Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney In Phoenix
Chapter 13 is an option for BK designed to permit a debtor to keep assets of value. It allows for a plan to repay creditors over a period of time. If a debtor does not meet the requirements to file Chapter 7, then Chapter 13 filing is an option. Once the payment plan is approved, a trustee is used to oversee the plan and make payments to creditors. During the course of the payment plan, the debtor is protected from garnishments, creditor lawsuits or other actions.
What You Need To Do To File Bankruptcy
- Gather financial paperwork and run the means test calculator to gauge your bankruptcy options
- Prepare and assemble your bankruptcy papers. There are 50+ pages of forms detailing current debts, assets, income, and expenses, and your intentions regarding loans secured by collateral
- Make copies of forms and assemble them according to Cincinnati local court rules
- File forms with the court
- Pay the required filing fee
- Attend your hearing with the bankruptcy court trustee . At this meeting, the trustee can ask you questions about the information on your forms. Creditors can object to or challenge exemptions you are claiming
- File motions to eliminate liens and respond to objections from creditors
- Complete a mandatory Debtor Education course once your case has been filed. This needs to be completed in order to receive your discharge.
Because the process is so complicated, it makes sense to take advantage of our free consultation offer. Contact the experienced and compassionate Cincinnati bankruptcy attorneys at Fesenmyer Cousino Weinzimmer for help, information, and support through this process. We will evaluate your entire financial situation, discuss your options, and help you decide on the path to a brighter future that makes sense in your individual case.
Looking For A Bankruptcy Attorney Call 646 666 9601
If you have debt and are having trouble paying it off, bankruptcy can help you get out of debt and start over. Whether you are just starting to think about bankruptcy or have already filed, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you get the most out of what the US Bankruptcy Code has to offer. Weve created a specialist attorney group to help you stop wage garnishment, stop creditor harassment, get debt relief, and protect your property.
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Cheapest Ways To File Bankruptcy
- 7 Cheapest Ways to File Bankruptcy
Many people do not explore bankruptcy as a debt relief option because they do not believe they can afford to file for bankruptcy relief. However, there are some cheap ways to file bankruptcy that can make it an even more affordable debt relief option. If you want to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but you are afraid you cannot afford to file a bankruptcy case, these cheap ways to file Chapter 7 might help.
Bankruptcy Filing Fees And Other Costs
Bankruptcy court fees depend largely on the kind of bankruptcy.
For both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, youll be responsible for paying fees just to have the bankruptcy court hear your case. These can include
- Filing fee The cost to file for Chapter 7 is $335, and $310 for Chapter 13.
- Credit counseling fee If you want to file for bankruptcy, youre required to receive credit counseling first. Many agencies charge a nominal fee for this service, which can cost around $50, according to the Federal Trade Commission. If you cant afford to pay, you may be able to get the fee waived.
- Additional fees You must take a debt education course after you file for bankruptcy in order to get a discharge. The cost can range from $50 to $100, according to the FTC. If you cant afford the fee, you may be able to get the provider to lower its fee or waive it completely.
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What To Do When Faced With Bankruptcy In Arizona
Our Phoenix Bankruptcy Lawyer takes a look at how to approach a bankruptcy filing in AZ. The first step to declaring BK in Arizona is becoming familiar with the process of filing bankruptcy. Though there is a lot of information readily available on-line, the best choice that you can make is seeking out an experienced bankruptcy attorney that can be by your side every step of the way. Our Phoenix BK attorneys work with individuals, families, and businesses seeking debt relief and bankruptcy protection. Our experienced BK lawyers have successfully filed over 5000 cases for Phoenix area residents seeking assistance with bankruptcy and debt relief matters in Maricopa County, Arizona.
DISCHARGE MEDICAL BILLS
Cheap Bankruptcy Attorneys Are Problematic
Bankruptcy attorneys are in the business of making sure you get out of debt, but that doesnt mean it is cheap. Cheap bankruptcy attorneys may be willing to skip following the rules or not do a good job for you. You need someone who will file for bankruptcy on your behalf, and with these tips can save you money rather than trying to do it yourself.
The first thing you should do is find a bankruptcy attorney who has been around for a while and knows what they are doing. This way, you wont have to worry about them not knowing the law or making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in fees. If the lawyer is new, try to get references from people who have used the services before. If there are no references, then talk with people who practice law in your area to see if they would recommend someone.
