Payne & Black, LLC

08/14/2026

Filing for bankruptcy can provide a fresh financial start, but not everyone automatically qualifies for debt relief. Factors like income level, prior bankruptcy filings, and recent financial actions can impact your eligibility under federal bankruptcy laws. Knowing these requirements helps ensure you understand your rights before taking action.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-disqualifies-you-from-filing-for-bankruptcy/?

Bankruptcy can wipe the financial slate clean, but in some instances, you may not be allowed to file for it.

08/13/2026

A complete estate plan does more than just outline who inherits your belongings. Key documents like a living will and power of attorney protect your medical preferences and financial assets if you ever become unable to make decisions for yourself. Ensuring these legal protections are updated and properly structured gives you and your family essential peace of mind.

It may make sense to hire an estate planning attorney to help formulate or review your estate plan for all but the simplest circumstances.

08/11/2026

Canceled debt is generally treated as taxable income by the IRS, but key exceptions such as insolvency, bankruptcy, or qualified debt exclusions can protect you from paying income taxes on the forgiven amount. Partnering with a skilled tax attorney ensures you properly file IRS Form 982 and avoid unnecessary tax liabilities on discharged debts.

What happens with debt cancellation when it comes to taxes? When a lender forgives debt you owe, find out whether its taxable or not.

08/11/2026

Establishing a comprehensive estate plan—including a will, living trust, power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive—ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes while avoiding probate delays. Partnering with an experienced estate planning attorney helps safeguard your family's financial future and navigate complex legal requirements with confidence.

Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to protect your legacy and the people you care about. Get started with this free estate planning checklist.

08/07/2026

Under federal safety laws, employees generally have the right to refuse work that poses an immediate and serious risk of physical harm. However, this legal protection usually requires you to notify your supervisor about the hazard and ask for a fix before walking away. Understanding these guidelines ensures you can stand up for your safety without jeopardizing your job.

Understand what Bankruptcy is and how it works. Learn if Bankruptcy is the right deb relief solution for you.

08/06/2026

Living wills and advance directives give you the legal right to choose your medical treatments before a health crisis happens. Creating these documents ensures that doctors and loved ones respect your personal healthcare preferences if you become unable to speak for yourself. Outlining your decisions ahead of time protects your independence and ensures your personal choices are honored.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/living-wills/art-20046303?

08/04/2026

Chapter 12 bankruptcy offers a specialized debt reorganization path that allows family farmers and commercial fishermen to restructure their debts over 3 to 5 years while keeping their operations running. Partnering with a skilled bankruptcy attorney ensures your farm or fishery meets strict statutory eligibility thresholds and successfully establishes a court-approved repayment plan.

Chapter 12 is a special form of bankruptcy filing in the United States that applies specifically to farms and fisheries.

08/04/2026

Getting your financial and medical affairs in order helps ensure your personal choices are honored if you ever become unable to speak for yourself. Important documents like advance directives and powers of attorney give trusted loved ones the legal authority to handle your care and assets. Taking these steps protects your rights and makes your wishes clear to everyone involved.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/getting-your-affairs-order-checklist-documents-prepare-future?

07/31/2026

Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers individuals and sole proprietors a way to protect major assets like homes and vehicles while setting up an manageable payment plan. This process temporarily halts most creditor collections, giving you breathing room to catch up on overdue debts. To keep these legal protections, you must fulfill key responsibilities like staying up to date on all past and current tax returns.

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/chapter-13-bankruptcy-voluntary-reorganization-of-debt-for-individuals?

07/30/2026

Completing a comprehensive estate plan—including drafting a will, appointing healthcare proxies, and updating beneficiary designations—ensures your assets pass smoothly to your heirs while avoiding costly probate court delays. Consulting an estate planning attorney helps you properly structure trusts, mitigate potential tax burdens, and secure legally binding protection for your family. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/10/estate-planning-checklist.asp