by Jacob Maegli | Nov 4, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Whether a tax refund is protected in bankruptcy depends on whether the case is a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13. This post covers how the refund is reviewed against Illinois exemptions in a Chapter 7, and how it is accounted for in a Chapter 13 budget. Frequently Asked...
by Jacob Maegli | Nov 3, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Using credit cards around the time of a bankruptcy filing can raise concerns with the court. This post explains why credit cards should not be used after filing, why the 90 days before filing matter, and why running up cards with the intention of filing on those debts...
by Jacob Maegli | Nov 2, 2026 | Bankruptcy
The Illinois wildcard exemption is an exemption provided by the state of Illinois that can be applied to a wide range of items. This post covers what the wildcard exemption is and the types of property it can be used on, from household furnishings and electronics to...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 30, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Every creditor you owe must be listed in your bankruptcy. This post explains the difference between secured and unsecured creditors and what it means to retain and reaffirm a secured debt in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to list every...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 29, 2026 | Bankruptcy
The bankruptcy means test is the analysis that determines what type of bankruptcy a person qualifies for. It takes income from the last six months, prorates it to an annual figure, and compares that number with the median annual income for a household of the same size...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 28, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Facing foreclosure raises urgent questions about whether bankruptcy can help you keep your home. The timing of a bankruptcy filing in relation to the foreclosure process is a key factor. Chapter 13 can address past due mortgage payments in a repayment plan. Frequently...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 27, 2026 | Bankruptcy
A lawsuit that has already been filed does not always have to keep moving forward once a bankruptcy case begins. This post covers what happens when a lawsuit has been filed but no judgment has been entered. It also covers what happens when a judgment has been entered...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 26, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Filing bankruptcy without a spouse raises a common question: what happens to the spouse who does not file? The answer depends on whether the couple has joint debts. This post covers how a joint credit card, a shared mortgage or car loan, and creditor reporting may...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 23, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Certain debts cannot be wiped out by a bankruptcy. Past due child support is one example in a Chapter 7, and attorney’s fees tied to child support or child custody matters are another. Frequently Asked Questions What debts can’t be wiped out by bankruptcy?...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 22, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Filing bankruptcy more than once is possible, but different timelines and restrictions apply. This post covers how soon a Chapter 13 can be filed after a Chapter 7, and how long to wait before filing a Chapter 7 after a Chapter 13. Frequently Asked Questions Can I...
