Most of my consumer bankruptcy law practice revolves around families who are behind with their mortgage payments. But when someone is struggling to keep up with their mortgage, there are often other financial problems piling up at the same time.
One example I’m seeing more people run into is unexpected E-ZPass and toll bills.
If you travel to the Jersey Shore, use the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Atlantic City Expressway, or another toll road and don’t have an E-ZPass, it can be easy to assume that you’ll simply receive a bill for the toll. But toll violations can come with significant administrative fees — in some cases, $50 per violation in addition to the toll itself.
And those charges can add up quickly.
Someone who makes a few trips without realizing they have incurred violations can suddenly receive a bill for hundreds of dollars. For a family that is already struggling with a mortgage, credit cards, medical expenses, car payments, or other household bills, an unexpected toll bill can make an already difficult financial situation even harder.
The important thing is not to ignore these bills. New Jersey E-ZPass advises that unpaid toll bills can result in additional fees and, if they remain unpaid, may eventually be referred for collection.
This is just one example of how seemingly small financial problems can become much bigger when someone is already under financial pressure.
If you know someone who is struggling with their bills, please have them call me. I’m Eric Clayman of Clayman Law, and I help people understand their options when debt becomes overwhelming.
856-777-5877.