When you choose a cheap bankruptcy attorney or bankruptcy mill, you will want to know what sort of experience they have filed for bankruptcies and what kinds of cases they handle the best. Will they be able to make sure you retain your assets or fight for the best possible outcome for your debts?
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Can I File A Chapter 7 Low Cost Bankruptcy Case Without An Attorney
Yes, you can file a low cost bankruptcy Chapter 7 case without an attorney. Bankruptcy laws do not require debtors to hire a bankruptcy lawyer. However, many people do hire an attorney because bankruptcy law can be complex and they are nervous about facing a Chapter 7 trustee alone.
However, as we mentioned above, most Chapter 7 low cost bankruptcy cases are no-asset cases. No-asset cases are typically simple cases that are completed within four to six months from the date the Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition is filed.
Therefore, many debtors who cannot afford to hire an attorney can file a low cost bankruptcy case to get out of debt on their own. If you can afford to hire an attorney to file bankruptcy, that is usually an incredibly wise decision. However, for individuals who do not have the funds to pay an attorney, there are still options for filing a Chapter 7 low cost bankruptcy case.
Can I Eliminate Credit Card Debt In A Chapter 7
Yes, most or all credit card debt can be eliminated through Chapter 7 bankruptcy, depending on your particular situation. Credit card balances are considered unsecured debt, which can be discharged. Do not intentionally run up a lot of credit card debt in the 2-3 months before filing bankruptcy in hopes that it will be discharged, because judges are stern if they think youre trying to scam the system. They can reinstate the debt and force you to pay it.
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Why You Should Hire A Dayton Bankruptcy Attorney
Bankruptcy law is difficult, complex and your financial future is at stake. A single mistake could spell disaster for you. Many people have lost their homes and cars due to errors they made trying to do their own bankruptcy or because they tried to save money by hiring a cheap inexperienced attorney.
At Richard West Law Office, we have board-certified expertise and over 35 years of experience helping over 20,000 families and individuals get the debt relief help and credit recovery they need. West Law Office clients have placed over 400 reviews sharing their positive experiences with us as we provide customized plans to wipe out debt, keep your property, and rapidly restore your credit.
Bankruptcy law is so complex that it is recognized as a specialty area of the law by the Ohio Supreme Court.
Only attorneys who pass extremely difficult and extensive examinations and have demonstrated extraordinary knowledge and skill in bankruptcy law can advertise as Consumer Bankruptcy Specialists.
The list of Certified Specialists is found at abcworld.org. Richard West has been a Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist since 2005 and has been practicing bankruptcy law since 1986.
Affordable Bankruptcy Fees And Costs
What Does It Cost To File Bankruptcy?
This is, understandably, one of the most often asked questions by those needing to file bankruptcy. At Borders and Gerace we understand that you are currently having difficulty paying your debts and need experienced and affordable help from our bankruptcy attorneys. Giving out fee quotations before having a full understanding of a prospective clients situation is difficult, however like any personal service situation, everything is subject to negotiation, and at Borders and Gerace we endeavor to work with all clients so that they are comfortable with the payment amounts and how the representation is structured. Having said this, the following guidelines may be helpful.
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How A Dayton Bankruptcy Attorney Can Help
Choosing a bankruptcy type to file and filing for bankruptcy in Dayton is confusing, complicated, and many mistakes can be made if you are not steeped in bankruptcy law.
Therefore, it only makes sense to rely on the expertise of a bankruptcy attorney with a 35 year track record of success. Your financial future is in good hands with West Law Office.
The best solution in bankruptcy is to find a lawyer you can trust. One that has many reviews and testimonials.
This leaves room for little error. Most of our clients have very little knowledge on the bankruptcy process, bankruptcy law, or have tried filing for bankruptcy relief but found it to be overwhelming.
Dont delay when filing, if your financial situation is not getting better, its probably getting worse. Dont pretend things will get better all by themselves. Reach out to Richard West Law Office today for a free no-obligation consolation with one of the best bankruptcy attorneys in Dayton. We can file online, and we offer no-contact consultations.
Common Reasons A Bankruptcy Filing Is Dismissed
Not completing the pre-bankruptcy within the 180 days before your bankruptcy filing or not filing a certificate of completion with the court will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed. If you cannot afford to pay credit counseling fees, you must request a fee waiver from the counseling organization before the session begins.
Not filing required bankruptcy forms with the Ohio bankruptcy court will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.
Not paying court filing fees to start a bankruptcy case or failing to get court approval for a fee waiver or an installment plan will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.
