West Michigan Attorneys Blog | Keller & Almassian, PLC

Congratulations Todd Almassian

August 27, 2015

Todd was recently selected by his peers and named the Best Lawyers’ 2016 Grand Rapids Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law "Lawyer of the Year".

Todd Almassian

Best Bankruptcy Practices

August 24, 2015

At Keller & Almassian, PLC each client is paired with a bankruptcy paralegal. Paralegals often make the clients more comfortable. The Paralegal can help the client gather and organize their documents. Having the Paralegal prepare pleadings is an excellent way to keep the cost of down for the client.

Best Bankruptcy Practices: The Good & The Bad

August 19, 2015

Potential bankruptcy clients are undoubtedly facing difficult issues. Bankruptcy may be able to cure a client’s difficulties, it can just as easily create more problems. At Keller & Almassian, PLC we describe the benefits of bankruptcy and outline potential pit falls. It is important for our clients to fully comprehend the impact of bankruptcy.

Best Bankruptcy Practices: Discover the Financial Problem

August 17, 2015

Our attorneys explore with the client the true underlying cause of their problem, and tailor the advice specifically to the problem they are having. The Keller & Almassian, PLC approach is to first listen to the client’s situation; and second to describe solutions and how each solution would address the client’s problems. For example, if the potential client has non-dischargeable priority tax debt, a second mortgage that can be stripped, and unserviceable unsecured debt, it is best to explain how each proposed option will address these issues differently.

Best Bankruptcy Practices: The Bankruptcy Interview

August 17, 2015

When interviewed by our attorneys, potential clients are asked important questions. To keep the clients best interest in mind, sometimes these questions are asked in more than one way. This is especially crucial in bankruptcy. Answers to these questions may require more than a yes or no. Not getting the correct answers can be a sanctionable mistake, especially with increased scrutiny now being given to the information contained in bankruptcy pleadings. For example, a client may not understand that the attorney needs to know about their fractional ownership interests in assets, such as vehicles, joint bank accounts with relatives, or a family cottage. Instead of simply asking if the client owns any other bank accounts, we ask, “are you aware of your parents adding your name to their bank accounts for estate planning purposes?”

MLive Article

August 7, 2015

Despite big losses, creditors supporting Family Christian Stores bankruptcy sale

Foreclosure

July 17, 2015

One of the most frightening things that can happen is for someone to face the prospect of losing their home. As bills fall behind, homeowners may face foreclosure actions. When a bank forecloses on your home, it may seem impossible to find a way to prevent them from selling your property and evicting you and your family. This may not be the case.

Preference

July 9, 2015

An individual facing harassment by a creditor may go to extreme lengths to stop the barrage of phone calls and letters demanding payment. They may sell their belongings to make payments to the creditor, or may divert funds intended for rent and other living expenses in response to the threats of the debt collector. Debt collectors know that the adage “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” applies to collection as well, and they understand that they will get the most money for their clients if they make a debtor uncomfortable or by making them fearful that further action will be taken, such as garnishment of wages or levy of bank accounts.

Bankruptcy & Income Taxes

June 26, 2015

There are certain categories of debt that cannot normally be discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. Among these is a liability for income taxes owed to the IRS or to the State, which can create significant difficulties for individuals who find they need protection under the Bankruptcy Code.
In certain circumstances, income taxes may be dischargeable, but it can be complicated to determine if your taxes may be discharged without a qualified bankruptcy attorney to assist you. The Bankruptcy Code identifies the types of income tax debts that are not dischargeable by referencing the section of the Code related to debt priorities, and there the Code lays out a number of criteria to apply to determine if a debt would qualify for discharge.