Beverages & Budgeting

Beverages & Budgeting – grab a drink and let’s take a look at your monthly expenses, let’s see if Geraci Law can help!

Grab a cold one or a warm one and watch Attorney Peter Francis Geraci’s video on budgeting. Weekends are a great time to sit down with the bills over a iced or warm beverage!

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 30,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com.

Can Bankruptcy Discharge of Debt Help My Credit?

Studies by Harvard and the Federal Reserve show that people who file bankruptcy and generally in a better position than those who remain in debt. 

Read this article by Attorney Peter Francis Geraci titled “Can Bankruptcy Discharge of Debt Help My Credit?” and more at https://www.infotapes.com/Articles

Studies by Harvard and the Federal Reserve show that people who file bankruptcy and generally in a better position than those who remain in debt.  The Federal Reserve said, 

“[people who file bankruptcy] experience a sharp boost in their credit score after bankruptcy, whereas credit scores recover at a much slower pace for individuals who remain [in debt]. 

The credit score of bankrupt individuals exceeds the credit score of insolvent individuals by 40-80 points. In addition, those who go bankrupt open new unsecured accounts post-bankruptcy at a higher rate (by around 15 percentage points) than those who don’t file bankruptcy, while the number of inquiries is very similar across the two groups.

This indicates a difference in access to credit, not demand for credit. [The Federal reserve] conclude[ed] from this evidence that the ability to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is associated with better access to credit, and while both insolvency and bankruptcy are forms of default, the debt discharge associated with bankruptcy leaves filers in a better financial position than individuals who become insolvent in similar circumstances.”

If you are contemplating bankruptcy, you have probably received charge cards in the mail, and bought things with no money down. After a bankruptcy, that easy credit will be harder to get. Most times, you can get a charge card by giving a $400 or more savings account with the issuing bank, so that if you do not pay the charge card, they can deduct from your bank account.

Many clients may be able to buy a home within a few years after filing a bankruptcy or even during a bankruptcy. How do I know? Every week an old client calls me and asks for proof that their bankruptcy got rid of their old bills, so they can give it to their mortgage company. Mortgage companies want to know that people buying houses don’t have creditors chasing them, because those creditors can put liens on the house. Also, if you have a lot of bills to pay, you probably can’t afford house payments. Filing bankruptcy may be the first step to buying a house.

Geraci Law makes it easy for you to apply for mortgages and credit.  We post your filed bankruptcy petition on your Client Corner so you can log in and get it when you need it.  We provide you with any help you need to show that you got out of debt.

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 30,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Bill Consolidation, Loan Modification, Credit Counseling, Debt Settlement Fraud Schemes

All these schemes play on your guilty, embarrassment and confusion. They can’t stop late fees, repossessions, lawsuits, foreclosures, license suspension, or anything else. So, beware of “bill consolidation, mortgage modifiers, debt settlement and credit counseling”.

From Chapter 3 of Attorney Peter Francis Geraci’s, “The Complete Book on Bankruptcy” read more @ https://www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com/

This is an easy one. Because most stuff other than bankruptcy is fraudulent. That means someone somewhere, on the internet, or maybe in Russia, or maybe your own bank, wants your money, and will say anything to get it.

1. “bill consolidation” is usually a fraud scheme There is no way to “consolidate” all your bills into one lower payment you can afford, pay your vehicles and mortgage and tax debt first, and stop every single creditor from bothering you, adding late charges, or suing you. No way. None. Nada. Except for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Oh, there’s that word again “bankruptcy.”

2. “Loan modification” Fraud schemes like “Legal Helpers Loan Modification” just stole people’s money and disappeared with millions. Banks usually string you along for months and lose your paperwork, making things worse. Then all they do is take your 30 year loan and turn it into a 40 year loan to “get” you a lower payment. Great, now you’ll die before you pay them off and they’ll get your house back after collection mostly interest payments.

3. “Credit Counseling” Possibly the worst fraud. Some of them pose as law firms. Some are “lawyers” who really should be in jail. Being a lawyer makes them try to take as much as the first year’s payments up front as fees”. They usually last a year before getting indicted and put out of business.

