Imagine being debt free. No more irritating phone calls, collections letters, garnishments, or worry about repossession. If you face debilitating debt for any number of reasons, Chapter 7 bankruptcy could be an option for you to hit the financial reset button. Chapter 7 allows you to keep certain assets while you permanently discharge your debt. Whether you fell on hard times due to a divorce, injury or any other circumstances, relief is available.
At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, we can help determine if you are eligible for a Chapter 7 proceeding. We understand the stress of financial hardship, and we can work with you to determine your eligibility and get immediate relief for your debt. Our northern Kentucky bankruptcy attorneys have extensive experience in Chapter 7 proceedings, and we are passionate about helping people- just like you- who want to improve their financial future.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Bankruptcy proceedings can be complicated, and if you try to take action on your own, a simple mistake can jeopardize your ability to recover and can even have more severe consequences. Do not try to take on our Federal government alone! At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, we are here to help, and we will work closely with you to craft a strategy for success in your situation. Navigating the intricate rules surrounding a bankruptcy proceeding can be complicated, and an experienced bankruptcy attorney at Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC will take the guesswork out of the process.
To determine eligibility, for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires a “means test.” The means test will demonstrate to the court that you are unable to pay your debts, and we can conduct the test for you here at Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC. The means test is a way of multiplying out your monthly income to show that you cannot afford to make your debt payments. The means test can get tricky when property exemptions come into play. While the federal court system governs bankruptcy proceedings, each state has a different list of assets that can be made exempt from your bankruptcy. Exempt assets do not need to be included in your means test when you establish your inability to make payments. This means that you can also KEEP those assets, but you need to know the laws surrounding this process to do it properly. If you suffer from debt in the northern Kentucky area, Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC can quickly and accurately conduct your means test and get you on track to financial relief.
Once we establish that you qualify for a Chapter 7 proceeding, we can strategize your personalized path to debt relief so that you can keep the assets you need. The process that allows you to keep certain assets under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is called “reaffirmation.” Reaffirmation means that you will need to bring the payments for those assets current, and then sign a new agreement that states you will keep making, or “reaffirm,” those payments. It is crucial to receive the guidance of an experienced bankruptcy attorney in this process so that you do not make any mistakes. At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, we help you with the entire reaffirmation process so that it goes appropriately and smoothly, including the preparation and filing of all required documents.
Why Choose Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC?
At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, we are dedicated to helping the financially distressed get a fresh start. Our firm is made up of a team of experienced legal professionals who have assisted hundreds of clients with Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings so that they can resolve debt trouble. Our northern Kentucky bankruptcy lawyers are highly respected in the legal profession, and we represent our clients with diligence and respect. We understand what it means to be in a position of financial distress, and we have a genuine concern for your financial health.
Lawyers at Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC know that bankruptcy is not your only concern; we know that you want to rebuild your life as fast as possible. That’s why, with our services, we truly go beyond the paperwork process and devise a plan for you to achieve financial stability specific to your situation. We treat our clients with the respect they deserve, and we have the knowledge you need to move through the legal process and start over with confidence.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a type of financial relief that allows qualified individuals to clear their debts by granting a trustee to collect their assets and sell non-exempt items to pay existing debts. To qualify, courts first use a means test that will show that your income and other assets are below a certain level.
This is measured by the median income for your size of household, in the state where you live. The means test shows that you lack the extra income to pay your debts. Once you establish your that your income is below the median for your state, you will be eligible to begin Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings, so long as you have not declared bankruptcy in the past eight years, and you do not have any property immediately subject to seizure.
Once you establish eligibility, we will determine which of your assets are available to sell, and which assets are exempt. In many cases, all of our client’s assets are exempt and will not be subject to sale. Our team at Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC will work with you individually to determine the status of all of your assets.
Unlike other forms of bankruptcy proceedings, Chapter 7 allows you to keep certain non-exempt assets like your home, furnishings, and vehicle. These possessions can be kept through a process called reaffirmation. Reaffirming possessions requires you to bring payments on those items current, and then you will sign a new agreement where you promise to continue payments on those items. Once you reaffirm an asset, you cannot use that in any future bankruptcy proceedings for a specified period.
Once we begin your bankruptcy proceedings, you will receive automatic relief from creditors: no more collection calls, letters, or any other legal actions to collect debts. Chapter 7 proceedings can also halt foreclosures, wage garnishments and the repossession of other items. This stay will remain in effect throughout the filing process, and we can finalize your case in as little as three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is normal to have questions about the process, what property you’ll be able to retain, and other important factors when considering bankruptcy. Fortunately, our compassionate and knowledgeable team is here to help you understand the process and how it could benefit you. Schedule a confidential consultation with us by calling (513) 351-5997, or reach out to us online. For more general information, read the following FAQs below:
Contact Us
Call Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC today at (513) 351-5997 to discuss your options for getting out of debt. We offer affordable services and take payment plans, but your initial consultation is always free. We’ve helped countless others just like you move on with their lives and put financial stress behind them, and we’re ready to help you do the same.
