I will be on CNN Radio, 9 am CT, this Saturday, on Bankruptcy and Credit Scoring. Tune in at www.cnn650.com or 650 AM in Houston.

Most consumer bankruptcy attorneys do not understand Chapter 11. Most of our cases are Chapter 7 or 13, but there are sometimes that Chapter 11 is the best choice.

The most common use of Chapter 11 for indvidual debtors whose debts exceed the approximately $1 million secured and $336K unsecured Chapter 13 debt limits. Those above these amounts who have a business or other non-exempt property cannot do Chapter 7 or they will lose it to the Trustee.

While Chapter 11 is expensive if done right it can provide you with some incredible benefits. One of the best advantages is that you can take more than five years to pay off your creditors. Another is that you can cram down vehicles even if you have not had them for 910 days.

Finding the right attorney is hard. I represent Chapter 11 clients and I will consider taking your case even if you live outside of my area. Feel free to call (888) 305-1919 to make an appointment.

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that loan applications rose 17 from the week before says the Hosuton Business Journal, perhaps in an attempt to grab headlines that the economy is improving. Asie from the fact that is just one week, it is just another example of how the media is part of the problem by portraying a recovery that is not happening.

Bankruptcy filings also increased in August, especially Chapter 13 which is usually used to save a home from foreclosure. This is a better barometer of the economy. I think it will be two years before we are out of the economic crisis because we have not seen the full fallout of the mortgage crisis. Chapter 13 remains the best option for homeowners who want to save their home from foreclosure as mortgage companies still refuse to modify most distressed borrowers loans.