What Are Attorney Fees for Bankruptcy Advice?

Although bankruptcy filing services come with a fee, most reputable law firms offer consultations to help you determine your next move. At Stockton & Kandt, LLC, we provide free consultations for new clients. This consultation allows us to learn the details of your situation and understand how we can best serve you. Additionally, you'll be able to ask questions regarding bankruptcy law or legal matters during this meeting...Read More »

What Are the Debt Limits for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is used to reorganize debt, which means that you will have a limit on the unsecured and secured debt that can be discharged...Read More »

Declaring Bankruptcy: Can I Keep My Bankruptcy Private?

Completely confidential bankruptcy is not possible. Bankruptcy documents and records are a matter of public record...Read More »

Bankruptcy, Debt Consolidation, or Settlement: How Do You Decide?

Going through financial difficulties is never easy, but having a good strategy is an approach that will help you get your life back on track...Read More »

9 Big Risks of Filing for Bankruptcy Without Attorneys

Bankruptcy is a great way to regain control of your finances, especially if you've explored nearly all other debt-relief options. This is not to say, however, that filing is a simple process...Read More »

Bankruptcy Attorney Near Me in Overland Park, KS: What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Filing for Bankruptcy?

If you or your business are finding yourselves in a lot of debt, then you might want to consider filing for bankruptcy...Read More »

Overland Park Bankruptcy FAQs: Does Filing for Bankruptcy Mean I Lose All My Property?

A home is more than bricks and mortar. It's the heart of a family; a place for you to feel happy and safe. Good news! Bankruptcy in Kansas very rarely results in someone losing their home, providing they aren't behind on mortgage payments or other home loans...Read More »

Overland Park Bankruptcy FAQs: Does Filing for Bankruptcy Mean I Lose All My Property?

A home is more than bricks and mortar. It's the heart of a family; a place for you to feel happy and safe. Good news! Bankruptcy in Kansas very rarely results in someone losing their home, providing they aren't behind on mortgage payments or other home loans...Read More »

What Are Some Simple Ways to Manage Bankruptcy?

As previously mentioned, bankruptcy is a serious thing that can have an impact on your future. Although speaking with experts in bankruptcy is the best way to go...Read More »

10 Situations Where Filing for Bankruptcy May Be the Best Option

Filing for bankruptcy should not be taken lightly, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the world. In fact, for some folks in Johnson County, Kansas, it's the most sensible solution to overcoming debt. It stops collection calls and wage garnishments and can even help, rather than hurt, a poor credit score. In short, bankruptcy can be a wise choice...Read More »

How to File for Bankruptcy: Seek Out an Experienced Attorney

Although you always have the option to file bankruptcy paperwork with your local bankruptcy court yourself, the fact of the matter is that filing for bankruptcy is an incredibly detailed process...Read More »

Life After Bankruptcy 8 Keys to Recovering Your Financial Well-Being in Johnson County, Kansas

Although there are plenty of tips which can help generally, it's a good idea to go through every step with financial experts...Read More »

Considering Bankruptcy in Olathe, KS? Discuss Your Options With a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Many people are understandably hesitant to declare bankruptcy. This legal proceeding leaves a scar on your credit record for at least seven years and can make declaring bankruptcy a second time considerably more difficult. Therefore, it's not a decision to be taken lightly. However, more than half a million households declared bankruptcy in 2020, meaning it is not as uncommon as you might think...Read More »

5 Risks of Filing Bankruptcy Without a Bankruptcy Attorney

If you've ever heard the old adage “He who represents himself has a fool for a client,” then you know there's some truth to it. In fact, one of the first and significant risks to representing yourself is potentially filing for the wrong kind of bankruptcy. There are many different kinds of bankruptcy, but the two most common are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. ...Read More »

7 Things to Know About Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

By the time you file for bankruptcy, you may be facing serious issues such as regular telephone calls from your bill collectors and creditors, or impending foreclosure action...Read More »

What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Historically, bankruptcy laws were created during times of economic hardship and were typically designed to benefit the creditor...Read More »

What Happens When You Declare Bankruptcy? 9 Things to Know

Immediately after filing for bankruptcy, you will receive a case number. A trustee will also be assigned to your case. This person oversees your filing...Read More »

What Are the Advantages of Filing for Bankruptcy?

