Author Archives: Joel Sandwith

About Joel Sandwith

Joel Sandwith is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee with Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Inc. in London and Sarnia, Ontario. Before joining Hoyes, Michalos in 2009, Joel worked as a Credit Counsellor for Family Services Thames Valley. He brings a wealth of credit counselling and debt management experience to finding solutions for the people he helps get out of debt.

Do You Declare Your Spouse’s Income in Bankruptcy?
By Joel Sandwith
26 Mar 2024 | Category: Surplus Income | (10) comments
spouses income in bankruptcy

Most families today have two income earners. When one spouse files for bankruptcy the question often asked is whether or not their significant other will have to report income to the trustee. The simple answer is YES you must declare your spouses income in bankruptcy. The reason for that is…

Tags:
Read More

What’s Included in My Bankruptcy Record & Who Can See It?
By Joel Sandwith
08 Sep 2017 | Category: Bankruptcy in Ontario | (2) comments
who-can-see-whats-included-in-bankruptcy

While personal bankruptcy information is publicly recorded, it’s not broadcasted like corporate bankruptcies.  There are several places where bankruptcy information can be found. 1. In your Licensed Insolvency Trustee’s files. What is included: The trustee’s client file will include notes about meetings, phone calls, copies of documents related to the filing,…

Tags: , ,
Read More

I Want to Declare Bankruptcy But…
By Joel Sandwith
11 Aug 2017 | Category: Bankruptcy in Ontario | (2) comments
bankruptcy misconceptions myths

I have been meeting with people for many years – reviewing their situation, discussing the issues that have caused them to fall into a debt crisis, and looking at the options that will best suit their situation. Sometimes people come in wanting to file a bankruptcy only to find out that…

Tags: , , ,
Read More

Credit Counselling Provides Budgeting Tips
By Joel Sandwith
10 Jun 2016 | Category: Bankruptcy in Ontario | Leave a comment
budgeting credit counselling

Most people who have financial issues do not have a budget and this is a common theme that comes up during the credit counselling sessions every bankrupt has to attend during their bankruptcy. Making a budget is perceived as a difficult and time consuming task.  Initially it can be but…

Tags:
Read More

Since bankruptcy in Ontario is a legal process, do I need a bankruptcy Lawyer?
By Joel Sandwith
08 Apr 2016 | Category: Bankruptcy FAQ | Leave a comment

The bankruptcy process is guided, outlined and governed by the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act which is federal legislation.  This means that most of the process is not something your trustee will dream up – it is passed by the Government of Canada. There are some provincial laws that also govern…

Read More

What Happens If I Change Jobs While I’m Bankrupt?
By Joel Sandwith
11 Dec 2015 | Category: Bankruptcy FAQ | (10) comments
bankruptcy job change

You have taken the big step.  You realized you were having financial difficulties, you visited the trustee and now things are going along quite well. Until you find out that you have a career prospect in another city or even another province. You may find out you are losing your job or that you’ve been offered…

Tags: ,
Read More

How Severance Pay Might Affect Your Surplus Income
By Joel Sandwith
16 Jan 2015 | Category: Bankruptcy in Ontario | Leave a comment
severance pay bankruptcy

It’s possible that you may lose your job during bankruptcy and may become entitled to some form of severance pay. If you have been working for the company for many years, this amount can be substantial. Since severance pay is a form of income, it can affect your bankruptcy payments and…

Tags: , , ,
Read More

Who Will Know About my Bankruptcy in Ontario?
By Joel Sandwith
10 Oct 2014 | Category: Bankruptcy in Ontario | Leave a comment

While many people are more accepting of the fact that we live in an on-line world and that much of our lives are on facebook, twitter and other social media, the fact remains that most people do not want to have everyone gossiping about the fact that they needed to file…

Read More

Are Property Taxes Considered Debts Included in Bankruptcy
By Joel Sandwith
12 Sep 2014 | Category: Debts In Bankruptcy | Leave a comment

Whether or not property taxes are discharged by filing bankruptcy is not a simple question. The answer is:  it depends. The difference lies in whether or not your outstanding property taxes remain a charge against the property. Let’s expand on that with a couple of examples. Scenario 1: Giving Up Your Home…

Tags: , ,
Read More

Who Does a Bankruptcy Trustee Work For?
By Joel Sandwith
25 Jul 2014 | Category: Bankruptcy in Ontario | Leave a comment

You choose the trustee you want to work with but who do they work for?  You? Your creditors? Depending on what you read on the internet or who you talk to, this can cause quite a debate. In very few words, the trustee in bankruptcy is an officer of the…

Read More