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I’ve Filed for Bankruptcy in the Past; Can I File Again? – Free Online Library Posted on July 26, 2010 by Admin I’Ve Filed for Bankruptcy in the Past; Can I File Again? – Free Online Library. Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off | Edit The Effect of Filing for Bankruptcy on a Home Foreclosure – Free Online Library Posted on July 26, 2010 by Admin The Effect of Filing for Bankruptcy on a Home Foreclosure – Free Online Library. Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off | Edit This information is presented by the consumer protection attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, a Pacific Northwest law firm with offices in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Our Portland Oregon bankruptcy attorneys represent Oregon consumers in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Our Vancouver WA bankruptcy attorneys represent Vancouver and other SW Washington consumers in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Call for a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney today! Baxter & Baxter, LLP 1101 Broadway Street, Suite 213 Vancouver, Washington 98660 (360) 574-5239 Baxter & Baxter, LLP 8835 SW Canyon Lane, Suite 130 Portland, Oregon 97225 (503) 297-9031 Disclaimer & External Link Notice The information and materials available on this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you have not signed a Retainer Agreement with Baxter & Baxter, LLP, this firm does not represent you. You should not assume an attorney-client relationship exists. Nothing in the information or materials available on or accessed from this website, including any exchange of information through this website, creates an attorney-client relationship. Do not send any confidential or privileged information to Baxter & Baxter, LLP, until you establish such a relationship. This website contains links to other sites. Baxter & Baxter, LLP, is not responsible for the content of any external site. Please read the privacy policy of every external site you visit before disclosing any personal information. “We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.”

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Re: Baxter & Baxter, LLP

http://www.baxterlaw.com Advocacy. Integrity. Results. Welcome to our website. The attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, are dedicated advocates for consumers. Baxter & Baxter, LLP, is a Pacific Northwest consumer protection law firm with offices in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. The Oregon consumer protection lawyers of the Consumer Litigation Group specialize in cases with false credit reports, identity theft cases, unlawful debt collection cases, and consumer fraud cases. The Portland Oregon bankruptcy attorneys and Vancouver Washington bankruptcy lawyers of the Bankruptcy Practice Group represent individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Our mission of committed and zealous consumer advocacy is unrivaled, and our track record of excellence and professionalism is recognized nationwide. Nationally Respected Consumer Protection Attorneys The consumer litigation attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, represent consumers in false credit report cases, unlawful debt collection practices cases, and other consumer cases. We specialize in identity theft cases and cases of mistaken identity. These cases often involve false credit reports, credit report disputes, and debt collector harassment. We also represent consumers who have been sued by debt collectors for bills that they do not owe. The Consumer Litigation Group represents consumers on a contingent basis. We don’t get paid a fee unless there is a recovery or result in your favor. For more information about the Consumer Litigation Group, click on the links below: About Consumer Law Fair Credit Reporting Act Cases Unlawful Debt Collection Practices Cases Debt Collection Lawsuit Defense Cases Unlawful Trade Practices Cases Member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA). Knowledgeable and Dedicated Bankruptcy Lawyers The Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys and Vancouver Washington bankruptcy lawyers of the Bankruptcy Practice Group represent individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. We offer a free initial phone consultation. We can stop collection calls from debt collectors and home foreclosures. We can advise consumers whether to file for bankruptcy, and what form of bankruptcy to file. Our rates are competitive, and an uncontested no-asset Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed for as little as a $1,250 attorney fee (plus the applicable court filing fee). If you don’t have the full fee right now, call us to discuss prioritizing your payments. For more information about the Bankruptcy Practice Group, click on the links below: About Bankruptcy Filing for Chapter 7 Liquidation or Complete Discharge Filing for Chapter 13 Repayment Plan Frequently Asked Questions about Filing Bankruptcy in Oregon The Process of Filing Bankruptcy in Oregon Member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA). “We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.” — Justin M. Baxter Baxter &  Baxter, LLP 1101 Broadway Street, Suite 213 Vancouver, Washington 98660 (360) 574-5239 Baxter & Baxter, LLP 8835 SW Canyon Lane, Suite 130 Portland, Oregon 97225 (503) 297-9031 Justin M. Baxter Baxter & Baxter, LLP 8835 SW Canyon Lane, Suite 130 Portland, Oregon 97225 (503) 297-9031 (Telephone) (503) 291-9172 (Facsimile) http://www.baxterlaw.com This electronic mail transmission contains information from the law firm of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, that may be confidential or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this information is prohibited. If you believe that you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by telephone at (503) 297-9031, or by electronic mail and delete the message without copying or disclosing it.

