Ariano & Reppucci, PLLC

Let me just tell you, it is a bad idea to try and play games with your bankruptcy case. I don’t know if we should blame it out the movies, but for some reason many potential debtors come into my office with the intention of withholding information from their bankruptcy trustee. What’s worse is that [...]

Hands down the most common questions I receive from potential bankruptcy clients is regarding their family home. When you think about it, this should come as no surprise as this is often the family’s largest personal asset. In addition, there is often a tremendous emotional attachment to one’s home. Somewhere between the years of saving [...]

So, what is your most valuable asset – your house maybe? Then what? Often times the car is next in line. But, if you are married, wedding/engagement rings are pretty high on this list. Thus, it is not surprising that wedding/engagement rings are a subject of apprehension when filing for Arizona chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. The [...]

In case you are a new reader, I am an affordable Phoenix, Arizona bankruptcy attorney. I help consumers file for chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy protection under the bankruptcy code. Like many good Phoenix bankruptcy lawyers, I offer my clients free bankruptcy consultations. This allows potential clients to interview me and, in addition, for me to interview [...]

I am back today (better late than never, huh), with more information regarding what the heck “6 months food, fuel and provisions” actually means.  We last talked about grocery store gift cards – whether they are considered an exempt asset. Today I would like to mention a few things regarding prepaying your utility bills. Let’s go [...]

First, let me say, that if anyone knows the answer to this question can you please come in now? I mean, by God, just as I start to think I have it down cold, a case is assigned to a new trustee - one that turns all my ideas upside down. Before you get too worried [...]

I have said before, if you are expecting a substantial tax refund, you need to plan your chapter 7 bankruptcy filing around receiving that refund, it order to prevent its inclusion in the bankruptcy estate.  I recently had a client question this point, because her previous attorney had suggested that she need not worry about [...]

Well folks, it’s time for part two of how to maximize your bankruptcy exemptions: lien stripping. Last week we discussed lien avoidance as a way to remove the secured status of certain lien that impair your bankruptcy exemptions. Today I want to say a few words about lien stripping, which refers to the stripping of [...]

I was recently asked to explain the difference between a lien avoidance and lien stripping, and I am happy to oblige. Here is part 1. A lien can be thought of as a right to retain the lawful possession of the property of another until the owner fulfills a legal duty to the person holding [...]