Bankruptcy Blog
Insights and guidance from Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney Bryan P. Keenan
- Difficulty Saving Money Could Be a Sign of Future Debt Problems
Struggling to save money each month? Learn why persistent saving difficulties may signal deeper financial issues and what steps you can take before debt becomes unmanageable.
- Medical Expenses and Credit Card Debt Are a Troubling Combination
Medical bills and credit card debt often feed each other, creating a dangerous financial spiral. Learn about your options for dealing with medical debt in Pittsburgh.
- Should I Worry About a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Discharge Revocation?
Chapter 7 discharge revocation is extremely rare. Learn what it is, when it can happen, and how to make sure your bankruptcy discharge remains protected.
- Young People Continue to Struggle with Debt
Student loans, credit cards, and rising living costs are pushing younger Americans into serious debt. Learn why bankruptcy may be a practical option for young adults.
- Personal Bankruptcy and Its Impact on Credit Scores
How does bankruptcy affect your credit score? Learn the real impact, recovery timeline, and practical strategies for rebuilding credit after filing.
- Questions to Ask When Calling an Attorney for Bankruptcy Help
Preparing for your first call with a bankruptcy attorney? Here are the essential questions to ask, what answers to expect, and red flags to watch for.
- Credit Card Debt Is a Growing Concern for Younger Adults
More young adults carry significant credit card balances than ever before. Learn about the minimum payment trap and when to seek help for credit card debt.
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy vs Other Debt Solutions: Which Is Right for You?
Comparing Chapter 7 bankruptcy with debt consolidation, settlement, credit counseling, and Chapter 13 to help you choose the right debt solution for your situation.
- Getting Back on Track After Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Practical steps for rebuilding your financial life after Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including credit rebuilding, budgeting, and setting achievable goals.
- Can Filing for Bankruptcy Help Me with My IRS Tax Debt?
Some tax debts can be discharged in bankruptcy, but strict rules apply. Learn which IRS debts qualify and how Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 handle tax obligations differently.
- Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche: Which Payoff Method Is Right for You?
Comparing the debt snowball and avalanche methods? A Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney explains how each works, their pros and cons, and when neither is enough.
- Wage Garnishment in Pennsylvania: Your Rights and How to Stop It
Facing wage garnishment in Pennsylvania? Learn what creditors can and cannot do, your legal protections, and how bankruptcy can stop garnishment immediately.
- Five Things to Know Before Filing for Bankruptcy in Pittsburgh
Five important facts about filing for bankruptcy in Pittsburgh that most people do not know. From the means test to keeping your property, get the real story.
- Budgeting When You Are Drowning in Debt: Practical Steps That Help
Overwhelmed by debt and unsure where to start with budgeting? A Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney shares realistic budgeting tips for people in serious debt.
- Bankruptcy Education Courses: What They Are and How to Complete Them
Everything you need to know about the two required bankruptcy courses: pre-filing credit counseling and post-filing debtor education. Costs, timing, and approved providers.
- Credit Management Companies: What They Do and Why They Often Fail
An honest assessment of credit management and debt settlement companies. How they work, their success rates, hidden costs, and when bankruptcy may be a better option.
- How to Spot Debt Relief Scams Before They Make Things Worse
Debt relief scams prey on people already struggling financially. A Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney shares the warning signs and how to protect yourself.
- How the Automatic Stay Puts an Immediate End to Creditor Actions
The automatic stay stops creditor calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and foreclosure the moment you file bankruptcy. Learn how this protection works in practice.
- The Pros and Cons of Filing for Bankruptcy
An honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of filing for bankruptcy in Pittsburgh. What you gain, what you lose, and how to decide if it is the right choice.
- Debt Management Programs: How They Work and When They Fall Short
Considering a debt management program? A Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney explains how DMPs work, their limitations, and when bankruptcy is more effective.
- When Debt Collectors Break the Law: Your Right to Sue
Debt collectors who violate the FDCPA can be sued for damages. Learn the common violations and how to take legal action against abusive debt collectors.
- Is Debt Consolidation a Good Idea? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives
Thinking about consolidating your debt? A Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney explains when debt consolidation works, when it backfires, and what else to consider.
- How to Find and Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report
A practical guide to identifying and disputing errors on your credit report, including common mistakes, dispute steps, and when to seek legal help in Pittsburgh.
- How to Rebuild Your Credit After Bankruptcy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Practical steps to rebuild your credit score after a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Pittsburgh. Timelines, strategies, and common mistakes to avoid.
- How to Stop Debt Collector Phone Calls and Letters
Tired of constant debt collector calls? Learn the legal steps to stop collection calls and letters in Pennsylvania, from cease letters to the automatic stay.
- Being Sued for Credit Card Debt in Pennsylvania: What to Expect
Received a lawsuit for credit card debt in Pennsylvania? A Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney explains the process, your options, and how to protect yourself.
- Statute of Limitations on Credit Card Debt in Pennsylvania
Learn about Pennsylvania's 4-year statute of limitations on credit card debt, what resets the clock, and how this affects debt collection lawsuits.
- What to Bring to Your First Meeting With a Bankruptcy Attorney
Preparing for your first bankruptcy consultation? Here is a checklist of documents and information to bring so your attorney can give you the best advice.
- The FDCPA and Your Rights Against Debt Collectors
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive debt collectors. Pittsburgh attorney Bryan Keenan explains your rights under the FDCPA.
- How Credit Card Interest Works and Why It Adds Up So Fast
Confused by APR, compound interest, and daily balance calculations? A Pittsburgh attorney explains how credit card interest really works in plain terms.
