Debt Archives - Rubin & Associates - Dallas Bankruptcy Lawyers

Can you file for bankruptcy during a divorce?

One of the most common questions about bankruptcy is, “Can you file for bankruptcy during a divorce?” The short answer is yes, but there are several considerations to take into account before moving forward with both legal processes simultaneously. Understanding the potential advantages and complications can help you determine the best course of action for your financial future.

Bankruptcy and divorce: two separate legal processes

Bankruptcy and divorce are both complex legal matters, and while they may overlap in certain areas, they remain distinct processes. Bankruptcy is a federal legal procedure designed to help individuals eliminate or restructure debt, while divorce is a state-level legal process that involves the division of assets, liabilities, and determining responsibilities such as spousal or child support. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2025-03-03T16:14:39-06:00March 3rd, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Foreclosure in Texas, Personal Finance, Repossession, Taxes, Texas Bankruptcy, Videos|

Do I qualify for bankruptcy?

If you are asking yourself, “Do I qualify for bankruptcy?” you are not alone. Many individuals and families in the Dallas, Texas area find themselves overwhelmed by debt and are unsure whether bankruptcy is a viable option. As a bankruptcy attorney, I can assure you that everyone qualifies for bankruptcy relief. The real question is not whether you qualify, but rather which type of bankruptcy — Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 — is the best fit for your financial situation. In this post, I am going to explain the differences and help you understand how the bankruptcy process works. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2025-01-22T09:52:59-06:00December 31st, 2024|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Texas Bankruptcy|

Will everyone know if I file for bankruptcy?

Filing for bankruptcy is a big decision, and one of the most common concerns is whether friends or family will know about it. The thought of others finding out can lead to feelings of embarrassment, stress, and uncertainty. At Rubin & Associates, we want you to understand the bankruptcy process fully and feel assured that there is no shame in seeking financial relief.

Bankruptcy records are public, but not easily accessible

Yes, bankruptcy filings are technically public records. However, this does not mean that your friends, family members, or neighbors will automatically know about it. For someone to access bankruptcy records, they would need to perform a specific search through online databases or government websites – and they would need to specifically search for your name. Most people do not spend their time searching for this information, and there is very little chance anyone will stumble upon it by accident. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2024-12-17T08:58:13-06:00December 17th, 2024|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Texas Bankruptcy|

Is there an income limit to file for bankruptcy?

Financial struggles are more common that most people think – most Dallas-area residents are only one financial bump in the road away from out of control debt. One of the most common questions we hear in initial consultations with clients is if there is an income limit to file for bankruptcy. One of the most common misconceptions about bankruptcy is that it is only available to people with very low incomes. This simply is not true. Whether you are earning a modest salary or have a high-paying job, bankruptcy can still be a viable option for getting your finances back on track. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2024-11-30T20:14:40-06:00November 30th, 2024|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Foreclosure in Texas, Money Management, Personal Finance|

Another amazing review for Rubin & Associates

We received an amazing testimonial for Rubin & Associates from a recent client and we wanted to share it here on our site. We know that are quite a few bankruptcy attorneys in Dallas and it can be difficult to choose one to help you through an already stressful period of your life. Reading what other people have to say can always help, so we try to share as many of these testimonials as possible.

Here’s what our recent client AJ had to say:

I haven’t had the chance to personally thank you for your help and I want to take a moment to do that now.

A client of yours recommended me to you and told me how you really helped her. I was skeptical at first and scared as well because I had gotten myself in trouble with debt again.

I prayed and asked God was this the right thing to do because I didn’t want to lose anything I had worked so hard for. Now that I am putting myself through school to have more pay it was very hard for me to work extra hours and keep everything up and trying to study at the same time.

I knew I had to do something and I was sent to you. Mr. Rubin, I cannot express enough how grateful I am for your help. I still have my vehicle, I can put myself through school and not lose anything and I am so thankful for your help. You are truly a blessing and I just want to say Thank you, Thank you.

May God continue to bless you, your staff and the work you do to help me and others… Again a deep thank you for your help.