Not providing requested documents such as tax returns, pay stubs and mortgage statements within the specified timeframes will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.
Not appearing at the creditors meeting in front of the bankruptcy trustee will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.
Not making your Chapter 13 plan payments on time or not making alternative arrangements with the bankruptcy trustee to catch up will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.
Not obeying court orders. will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.
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How Much Does A Lawyer Charge For Chapter 7
The average cost nationwide is probably around $1,500, but itâs really impossible to tell what that means for you. An experienced bankruptcy lawyer will meet you for a free consultation so they can learn more about your situation. At the end of this meeting, theyâll have an idea of how complex your case is and will quote you a fee based on that.
How Much Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cost
If you dont hire an attorney, the total cost for filing Chapter 7 is $338, broken down this way:
- $245 filing fee, the cost for the court to handle your paperwork and case after you take it to the bankruptcy court and file it in person.
- $78 administrative fee. Somebody has to pay the clerks and other court employees.
- $15 trustee surcharge. Its the government, right?
The good news: Those who qualify may file for free, with all bankruptcy filing fees waived. The bad news: Qualifying means not only are you in debt, your income is really low.
Those whose household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level qualify to have fees waived. To become eligible for the fee waiver, you must file Form 103B Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived and its wise to include it when you file bankruptcy. This form requires you to certify your income, and that you cannot even afford to make installment payments. Filing the form along with your bankruptcy filing takes care of everything at once.
Fees for the two required courses one before filing on pre-bankruptcy credit counseling and the other, after filing, focused on financial management are not high. The courses are run by agencies outside the court, many of which are nonprofit typically the cost for both should never be more than $50. But if you cant afford even that, you can ask the agency or organization for a waiver of the fees.
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Low Cost Bankruptcy: Do Good Options Exist
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In a Nutshell
Filing for bankruptcy can get expensive. Apart from finding an affordable bankruptcy attorney, there are ways to file at low cost.
Written byAttorney Jonathan Petts.
If you have been searching for an affordable Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney, you may not believe that there are any good options for a low cost bankruptcy. We want to share some news with you that may change your mind about filing a low cost bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 is the best option for a low cost bankruptcy for many people. Most Chapter 7 cases filed are considered no-asset Chapter 7 cases. A no-asset Chapter 7 case allows someone to file a low cost bankruptcy to get out of debt while keeping their property.
The process of filing a Chapter 7 low cost bankruptcy is not as difficult or complex as you might believe. You can obtain the Official Bankruptcy Forms to file a low cost bankruptcy from the court. The Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms are available on the website for the United States Courts.
How Do I Pay The Fees And Costs
In a Chapter 7 case, all fees and court costs must be paid prior to the time that the petition is filed with the court. Any other arrangement, such as an agreement to make payments after filing, must be discussed with a Borders and Gerace Attorney. If payment of these funds all at once presents a problem, one possibility is to make payments over time prior to filing. Once you have paid a retainer amount that we agree on, you may advise your creditors that you have retained an attorney. Our office will confirm this with your creditors, and attempt to slow down their collection attempts hopefully, long enough to enable you to gather all the necessary funds in order to file.
As indicated above, most of the fees in a Chapter 13 typically are paid as part of your plan payments. As you pay the trustee on a monthly basis, the trustee will pay the legal fees over a period of time.
Payment of the legal costs can be paid by cash, money order, check, or debit from your checking account.
What about using a credit card to pay the legal costs? We probably do not even need to mention that if you are filing a bankruptcy petition you should not use your credit card to pay for the cost of filing. However, if you have a relative or friend who is willing to help you with the expense by using his or her credit card to give you the necessary amount, this is fine.
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A Law Firm Able To Handle Your Debt Relief Needs
My AZ Lawyers has a reputation for successfully representing Arizona clients through the bankruptcy process. This is so because the attorneys are familiar and experienced in the Arizona and federal BK laws. Plus, My AZ Lawyers know the Arizona courts, judges, trustees, and procedures. Our good reputation precedes us. We will be able to assist you with your BK filing.
Commonly, the difficult decisions are made depending on if you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 BK. Therefore, our AZ Debt Relief Firm has the skills needed to handle your case. Our seasoned BK staff updates you on your case if necessary. Additionally, our experienced BK attorneys provide updates and current information with developing changes.
Experienced Arizona Bankruptcy Attorneys
Contact our Arizona Debt Relief Team for a free consultation and evaluation of your debts. Both the consultation and the advice are FREE. Plus, the consults are 100% confidential.
