All Posts in "Month: January 2022"

4 Ways Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Gives You a Fresh Start

Most people shy away from the word “bankruptcy” even in dire financial situations. However, bankruptcy is one of the best tools available to eliminate debt when everything seems hopeless. Here are four ways that filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy gives you a fresh start in life. 

1. Relief From Creditors

When you’re harassed by creditors for unpaid bills, it feels like you’re being dragged through the mud. Once you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you’ll get an automatic stay on all collections and start to see a light at the end of the tunnel. All attempts to collect debts will cease and you’ll begin the bankruptcy process.

2. Protection of Your Possessions

If you hold off on contacting a bankruptcy attorney Columbia MD because you’re afraid you’ll lose everything, know that most bankruptcies protect your possessions. This means you’ll likely get to keep your home and car. If you’re on the verge of foreclosure, bankruptcy will buy you time to renegotiate the mortgage.

3. Elimination of Debt

When you have mountains of debt, you can’t move forward especially if you can barely make the minimum payments. Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates unsecured credit card debt, unpaid medical bills and personal loans. You’ll be able to pay your normal bills on time and start saving for emergencies.

4. Financial Education for Your Future

In order for bankruptcy to give you a truly clean start, you must learn the skills necessary to never find yourself in this position again. During the bankruptcy process, you’ll … Read the rest >>>

Joshua Brown by — January 19, 2022 in Steps Of A Civil Lawsuit
What to Expect at Your First Civil Court Hearing

If you’re considering filing a lawsuit in civil court, you may be wondering what to expect during your first hearing. There are many important aspects of a civil court hearing you should know. Listed below are the steps you should take at your first court hearing. During this stage, you may want to read up on the Status hearing, Witnesses, and Costs. Hopefully, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect and how to handle them during the course of your case.

Status hearing

A status hearing is a meeting with the judge to discuss a case. It gives the parties involved an opportunity to present their case and argue for or against their position. The hearing is an opportunity for attorneys to explain their position and give updates to the court. While major decisions are not made at a status hearing, it is important to note that it can be used to settle a case or enter into a plea bargain. Listed below are some of the key factors to consider at a status hearing.

Interrogatories

The parties to a civil court hearing may use interrogatories to get information from each other. Interrogatories can be served by mail or hand delivery. Electronic service is available through the Maryland Department of Electronic Commerce. When responding to interrogatories, the party making the interrogatory must clearly specify what records they wish to get and provide sufficient detail to answer the questions. Both parties are allowed to submit up to 30 written … Read the rest >>>

Joshua Brown by — January 16, 2022 in Civil Court Hearing
Application Proceedings in Civil Procedure

An application proceedings begins when the applicant files a notice of motion, which advises the respondent of his or her claim. This notice will typically be accompanied by a founding affidavit. The responding party must serve an opposing affidavit to dispute the allegations of fact set forth in the applicant’s affidavit. After receiving the opposing affidavit, the applicant may file a replying affidavit.

Notice of application to strike out

Generally, a party can request to have proceedings struck out if the evidence in support of its claim is insufficient. This is a less-severe remedy than dismissal, but it still carries significant consequences. Bringing a strike out application at the earliest possible date will help avoid wasted time and costs, and will also ensure that all parties involved know the issues that are going to be tried. If, however, the application is brought too late, a party may have waived its right to dispose of the proceedings.

Whether an application is properly filed can be determined by examining whether it meets the standards of fairness and legality. Courts are expected to adhere to these standards and should not be abused. Failure to comply with the rules can seriously affect the integrity of the judicial process. It can also cost a party a trial date or window, causing significant administrative headaches for the court. Regardless of the reason, the right to argue is a basic right that a party must adhere to.

Service requirements

Rule 5 governs nearly every court document, from … Read the rest >>>

Joshua Brown by — January 7, 2022 in Application Proceedings In Civil Procedure