by Jacob Maegli | Nov 5, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Buying a home after filing bankruptcy is possible. How soon it can happen depends on the type of mortgage being sought, whether through conventional lenders or government-backed options like FHA and VA loans. Frequently Asked Questions How soon can I buy a house after...
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...
