can a repo hapoen when retaining a lawyer for bankruptcy in nc

by Dr. Ludwig O'Keefe 3 min read

While the simple act of retaining a bankruptcy attorney won't foil the repo man, once you actually file the bankruptcy case, the repossession cannot occur. The bankruptcy filing stays all collections and gives you time to come up with a plan. What is Bankruptcy?

Full Answer

What can creditors Repo in North Carolina?

North Carolina law gives creditors the right to repossess various items such as consumer goods, automobiles, furniture and machinery when a buyer has become delinquent.

When does a lienholder have the right to repossession in NC?

Repo laws in NC. Generally speaking if you are behind on your car payments or fail to maintain required insurance that triggers a "default" under the contract. Upon default, the lienholder usually has the right to immediate repossession absent some "grace period" provided for in the language of the contract.

Can a debt be repossessed after bankruptcy?

Repossession is proper after discharge Debts discharged in bankruptcy are gone forever and don’t ever have to be paid back. It’s illegal for creditors to attempt collection on discharged debts. However, repossession of property backing a secured debt is allowed after discharge.

How do I file a complaint against a repossession in NC?

You can always contact the NC Attorney General's Office to file a Complaint or ask about the legality of actions of the creditor. Reply Lance 1/26/2017 07:30:12 pm I have a question on repossession, I had unpaid debt, like most back in 2015.

What is the most common item to be repossessed in North Carolina?

Repossession laws vary by State and the information provided here only applies in North Carolina. This blog article will mainly focus on car repossession as that is the most common item to be repossessed. Other personal property subject to possible repossession include: boat repossession, motorcycle repossession, air conditioner repossession, furnace and AC repossession, water filter repossession, window repossession, and even repossession of household goods such as TV’s, furniture, and jewelry.

How long does it take for a company to repossess a contract?

That being said most contracts allow for immediate repossession if you are in default. Many major finance companies wait 90 days before repossession and even call or send letters first as repossession is generally not want they want.

What happens if you default on your car insurance?

Generally speaking if you are behind on your car payments or fail to maintain required insurance that triggers a "default" under the contract. Upon default, the lienholder generally has the right to immediate repossession unless there is a "grace period" provided for in the language of the contract.

Can a creditor sue you for repossession?

Well- the creditor may elect to sue for any remaining balance or simply decide to write off the debt and issue you a 1099-C. They usually will report the repossession on your credit report. Whether they decide to sue depends on how much money is still owed and how aggressive the creditor is.

Can you repo a car if there is no court order?

You can certainly refuse to allow a car repo if there is no Court Order. That being said they can take it if you do not protest. They can take it from your driveway in the middle of the night. Although they can't "break" into your garage, some do anyway. They can also follow you to work or the grocery store and repo your vehicle from the parking lot. It is hard to hide from the repo man forever.

Can repo man break into garage?

Essentially- the Repo man can’t break into your garage to retrieve a vehicle, although they can tow a car parked in your driveway or on the street. If the Repo man knocks on your front door you have no legal duty to open your garage for him to gain access.

Can a repossession agent track a vehicle?

The finance company or lender does not typically track your vehicle, if you fall behind and the lender meets the statutory requirements under default or delinquent payment and remedies allowed under your contract. The lender may pursue repossession of your vehicle. Now, comes the dirty part, repossession agent can access the LPR (license plate recognition) database. LPR is software, once used solely by law enforcement, that allows a lender or repossession agent to track your vehicle.

What is a repo?

A repo is short for repossession. Repossession is the legal method used by a creditor to take a vehicle back when a person is not paying their car loan payments . When you borrow money to purchase a vehicle or borrow money against your vehicle, the lender has a lien on the car title.

How does Chapter 7 bankruptcy work?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy case wipes away old debts. For many debtors, filing a Chapter 7 case can help them improve their credit score much faster than ignoring the debts. A good credit rating can help you go back to school, live in an area you choose, and get the job you want.

How long does it take to get your car back after bankruptcy?