As soon as you file for bankruptcy, you automatically get a stay against creditors contacting you for collection purposes. Your debt is not automatically canceled...Read More »

8 Ways a Bankruptcy Attorney Can Help You Repair Your Financial Life

Filing for bankruptcy is never easy, but if you are struggling with debt, it can be the path to drastically improving your financial life. The easiest and safest way to get started is to hire a competent bankruptcy attorney who can help you reduce risk and get back on track...Read More »

Struggling With Debt in Johnson County, KS? You May Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Many people do file bankruptcy on their own without the benefit of an attorney, but often, their bankruptcies are refused or arranged so that they don't really help people start over with their finances...Read More »

Five Reasons Business Owners Need Estate Plans

Business owners are notorious for engrossing themselves in the day-to-day management and functions of their businesses. As a business owner, you are likely the heart and soul of the company you lead...Read More »

Can I Keep My Business While Filing Bankruptcy?

There are three main types of bankruptcy, which are known as Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 is known as liquidation and it is for businesses and individuals whose debts are so overwhelming that restructuring them using one of the other chapters is not feasible...Read More »

Debt When You File for Bankruptcy

The reason most people find themselves filing for bankruptcy is that they have debt that has become overwhelming and they can't pay it back on their own...Read More »

Collections in Debt Relief vs Bankruptcy

Most debt relief programs work by taking all of your bills and then charging you one monthly amount. The debt relief company keeps some of the money as their fee and saves the rest to offer to your creditors...Read More »

When Do I Need a Bankruptcy Attorney?

Not everyone qualifies to file for bankruptcy, especially for a chapter 7 bankruptcy claim. To determine your eligibility, the court will look at a number of factors like your household income and the number of people you support...Read More »

7 Reasons Hiring Bankruptcy Attorneys Can Actually Be a GOOD Thing

There are two different types of bankruptcies, which are referred to as Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. There are benefits and drawbacks to each type, and without the council of a bankruptcy lawyer, you may not choose the best option...Read More »

How Can I Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer Near Me?

Word of mouth is always a good way of finding someone to provide a service. If you know of friends or family members who have successfully filed bankruptcy, ask them which attorney they used and if they would choose that law firm again...Read More »

Is It Better to Settle Debt or Hire Bankruptcy Lawyers?

If you're considering debt settlement over hiring a bankruptcy attorney, you need to first know how debt settlement works. Essentially, debt settlement companies want you to stop making payments on your debt to your creditors so they can negotiate with them to resolve your debt for a fraction of what you owe...Read More »

When and How to File Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is often a good alternative for people with debt that has gotten so out of control that it becomes impossible to catch up...Read More »

Can You File Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer?

The law does allow you to file bankruptcy without an attorney. If you are representing yourself in your bankruptcy claim you will need to complete extensive research to understand bankruptcy law and the responsibilities...Read More »

How Much Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost?

While it would be convenient to know exactly how much it will cost you to hire a bankruptcy attorney, there are many variables that are involved that will impact your costs...Read More »

What Should You Do Before Hiring a Bankruptcy Attorney?

Understanding why your attorney does what they do can actually help you make the right call when it comes to who you hire. An attorney working in debt relief has a lot of opportunities to genuinely help people...Read More »

7 Signs It's Time to Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer

It is a terrible feeling to be overwhelmed by debt, and you may realize that you are too far in over your head to get out...Read More »

What Happens to an Estate Plan During a Divorce?

Divorce is a legal action that does far more than just end your marriage. Divorce also disentangles your financial connection, including the estate plan you created while married...Read More »

Can Stepparents Have Custody Rights in a Divorce?

Stepparents often grow very close to their stepchildren. In fact, a stepparent can build as strong a bond as any parent, and this can make divorce that much more painful...Read More »

Divorcing Later in Life

As more and more of the population have empty nests, they are looking forward to the next phase of their life. With longer life expectancies, many older adults are deciding to “wait out” an unhappy marriage, and are choosing to get divorced later in life...Read More »

Benefits of Divorce Planning

Most people do not get married planning to get divorced, so the idea of “divorce planning” may feel wrong. However, if you have signs that the end of your marriage may be imminent, divorce planning is definitely a concept to consider...Read More »

How Do Medicaid Rules Differ For Home Care?

It’s no secret most Americans would prefer to remain living at home rather than living in a nursing home if possible. Additionally, home care is usually less expensive than full-time long-term care such as a nursing home...Read More »

What Is The Period of Medicaid Ineligibility and When Does It Begin?

Many people who need long-term care are also reliant on Medicaid to help cover the costs of their long-term care facility. This is because Medicare and most private insurance companies do not cover long-term care, but Medicaid does...Read More »

When It Comes To Medicaid Planning, What Is a Power Of Attorney and Why Have One?

