Some of the work you do as a lawyer is the same over and over again. However, the best lawyer sees problems coming and helps their clients understand the risks and their choices. Don’t hire someone who is only interested in getting your money.”

DIANE L. DRAIN, lawyer, mentor, and community activist.

W elcome to my blog, your go-to guide to navigating bankruptcy laws. I am a veteran bankruptcy lawyer and consumer advocate in Arizona. I’ve committed my life to teaching and mentoring in order to cut through the legal jargon that intimidates anyone facing financial hardship. This is the same dedication I had as a law professor when teaching bankruptcy.

Everyone has the right to know their own and others’ rights, even creditors. Avoid stressing over creditors. Learn the facts to make smart choices.

Helpful materials, updated legal information, and advice can help you achieve financial security. Bottom line: Everyone deserves a decent night’s sleep and a stress-free future.

RECENT ARTICLES

RECENT ARTICLES

Understanding the Current Financial Landscape: A Comprehensive Guide to Recent Articles and Developments in the World of Bankruptcy

  • The Lowdown on Business Bankruptcy: What You Need to Know

    March 24, 2024

    Bankruptcy is a complex process that can have significant implications for your business and personal finances. Before considering bankruptcy as an option for your struggling business, it's crucial to understand the potential pitfalls in detail. Here's a breakdown of some of the key factors to consider: Types of Bankruptcies for Small Businesses: Small businesses [...]

  • How to Safeguard Yourself from Debt Relief Scams

    March 8, 2024

    In today's consumer landscape, credit cards are the normal tools for managing finances and making purchases. However, having credit card debt can lead to financial stress and vulnerability to predatory schemes. Recognizing the importance of prudent financial management, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a consumer alert highlighting strategies to avoid debt relief [...]

  • The Arizona Supreme Court decided those living in motorized homes (such as RVs) cannot protect their homes.

    March 7, 2024

    The Arizona Supreme Court decided those living in motorized homes (such as motor homes and RVs) cannot protect their homes. The Arizona Supreme Court's decision In re Drummond, 23-0009 (Sup. Ct. Arizona, 3/7/24) bans motor home and RV owners from using the homestead law (ARS 33-1101) to protect their home (laws that have been [...]

  • Court Fines Attorneys for Not Returning Client Calls

    February 11, 2024

    All Attorneys Must Return Client Calls, Even Flat-Fee Attorneys In a recent bankruptcy case, In re: Dennis Molnar, 19-bk-09525, 2024 WL 190919 (Jan. 17, 2024 N.D, Ill.), a court highlighted a crucial lesson: lawyers must keep the lines of communication open with their clients. When lawyers neglect this duty, it can [...]

  • What is a Bad Faith Bankruptcy?

    January 3, 2024

    Understanding Why Some Bankruptcy Cases Get Dismissed or Discharge Revoked for Bad Faith Bankruptcy is meant to offer individuals and businesses a chance at a fresh start by alleviating financial burdens. However, the concept of bad faith dismissal or revocation of discharge introduces a layer of complexity, questioning the sincerity of those [...]

  • Bankruptcy and Your Home: Can You Keep Your Home in Bankruptcy?

    December 29, 2023

    If Keeping Your Home is Important, Know Rules of Bankruptcy  Experiencing bankruptcy brings both challenges and uncertainties Facing bankruptcy can be a challenging and uncertain time. One of the most pressing questions is whether you can keep your home during and after bankruptcy. In this article, we will explore the [...]

  • What Could be Worse than Bankruptcy? Getting Hacked!!

    December 29, 2023

    The article titled "Dangers of Using Public Wi-Fi Networks" posted on Galloptech Group's blog offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks. Here's an outline of what makes this article particularly informative: The article acknowledges the benefits of public Wi-Fi, setting a balanced tone. It gives a detailed explanation [...]