A Chapter 13 repayment plan can help you get your car back and keep your car after a repo. However, there are a few things to keep in mind: 1 You only have 10-days to act. you must be very quick because you only have ten days to file the Chapter 13 bankruptcy forms to stop the lender from selling the car. Once the car is sold, filing a Chapter 13 case does not get the car back. 2 You have to pay the past due amount. In a Chapter 13 repayment plan, you pay the past due car payments to the creditor. In most cases, you pay the entire loan through the bankruptcy repayment plan. You may be able to lower your car payments and the interest rate on the car loan by filing a Chapter 13 case.

What happens if you don't pay your car loan?

Secured creditors have the right to take property if a person does not pay the loan payments. Therefore, if you do not pay your car payments, the lender will repo your car.

Why do people file Chapter 7?

People file Chapter 7 for many reasons. Unemployment, medical bills, credit card debt, injuries, and divorce are just some of the reasons why a person may need to file for bankruptcy relief.

Can you file Chapter 7 after repossession?

Filing Chapter 7 After a Repossession. When you file a Chapter 7 case, you do not file a repayment plan. Debtors in Chapter 7 are not required to repay any portion of their debts, except for debts that cannot be discharged (alimony, student loans, child support, etc.). A bankruptcy discharge gets rid of the legal responsibility to repay a debt.

Can you sell a car after repossessed?

After the lender repossesses the vehicle, it can sell the vehicle. The money from the sale of the vehicle is used to pay off the loan. If any money is left over after the sale, the lender should return the money to the owner. However, that is usually not the case.

What is an attorney hired for?

Attorneys are hired to perform a service. They charge a specified fee for their services. Providing the services takes time. If the attorney you hired took time to work on your bankruptcy case, something was done. Services were provided.

Can an attorney get time back?

Since the attorney can’t get the time back, the client is not entitled to get money back. But this all hinges on whether or not the attorney performed any work in relation to the case. If an attorney took time to work on your case, they have earned some or all of the initial retainer. Depending on the situation and what happened after ...

Can a bankruptcy attorney get a refund?

If the attorney was paid and no paperwork was completed or prepared for the bankruptcy case, the petitioner (who never actually became a petitioner) is entitled to a refund. In some cases, they could be entitled to the entire retainer fee.

How to avoid repossession after Chapter 7?

The way to prevent car repossession after Chapter 7 discharge is to stay current on your monthly payments. You can keep your car and continue making the payments by entering into a reaffirmation agreement with your car lender during your bankruptcy case. It’s up to the bankruptcy court to approve a reaffirmation agreement or up to your attorney, ...

How to remove a lien from a car after bankruptcy?

Generally, the only way to remove a lien against property is to pay the lien off. If you want to keep your car that has a secured debt attached to it, you must keep up with your monthly payments and pay the car lender back after bankruptcy.

What happens if you sign a reaffirmation agreement?

If you signed a reaffirmation agreement that was accepted by the bankruptcy court, then you’re on the hook for any deficiency balance. Redemption in bankruptcy allows you to pay the lender the fair market value of the car in a lump sum, rather than paying the amount you owe.

What is the purpose of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

The purpose of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to put you in a better financial situation than before filing and give you a fresh start. Keep reading to find out what to expect if your car is repossessed after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Written by Attorney Jenni Klock Morel. Updated January 5, 2021. Table of Contents.

What happens if you don't pay your car loan?

If you fail to make your monthly car loan payments, the car lender will repossess your vehicle. After a car repossession, the lender will typically sell the motor vehicle at auction. A deficiency balance occurs when the amount received at auction is less than the amount owed on the loan balance.

What does it mean to reaffirm a car loan?

Bankruptcy Code requires secured debts for personal property, including car notes, to be reaffirmed. Reaffirming your car loan means that you will be personally liable to pay back the debt after bankruptcy. If you fail to make your monthly car loan payments, the car lender will repossess your vehicle.

What is Upsolve for bankruptcy?

