Bankruptcy Law
Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Consumer Bankruptcy
Feeling overwhelmed by debt? Unable to concentrate on work and your family obligations?
Are you in need of a fresh start in your financial life? Bankruptcy may be an option to help you regain control over your day-to-day finances. If you fee like you are drowning in debt and do not see a light at the end of the tunnel, reach out to us and see if bankruptcy is an option for you. With over 25 years of experience, our attorneys will be able to answer your questions and guide your through the process if you decide that bankruptcy is the best path forward. We offer a no charge initial consultation during which we will take the time to answer your questions and let you know what options are available to you.
What is Consumer Bankruptcy?
What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
What are the differences between Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy cases stop creditors from contacting you immediately, prevent creditors from attempting to collect on debts and ultimately lead to the discharge of many unsecured debts. The information needed from an individual is the same regardless of whether they plan to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
The biggest difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 is that Chapter 7 focuses on discharging (eliminating) unsecured debts such as credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills while Chapter 13 allow a person to catch up on missed payments on secured debts such as a mortgage or vehicle loan while also discharging unsecured debt.
Why would someone consider filing for bankruptcy?
Why should someone work with an attorney to file bankruptcy?
Whether or not to file a bankruptcy, and which bankruptcy to file, are difficult decisions. The guidance of an attorney with years of experience in the Bankruptcy Court will make this seemingly daunting process a manageable one. An attorney will let you know what information and documents you will need to gather and assist you in preparing the formal bankruptcy petition. In addition to answering your questions, the attorney will be able to apply your personal situation to the required Means Test which will determine which bankruptcy you may qualify for. An attorney will act as your guide through the bankruptcy process and make sure that not only is a proper bankruptcy petition filed with the Court to start the process, but also will assist you in preparation for the Trustee Meeting that is required with every bankruptcy filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my house/car/other asset if I file a bankruptcy?
Generally, no. If a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is filed, the assigned Trustee will review the value of your assets, the secured liens against those assets and see how much equity you have in each asset. If you have been able to exempt (protect) that equity, the Trustee cannot take your asset. If you do not have enough exemptions available to fully protect the equity, then the Trustee may consider taking the asset and selling it to benefit the creditors of the case. If that appears to be a likely outcome, a person can file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and protect their ass
Do I qualify for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
The answer will be determined by the Means Test. This is based on how much total income you have received in the prior six months. If that annualizes out to more than the median income in your state, you will likely need to file Chapter 13. If your income is under the median, the presumption is that you can file Chapter 7. The attorney will gather the information needed to properly prepare the Means Test to review with you and to offer guidance based on the results.
Will I ever be able to obtain credit again if I file bankruptcy?
Yes. Bankruptcy does not prevent a future creditor from offering you credit following the bankruptcy discharge. It is more of a warning to future creditors that you had difficulty with debt in the past. The bankruptcy filing will be on your credit report for 10 years. During that time, potential creditors will look to see how much time has passed since the bankruptcy was filed, what your current income is and whether you are carrying any debts incurred since the bankruptcy completed. Based on this information, the creditor will decide whether to offer you credit and, if so, at what interest rate. Generally, a car dealership will offer a person a loan shortly after a bankruptcy completes, but at a high interest rate. Mortgage lenders will likely consider someone approximately two years after the bankruptcy discharge has been entered.
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