My fees are more reasonable than most bankruptcy attorneys as I understand that people who have no choice but to file cannot afford $1,500 in attorney's fees, $299 for the filing fee and $30 for Consumer Counseling. I know that if they had that kind of money they could probably pay their bills.
Bankruptcy is a legally declared inability of ability of an individual or organization to pay their creditors.
I change lower rates for people could cannot afford to pay $1,500 for attorney's in bankruptcy actions.
As your bankruptcy attorney, we will review all the necessary steps involved in filing for bankruptcy in a federal court under Chapter 7 also known as or called straight bankruptcy. There is also Chapter 13 bankruptcy which is referred to as a consumer reorganization, or debt adjustment case.
Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the individual is allowed to keep certain exempt property. The value of property which can be claimed as exempt varies from state to state. Other assets, if any, are sold or liquidated to repay creditors.
Many types of unsecured debts are legally discharged by the bankruptcy proceeding, but there are various types of debt that are not discharged in a Chapter 7. Common exceptions to discharge include income taxes less than 3 years old and property taxes, child support. There are others that may be exceptions to discharge that can be determined with a complete investigation in each person’s specific case. The support of a spouse is not covered by a bankruptcy filing nor is property settlements through divorce. Even though some debts may be dischargeable they must be listed on your bankruptcy schedules. All debts and all assets must be disclosed.
Bankruptcy discharge stays on the individual's credit report for up to 10 years in most cases. This can have a negative impact on ones credit rating, ability to establish credit and cause less favorable terms if credit is granted. Having a large amount of debt and paying your debts off slowly can have the same impact. This is where it is important to weigh your options and see what a more positive outcome is at present and for the future.
Filing Chapter 7 could help eliminate or reduce debts (e.g. credit cards, medical debts, etc.), stop creditor harassment and annoying collection calls, stop home foreclosure, stop wage garnishment, stop car repossession or asset/property repossession and stop troublesome lawsuits.
The United Sates Trustee is also able to challenge a persons filing of Chapter 7. If the United Sates of Trustees determines the filing is “abusive” they could force you to file Chapter 13 instead of Chapter 7. If it is considered abusive then the United Sates of trustee has determined that you are in a position to pay back all or some of the debts within five years based on your income. During these more difficult times in our economy it is believed by many that the U.S. Trustee has become more diligent in uncovering and insisting that consumers are more frequently and likely to abuse Chapter 7.
There are many laws under the Consumer Protection Act and as your bankruptcy lawyer, I will assist you in understanding your rights. The Bankruptcy Laws change and it is my job as your bankruptcy attorney to protect your rights and give you the legal options for you to consider when filing for Bankruptcy. Your credit is an important aspect of your financial freedom.
If you choose to file Chapter 13 you are required to start a payment plan within 30-45 days. The plan will generally allow you to keep your property. This plan usually means that the creditors to whom you owe money have settled on amount less that what you currently owe them.
There is life after filing bankruptcy. The fact that you filed bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 7 to 10 years depending on if you filed Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In most cases during your bankruptcy period you will be able to slowly establish credit and start building your credit again. You may start with a pre-paid card but, any positive credit history that you are able to build will help.
I will assist you with your decision after all facts are presented and we have determined the best course of action that we need to take. I understand the bankruptcy laws and can help you during your uncertain financial time.
Contact me online or call (478) 742-7400 or (478) 986-6697 for a free initial phone consultation. As your bankruptcy attorney, I will guide you every step of the way through your chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Macon Georgia - Bankruptcy Lawyer