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Baxter & Baxter, LLP | Bankruptcy Practice Group

Oregon Bankruptcy & Washington Bankruptcy . Bankruptcy Practice Group This information is presented by the Bankruptcy Practice Group of Baxter & Baxter, LLP. The Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys and Vancouver WA bankruptcy lawyers of the Bankruptcy Practice Group represent individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. We offer a free initial phone consultation. We can stop collection calls from debt collectors and home foreclosures. We can advise consumers whether to file for bankruptcy, and what form of bankruptcy to file. Get a Fresh Start Today! When the financial troubles of life come your way, and the creditors won’t stop calling, bankruptcy could be the right choice for you, bankruptcy will not ruin you like the debt consolidation programs often claim. It could be a fresh start provided to you by the government. After bankruptcy it could only take 2 years to rebuild your credit and get you back on track. Our law offices can help you choose your best options and get you on the road to financial recovery Discover the advantages of bankruptcy before making your next move. Our rates are competitive, and an uncontested no-asset Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed for as little as a $1,250 attorney fee (plus the applicable court filing fee). If you don’t have the full fee right now, call us to discuss prioritizing your payments. Sound Advice with Dignity and Empathy Deciding whether to file bankruptcy is a very serious decision. The majority of bankruptcies are precipitated by circumstances outside a person’s control — loss of a job, divorce, or significant illness. The stress of these events is compounded by collection letters and calls, and the fear of losing a home to foreclosure. The dedicated and compassionate bankruptcy attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, understand all of these realities, and endeavor to provide clear and concise advice, so that the bankruptcy process is as transparent and understandable as possible. Once the bankruptcy is completed and the discharge order is entered, our clients can begin a new life and get a fresh start! Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy Filing for bankruptcy is a serious and important decision that has significant ramifications. The Portland bankruptcy lawyers of Baxter & Baxter, LLP, can help you decide whether filing for bankruptcy is right for you. We can advise you on whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 liquidation, or would be better served by entering into a Chapter 13 repayment plan. Among the many benefits of filing for bankruptcy are: * Stop garnishments on bank accounts and wages * Stop home foreclosures * Stop harassing phone calls from bill collectors and collection agencies * Prevent utilities from being shut off * Stop car and truck repossessions * Eliminate some back taxes Filing for Bankruptcy in Oregon and Washington The most common types of personal bankruptcy for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. As much as 65% of all U.S. consumer bankruptcy filings are Chapter 7 cases. In Chapter 7, a debtor surrenders his or her non-exempt property to a bankruptcy trustee who then liquidates the property and distributes the proceeds to the debtor’s unsecured creditors. In exchange, the debtor is entitled to a discharge of most of their debt. Certain debts (e.g. spousal and child support, student loans, some taxes) will not be discharged even though the debtor is generally discharged from his or her debt. Many individuals in financial distress own only exempt property (e.g. clothes, household goods, an older car) and will not have to surrender any property to the trustee. The amount of property that a debtor may exempt varies from state to state. Chapter 7 relief is available only once in any eight year period. Generally, the rights of secured creditors to their collateral continues even though their debt is discharged. In Chapter 13, the debtor retains ownership and possession of all of his or her assets, but must devote some portion of his or her future income to repaying creditors, generally over a period of three to five years. The amount of payment and the period of the repayment plan depend upon a variety of factors, including the value of the debtor’s property and the amount of a debtor’s income and expenses. Secured creditors may be entitled to greater payment than unsecured creditors. Portland, Oregon Bankruptcy Law Offices The Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP have offices in SW Portland, and represent consumers in Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Aloha, Tualatin, and other cities. If you would like a free telephone consultation with an Oregon bankruptcy lawyer, call (503) 297-9031 today! Vancouver, Washington Bankruptcy Law Offices The Vancouver, Washington bankruptcy attorneys of Baxter & Baxter, LLP have offices in SW Washington, and represent consumers in Vancouver, Clark County, and Cowlitz County. If you would like a free telephone consultation with an Oregon bankruptcy lawyer, call (360) 574-5239 today! Member of National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) “We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.”