4. “Debt settlement” Definitely the worst. Run, do not walk, as fast as you can from these skunks. Legal Helpers Debt Resolution” and others stole $50 million or more and faded into the night. Their imitators are still around, and so are the lawyers involved. They only lost their law licenses for a couple years. Nice payday on your money!

All these schemes play on your guilty, embarrassment and confusion. They can’t stop late fees, repossessions, lawsuits, foreclosures, license suspension, or anything else. So, beware of “bill consolidation, mortgage modifiers, debt settlement and credit counseling”. We usually see folks who have paid $3,000 to $5,000 to bill consolidators, and have nothing to show to it, when they could have filed Chapter 7 or 13 and really solved their problems and gotten a true fresh start.

Bankruptcy is very predictable. Everything is in writing, and while there are a lot of stupid lawyers who do lose $3000 or $5000 of their client’s money in Chapter 7’s, and take Chapter 13 cases that fail quickly after they get paid, Geraci Law does not engage in shady practices. So why pay the same, and not get the name? Ask your friends and family, and even your boss at work. Chances are they’ll say, “talk to Geraci Law.”

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 30,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Geraci Law in Michigan

Hey Detroit – Geraci Law is ready to help with your debt! Schedule a free consult online or by phone!

Geraci Law is handling Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings in Detroit Michigan. You can meet with Attorney Jason Kara or Attorney Rob Brynjelsen.

Best part? You can meet us from your couch! Geraci Law can handle your case hassle-free on your schedule and you don’t need leave home!

Schedule an appointment with Geraci Law online @ https://www.infotapes.com/Bankruptcy/OfficeLocator or give us a call, we love to talk at 800 CALL PFG.

Geraci Law – Dearborn/Detroit

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 30,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Geraci Law – Greenwood Indiana

Geraci Law Greenwood/Indianapolis office gets renovated – we’re ready to meet you Monday!

Geraci Law office located in Indianapolis (near Greenwood) at 7007 S US 31. We’re located at the corner of Southport & U.S. 31 in the Shopping Center, directly next to Paradox Dental Center.

Brand new carpeting and we’re ready to meet you on Monday! Schedule a FREE consultation with us in Greenwood – you can do so online at https://www.infotapes.com/Bankruptcy/OfficeLocator

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 30,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

What Does Bankruptcy Cost?

A lot less than paying debt that you can’t pay!

Check out Chapter 9 of Attorney Peter Francis Geraci’s “Complete Book on Bankruptcy” at https://www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com/

CHAPTER #9 What Does Bankruptcy Cost?

A lot less than paying debt that you can’t pay. Anyone can come up with $900 or $1000 to put down on a Chapter 7, and pay the rest over time. Anyone can come up with the court costs to file a Chapter 13, and pay the rest in with their Chapter 13 payment.

Every lawyer charges exactly the same for Chapter 13, so don’t bother shopping for fees for Chapter 13. Why? In almost every court, the court rules provide for a standard fee for all services. So, it’s not the fee that you use to pick out an attorney.

Same with Chapter 7. Some people think everyone with a law license is the same. That’s why the jails are full. Lots of people who don’t know how to pick a decent attorney. People who file bankruptcy often have no confidence in themselves or their family or their budgets, and panic! They think, “I have to pay a big fee all at once and I have no money”.

If you panic, you might call every lawyer who advertises bankruptcy and say “How much is a bankruptcy”? If you actually get an answer to that, here is who you might probably be are talking to:

A lawyer who got fired or could not work with anyone so he paid $500 for a website design. He rents a desk in an office center, and has no employees, works from his cell phone, returns his calls you leave on voice mail while he is driving from traffic court to a real estate closing to a bankruptcy court meeting, the only 3 cases he has this week. “I will do your case for $800 come on in” he says. You say “don’t you want to know anything about me or what is involved before you tell me $800?” He says, “no, come on in, bring your money”

You show up and sure enough, it’s either a rented desk in “Armstrong Office Suites”, or it smells funny and not very professional. He is late. So you wait, he shows up and says “sorry, I was in Court” and brings you into his office. The place is a mess. He actually has a fax machine on his desk.

