Ronald I. LeVine has been an attorney in the NY/NJ metropolitan area extending over 4 decades and has been an important force in protecting the rights of individuals and businesses. He is currently the Chair, NJ State Bar Association Special Committee on Consumer Protection Law. He has served the public in many capacities: as an elected official, public defender, and municipal judge (Midland Park Borough 1988-1994).

Expert Articles by Ronald I. LeVine

Bankruptcy Law

Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection provides you with a fresh financial start Chapter 13 reorganization gives the debtor (the person filing the bankruptcy) a chance to wipe out the same kind of debts as with Chapter 7 (actually a few more). In addition, you can change the terms...

Expert Articles Sponsored by Ronald I. LeVine

Bankruptcy Law

	The right bankruptcy attorney will protect your assets Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are now an expert at bankruptcy law because of what you found on the Internet. Remember what Samuel Clemens said, "It ain't what you don't know that gets y...
	Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection provides you with a fresh financial start Chapter 13 reorganization gives the debtor (the person filing the bankruptcy) a chance to wipe out the same kind of debts as with Chapter 7 (actually a few more). In addition, you can change the terms...
	Chapter 11 business bankruptcy requires fast and specific action Chapter 11 is a vehicle with many advantages for a business reorganization. Among other things, it provides breathing space for the company to negotiate with creditors, the ability to deal with all cr...
	Prepare for your bankruptcy 341 meeting of creditors The 341 meeting of creditors are usually quick, simple, non-adversarial hearings designed to verify that the information provided to the bankruptcy court is correct. This hearing affords you an opport...
	Creditors can protect their rights in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy Although no creditor wants to learn that its borrower or debtor has filed for bankruptcy, creditors armed with the knowledge of their rights and limitations under the Bankruptcy Code are prepared to q...
	How to file Chapter 12 bankruptcy for family farmers and fishermen Chapter 12 may provide the solution for a family farmer or family fisherman in financial distress. It provides debtors with the breathing room to develop and work a plan to pay off all or a portion of...

Credit and Debt Management

	How to rebuild your credit after clearing up debt problems With the right plan in place, you can secure your financial future in spite of the chaos of our current economy. The key is to build good financial habits to replace the bad ones that landed you in fi...
	How to pay down credit card debt on your own Paying down credit card debt on your own is possible for many people. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, start by creating and using a simple monthly budget. Then choose either the avalanche or snowball ...
	Avoiding holiday debt Learn how to create a strategy that helps you avoid depending on credit cards and racking up too much debt during the winter holidays. With careful planning and the right amount of preparation, you ca...
	Stay out of debt and within your budget when shopping for the holidays With just a little effort and planning, you can create and use a simple holiday budget. When you work from a budget, your holidays can be far more carefree. Ultimately, you will be able to focus on jo...
	Get a credit card with low interest rate and great rewards program Applying for a credit card requires preparation, so make sure you take the necessary steps beforehand to set yourself up for continued financial success....
	Avoid late fees and lower interest charges with debt consolidation With debt consolidation, you may be able to simplify on-time payments. But remember that it does not address the need to look at the root problem. It will be important to make a commitment to turning ...
	Choose the right debt consolidation company to help pay down your debt If you are facing too many accounts with too-high minimum payments at crippling interest rates, debt consolidation services may offer a solution. The rule of thumb in choosing a company is “buyer be...
	Teach your college student financial responsibility with a credit card If you follow this advice, it can serve as the basis of good financial responsibility going forward. Since this is the first time your child will be making financial decisions independent of you, the ...
	Avoid bankruptcy, take control of your debt, and repair your finances For some, bankruptcy is a viable option. Yet, there are many other ways that you can settle your debts and repair your finances without an extreme measure such as bankruptcy. Whatever route you choose...
	How to stop harassing phone calls from debt collectors The only real way to ease the burden of the debts and truly stop the harassing phone calls is to settle your debts. Explore your options and find the right program for you. Research your options to pa...
	Be financially responsible with your credit card while in college Remember, having a credit card is a huge responsibility and any mistakes you may make now can impact your ability to take out a new line or credit or a loan in the future. Before you know it you will ...
	Credit counseling can reduce monthly payments and pay off debt Credit counseling can be very helpful for individuals who can stick with the program over several years, and who can make the payments resulting from a lower interest rate. If you do have debt, make s...
	Understand debt settlement to help deal with your debt problem Debt settlement, also referred to as debt resolution, is a serious process for people in serious debt. For those who qualify, it can provide significant benefits: lower monthly outlays, reduced debt, ...
	Choose a trusted debt settlement company to help resolve your debt When it comes to getting debt help, selecting a solid partner that will help you is critical. For those who are looking for a trustworthy organization to help win the battle against debt, these consid...
	Expert advice on how to deal with a debt collector If you are working in good faith to repay your debts, don’t let debt collectors harass and intimidate you. You have the right to be treated with respect while you work to get out of debt and find yo...
	How to negotiate outstanding debt with a credit card company It’s possible to successfully negotiate debt with a credit card company, but it is imperative that consumers know their rights when it comes to federal credit card laws. Do your homework first, that...
	The importance of debt: Is there such a thing as healthy debt? Remember to focus on lasting value when evaluating whether a debt is healthy or unhealthy. Healthy debt will provide lasting value, and is aligned with a long-term goal (e.g., a mortgage enables you t...
	How to improve your credit score and ensure financial health Beyond financial institutions, potential employers, landlords and even cell phone providers may look at your credit score to determine whether you’re a good credit risk. Credit scores also play a pa...
	Everything you need to know about credit reports and credit scores It’s important to distinguish between credit reports and credit scores. Knowing the details of your credit report as well as the meaning of your credit score will help you identify financial strengt...
	How to recognize and avoid a personal financial disaster The signs that you’re flirting with a financial disaster may not be clear when committed individually, but a few of these combined should be an obvious red flag to any consumer. However, with a litt...
	How and why your should improve your credit score Getting your credit back to where it needs to be so that you can do the things you want to do isn't an impossible feat. It just takes a little patience, checking your credit report regularly, disputin...
	How to negotiate a lower interest rate on your credit cards If you want to negotiate a lower interest rate, do your research, call and ask, and have a back-up plan in place. A lower APR will save you money and reduce your credit card debt. These potential savi...
	Lower your credit card interest rate with a phone call When attempting to renegotiate your interest rates, it is important to be prepared before you pick up the phone. Make sure you’ve done your research and that you’re ready with any necessary inform...
	How to pay off credit card, student loan, and home mortgage debt It is so easy to incur debts, but it takes planning, sacrifice, commitment, and perseverance to reduce or eliminate that debt. It is a behavior modification technique that can change one’s view abou...