If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, a good lawyer should walk you through the process and provide valuable advice. This includes helping you determine which debts the court will discharge and how to best shield your assets.
In addition, a skilled attorney can help you avoid mistakes in the paperwork and missed deadlines. Also, beware of bankruptcy mills that take a cookie-cutter approach to your case.
You’re overwhelmed with debt
Filing for bankruptcy can feel like a last resort solution to a dire financial situation. However, bankruptcy can help people reset their finances, and is a great option for those who are struggling to pay their bills. Whether you need to erase debts, or are considering paying them off over the course of several years under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, an experienced New York bankruptcy attorney can guide you through the process.
A Harrisburg bankruptcy lawyer might be able to review your financial documents to determine which debts can be wiped out, and make sure you’re filing all required paperwork accurately. They will also be your advocate at any court-mandated hearings or when dealing with creditors.
Bankruptcy lawyers often charge by the hour, so be prepared to discuss their fees before hiring them. Some attorneys offer free bankruptcy consultations, and many law schools have programs to provide legal aid to low-income New York residents. You may also be able to find a local charity that provides free or reduced-cost legal services.
You’re unable to pay your bills
A good bankruptcy lawyer will help you determine the right form of bankruptcy for your situation. They’ll also be able to offer advice on alternatives such as debt settlement or debt management programs.
A bankruptcy lawyer will also help you fill out and file your bankruptcy petition. This is a complicated process that requires you to list all of your assets and creditors and present this information in the correct format. Failure to do so can significantly reduce the number of debts the court discharges.
A bankruptcy attorney can make the difference between a fresh start and a lifetime of financial struggles. For low-income people the consequences of a financial crisis can be particularly dire: wage garnishment could lead to homelessness or dependence on public benefits; an illness or job loss could push them back onto welfare or food stamps. To avoid these outcomes, many individuals choose to hire a bankruptcy attorney. A reputable attorney will take the time to ensure all forms are filled out correctly and can handle the bankruptcy filing process as efficiently as possible.
You’re being harassed by creditors
Creditors and debt collection agencies are allowed to call and contact consumers in an attempt to collect on a debt, but some tactics cross the line into harassment. A bankruptcy lawyer can help you with this issue and protect your rights.
For example, debt collectors cannot threaten to hurt you, use obscene language or repeatedly call you at work or home. They also cannot lie about the amount you owe or claim to be an attorney or from the government. Additionally, they cannot harass you by calling at unusual times, such as early in the morning or late at night.
If you’re dealing with creditor harassment, your bankruptcy attorney can communicate with the creditors or debt collection agency on your behalf and ask them to stop. They can also file a complaint with the appropriate authorities if necessary. Additionally, filing for bankruptcy will automatically end all collections activities unless granted permission by the court. This is called the automatic stay and it protects you while your case is being processed.
You’re not sure what to do
A free bankruptcy consultation can help you determine if erasing your debt is the best option for you. It can also help you decide which type of bankruptcy, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, is the best for you.
Bankruptcy is an important social safety net that gives relief to thousands of people each year. If you are considering it, be sure to speak with a New York bankruptcy attorney for the help you need.
You might be tempted to save money by filing for bankruptcy without an attorney, but doing so could cost you more in the long run. If you are not familiar with the legal process, you may miss some paperwork or make mistakes on the forms. A good attorney will help you assemble all the information required by law and avoid mistakes that can lead to a request for a 2004(a) examination from your creditors. Ask friends and family and seek professional advice because every situation is different and you may find yourself benefit from a bankruptcy attorney.