“Did you bring the $800?” he says. “Don’t you want to know anything about me or what is involved before you tell me $800?” you say for the 2nd time. (Oh, you also had to wait a week before he could “fit you in”.)

Anyway, he then tells you that instead of $800, because you have a house and car, he meant $800 to file, plus the court cost, and there will be additional costs if “anything goes wrong”.

You say, “whaaat? What do you mean, if anything goes wrong?” He says, “don’t worry, usually nothing usually wrong”! So much for the “UNKNOWN ATTORNEY”. But, if he gets your $800, he at least has his rent for the month.

At Geraci Law, we get a lot of people who have been elsewhere and are unhappy. Read our reviews. Some people focus on the attorney’s fee in choosing an attorney. My office gets calls from about a hundred people a year who have had Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 cases goofed up because they tried to save $100 on attorney fees.

Sometimes, in fact, regularly, we tell people NOT to file bankruptcy. That is why we have never “lost” a house or had any real “trouble”. So, one cost of a bankruptcy might be getting bad advice or bad representation by your attorney. The attorney’s fee doesn’t matter, since you can’t save much from one attorney to another.

So, bankruptcy is pretty cheap. If you had $20,000 to pay your creditors, you’d probably give it to them. If you could settle all your debt for $5000, you would. So why try to beat up your lawyer before you have all the facts in front of, by calling around to unknown lawyers to get them to tell you something on the phone? No smart lawyer will give you any real advice on the phone, much less quote you a firm fee for something they know nothing about.

Always get a free in office consultation. If you really want the cheapest lawyer in town, then go to the one who tells you $500 on the phone, and pray that you will be happy! You get what you pay for. At Geraci Law, we work with almost everyone, but $500 was a fee in 1975, not 40 years later in 2015. Every year, one of the “cheap” bankruptcy lawyers gets indicted or closes up, so watch out who you think is giving you a “cheap price”. The so-called “largest bankruptcy firm in the world”, “Macey & Aleman Legal Helpers” closed up suddenly in 2013 and did not refund fees to clients, who then filed claims in its bankruptcy for the $1400 or whatever fee they lost when the place shut its doors.

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 30,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Geraci Law in Racine Wisconsin

Come and meet Attorney Joseph Blaha – the lead attorney in Racine. It is a free consultation to review your Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 options!

Geraci Law is located in Racine, Wisconsin at 6218 Washington (Route 20) – we are in Western Village Center, behind Rasmussen Jewelers by the Dentist, west side of the building. Corner of Rt. 20 (Washington) and Emmertson, 1 light West of Green Bay (Rt.31). There’s a short drive from Kenosha!

Come and meet Attorney Joseph Blaha – the lead attorney in Racine. It is a free consultation to review your Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 options! You can schedule online @ https://www.infotapes.com/Bankruptcy/OfficeLocator

Photos of our Racine office!

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 30,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Wage Assignments & Deductions and How You Can STOP Them!

Creditors can collect from you in several ways. A favorite way is to take money from your paycheck. Most states provide for both wage assignments and wage deduction orders. Internet loans are the WORST!

Did you know you can be sued for a credit card bill? A medical bill? A balance on a car that you voluntarily gave back? Creditors will file a LAWSUIT against you in attempt to collect the balance.

Below is Chapter 31 from Attorney Peter Francis Geraci’s “The Complete Book on Bankruptcy,” titled, “Wage Assignments & Deductions and How you Can Stop Them.” Read this and more @ https://www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com/

CHAPTER #31 Wage Assignments & Deductions and How you Can Stop Them

Creditors can collect from you in several ways. A favorite way is to take money from your paycheck. Most states provide for both wage assignments and wage deduction orders. Internet loans are the WORST!

Wage assignments are voluntary authorizations many creditors make you sign when you make a loan. You are authorizing them to take an amount, up to 15% of your gross pay, if you don’t make your regular payments. Wage assignments last four weeks, and then must be renewed by the creditor. You get a warning before a demand is made on your employer.

Wage deductions are made after a judgment in court is entered against you, after a lawsuit. The creditor serves papers on your employer, who must then withhold 15% of your gross pay for about 10 weeks, and turn it over to the creditor.

