John Coble is a former practicing CPA and an attorney with a JD from Samford University Cumberland School of Law and an LLM from the University of Alabama School of Law. His legal specialties were tax law and bankruptcy law. John handled almost 1,500 bankruptcy cases in the eight years that he ran his own law office.
Articles written by Lawyer John Coble
Are Bankruptcies Public Record?
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated February 25, 2026
Bankruptcy cases are part of the public record. That means court filings can be viewed by others, usually through the federal PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system. Though records are public, certain personal details — like your SSN — are removed or shortened to protect your privacy. Most people don’t go searching through bankruptcy records. But creditors, lenders, landlords, and background check companies can access them if they choose to.
Read More →How (and Why) To File Back Taxes if You Haven’t Filed in Years
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated June 30, 2025
If you haven't filed a tax return in years, you may be wondering how to get back on track. The best way to make up for missed filings is to go back and file your old/missed returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Late or missing tax return filings can lead to penalties and possible legal trouble. If you have missed any tax filings in previous years, gather your old tax forms and file as soon as possible. You can file old tax returns online, in person at a local IRS office, or by mail.
Read More →What Are the Most Bankruptcy-Friendly Credit Cards?
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated December 15, 2025
It’s important to rebuild your credit after a bankruptcy. The good news is that you’ll get plenty of offers for credit after your bankruptcy discharge. The bad news is that some of those offers won’t be great, with high interest rates or hidden fees. If you want to rebuild your credit, you need to find the right card to work for you. Read on to learn about some of your options.
Read More →Self-Employment Income and Bankruptcy: How To Know What Counts and How To Report It
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 25, 2025
If you’re self-employed — whether as an independent contractor, gig worker, sole proprietor, or business owner — it’s important to understand how your income is classified and reported in bankruptcy. Business income must be disclosed in your forms, along with allowable expenses, and the process depends on your business structure. Independent contractors, gig workers, and sole proprietors report business income in personal bankruptcy, while business owners with separate legal entities have additional considerations. This guide explains what counts as business income and how to calculate it for the Chapter 7 means test and Schedule I.
Read More →Wage Garnishment in Florida
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated August 27, 2025
A wage garnishment order allows creditors to take money directly from your paycheck. Most of the time, this is only possible after a court has entered a judgment. Here's how Florida regulates wage garnishments.
Wage Garnishment in Arkansas
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 15, 2026
Wage garnishment in Arkansas happens when a creditor takes money directly from your paycheck to collect a debt, usually after getting a court order. Some debts, like taxes or child support, can be garnished without a lawsuit. Federal and state laws limit how much of your paycheck can be taken, and certain types of income, like Social Security, are protected. You may be able to stop a garnishment by paying the debt, negotiating with the creditor, or filing for bankruptcy.
Wage Garnishment in Wisconsin
Written by Lawyer John Coble. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated March 15, 2026
Wage garnishment happens when money is taken from your paycheck to repay a debt, usually after a creditor sues you and wins a court judgment. In Wisconsin, most garnishments come from consumer debts like credit cards or medical bills, but state law limits how much of your income can be taken. The process includes several steps, but you may be able to stop the garnishment by filing objections, claiming exemptions, or filing for bankruptcy. For people struggling with multiple debts, bankruptcy can stop wage garnishment and may erase the debt entirely.