  • Find Hidden Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction in Bankruptcy

    October 28, 2023

    When a debtor is in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is not unusual that their monthly payments are made through a plan rather than directly to the mortgage lender.  At the end of the year, the mortgage lender is likely to send Form 1098 (mortgage interest paid through the year) to the trustee, not the homeowner.

  • “SAVE” – New Student Loan Repayment Plan (8/23), plus updates

    September 2, 2023

    NEW STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PLAN, plus UPDATES (at end of this article) SAVE – “SAVING ON A VALUABLE EDUCATION” “SAVE” – New Student Loan Repayment Plan (8/23) August, 2023  To the relief of student loan-holders, the White House has launched a new repayment plan. SAVE – [...]

  • Exciting Update for Student Loan Borrowers

    July 19, 2023

    IMPORTANT PROGRESS FOR STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS WHO HAVE BEEN IN REPAYMENT TWO DECADES OR MORE Posting from the National Consumer Law Center Important Progress for Student Loan Borrowers Reposting from NCLC, July 18, 2023: The Department of Education has begun the process of automatically discharging $39 billion in federal student loans for [...]

  • Foundation for Justice Awards Diane for her Service to the Most Vulnerable

    June 8, 2023

    "Awarded to legal service providers who have devoted expertise and time to changing the justice system to promote access and opportunity for those most vulnerable." 2023 has been a wonderful year - this award is the icing on the cake. My thanks to everyone who has supported me over the last 40 years.

  • DOD announces Six New Measures to Help Military and Their Families

    March 28, 2023

    DOD to Help Military and Their Families SIX New Measures to Enhance Well-Being Release from US Department of Defense, March 22, 2023 Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the lives of our dedicated military force and their families. The new plan consists of six additional [...]

  • File Tax Returns – Even If Not Required

    March 6, 2023

    PEOPLE MAY WANT TO FILE A TAX RETURN – EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO Posting from the IRS & Filing Tips IRS Tax Tip 2023-27, March 2, 2023 Some people choose not to file a tax return because they aren’t legally required to file, but they could [...]

  • Diane is honored by Legal Services Corp – Pro Bono Service Award for establishing the Self Help Center

    February 1, 2023

    New Consumer Law Rights Taking Effect in 2023. This NCLC article lists federal and state consumer law rights scheduled to go into effect or expire, during the period from November 17, 2022, through December 31, 2023. Other consumer law changes will be enacted later in 2023 and will go into effect in 2023; this article lists changes whose effective dates have already been scheduled.

  • 2023 is the Year of New Consumer Rights

    January 22, 2023

    New Consumer Law Rights Taking Effect in 2023. This NCLC article lists federal and state consumer law rights scheduled to go into effect or expire, during the period from November 17, 2022, through December 31, 2023. Other consumer law changes will be enacted later in 2023 and will go into effect in 2023; this article lists changes whose effective dates have already been scheduled.

  • How to Avoid Dishonest Debt Collectors – video

    July 24, 2022

    Want to avoid dishonest debt collectors? Watch this video from FTC’s Consumer Advice By Joseph Ferrari,July 22, 2022 (reprint from FTC, Consumer Alerts) During Military Consumer Month 2022, the FTC is highlighting resources to help veterans and their families navigate tricky situations they may find themselves in. Watch this video to see how [...]

  • The Secret Costs of Using Buy Now Pay Later Services

    July 20, 2022

    BEWARE OF THE SECRET COSTS OF USING ‘BUY NOW PAY LATER’!! What You May Not Know About These Services Services like “buy now pay later” now account for $100 million in annual transactions and are a popular financial resource for millions of Americans. These methods make purchasing simpler, but [...]

  • Forgive Us Our Debts

    June 19, 2022

    RELIGION AND BANKRUPTCY Bankruptcy has its roots in religion. No one should avoid dealing with debt because of misunderstandings about religious or ethical considerations. It is NOT shameful to seek relief from crushing debt! ...Forgive Us Our Debts... by O. Max Gardner, Attorney at Law Dalton Camp proclaimed several years ago that, “having lost [...]

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