Levies are used by governmental units. The IRS can take almost all of your paycheck. If you owe on a student loan, the state agency can take your income tax refund. If you work for the state, and owe on a state insured loan, they can take a large part of your paycheck.

A bankruptcy will stop all of these actions, even though most of the time, you have no defense to the collection efforts in the regular lawsuit in a state court. Bankruptcy also stops lawsuits. If the debt you are being sued for is one you cannot discharge in a bankruptcy, such as a recent student loan, you could pay it in a Chapter 13, or have your bankruptcy attorney make a deal to pay it after the bankruptcy gets rid of your other problems.

If the employer is holding money that was taken from your check, but it has not been turned over to the creditor, it may be possible to void the creditor’s right to get it, and have it turned over for your benefit. You should get a copy of the papers from your employer, and find out exactly how much has been taken and when it is due to be turned over.

If your only debt is one from a lawsuit, and you already have child support taken out, most states provide that no more than 15% of your gross can be subject to deduction. Therefore, if you are having 20% deducted for child support, no other deductions are permitted. Also, federal law provides that you cannot have a deduction if you make less than 30 times the minimum wage, so part time workers very often are immune from wage deductions.

If you are immune from wage deductions, the only thing a creditor can do is seize other property, such as bank accounts.

We get our first call from many clients when they receive a wage deduction summons or a wage assignment. This makes them realize that their problems are serious, and they then admit that they need help from a bankruptcy lawyer. If you are dumb enough to wait until you are sued, at least be smart enough to have some money saved to pay a bankruptcy attorney.

Problem: Chris has been sued, and now the creditor has a judgment, and issued papers that require the employer to take 15% of his paycheck to satisfy the judgment.

The Peter Francis Geraci Chapter 7 or 13 Solution: The filing of a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 will stop any wage deduction the date the bankruptcy petition is filed. Chris got his mom to pay the attorney to do the bankruptcy, and he is giving her his tax refund when it comes back.

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 30,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Homes & Bankruptcy

Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?

What happens to my home if I file my bankruptcy? Do I lose my house if I file a Chapter 7? Questions asked by every homeowner looking to file for bankruptcy. The answer is the only thing you lose if you file for bankruptcy is the DEBT.

If you in a Covid 19 or C19 mortgage deferral, if you do not have the repayment in full – filing a Chapter 13 can HELP! Talk to an experienced Geraci Law attorney today about your options.

Attorney Peter Francis Geraci answers the question of Homes and Bankruptcy in InfoTapes segment. Watch below! If you want to review your debt relief options, we’re a phone call away or you can schedule online @ https://www.infotapes.com/Bankruptcy/OfficeLocator

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 30,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com

Geraci Law Florida Team

Our team consists of senior attorneys ready to help you. Meet the Geraci Law Florida team and read what our Florida clients say about them. Best part is? The consultation with our amazing (I’m biased) team is FREE.

Geraci Law handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases across the state of Florida. Our team is ready to help you stop foreclosure, stop a repossession or assist in getting you the fresh start you need.

Our team consists of senior attorneys ready to help you. Meet the Geraci Law Florida team and read what our Florida clients say about them. Best part is? The consultation with our amazing (I’m biased) team is FREE.

Call to schedule or you can schedule online @ https://www.infotapes.com/Bankruptcy/OfficeLocator

Attorney Jonathan Parker

Attorney Jonathan Parker is a senior court attorney and supervisory attorney at Geraci Law. He is responsible for the majority of the firm’s litigation as well as counsel to Attorney Peter Francis Geraci.

He earned his JD Cum Laude from University of Wisconsin. He graduated with a degree in French and Philosophy from Northwestern University. He received Northwestern University Departmental Honors with distinction.

Attorney Parker’s professional experience includes providing client consultations, filing bankruptcy petitions, handling the firm’s litigation and legal research. He has won and appealed numerous cases for the benefit of his client.

He has extensive knowledge of the United States Bankruptcy Code and debt settlement. Attorney Parker will determine your best course of action to solve your financial problem. You should expect nothing but the best representation when Attorney Jonathan Parker is on your team.