When planning for your financial future, having a power of attorney and planning for the need for Medicaid eligibility are some of the most important tools available in the estate planning process...Read More »

Don’t Make These Costly Medicaid Mistakes When Your Spouse Enters a Nursing Home

When one spouse is entering a nursing home and the other spouse remains healthy, there are many costly mistakes you want to avoid. If the couple is not properly aware of their rights and protections allowed by Medicaid laws, they may quickly deplete their resources and assets, leaving the healthy spouse in a position of facing impoverishment...Read More »

What Family Situations Require Medicaid Planning?

Medicaid planning is the careful use of estate planning tools to help a Medicaid applicant meet Medicaid eligibility guidelines while also protecting their assets from being countable assets. Medicaid requires potential Medicaid beneficiaries to meet set income and asset limits to qualify to receive benefits...Read More »

What Is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust?

In a perfect world, no one would ever have to worry about how to pay for the cost of long-term care when they need it. Unfortunately, the high costs of long-term care make it difficult for people to save the money they need to pay for care and most people don’t buy and maintain long-term care policies when they are young and well enough to do so...Read More »

What is the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Benefit?

If you are a Veteran who has served our country in the military or armed forces, or if you are the surviving spouse or surviving child of a Veteran, you are entitled to certain benefits and assistance programs offered by the United States as a thank you for your service and sacrifice...Read More »

How Transferring Assets Can Impact Your Medicaid Eligibility in Kansas

Thinking about needing long-term care such as a nursing home or assisted living facility is never a pleasant thought. However, it is an important possibility to consider when planning how you will protect and preserve your assets and legacy for your beneficiaries in the future...Read More »

Why You Need a Skilled Medicaid Planning Attorney on Your Side

Having the guidance of a trusted Medicaid planning lawyer when structuring your assets to preserve them in the future is extremely important. Without a trusted advisor, there are many mistakes you could make that could affect your ability to qualify for Medicaid benefits if you need them in the future...Read More »

What Assets Affect Medicaid Eligibility In Kansas?

Many seniors spent their entire working careers receiving great employer health insurance coverage and never having to think about whether they would qualify for Medicaid benefits. However, as you become a senior and enter into your retirement years, you may find you still need help covering the out-of-pocket expenses Medicare doesn’t provide coverage for, especially if you are faced with a medical condition requiring long-term care...Read More »

How Medicaid Protects Our Seniors

You have worked hard over the years to acquire the assets you have as a senior in retirement. But as you age, you will likely begin to face more serious and more expensive medical needs than you have ever experienced in your past. Protecting your assets is important to maintaining the financial stability of your own future and the legacy you leave behind for your beneficiaries...Read More »

Why Medicaid Planning is So Important

Most seniors depend on Medicare to provide the coverage for their healthcare costs they need to protect their financial stability and assets. However, there are many major healthcare costs Medicare does not cover...Read More »

Long-Term Care Options Covered By Medicare

As Americans are living longer, the need for long-term care continues to grow. Proper planning for this stage of life is important. As you plan for your future or that of a loved one, it is important to understand the long-term care options that are covered by Medicare...Read More »

Qualifying For Medicaid With a 401(k) or IRA

When planning for retirement, it is important to consider all of your financial assets, and to explore any impact those assets have on your eligibility to receive benefits, such as Medicaid. For many individuals, an employer-sponsored retirement plan – 401(k) or Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is the largest asset in their financial portfolio...Read More »

Are Children Responsible For Parents’ Debt After They Pass Away?

As you look to the future and discuss financial planning, you may wonder if children are responsible for their parents’ debt after they pass away. The answer to that question is that it depends...Read More »

Medicaid Application Assistance

As of August 2018, an estimated 66.7 million Americans were enrolled in Medicaid, according to the latest U.S. government report. Medicaid provides valuable health benefits but the arduous, time consuming application process discourages many qualified individuals from applying for Medicaid assistance all together...Read More »

What is Medicaid Planning

You make plans for weddings, businesses, vacations, retirement, and more. However, healthcare costs can affect every project you have in the works. Even if you're not planning to apply for Medicaid, don't ignore the option. Your family may need it when an unexpected illness or a catastrophic accident results in enormous healthcare costs..Read More »

Why Medicaid? Medicare Won’t Be Enough

You can't count on Medicare until age 65. When you get there, don't count on Medicare to be what it is today. With the aging population, the increasing load on Medicare, and the high cost of healthcare, you must seek out other options for public assistance to pay medical bills...Read More »

Ten Warning Signs of Elderly in Need of Help

Older adults are a growing part of our nation that can contribute to the economy and their financial well-being and healthcare. However, they experience unique challenges to their independence, such as unreliable pensions and increased healthcare costs... Read More »

