Steven Grace Law

Author name: Steven J. Grace

Steven J. Grace, Attorney at Law, has been providing honest, reliable legal guidance to everyday people in Chicago since 2009. With over 15 years of experience, Steven has helped hundreds of individuals from all walks of life navigate complex financial challenges and get back on track. He takes pride in his reputation as one of the few truly "honest lawyers" and genuinely sees himself as one of the good guys. In addition to his legal practice, Steven is a skilled financial blogger, combining his extensive bankruptcy expertise with a knack for crafting content that's not only easy to understand but also deeply relatable. Whether in the courtroom or online, Steven is dedicated to making complicated financial topics accessible to everyone.

The Complete Illinois Foreclosure Timeline

image representing the foreclosure roadmap

Facing a foreclosure in Illinois can be overwhelming, but it’s important to understand that there are options available. This guide is designed to provide clear information on the Illinois foreclosure process and help you navigate your next steps. Whether you’ve missed payments, received a notice of default, or are already involved in legal proceedings, this […]

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Tenancy by the Entirety in Bankruptcy: Protecting Your Home in Tough Times

locks that symbolize the asset protection of tenancy by the entirety

Tenancy by the entirety offers married couples in Illinois strong protection for their homes, shielding the property from being sold to satisfy a judgment against only one spouse. While creditors can record a lien on a debtor spouse’s contingent future interest, such as the right of survivorship, this lien is unenforceable as long as the tenancy remains intact. However, creditors may assert claims against the property in probate if the judgment debtor predeceases their spouse. For those facing financial difficulties, bankruptcy often provides a more definitive solution, potentially removing liens and resolving debts efficiently while protecting the home.

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Multiple Bankruptcy Filings: Navigating the Fine Print

image depicting the order of filing multiple bankruptcy cases

Navigating the complexities of bankruptcy laws can be daunting, especially for individuals considering a second or third bankruptcy filing. If you’ve already utilized either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 to tackle debt, understanding the eligibility and limitations for refiling becomes crucial. This post delves into the nitty-gritty of multiple bankruptcy filings and the intricacies of

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Beyond Legal Expertise: The Human Touch of a Great Bankruptcy Lawyer

image representing how to choose the right bankruptcy attorney

Years ago, I had a client facing an IRS audit. He’d hired a lawyer to accompany him, but after the meeting with the IRS, his words still echo in my mind. “She had no bedside manner, Steve,” he said, his voice heavy. “She didn’t make me feel comfortable, didn’t explain things, didn’t seem to care.”

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Bankrupt? Breathe Easy. Your Path to a Stellar Credit Score Starts Now.

dartboard to give motivation to rebuild credit after bankruptcy

Bankruptcy can feel like a financial dead end, but it’s actually a fresh start. Yes, your credit score will take a hit, but with smart strategies, you can rebuild it stronger than ever. This guide will equip you with the tools and tactics to navigate the post-bankruptcy landscape and emerge with a credit score that

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Understanding Bankruptcy Motions for Relief from Stay

legal paperwork representing motion for relief from stay by creditor

Filing for bankruptcy offers a lifeline, shielding you from creditor actions with the automatic stay. However, this shield isn’t always impenetrable. Creditors can, in certain situations, file a “motion for relief from stay,” aiming to continue to pursue your debts. This article delves into the intricacies of this maneuver, equipping you with the knowledge to

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Been Served a Citation to Discover Assets in Illinois? Here’s What You Need to Know

Courthouse where citation to discover assets takes place

Facing a Citation to Discover Assets in Illinois can be overwhelming, especially if your bank account is unexpectedly frozen. This legal process allows creditors to investigate your assets and potentially garnish your wages or seize funds from your account. Understanding how citations work—and how to assert exemptions—can help protect your finances. In this guide, we break down what a Citation to Discover Assets is, how it affects you, and how to file a motion to claim an exemption to unfreeze your bank account. Whether you’re in Chicago, Cook County, or anywhere in Illinois, this step-by-step resource will help you navigate the process effectively.

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