5 minute read • Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free. Think TurboTax for bankruptcy. Get free education, customer support, and community. Featured in Forbes 4x and funded by institutions like Harvard University so we'll never ask you for a credit card. Explore our free tool

Why does a car repossess if it is not insured?

For a leased or financed car, failure to maintain car insurance will provide a creditor with grounds to repossess the vehicle, because not having insurance constitutes a material breach of the contract.

What is a purchase and sale contract in North Carolina?

In North Carolina the purchase and sale contract between the buyer and seller will contain the legal rights and remedies of the parties. Carefully examine the paperwork that was signed at purchase to see what remedies or requirements are available. For example, a purchase contract might allow a grace period on a missed payment. If an item is repossessed within the grace period, such a repossession might be unlawful.#N#In addition, most contracts for goods must comply with the North Carolina Retail Installment Sales Act, which is set out in Chapter 25A of the North Carolina Code. Review the terms of the contract to ensure that the agreement complies with state law.

Can a creditor enter a property for repossession without notice?

So long as no breach of the peace occurs, a creditor may enter your property for the repossession without providing notice. A creditor may demand full payment. If full payment is not made, the seller will then auction off the property.

Can a delinquent buyer repossess a property in North Carolina?

North Carolina law gives creditors the right to repossess various items such as consumer goods, automobiles, furniture and machinery when a buyer has become delinquent. While property is generally repossessed via foreclosure actions which provides many homeowner protections, repossession can proceed immediately upon a delinquency with no notice.

Can a lender repossess an item?

Lenders generally do not want to repossess an item. Repossession is time-consuming and expensive. When a person falls behind on payments, it is always advisable to contact the lender to see whether an alternative arrangement may be made.

Can a creditor garnish a note in North Carolina?

If the property sells for less than the value of the note, the lender has the right to seek the difference from the original buyer, in addition to reimbursement for repossession costs. North Carolina does not allow for wage garnishments, so a creditor is likely to seek a civil judgment and lien against a debtor. References.

What is bankruptcy in North Carolina?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which an individual who cannot pay his or her bills can get a fresh financial start. The right to file for bankruptcy is provided by federal law, and all bankruptcy cases are handled in federal court. (see North Carolina Court Directory) Filing bankruptcy immediately stops all of your creditors ...

How long does bankruptcy last?

Bankruptcy will probably not make things any worse. The fact that you've filed a bankruptcy can appear on your credit record for ten years. But since bankruptcy wipes out your old debts, you are likely to be in a better position to pay your current bills, and you may be able to get new credit. Back to Top.

How long does it take for a creditor to stop collecting?

After you file the bankruptcy petition, the court mails a notice to all the creditors listed in your bankruptcy schedules. This usually takes a couple of weeks.

What debts can be discharged in bankruptcy?

Discharge types of debts singled out by the bankruptcy law for special treatment, such as child support, alimony, certain other debts related to divorce, some student loans, court restitution orders, criminal fines, and some taxes. (see North Carolina Non-Dischargeable Debts) Protect cosigners on your debts.

How long can you file for bankruptcy?

You can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy again after six years has passed from the date of your last filing. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be filed at any time.

How much is a bankruptcy report?

You can order a copy of a bankruptcy filing. A basic summary if $29, if you include the creditor list it is $69, and a full paper report is $125. Click here to order.

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 is known as "straight" bankruptcy or "liquidation.". It requires a debtor to give up property which exceeds certain limits called "exemptions", so the property can be sold to pay creditors. Chapter 11, known as "reorganization", is used by businesses and a few individual debtors whose debts are very large.

Can you give up your house in bankruptcy?

In your bankruptcy, you can choose to “give up” or surrender your secured property such as a house or a car to eliminate the debt. It would be lovely in the world of bankruptcy if you could just eliminate the debt and keep the property, but if that were the case, everyone would file bankruptcy! Once your case is filed, the court will notify your ...

Can you get relief from stay in bankruptcy?

Since you have indicated that you no longer wish to retain the property, your bankruptcy attorney will not object to this motion, which will result in an Order from Relief from Stay. Once the order comes through, the lender has every right to start the foreclosure or repossession process.