The idea of going through the bankruptcy process can feel intimidating. Our firm believes that ensuring our clients know what to expect helps ease their anxieties about filing. The decision to file for bankruptcy is difficult, but it may be the best financial decision for you.
Relief from your debt problems.
Filing for bankruptcy can erase your credit card bills, medical bills, and certain other debts. It can give you the relief you need.
Consult with a bankruptcy attorney.
Many bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations. You can explore how bankruptcy will affect you specifically, no-risk and no-obligation. When filing for bankruptcy, it is critical to hire a knowledgeable professional who specializes in debt relief and bankruptcy.
If you’re in the Savannah, GA area come meet with us for a free consultation. Together we’ll review your debt relief options and explore if bankruptcy is the right choice for you and your family. So that you feel prepared, read our article What to Expect At Our Free Consultation.
Selecting which chapter to file.
There are two chapters of bankruptcy that individuals typically file. Chapter 7 is generally the simplest and quickest form of bankruptcy, typically taking four to six months from start to finish. Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan that lasts three to five years and creates an opportunity for a debtor to pay back all or part of their debts over time. Chapter 13 is longer and more complex but offers a few benefits that Chapter 7 does not.
When we meet for your free consultation, we’ll explain the different chapters of bankruptcy and make sure you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each chapter.
Gathering documents, credit counseling, and filing the Bankruptcy Petition.
Prior to filing your bankruptcy case, you will need to gather certain documents and complete a mandatory credit counseling course. The course can be completed online and is generally straightforward and inexpensive.
We will prepare your bankruptcy petition. Before filing, we will review it together to make sure that it is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Once complete, we will file it with the Bankruptcy Court on your behalf.
Nobody is allowed to try to collect on the unpaid debt after you file.
As soon as your case is filed the automatic stay immediately takes effect. This means that all of your creditors must stop all collection action. The automatic stay stops collection calls, wage garnishments, bank levies, and foreclosure proceedings and repossessions (at least temporarily).
Roughly 30 days after filing you will attend a bankruptcy hearing.
Every person who files for bankruptcy must attend a “Meeting of Creditors,” also known as a “341 hearing.” This meeting is not held in a courtroom, there will not be a judge present, and it typically lasts less than ten minutes. The meeting is conducted by the bankruptcy trustee assigned to your case.
Complete one more online course.
The debtor education course, the second of two mandatory courses, must be completed after filing for bankruptcy. It is a two-hour course in personal financial management. The curriculum is designed to teach you strategies on how to handle your finances after bankruptcy.
Life after bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy gives you the opportunity to take control of your finances and make good financial decisions moving forward.
Here at the Law Office of Barbara B. Braziel, we will make sure you understand the benefits of bankruptcy and how filing will affect you and your family. We specialize in bankruptcy and have over 35 years experience helping people get out of debt. We’re the premier bankruptcy law firm in the Savanna, GA area. We invite you to learn more about our firm here and come meet with us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Reach out to us by email at info@BrazielLaw.com or call (833) 522-1069.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Find out more about Bankruptcy in our guide: All About Bankruptcy.
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