- Bankruptcy Options for Small Business Owners in Pennsylvania
Small business owners in Pennsylvania have several bankruptcy options including Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Subchapter V. Pittsburgh attorney explains each path.
- Reaffirmation Agreements in Chapter 7: What You Need to Know
Reaffirmation agreements let you keep secured property in Chapter 7 by agreeing to continue payments. Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Do They Really Help With Debt?
Considering a balance transfer to pay off credit card debt? A Pittsburgh bankruptcy lawyer breaks down the real pros and cons before you apply.
- How Often Can You File for Bankruptcy in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania residents can file bankruptcy more than once, but waiting periods apply between filings. Learn the time limits for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
- Student Loan Forgiveness vs. Bankruptcy: Comparing Your Options
Should you wait for student loan forgiveness or consider bankruptcy? Compare income-driven repayment, PSLF, and bankruptcy options for student debt relief.
- Catching Up on Mortgage Payments Through Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Learn how Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3 to 5 years while keeping your home. Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney explains.
- The Minimum Payment Trap: Why Paying the Minimum Keeps You in Debt
Paying only the minimum on your credit cards? Learn how minimum payments keep you stuck in debt for decades and what Pittsburgh residents can do about it.
- What Is a Chapter 13 Hardship Discharge?
A hardship discharge may let you exit your Chapter 13 plan early if unexpected circumstances make it impossible to continue payments. Learn the requirements.
- 4 Strategies That Actually Work to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Struggling with credit card debt? A Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney explains four proven payoff strategies and when bankruptcy may be the better path forward.
- Credit Counseling and Debtor Education: Bankruptcy Course Requirements
Bankruptcy requires two courses: pre-filing credit counseling and pre-discharge debtor education. Learn what to expect, how to complete them, and what they cost.
- Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: Key Differences and How to Choose
Compare Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy side by side. Learn the key differences in eligibility, timeline, asset protection, and debt treatment.
- Using Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to Save Your Home From Foreclosure
If you are facing foreclosure in Pennsylvania, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop the process and help you catch up on missed mortgage payments over time.
- How Bankruptcy Affects Student Loan Cosigners
Filing bankruptcy when you have a student loan cosigner raises important questions. Learn how Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 affect cosigners differently.
- Can You Keep Your Car When Filing Chapter 7 in Pennsylvania?
Worried about losing your car in Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Learn how Pennsylvania exemptions, loan reaffirmation, and equity affect whether you keep your vehicle.
- How a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan Works
Understand how Chapter 13 repayment plans are structured, what determines your monthly payment, and how long the plan lasts. Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney.
- Debts That Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cannot Discharge
Not all debts can be wiped out in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Learn which debts are non-dischargeable, including student loans, tax debts, and child support.
- The Foreclosure Process in Pennsylvania: Timeline and Key Stages
Understand each stage of the Pennsylvania foreclosure process, from missed payments to sheriff's sale. Know your timeline and options at every step.
- Why Health Insurance Does Not Always Prevent Medical Debt
Even with health insurance, medical debt can pile up fast. Learn why insured families still face financial hardship from medical bills in Pennsylvania.
- Bankruptcy and Divorce: How These Two Processes Interact
Going through both bankruptcy and divorce? Learn how timing, joint debts, property division, and support obligations interact under Pennsylvania law.
- What Happens When You Default on Student Loans
Defaulting on student loans triggers wage garnishment, tax refund seizure, and credit damage. Learn what happens and your options in Pennsylvania.
- How the Automatic Stay Protects You After Filing Chapter 7
The automatic stay stops creditor harassment, wage garnishment, lawsuits, and foreclosure the moment you file Chapter 7. Learn how this protection works.
- What Property Can You Keep in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Find out which assets are protected in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy under Pennsylvania exemptions, including your home, car, retirement accounts, and personal items.
- Does My Bankruptcy Filing Affect My Spouse?
Filing bankruptcy in Pennsylvania when you are married raises questions about your spouse's credit, property, and debts. Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney explains.
- Your Rights When Medical Debt Goes to Collections
Know your legal rights when medical debt goes to collections in Pennsylvania. Learn about debt validation, statute of limitations, and how to fight back.
- Can Student Loans Be Discharged in Bankruptcy?
Student loan discharge in bankruptcy is difficult but not impossible. Pittsburgh attorney Bryan Keenan explains the undue hardship standard and recent changes.
- The Chapter 7 Means Test in Pennsylvania: How It Works
Learn how the Chapter 7 means test works in Pennsylvania, including income limits, deductions, and what happens if you do not pass. Free consultation available.
- The Homestead Exemption in Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Cases
Pennsylvania lacks a traditional homestead exemption, but homeowners still have options to protect their property in bankruptcy. Pittsburgh attorney Bryan Keenan explains.
- Negotiating Medical Bills: Steps to Try Before Considering Bankruptcy
Before filing bankruptcy for medical debt, try these negotiation strategies. Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney Bryan Keenan explains how to reduce medical bills.
- Mortgage Modification vs. Bankruptcy: Which Option Saves Your Home?
Compare mortgage modification and bankruptcy as options for saving your home from foreclosure. Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney explains which path may work best.
- Medical Debt and Bankruptcy: Understanding Your Options in Pennsylvania
Struggling with medical debt in Pittsburgh? Learn how Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy can eliminate or restructure medical bills and give you a fresh start.
- Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Exemptions: What You Can Protect
Find out which assets Pennsylvania bankruptcy exemptions protect, including your home, car, retirement accounts, and personal property. Pittsburgh bankruptcy attorney explains.