Payne & Black, LLC

06/05/2026

Federal law strictly prohibits debt collectors from revealing your debt to third parties like family, friends, or your employer, limiting contact with them solely to verifying your location details. Additionally, collectors are forbidden from calling your workplace entirely if you notify them that your employer bans personal calls.

Debt collectors can’t disclose your debt to others. They can only contact others to find your address, phone number, or workplace. Learn your rights and limits.

06/04/2026

While marriage equality provides many legal protections, estate planning remains an important step for both married and unmarried same-sex couples. Learn more about strategies that can help safeguard your loved ones and legacy.

An estate plan tailored for same‑sex couples is both an expression of love and a practical necessity. While marriage equality offers some protections, significant legal and financial differences remain, particularly for unmarried partners. By creating a clear plan that addresses property ownership...

06/02/2026

A bankruptcy discharge permanently releases you from personal liability for specific debts, legally forbidding creditors from taking further collection actions. However, certain obligations like child support and tax claims cannot be wiped out, making it essential to consult a bankruptcy attorney to safely navigate the filing process. https://www.uscourts.gov/court-programs/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics/discharge-bankruptcy-bankruptcy-basics

06/02/2026

Selecting the right executor requires choosing an organized, reliable individual who can manage complex administrative tasks, navigate family dynamics, and dedicate months to settling your estate. To prevent delays and legal hurdles, avoid automatically appointing co-executors, obtain the candidate's prior consent, and name an alternate or estate attorney to handle the process.

This decision can be one of the toughest parts of estate planning

05/29/2026

Are debt collectors blowing up your phone, tracking you down on social media, or calling your workplace? Under the FDCPA, you have the right to demand they stop - but stopping the calls doesn't make the debt vanish. If you are tired of playing defense against aggressive collection agencies, let us help you go on offense with a comprehensive bankruptcy strategy. Check out your rights below.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from unfair tactics like threats or calls at odd hours. Know your rights and how to handle FDCPA violations.

05/28/2026

Estate planning puts you in control of your assets and care—start with an inventory, update beneficiaries, and set durable powers of attorney and health‑care directives. Review regularly and consult an estate‑planning attorney for a confidential, state‑specific review.

For estate planning, take inventory, account for family needs, establish directives, review beneficiaries, note state tax laws, weigh getting help and reassess.

05/26/2026

Want better loan rates or to avoid surprises when renting or applying for a job? Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus, check for mistakes (wrong accounts, duplicate debts, or unknown addresses), and dispute errors promptly. Here’s a quick guide:

Understanding what is in a credit report and how to read it can help you better manage your finances. Learn how to get your credit report and spot errors on it.

05/26/2026

Did you know that outdated beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts or life insurance policies can completely override your trust? Do not let a simple paperwork mismatch misdirect your inheritance. Check out these five vital trust rules and call us to update your plan.

Seniors should review these five revocable living trust rules before June to avoid probate mistakes, tax confusion, and Medicaid surprises.

05/22/2026

An emergency (or “skeleton”) bankruptcy petition can quickly trigger an automatic stay to halt foreclosure or repossession, but you must file required follow‑up schedules and statements—typically within 14 days—so consult a bankruptcy attorney or your local court rules before filing. https://www.justia.com/bankruptcy/emergency-bankruptcy/

05/21/2026

Estate planning involves more than simply filling out forms or using online templates. Learn more about the role an estate planning attorney can play in helping protect your assets and long-term wishes.

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate-planning/lawyers-role/