Rebecca McDowell
Contributing Author
Website
Rebecca K. McDowell practiced consumer bankruptcy law for several years in the Eastern District of Michigan, representing Chapter 7 trustees as well as consumer debtors, before focusing her career on writing about the law and editing legal content. She has authored bankruptcy articles on Nolo.com and other bankruptcy sites in the Nolo Network. She holds a B.A. in English from Albion College and obtained her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit.
Rebecca's Other Pages
Articles By Rebecca McDowell
Will the Creditor Forgive My Credit Card Debt?
Credit card companies rarely forgive your entire debt. But you might be able to settle the debt for less and get a portion forgiven.
Filing for Bankruptcy in Louisiana
Get state-specific information on filing for bankruptcy in Louisiana.
Getting a Car Loan After Bankruptcy
Often people think bankruptcy will hurt their credit so much that they will never again be able to get a car loan or other credit. Fortunately, that's not the case. Many people emerge from bankruptcy and are able to finance a car. Be aware, however, that you'll likely pay high interest and fees. Read
Credit Card Debt Settlement
If you're trying to free yourself from the burden of credit card debt, you have a number of options available. If you lack the means to pay the debt in full over a reasonable period of time but are unable or unwilling to file bankruptcy, debt settlement may be an option.
Bankruptcy and Credit Unions: Things to Look Out For
If you have a credit union account and you file for bankruptcy you could lose your membership, the credit union can freeze your accounts, and more.
Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Better for My Credit Than Chapter 7?
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for the same amount of time; about ten years. Although they both have the same effect on your credit score, a particular creditor reviewing your report to decide whether to lend you money might view one chapter more favorably than the other.
Credit Union Cross-Collateralization and Bankruptcy
Watch out for cross-collateralization with credit union accounts in bankruptcy -- debts you think are unsecured might be secured.
Credit Card Debt in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
How much of your credit card debt you must pay through your Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan depends on a number of factors. Whatever amount is left at the end of your repayment period will be discharged (wiped out).
Reopening a Bankruptcy Case
Learn when you might need to reopen a bankruptcy case, and how to do it.