Court Admissions

  • Illinois State Court
  • Wisconsin State Court
  • Florida State Court
  • Northern District of Illinois Federal Court
  • Central District of Illinois Federal Court
  • Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Court
  • Western District of Wisconsin Federal Court
  • Northern District of Indiana Federal Court
  • Southern District of Indiana Federal Court
  • Northern District of Florida Federal Court
  • Middle District of Florida Federal Court
  • Southern District of Florida Federal Court
  • 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • US Supreme Court

Reviews

Attorney Ashley Chike

Attorney Ashley Chike is a senior court attorney and supervising attorney at Geraci Law. She earned her JD/MBA from Loyola University Chicago and inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society by graduating in the top 10% of her class. 

Attorney Chike’s professional experience includes providing client consultations, drafting as and filing bankruptcy petitions/plans, representing clients in court, supervising cases, and conducting legal research.

Attorney Chike wrote a legal brief and argued in court defending a client’s right to keep her tax refund each year during her Chapter 13.  The Judge ruled in Attorney Chike’s favor and ruled against the Chapter 13 Trustee who was seeking to take the refund – now all Chapter 13 debtors can keep their tax refunds in their Chapter 13 if properly prorated.  

She has extensive experience evaluating client-specific financial debt and data to provide the best solution for the client. Clients can expect nothing less than excellence from her.  It is her mission to get the client the BEST result possible. 

Court Admissions

  • Illinois State Court
  • Wisconsin State Court
  • Florida State Court
  • Northern District of Illinois Federal Court
  • Central District of Illinois Federal Court
  • Southern District of Illinois Federal Court
  • Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Court
  • Western District of Wisconsin Federal Court
  • Northern District of Indiana Federal Court
  • Southern District of Indiana Federal Court
  • Northern District of Florida Federal Court
  • Middle District of Florida Federal Court
  • Southern District of Florida Federal Court
  • Colorado Federal Court

Reviews

Attorney John Sadler

Attorney John Sadler is a senior court attorney and supervising attorney at Geraci Law. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice & Sociology and JD from Indiana University. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, cycling and other outdoor activities.

He is a board member of a small non-profit cycling organization focused on raising money through cycling events for cancer research. He has extensive knowledge of real estate and bankruptcy and supervises real estate issues in Indiana.

In 2017, Attorney Sadler successfully won an adversary proceeding for his client. His client’s car was totaled and the client received an insurance check. The creditor filed a suit alleging Attorney Sadler’s client intentionally did not fix the vehicle and the debt owed should not be eliminated in his Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

The creditor claimed the client had a responsibility to repair the totaled vehicle. Ultimately Attorney Sadler defended his client and got the adversary dismissed. He saved his client close to $10,000! 

Court Admissions

  • State of Indiana
  • State of Illinois
  • State of Florida
  • United States District Court, Northern Illinois
  • United States District Court, Central Illinois
  • United States District Court, Southern Illinois
  • United States District Court, Northern Indiana
  • United States District Court, Southern Indiana
  • United States District Court, Middle Florida
  • United States District Court, Southern Florida

Reviews

Attorney Rob Brynjelsen

Attorney Robert Brynjelsen started his career at Geraci Law in 2004. He is a supervising attorney licensed to practice in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Florida. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from University of Illinois and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami.

Attorney Brynjelsen has advised on more than 10,000 consumer bankruptcy cases. Although based out of Illinois, he spends at minimum a few weeks a year visiting all of our offices to make sure the PFG Difference is maintained!

When he’s not advising Geraci Law clients and assisting attorneys, Attorney Brynjelsen enjoys playing golf and traveling, especially cruises.

Court Admissions

  • Illinois State Court
  • Florida State Court
  • Wisconsin State Court
  • Michigan State Court
  • Indiana State Court
  • Northern District of Illinois Federal Court
  • Central District of Illinois Federal Court
  • Middle District of Florida Federal Court
  • Southern District of Florida Federal Court
  • Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Court
  • Western District of Wisconsin Federal Court
  • Northern District of Indiana Federal Court
  • Southern District of Indiana Federal Court
  • Eastern District of Michigan Federal Court
  • Western District of Michigan Federal Court

Reviews

Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 30,000 5-star reviews 5starsince November 2016!

Read ALL ABOUT DEBT RELIEF at www.bankruptcybookbypeterfrancisgeraci.com