Thank you!

By Mark Rubin|2024-11-15T08:42:29-06:00November 13th, 2024|Bankruptcy, Debt, Financial|

How do you know if you need to file for bankruptcy?

Financial stress can be overwhelming, especially when debts start to mount and you feel like you’re struggling just to stay afloat. Many people wonder if bankruptcy might be the solution, but deciding whether or not to file for bankruptcy can be complex. It is a big decision with lasting effects, and understanding when it might be appropriate to consider bankruptcy is essential. You should always talk with an experience bankruptcy attorney – they’ll help you understand your financial picture and assist you in choosing the right path forward. you should also watch for these common signs:

You are struggling to make minimum payments on debts

One of the first indicators that bankruptcy might be worth considering is when you are unable to make the minimum payments on your credit cards, loans, or other debts. Minimum payments are usually designed to keep you in good standing with creditors, but if even these are a challenge, it could mean your debt has grown unmanageable. While this situation does not automatically mean bankruptcy is the answer, it’s often a red flag that financial assistance may be needed. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2024-11-01T14:51:54-05:00October 30th, 2024|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial|

What is the difference between bankruptcy and debt relief?

If you are facing overwhelming debt, you likely feel like you have limited options – and you are not sure whether bankruptcy or debt relief companies are the right solution. While both paths appear to aim to help manage or eliminate debt, they are vastly different in terms of effectiveness, legal protection, and long-term outcomes. Bankruptcy is a legal process governed by federal law, providing significant protections for individuals, while debt relief companies often operate in a much more informal and less regulated environment. It is important to understand the key differences between bankruptcy and debt relief companies, so today’s post will walk you through each site and explain how they are different. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2024-10-17T00:22:45-05:00October 16th, 2024|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Texas Bankruptcy, Videos|

What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

When individuals or families find themselves overwhelmed with debt and unable to meet their financial obligations, bankruptcy can provide a legal avenue for debt relief – and a fresh start. The two most common forms of personal bankruptcy in the United States are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. While both options are designed to help individuals manage or eliminate their debts, they differ significantly in terms of process, qualifications, and outcomes. (more…)

By Greg Gifford|2025-03-03T10:44:34-06:00September 25th, 2024|Bankruptcy, Debt, Financial, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

Can you keep your property in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful and emotional experience, especially when it comes to wondering whether you will be able to keep your property and belongings. “Can I keep my stuff in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?” is one of the most common questions when considering a bankruptcy proceeding. To understand the answer, it is important to understand the difference between exempt and non-exempt property under Texas bankruptcy law.

Understanding exempt and non-exempt property in Texas

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a trustee is appointed to your case to liquidate your non-exempt assets to pay off your creditors. However, you do not have to lose everything – and often, you will not lose anything. Texas, like every other state, allows debtors to protect certain types of property using bankruptcy exemptions. The key is understanding what property is classified as “exempt” and what is “non-exempt.” (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2024-09-13T09:35:59-05:00September 13th, 2024|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Foreclosure in Texas, Repossession, Texas Bankruptcy, Videos|

What is a gray bankruptcy?

For the first time in a long time, the overall number of consumer bankruptcy filings increased last year, but gray bankruptcies have been increasing in number every year since 1991. A “gray bankruptcy” is the term for a bankruptcy filed by someone over the age of 65, and it’s a growing problem in America that needs more attention.

According to the National Consumer Law Center, people 65 and older have approximately four times as much credit card debt as people 25 and younger. This is not that surprising, if you think about it… Between increasing medical bills and the shrinking of social services, many older adults are experiencing increasing financial hardship.

It does not take much to send most Americans into a debt free-fall – unexpected job loss and medical bills are the two most common causes of bankruptcy cases. Once you have retired, you live on a fixed income, so a sudden large medical bill could result in financial disaster. Older Americans have had to turn to credit cards to simply make ends meet. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2024-05-20T10:59:09-05:00May 20th, 2024|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Statistics, Debt, Financial|