Author Archives 
Health Care Reform Has Some Help For Small Businesses
by John C. Colwell on 7/20/10 | 0 Comment(s)
It was of particular interest to me, since my business likely qualifies for this tax credit. My office is comprised of 3 locations, with 4 attorneys and 6 support staff. According to this article, the tax credit will apply to business of 25 employees or less, along with other requirements. We happily provide Kaiser-Permanente health HMO to our employees, and it appears that our firm will enjoy a 35% deduction of our health care premiums by way of a tax credit this year, and each year, until 2014, when the tax credit is increased.
Credit Scores and Bankruptcy Bump
by John C. Colwell on 7/13/10 | 0 Comment(s)
Today, the AP is reporting a general downturn in the all important FICO score, which score is used primarily to determine loan eligibility. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g74qg6iCDzFlCHhjsiBGFIHAiJPQD9GT9T580 Many, if not all of our clients will, at some point, consider the impact an impending bankruptcy will have upon this score. Oddly enough, credit scores after bankruptcy, notwithstanding this report, [...]
A cheaper bankruptcy attorney is a better bankruptcy attorney, right?
by John C. Colwell on 7/02/10 | 0 Comment(s)
Shopping for an attorney by price is a ‘loss leader’ in our view.Sure, you may ‘save’ a few hundred here or there, but at what actual cost?
The incredible short sightedness of ending unemployment benefits.
by John C. Colwell on 6/29/10 | 0 Comment(s)
Just today, I received an inquiry from a gentleman who has been unemployed since 2008. He explained that his benefits had now just ended upon the failure of our ‘leaders’ in passing the much needed extension. He went on to explain that he was able to pay his credit card debt ‘alright’ up until the time the benefits were cutoff. Let me emphasize this, he was paying his credit card payments with his unemployment benefits!
100% of bankruptcy debtors have relieved debt stress.
by John C. Colwell on 6/15/10 | 0 Comment(s)
The AP recently conducted a poll, and published an article regarding American’s stress and debt, and this got me to thinking about the relief of stress that accompanies a bankruptcy filing. Debt-induced stress continues for many Americans I don’t know of the methodology of the poll itself, but it seems self evident, and not much [...]
Mortgage Companies Prepare For Major Wave Of Foreclosures In 2010
by John C. Colwell on 4/15/10 | 0 Comment(s)
While the markets and the general press make positive extrapolations from the small upticks in corporate profits as a sign of economic recovery, the truth remains, it appears, that it’s the housing market that will ultimately drive whether the economic recovery succeeds or fails. It is clear that these times will pass, and that things [...]
An all too common preliminary inquiry by a hypothetical debtor, and a reply. Episode 3 of a series.
by John C. Colwell on 3/12/10 | 0 Comment(s)
Serena V. Brief description of your legal issue: I am in serious debt, besides my mortgage I owe roughly 20+ thousand in credit card debt.I owe the IRS and have been trying to make payments as best as possible. I need help! Thank you for your inquiry. We likely can help a great deal. There [...]
An all too common preliminary inquiry by a hypothetical debtor, and a reply. Episode 2 of a series.
by John C. Colwell on 3/07/10 | 0 Comment(s)
dmp, debt management plan, deficiency, Second Trust Deed, Charge off
An all too common preliminary inquiry by a hypothetical debtor, and a reply.
by John C. Colwell on 2/25/10 | 0 Comment(s)
As of today one of my creditors have garnished my paycheck.
Another San Diego bank takeover, failure due to ‘bad’ mortgage loans.
by John C. Colwell on 2/20/10 | 0 Comment(s)
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports, this morning: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/feb/19/la-jolla-bank-seized-by-federal-regulators/ Another San Diego bank failure due to the mortgage lending fiasco. This is the 4th area bank in recent times, to fail. Will the administration and Congress ever act to allow true mortgage modification in Ch. 13? There are folks who would like to stay in their [...]