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Why Should You Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney?

Why Should You Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney ? Lara M. Gardner Filing bankruptcy can be one of the most difficult choices a person makes. Often you have been struggling to meet your financial obligations. Something happens and the house of cards comes tumbling down, leaving you faced with a proposition that seems like failure. It is difficult and frustrating. You go to see an attorney and realize that even though you have no money to pay your bills, the attorney wants over a thousand dollars or more to represent you. You discover there may be an alternative. You could pay someone much less to prepare your petition for you. You think Why not? Your case isn’t complicated, at least you don’t think it is. You pay a few hundred dollars and file your case. You may be okay. More likely, after things go very wrong you will realize that you should have hired an attorney. Bankruptcy is more complicated than it appears on the surface. People who have seen or attended a bankruptcy hearing testify that the meetings are often over quickly. What is not apparent from the meeting is that most of the complicated work is done before the meeting takes place. The hearing should go smoothly if everything was done right ahead of time. Having sat through countless hearings while representing debtors in the bankruptcy cases, I can assure you that bankruptcy is often more complicated than it looks, especially since the changes that took place in the bankruptcy laws in 2005. Bankruptcy is more than what bills you owe. People often do not realize that all of their belongings are assets that may or may not be exempt. You may fail to disclose an item that could have been protected, only to lose it because of the lack of disclosure. The actions taken in the years and months leading up to bankruptcy can have consequences, and can cause unintended ramifications for friends and family members. Every consumer bankruptcy case is assigned to a trustee. That person is responsible for ensuring the interests of your creditors are protected. When you hire a bankruptcy attorney, this person is there to represent you. Your attorney can help you to determine which debts you can discharge or pay off. Your attorney will help you protect assets that are not exempt, and will help you to do so legally. Your attorney will make sure you list every asset and that every asset that can be is protected. Your attorney will help you ensure that bankruptcy is what it is intended to be: a fresh start. When you pay an attorney, you are paying that person to ensure you file everything you are supposed to file, turn over all the paperwork you are required to turn over, help you maximize your assets and minimize your losses, and to represent you against your creditors. In short, you are paying for the best fresh start you can muster. What can a petition preparer do? Legally, all a petition preparer can do is fill in the blanks on your bankruptcy documents. If you choose to pay someone hundreds of dollars for this service you are, in effect, paying hundreds of dollars for data entry service. If a petition preparer does more than enter information into your petition, that person is breaking the law. Both federal bankruptcy laws and state rules governing the practice of law forbid anyone except a licensed attorney from giving you advice. Why? To protect you, the consumer. If an attorney messes up your case, there are protections in place to help you. Attorneys in Oregon,Washington, and many other states are required to carry malpractice insurance. They can also be sanctioned by their bars for failure to adhere to a basic code of conduct. There are no systems in place to help you if a document preparer messes up your petition or gives you erroneous advice. You may be able to file a complaint claiming they practiced law without a license, and while the person may face fines or sanctions, you will not get anything to cover your losses. Hiring an attorney to represent you during your bankruptcy can be expensive. After suffering through financial difficulties and falling behind on your financial obligations, handing over a large sum of money to an attorney can seem like a real hardship. But bankruptcy is not an area to shortchange yourself. Filing bankruptcy is your opportunity to make a fresh start. Make it the best start it can be by hiring a good attorney to represent, protect, and advise you. Think of it as your first investment in a new financial future. Lara Gardner is a consumer bankruptcy attorney for the consumer protection law firm of Baxter & Baxter, LLP. Click here to learn more about Lara. This information is presented by the Bankruptcy Practice Group of Baxter & Baxter, LLP. The Portland, Oregon bankruptcy attorneys and Vancouver WA bankruptcy lawyers of the Bankruptcy Practice Group represent individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. We offer a free initial phone consultation. We can stop collection calls from debt collectors and home foreclosures. We can advise consumers whether to file for bankruptcy, and what form of bankruptcy to file. “We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.”

