins
December 27, 2008 15:53

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...

Introduction

Richard L. Collins
November 15, 2008 04:35

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...

Foreclosure Filings Soar in 3rd Quarter

Richard L. Collins
October 22, 2008 08:37

According to a report released by mortgage data company RealtyTrac the number of US homes facing foreclosure has doubled in the third quarter. See the article at Foreclosure Filings Soar in 3rd Quarter. You have probably seen news reports regarding...According to a report released by mortgage data...

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
March 27, 2008 09:35

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...

The Whole Truth

Richard L. Collins
February 25, 2008 05:17

Cathy Moran has a very timely, at least in my practice, post on her "on the Bankruptcy Soapbox" blog entitled To Tell the Truth. As Cathy states in her post in order to file a proper bankruptcy, we as attorneys...Cathy Moran has a very timely, at least in my practice, post on her "on the...

What happens if I have a claim or lawsuit that I may get some money from in the future, but I need to file bankruptcy now?

Richard L. Collins
February 25, 2008 01:41

When “Jane” came to me about filing bankruptcy she was in dire straits. She had been sued by at least one creditor and was about to have her wages garnished. If her wages were garnished, the loss of 25% of... When “Jane” came to me about filing bankruptcy she was in dire straits.  She had been ...