Archive for the ‘Brent Diefenderfer’ Category

Millions of student loan borrowers across the United States are about to face a harsh reality. Starting May 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education will begin resuming collection efforts on federal student loans that are in default—a move that could result in wage garnishments, tax refund interceptions and social security setoffs, and other aggressive collection efforts. This marks the end of a long period of forbearance that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, federal student loans in default have not been referred to collection, and no wage garnishments or offsets have been pursued. However, that era of… read more »

For homeowners in Pennsylvania facing the risk of real estate tax sale proceedings, filing for bankruptcy can provide critical relief. The automatic stay, a powerful legal provision under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, offers homeowners protection by immediately halting real estate tax sale proceedings. This article explores the impact of the automatic stay in Pennsylvania, emphasizing how it grants homeowners more time to either sell their property for its fair market value or repay real estate tax arrears within a 60-month term through bankruptcy. Understanding the Automatic Stay: The automatic stay is a fundamental component of bankruptcy law, specifically outlined in… read more »

Interest rates continue to rise, and individuals and businesses grappling with substantial credit card and unsecured debt find themselves navigating treacherous financial waters. Traditionally, debt consolidation programs have offered an alternative to bankruptcy by combining multiple debts into a single, manageable payment. However, as interest rates reach unprecedented highs, the once-reliable lifeboat of debt consolidation is increasingly becoming a sinking ship. As an experienced bankruptcy attorney, I’m now witnessing a shift in the financial dynamics that make bankruptcy a more viable option for those drowning in debt. Here are a few reasons why bankruptcy continues to gain prominence over debt… read more »

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) not only jeopardizes your life and the lives and safety of others – it’s also a financial nightmare with ruinous consequences. Court fees, costs and restitution are higher than you might think – not to mention potentially enormous damages demanded by victims for property damage and personal injury.  When you factor in the potential loss of your driver’s license or employment, the picture of financial devastation becomes very clear. As part of my bankruptcy practice, I help people get a fresh start from debt. Most of the time, these debts involve situations outside of my… read more »

Bankruptcy is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that cloud people’s understanding of this legal process. It is essential to separate fact from fiction to make informed decisions about financial matters. In this article, we aim to debunk the top five most common bankruptcy myths and provide accurate information to help individuals better understand the process. Fact: Bankruptcy laws include exemptions that protect certain assets from liquidation. These exemptions vary by jurisdiction but typically cover essential items such as your home, vehicle, clothing, and necessary household goods. Most individuals who file for bankruptcy can retain their essential assets while finding… read more »

Divorce is often accompanied by emotional and financial turmoil, with disputes over debt being a common source of contention between spouses. However, in certain situations, filing for bankruptcy can alleviate the burden of debt-related conflicts and make the divorce process less contested and easier. This article explores how bankruptcy can simplify divorce cases by removing the need to fight over debt. 1. Debt Discharge: Filing for bankruptcy allows individuals to discharge or eliminate certain types of debt, depending on the bankruptcy chapter chosen (such as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13). Discharging debts can significantly impact a divorce case by eliminating… read more »

By Attorney Brent C. Diefenderfer Seeking help from a bankruptcy attorney early in your financial struggles can significantly impact the outcome of your bankruptcy case. An early consultation allows for a more strategic approach to your bankruptcy filing by providing ample time to plan and prepare. Here are a few examples highlighting the benefits of early assistance: 1. Preserving Assets and Maximizing Exemptions: When you consult a bankruptcy attorney in advance, they can guide you on protecting your assets within the confines of bankruptcy laws. By strategically planning asset transfers and utilizing exemptions, you can safeguard your property while obtaining… read more »

The jury issued its verdict yesterday in the Virginia defamation lawsuit between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard. After three weeks of trial, the jury concluded that Ms. Heard’s statements were defamatory. Yesterday’s verdict has left many people asking whether damages awarded in a defamation case are dischargeable in bankruptcy.  Ordinarily, when a person files bankruptcy and receives a discharge, this means that the bankrupt party’s debts are eliminated and do not need to be repaid. Dischargeability depends upon what else the jury concludes. The Bankruptcy Code says that debts based on liability “for willful and malicious injury by… read more »

Join York County Economic Alliance and CGA Law Firm for a Leadership Webinar on bankruptcy. CGA Law Firm’s experienced Bankruptcy Attorneys Larry Young and Brent Diefenderfer provide an overview on bankruptcy law and procedures for a business or an individual considering a filing. Please follow the link below to access the webinar on Business Bankruptcy. Please follow the link below to access the webinar on Personal Bankruptcy. To learn more about Bankruptcy and Debt Restructuring, visit our website. AttorneyBrent C. Diefenderfer is a shareholder with CGA Law Firm.  Brent is a board certified Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist by the American Board of Certification and is one of only… read more »

Join the York County Economic Alliance and CGA Law Firm for a Virtual Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, August 6 at 2 p.m. CGA Law Firm’s experienced bankruptcy attorneys, Haley Rohrbaugh, Brent Diefenderfer, and Larry Young, will provide an overview on bankruptcy law and procedures to consider for filing for personal bankruptcy.  You can register to receive an email with a link to join the webinar by clicking HERE, but registration is not required. For privacy, attendees can join this presentation and ask questions anonymously. CLICK HERE to join the webinar at 2 p.m. on August 6. Brent C. Diefenderfer is a shareholder with CGA… read more »