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Basic Information about Bankruptcy

Basic Information about Bankruptcy Deciding whether to file bankruptcy is a very serious decision. The majority of bankruptcies are precipitated by circumstances outside a person’s control — loss of a job, divorce, or significant illness. A recent study published in the American Journal of Medicine concluded that 62.1 percent of the bankruptcies were medically related because the individuals either had more than $5,000 or 10 percent of their pretax income in medical bills, mortgaged their home to pay for medical bills, or lost significant income due to an illness. On average, medically bankrupt families had $17,943 in out-of-pocket expenses, including $26,971 for those who lacked insurance and $17,749 who had insurance at some point. The stress of these events is compounded by collection letters and calls, and the fear of losing a home to foreclosure. What is Bankruptcy? When a person or business is mired under inescapable debt, they can petition for bankruptcy. Once the initial petition is filed, all collection efforts, including lawsuits, foreclosures, and garnishments must cease. After the bankruptcy judge hears the case, an order is entered which discharges most debts, or in the alternative creates a repayment plan. The most common types of bankruptcy for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. The majority of consumer bankruptcy filings are Chapter 7 cases, and many cases that are filed as Chapter 13 bankruptcies are later converted into Chapter 7 cases. In Chapter 7, a debtor surrenders his or her non-exempt property to a bankruptcy trustee who then liquidates the property and distributes the proceeds to the debtor’s unsecured creditors. In exchange, the debtor is entitled to a discharge of most of their debt. Certain debts, such as spousal and child support, student loans, some taxes, will not be discharged even though the debtor is generally discharged from his or her debt. It is possible to reaffirm some debts, such a home mortgage or an auto loan. In Chapter 13, the debtor retains ownership and possession of all of his or her assets, such as their home and automobile, but must devote some portion of his or her future income to repaying creditors, generally over a period of three to five years. The amount of payment and the period of the repayment plan depend upon a variety of factors, including the value of the debtor’s property and the amount of a debtor’s income and expenses. Secured creditors may be entitled to greater payment than unsecured creditors. Benefits of Bankruptcy The primary benefit of filing for bankruptcy is the ability of a consumer to get a fresh start from past debt. In addition, once a petition is filed, it will stop any collection activity, including any bills currently due for credit cards, medical bills, or other bills. It will stop debt collector calls and collection letters. It will temporarily stop a home foreclosure. Depending on whether the debtor files under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the final bankruptcy order can either discharge most of a person’s debts, or create a repayment plan to repay some or all of the consumer’s debts over a three to five year period. Should You Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney? Any individual can file for bankruptcy on his or her own behalf without a lawyer. However, hiring a bankruptcy lawyer may be beneficial. First, the lawyer can advise you on what type of bankruptcy you qualify for, and which types of bankruptcy are better in your case. An attorney can also help you plan for bankruptcy to help you retain the maximum amount of your property and assets, and claim the maximum amounts of exemptions from your creditors. Finally, an attorney can help you negotiate or litigate against your creditors if they dispute parts of your petition.

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Consumer chief warns: take cheap jewelry from kids (AP)

AP – The nation’s product safety agency issued an unprecedented warning Wednesday to parents: Don’t give your children cheap metal jewelry. And if they already have some, toss it because it could contain hazardous levels of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium Visit link: Consumer chief warns: take cheap …

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Survey: Dodge Challenger ‘most satisfying’ car

The Dodge Challenger, the Chrysler Group’s retro-styled muscle car, is the car best loved by its owners, according to Consumer Reports’ survey of 380,000 readers of its magazine and Web site. Read this article: Survey: Dodge Challenger ‘most satisfying’ car

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Study: Toyota received most complaints about sudden acceleration

Toyota was the target of 41% of all consumer complaints about the problem in 2008 cars, according to a Consumer Reports analysis. Ford received 28% of complaints See the article here: Study: Toyota received most complaints about sudden acceleration

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Consumer group reviews Zhu Zhu pet toys

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The U.S. See original here: Consumer group reviews Zhu Zhu pet toys

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Your Chicken Is Probably Contaminated

A recent Consumer Reports study finds that two-thirds of whole broiler chickens tested across the country harbored salmonella and/or campylobacter. Urvashi Rangan is the author of the study, and tells host Liane Hansen which chickens made the good and bad lists. E-Mail This Add to Del.icio.us …

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