If you’re filing for bankruptcy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you’ll need the assistance of an experienced Dallas bankruptcy attorney. You’ll also need to be truthful or you could get into big legal trouble. A Pittsburgh-area dance studio owner who became famous on reality TV will need some fancy footwork to avoid prison, federal officials said in October. A federal grand jury indicted “Dance Moms” star Abby Lee Miller, 50, on twenty counts of bankruptcy fraud, alleging that she concealed about $755,000 in assets and made false bankruptcy declarations. If guilty, Miller could be sentenced to five years in prison for each count.
Federal law requires those filing for bankruptcy to disclose all of their assets and also to disclose specific financial transactions conducted prior to bankruptcy. These disclosures are mandatory and are required to ensure that all available funds are collected to pay creditors as much as possible on the debts they’re owed. Miller’s attorney claims that she paid her creditors everything that she owed them when she came out of bankruptcy in 2013. Since she paid all of her creditors, it’s not clear why she would have hidden the income.
If you’re already facing bankruptcy, the last thing you want to do is to add criminal charges to your troubles. When you have overwhelming debts and no way to pay them, you’ll need to discuss your circumstances promptly with an experienced Dallas bankruptcy attorney who can either help you file for bankruptcy or suggest a more practical option. Whatever you choose, be completely candid with your lawyer, with the bankruptcy court, and with anyone else who’s involved. Otherwise, your money problems could swiftly become legal problems that you don’t need and cannot afford. Let an experienced Dallas bankruptcy attorney advise you and handle every aspect of your bankruptcy filing. If your debts are mounting, make the call now.
