Compassionate Bankruptcy Attorneys You Can Trust

A: Most Americans with excess debt have acquired their debts over long periods of time. While they intend to repay the debts, they may find themselves unable to do so because of unanticipated changes in circumstances such as medical emergencies, job losses, failed businesses, disability, divorce or loss of a spouse. Any of these circumstances, combined with late fees, over-limit fees and the extraordinarily high interest rates that creditors now charge can result in insurmountable debt. 

 A: Short of bankruptcy, a debtor may attempt to mediate with creditors or negotiate workout agreements to extend due dates, lower interest rates, partially forgive debt or alter other terms. A debtor may execute an assignment of property for the benefit of creditors (ABC), wherein the debtor puts assets in the trust of a neutral third party to pay creditors. A business debtor can sell the business, negotiating the satisfaction of debt as part of the deal. Other creative options to bankruptcy may also exist. Many debtors, however, find that their creditors are unwilling to agree to reasonable terms or are completely unwilling to negotiate. 

A: Consumers usually file Chapter 7 "liquidation" or Chapter 13 "reorganization" bankruptcies. Under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtor transfers nonexempt property (if any) to a trustee who liquidates it to pay creditors. In practice, most persons considering Chapter 7 only own property exempt from liquidation under the law, and most of their debt is cancelled (discharged) without actually losing any of their property. Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debtor repays certain debts over time (from three to five years). In 2005, a bankruptcy law change instituted a complex means test. Debtors with disposable income (as determined by the means test) must file under Chapter 13 and repay a portion of their debts, based upon their ability to do so. Debtors without disposable income are eligible for relief under Chapter 7. 

A: In some instances, you can discharge student loans (very limited circumstances) and taxes (more common than you may think) in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. These debts can almost always be included in a Chapter 13 repayment plan and pay the debt off over time. In many cases, this will save debtors money while allowing them to pay their monthly bills and expenses. 

A: 2005 changes to the federal bankruptcy laws provided that "domestic support obligations" like alimony and child support are not dischargeable, nor does the filing of a bankruptcy petition stay most court proceedings dealing with family law issues. Under Chapter 7, but probably not under Chapter 13, other obligations to a spouse or child incurred in a divorce, separation or by a court or government order are also not dischargeable, such as property settlement obligations. 

A: 2005 changes in the bankruptcy laws require a debtor to remain current on all domestic support obligations such as alimony or spousal maintenance, and child support, throughout the duration of the bankruptcy. If a debtor falls behind on his or her domestic support obligations during bankruptcy, the bankruptcy could be dismissed or converted from a Chapter 13 to a Chapter 7 proceeding. 

A: Consumer credit reports may reveal Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases for 10 years from filing. Chapter 13 information can be included for seven years from discharge or 10 years from filing if there is no discharge. Account information for debts discharged under either chapter may be included in credit reports for seven years after the accounts go inactive.

A: Yes, if you are contemplating bankruptcy, or have questions about bankruptcy law, you should contact a bankruptcy attorney immediately. As you will likely only file for bankruptcy once in your life, you should hire an experienced bankruptcy lawyer for this very important job.