Bankruptcy

All of us have faced financial difficulties at some point in our lives. Most of the time we can work through them and get back on our feet. However, there are times when things are beyond our control and we may need outside help. No one wants to file bankruptcy. It is however, at times the only way to get our financial affairs back in order and a chance to start anew.

If you think you may need to file for bankruptcy protection, I can help you determine if it is the right choice for you and which type of bankruptcy would be best in your situation. Most importantly, you should never feel a sense of guilt or shame if you do decide to seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. While some in government may believe that everyone is looking for an easy way to get out of debt, I know that neither you nor any of my clients have ever wanted to seek bankruptcy protection. However it may be the only way to get back in control of your financial life.

There are four basic types of bankruptcy (Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12 and Chapter 13). I deal in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy cases.

Chapter 7. A trustee is appointed to take over your property. Any property of value may be sold or turned into money to pay your creditors. You may be able to keep some personal items and possibly real estate depending on the law of the state where you your live. If you choose to file a chapter 7 case, you may be asked by a creditor to reaffirm a debt. You may want help deciding whether to do so. A creditor is not permitted to coerce you into reaffirming your debts.

Chapter 13. You can usually keep your property, but you must earn wages or have some other source of regular income and you must agree to pay part of your income to your creditors. The Court must approve your repayment plan and your budget. A trustee is appointed and will collect the payments from you, pay your creditors, and make sure you live up to the terms of your repayment plan. A chapter 13 plan lasts between 3 to 5 years.

Both of the above types of cases are handled by the firm on a flat fee basis. Please refer to the fee schedule for the current rates and filing fees.

Your bankruptcy case may also involve litigation. You are generally permitted to represent yourself in litigation in bankruptcy court, but only attorneys, not bankruptcy petition preparers, can give you legal advice. To the extent litigation is necessary in your case; fees incurred will be in addition to the flat fee for preparing your petition.

If bankruptcy is right for you, you can be assured that you will receive the utmost in professionalism and understanding as we progress through the bankruptcy proceedings together.

The firm is a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

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