THE ERISA GRINCH

Who thinks it’s a good idea to write a Christmas-themed ERISA blog post? Why we do, that’s Who! In our practice, we deal with all manner and sort of insurance companies while advocating for our clients’ benefit entitlements under ERISA-governed group long-term disability (LTD) plans …

What To Expect When Filing Bankruptcy

Like most of life’s big decisions, the thought of filing for bankruptcy can be scary, overwhelming, emotional, confusing or a combination of all of these.  It can also ignite thoughts of hope and determination – for your family’s future, financial peace,and the lifting of an …

Common LTD Policy Exclusions

When you file a claim for long-term disability (“LTD”) insurance benefits, you naturally expect that the insurance company will comply, treat you fairly, and pay the benefits to which you are entitled. However, the vast majority of group (ERISA) LTD policies contain limitations and exclusions …

Essex Richards Launches Bankruptcy Blog

Essex Richards is excited to announce the launch of our Bankruptcy blog. The blog, written by bankruptcy attorney Heather Culp, will cover questions and issues that arise in filing for personal bankruptcy, as well as other debt-related legal matters. Topics will include the differences in …

Can I leave a Certain Debt Out of the Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy clients frequently have this question, and the quick and simple answer is NO:   under penalty of perjury, all debts must be listed in a bankruptcy. From consulting with hundreds of clients filing for bankruptcy, we have found that folks ask this question for one …

Will I Have To Go To Court?

Many people are intimidated by the legal system – at least the one portrayed in movies and T.V. legal dramas – speaking in front of a judge, being sworn in, appealing to a jury, facing your creditors.  But in the case of bankruptcy, rest assured, …

Will My Bankruptcy Hurt My Spouse?

Your marriage has been a model of relational accord since saying “I Do” a few decades ago, with one major exception: finances. Money – one of the most significant weights and causes for discord placed on most marriages. Jobs have been unsteady, hospital bills have …

Will I Ever Get Credit Again, After Bankruptcy?

If you’ve ever had to file bankruptcy, one of your overwhelming questions was likely, “will I ever have credit again?” I hear this question from almost every client, and why wouldn’t I?  It’s a big one! The vast majority of our bankruptcy clients receive credit …

What Are My Options For Dealing With Debt?

One of the first questions I typically get in bankruptcy consultations is, “what do I do with the debt?” As with most things, the answer is “it depends.” It depends on the type of debt and your personal situation, but in general, the below are …

Heather Culped Named to Leaders in the Law

Welcome to Essex Richards’ Bankruptcy Blog

Welcome to the first blog post from the bankruptcy group at Essex Richards. I often think about what my clients have been through before they make the decision to give me a call.  They have likely been putting off calling for months, sometimes years, so …

Reliance on Conflict

It seems like just about everyone these days is talking about conflicts of interest. The dems say the repubs are conflicted. The repubs say the dems are conflicted. Chaucer says everyone’s conflicted (“doctors & druggists wash each other’s hands”). A Canterbury Tales reference? Super hip, …