Last updated 1 month ago
If you have recently made the decision to file for bankruptcy, your first step should be to contact an attorney who is experienced in handling Chapter 7 filings. If the legal process goes smoothly, you will eventually be required to attend what is known as a 341 meeting. Named after the 341 section of the Bankruptcy Code, a 341 meeting takes place between you, your attorney, and your creditors. At this meeting, you will be assigned a trustee who will oversee the discharge of your debts and ensure that you make prompt payments.
The attorneys at Dixon & Johnston, P.C. of Belleville are experienced in helping our St. Louis area clients successfully discharge their debts through Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Call us today at (618) 233-1103 to find out more about how our legal team can help you get back on your feet.
Last updated 2 months ago
Bankruptcy proceedings almost always have executory contracts that are structured in a way that allows the debtor to pay off his creditors in installments. As you will learn in this video, these contracts are extremely important.
A bankruptcy contract usually involves a mortgage or other land holding, and the decision of whether or not to enforce the contract can affect the estate’s assets. A contract is beneficial to the debtor because he is the first to decide whether the contract is enforced or denied.
If you are facing bankruptcy in the St. Louis Metro East or St. Louis County areas, you need an experienced attorney who can stand up to powerful creditors. Call the Belleville office of Dixon & Johnston, P.C. at (618) 233-1103 to speak to a bankruptcy lawyer and begin your road to financial recovery.
Last updated 2 months ago
Have you found yourself overwhelmed by debts and unable to make even the minimum monthly payments? Unfortunately, good people wind up in serious financial difficulties every day. If you have made the tough decision to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, be sure to contact an experienced bankruptcy lawyer to find out which legal mechanism is best for you to discharge your debt. Here are some bankruptcy errors that you should steer clear of.
Don’t Lie
If you are like most people who file for bankruptcy, you may be naturally concerned that you won’t qualify. The good news is that the vast majority of candidates do qualify for bankruptcy protection. But if you lie to your attorney or to the court now, your bankruptcy case may be dismissed offhand and you could be banned from trying to discharge your debts in the future.
Don’t Omit Creditors
When you are gathering financial documents for your attorney’s review, count all income and don’t leave out any creditors. Even if you do not list a credit card on your bankruptcy application, the company will know that you have filed for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. While you cannot hold on to credit cards, you may be able to keep a credit union account. If you aren’t certain, err on the side of full disclosure, and ask your attorney for his legal opinion.
Don’t Wait
If you know that your financial situation is desperate and filing for bankruptcy is your best option, contact a lawyer today. If you wait until your wages are garnished or your home foreclosure sale is pending, your attorney won’t have as much time to prepare a thorough bankruptcy petition.
If you are in the process of declaring bankruptcy, you may feel understandably emotional and overwhelmed by the complicated legal process. The attorneys at Dixon & Johnston, P.C. are well-versed in a wide range of practice areas, including Social Security law, bankruptcy law, and divorce law. If you live in the greater St. Louis or Belleville areas, call (618) 233-1103 to set up a free consultation today.
Last updated 2 months ago
Mental illness, like physical illness, can have long-term disabling effects. If you or a loved one suffers from a severe mental disability, contact an experienced Social Security lawyer to guide you through the legal process and help you determine which benefits you may qualify for. Keep reading to take a more in-depth look at Social Security Disability benefits and mental illness.
What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a federal government program that allots payments to individuals who are disabled and thus unable to work. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have worked for an allotted amount of time in the past and contributed to the Social Security trust fund.
Which Mental Disorders Qualify?
The government has a specific definition of disability. In order to qualify, an individual must have a medical impairment that imposes on her ability to work that has lasted or will last for at least one year. Disorders are grouped into categories such as organic mental disorders, schizophrenia, mental retardation, anxiety disorders, affective disorders, somatoform disorders, personality disorders, substance addiction, and autism.
If I Am Disabled, Will I Automatically Receive Benefits?
No. The Social Security Administration considers your earnings, the severity of your disability, and whether or not you may be able to do any other kind of work. Applicants should have a medical disability that directly impairs their capacity to perform work-related functions. If you cannot sustain daily work, you may be found to be disabled.
How Long Does the Process Take?
In order to expedite the sometimes lengthy interview process, you should speak to an attorney who is familiar with Social Security law and has handled SSDI cases. While two out of three people who apply for SSDI are initially rejected, most of these cases are later approved if the individuals elect to appeal the decision in court.
Whether your SSDI claim has been rejected or you are just beginning the process of applying for disability benefits, call the St. Louis area office of Belleville attorneys Dixon & Johnston, P.C. at (618) 233-1103.
Last updated 2 months ago
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a government program that makes monthly payments to low income individuals who meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of having a disability. If your child or loved one is under the age of 18, he can qualify for benefits if he meets this definition and his income and resources falls within the established limits. Here is an overview of how SSI payments for children work in Illinois and Missouri.
General Candidacy
SSI benefits are usually allotted only for individuals for whom Social Security Disability benefits are not an option. For example, young children who have little or no work history have not paid into Social Security and thus would not qualify for disability benefits. But if your child is disabled, he or she may qualify for SSI.
Income Test
When the Social Security Administration decides if your child qualifies for SSI, it will also take into account your income and the resources of anyone who shares the same household. These rules apply both if your child lives at home and if he or she is at school elsewhere but still frequently returns home. In order to qualify for SSI, the child must not be working and earning more than $1,040 each month. If his or her income or your family’s resources exceed this amount, the application may be denied. A Social Security lawyer can help guide you through the process to ensure that your family meets the income test.
Disability Test
To meet the government’s definition of disabled, a child must have a physical or mental condition or combination of the two that severely limits his or her daily activities. This medical condition either has been disabling or is expected to be disabling for at least 12 months.
The attorneys at Dixon & Johnston, P.C. have successfully represented metro St. Louis, Belleville, and southern Illinois clients in their claims and appeals for SSI. Our lawyers understand what it takes to overturn a denied claim, and we are committed to getting each client the financial support you are legally entitled to. To learn more, call us today at (618) 233-1103.
