Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger

09/01/2026

Settling past-due accounts can help resolve severe delinquencies, but timing and debt size matter. Before negotiating with creditors or hiring a settlement firm, know your rights under federal credit reporting guidelines to protect your financial recovery.

Learn how debt settlement can impact your credit score and discover strategies to minimize negative effects on your financial health.

08/28/2026

A bankruptcy discharge gives you a fresh start, but rebuilding your credit takes proactive steps. From checking credit reports for discharged account errors to opening secured credit tools, taking control helps restore long-term stability.

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-recover-from-bankruptcy/?

Recovering from bankruptcy takes time. Learn how to rebuild credit, manage money and create a stronger financial foundation.

08/25/2026

Are you responsible for a deceased family member's debts? Unless you co-signed or shared the account, debts are generally paid from the estate—not your personal funds. Learn how to protect your rights when debt collectors call.

When a loved one dies, you may learn about debts they owed before they died. You may not recognize these debts. If you are a surviving spouse or family member, you may even wonder if that debt now belongs to you. This is a very common experience among survivors.

08/21/2026

The moment you file for bankruptcy, the court issues an "automatic stay." This legal protection immediately halts wage garnishment, foreclosure, and debt collection efforts. Discover how an automatic stay protects your assets while you work toward a fresh start.

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/automaticstay.asp

08/18/2026

Don't let skyrocketing interest rates and mounting bills keep you trapped. Personal bankruptcy filings are up because the process offers real, legal protection from creditors and a true path to recovery. Find out how you can take back control of your finances today.

https://moneywise.com/managing-money/debt/personal-bankruptcy-filings-rising-americans-debt

08/14/2026

Filing for bankruptcy can provide a fresh financial start, but not everyone automatically qualifies for debt relief. Factors like income level, prior bankruptcy filings, and recent financial actions can impact your eligibility under federal bankruptcy laws. Knowing these requirements helps ensure you understand your rights before taking action.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-disqualifies-you-from-filing-for-bankruptcy/?

Bankruptcy can wipe the financial slate clean, but in some instances, you may not be allowed to file for it.

08/11/2026

Canceled debt is generally treated as taxable income by the IRS, but key exceptions such as insolvency, bankruptcy, or qualified debt exclusions can protect you from paying income taxes on the forgiven amount. Partnering with a skilled tax attorney ensures you properly file IRS Form 982 and avoid unnecessary tax liabilities on discharged debts.

What happens with debt cancellation when it comes to taxes? When a lender forgives debt you owe, find out whether its taxable or not.

08/07/2026

Under federal safety laws, employees generally have the right to refuse work that poses an immediate and serious risk of physical harm. However, this legal protection usually requires you to notify your supervisor about the hazard and ask for a fix before walking away. Understanding these guidelines ensures you can stand up for your safety without jeopardizing your job.

Understand what Bankruptcy is and how it works. Learn if Bankruptcy is the right deb relief solution for you.

08/04/2026

Chapter 12 bankruptcy offers a specialized debt reorganization path that allows family farmers and commercial fishermen to restructure their debts over 3 to 5 years while keeping their operations running. Partnering with a skilled bankruptcy attorney ensures your farm or fishery meets strict statutory eligibility thresholds and successfully establishes a court-approved repayment plan.

Chapter 12 is a special form of bankruptcy filing in the United States that applies specifically to farms and fisheries.

07/31/2026

Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers individuals and sole proprietors a way to protect major assets like homes and vehicles while setting up an manageable payment plan. This process temporarily halts most creditor collections, giving you breathing room to catch up on overdue debts. To keep these legal protections, you must fulfill key responsibilities like staying up to date on all past and current tax returns.

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/chapter-13-bankruptcy-voluntary-reorganization-of-debt-for-individuals?