Buzz Aldrin Sues His Children and Alleges Misuse of His Finances

A Florida state court lawsuit involves Buzz Aldrin, who is suing his former business manager and two of his children alleging that they misused his credit cards by claiming that he has dementia and is not able to care for himself. His children filed a petition claiming... Read More »

Protection Must be Included in Estate Planning

Asset protection and protection in general must be important cornerstones of the estate planning process.Far too many people think about how to most easily transfer their assets... Read More »

Don't Have an Unplanned Exit in Your Business

Many people who own their own company assume that their family members may ultimately step in to manage the business. But what happens if your children or other family members... Read More »

Get Organized with This Estate Planning Checklist

Most people are already aware of the benefits of estate planning, whether they've done it themselves or experienced an estate planning disaster brought forward by the experiences of... Read More »

Tips for Those Have to File Taxes After a Loved One's Death: Probate

After someone passes away, it is extremely important to send in a final tax return. If an individual passes away over the course of the year and he or she received income during that same period, then it's final tax return must be filed, either by the heirs or an executor. If your spouse... Read More »

Tips for Protecting Your Money from Medicaid

As many people are approaching age 65 and beyond, it is more important than ever for baby boomers to consider appropriate strategies to protect their money... Read More »

How to Include Plans to Pay for College in Your Estate Planning

Planning for the future goes well beyond saving for a child's college education. Parents also must think about what could happen to a college savings account if they are not around... Read More »

Stroke of bad luck leads to bankruptcy

While there is one word to describe the state of being in an untenable debt situation — bankruptcy — there are four distinct types of filings available to pursue relief from that debt. There are those types designed for individuals and then there are those designed for businesses. In Kansas, sometimes the two entities are… Read More »

Bankruptcy tourism? Not likely in Kansas

Believe it or not, individuals considering bankruptcy may now be taking a page out of the playbook of medical tourists. Medical tourists travel from countries with expensive health care systems to countries with cheaper systems for medical procedures. So, a Kansas resident with tonsillitis might travel to India for surgery. But now, some people may… Read More »

Former college football coach reaches bankruptcy settlement

Any Kansas resident considering filing for bankruptcy should keep in mind that people from all professions and all walks of life use bankruptcy as a tool to eliminate debt. For individuals facing a seemingly relentless flood of debt, paying critical expenses, stopping foreclosure and stopping repossession of vehicles are often first priorities. Personal bankruptcy can… Read More »

Disaster preparedness should include financial preparedness

From tornadoes to wildfires, our nation has seen many natural disasters in the past few years. In the state of Kansas alone, 40,000 acres and 26 structures have burned due to prolonged drought coupled with high temperature. Beyond the physical loss of homes and businesses, there is an emotional and financial challenge that develops when… Read More »

Kansas recovering from economic downturn faster than national average

One of the big issues in this election year is jobs. Here in Kansas, citizens are reviewing the results of the 2012 Kansas Economic Report. Though the state unemployment rate has dropped since 2011, those still seeking employment remain concerned about Kansas’ job growth rate. Failure to secure employment puts these citizens in danger of… Read More »

Drop in foreclosures could signal stabilizing housing market

The last few years have brought job loss, under employment and general economic instability for many Americans. This week brought some good news to a housing market that has been staggering under the weight of the nation’s economic decline. Foreclosures have fallen in more than 60 percent of cities in the United States. A slowing… Read More »

Hostess bankruptcy closing bakeries in Kansas

The iconic American food company, Hostess, has announced that a judge has approved a plan to close the company. Lovers of such products as Twinkies, Wonder Bread and Drake’s snacks are clamoring to buy their beloved favorites before they possibly disappear forever. This development marks the end of 82 years of conducting business. It also,… Read More »

The real cost of Kansans getting a college education

For many Kansas residents, getting a college education is one of the first financial investments young people make. Unfortunately, given the ever increasing costs, a wrong decision could lead to unexpected financial difficulties in the future. For many people, getting a clear view of the costs of education may be a challenge. However, there are… Read More »

The new threat to social security

Working Americans have paid into the social security system and are expecting a return in their retirement. Currently the cost of living adjustments are calculated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, a new budget proposal presented by the White House attempts to use a different rubric to calculate cost of living. The potential changes… Read More »

How bankruptcy can help where credit counseling has failed

It is often said on this blog that unexpected life events can result in huge financial distress. This is very true for one family that discovered their child had a learning disability. After one couple’s son was extensively tested, it was discovered that he had an auditory processing disorder. However, his scores were not low… Read More »