As summer approaches, middle and high school students can choose from catalogues of camps that promise to improve everything from language skills to layup shots. Federal court camps prepare participants to be informed and engaged citizens in every walk of life, and at no cost. “We view the summer camps at our federal courthouses in...Read More

November 17, 2022 GUIDANCE FOR DEPARTMENT ATTORNEYS REGARDING STUDENT LOAN BANKRUPTCY LITIGATION Introduction This memorandum provides guidance (Guidance) to Department of Justice (Department) attorneys regarding requests to discharge student loans in bankruptcy cases. Developed in coordination with the Department of Education (Education), this Guidance will enhance consistency and equity in the handling of these cases....Read More

Each year, individuals in the bankruptcy process seek to discharge student loan debt in order to get the “fresh start” envisioned by the bankruptcy code. Congress has set a higher bar for discharging student loan debt compared to other debt—debtors who seek to discharge student loans must prove in a separate “adversary proceeding” that paying...Read More

Black’s Law Dictionary defines the term “Bankruptcy” simply as insolvency. I often explain to my clients that it basically means you owe more than you are worth. People who owe debts and file for bankruptcy protection are called “Debtors.” The people and companies that are owed the money are called “Creditors.” They say the word...Read More

Bankruptcy is public record. Fortunately, it is not easily accessible to the general public as someone looking would have to go to the Clerk’s Office or register on the PACER online system to look up the information. It does report on your credit report for 7 to 10 years (depending on the credit reporting bureau)...Read More

The Justice Department announced today that Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has selected Tara Twomey to serve as Director of the U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) at the Department of Justice. “The United States Trustee Program plays a critical role in ensuring the fairness of the bankruptcy process — including by providing impartial oversight and protecting...Read More

Consumer Tip: Make once, eat twice! Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas…a great meal to make on a weekend and enjoy again for quick lunch or dinner during the week. Ingredients: 2 lbs. of Chicken Tenderloins 3 Bell Peppers of any color 1 Yellow Onion 1 Lime 2 Packets of Fajita Seasoning Olive Oil Directions: Preheat oven...Read More

When I was a kid my mother would get us Irish Soda Bread once a year from the local bakery. It had raisins and caraway seeds in it. I thought it was a cross between raisin bread and rye bread. Simply put, I thought it was gross! As an adult, I have a friend that...Read More

As ever, when scammers spot a crisis in the world, they are there to take advantage. It’s true after natural disasters, when scammers set up fake charities that look and sound like real ones to try to get your money. And it’s true now that millions of people want to support the Ukrainian people. If...Read More

Effective Monday, March 7, 2022, the Judicial Branch will suspend the requirement of wearing a mask when entering a Judicial Branch facility. If COVID-19 activity increases in the state, mask use by individuals may again be required. Also effective March 7, 2022, the Judicial Branch requests but is not requiring jurors and prospective jurors to...Read More