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Timothy M. Mauser has practiced Bankruptcy Law for over 20 years, for both consumer and business bankruptcy clients. The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Timothy M. Mauser, Esq. practice bankruptcy law and consumer debt relief exclusively. Whether you are interested in a Short Sale or a Bankruptcy, please call Mr. Mauser to arrange for a personal free consultation.
Many people in Boston, Massachusetts struggle to pay their bills. They may lose hope that they'll ever be able to cover their debt. One option they may turn to is bankruptcy.
There's no magic formula for deciding when bankruptcy is the right choice. It's an option you might consider if you:
- Are paying only minimum amounts on your bills
- Can't budget yourself out of debt within five years
- Are getting notices that your mortgage or loans are being foreclosed
- Have had a severe financial setback, such as losing your job or a major client, a divorce or a costly illness
Bankruptcy does not get rid of all debts. You're still responsible for:
- Alimony
- Child support
- Most recent back taxes
- Most student loans
- Recent large purchases of more than $550 for luxury goods bought within 90 days of filing
- Fines or penalties of government agencies
- Fraudulent debts
- Cash advances of $825 within 70 days of filing
As a Boston, Massachusetts consumer, you can file for bankruptcy in Massachusetts under either:
- Chapter 7 (Straight Bankruptcy) to wipe out all debts except those listed and get an immediate fresh start or
- Chapter 13 (Wage Earner Bankruptcy) to set up a repayment plan to pay back your debts over several years' time.
Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act
On April 20, 2005, the President signed into law the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, which limits individual access to US bankruptcy courts. Some of the changes, which were effective October 17, 2005, included:
- New bans on Chapter 7
- Increased Chapter 13 payments
- New presumptions against debtors with increased penalties
- The reduction of judicial discretion to balance competing interests
What Can I Keep?
"Exempt" property is property that you are allowed to keep. What property is exempt is determined by state law. The items and amounts in this section may change in the future. Updated information can be found in the state code.
In Massachusetts, you may take only state exemptions. You may not take the exemptions provided by federal bankruptcy laws even though the federal exemptions may be more beneficial.