should i hire a lawyer when filing for bankruptcy

by Prof. Zachariah Cronin Sr. 9 min read

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you should hire an experienced bankruptcy lawyer to help you manage the process. Bankruptcy laws are incredibly complex. A lawyer will make declaring bankruptcy easier, faster, and more successful.Nov 20, 2021

Should you seek legal advice when filing for bankruptcy?

Individuals can file bankruptcy without an attorney, which is called filing pro se. However, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended because bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal outcomes.

Why you should or shouldn't file for bankruptcy?

Filing for Bankruptcy Doesn't Help Your Credit at All

When you file for bankruptcy, you're giving your credit the death penalty. The bankruptcy and all of the accounts included in the bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for the next 7 years. Even a few years down the road, creditors will see you as high risk.

Is bankruptcy something to be ashamed of?

The good side of bankruptcy; nothing to be ashamed about

Financial upheavals such as job loss, high medical bills, divorce, or small business failure can often lead to bankruptcy. But the negative association many people having when it comes to filing for bankruptcy often makes them feel ashamed or embarrassed.

What should you consider before filing for bankruptcy?

If you have large debts that you can't repay, are behind in your mortgage payments and in danger of foreclosure, are being harassed by bill collectors—or all of the above—declaring bankruptcy might be your answer.

What debts are not discharged in bankruptcy?

Examples of other non-dischargeable debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case include:
  • 401k loans.
  • Other government debt such as fines and penalties.
  • Restitution for criminal acts.
  • Debt arising from fraud or false pretenses.
  • Debts you intentionally did not include in your bankruptcy forms.
  • Damages related to a DUI accident.
Nov 2, 2020

What are the negative consequences after filing for bankruptcy?

Bankruptcies are considered negative information on your credit report, and can affect how future lenders view you. Seeing a bankruptcy on your credit file may prompt creditors to decline extending you credit or to offer you higher interest rates and less favorable terms if they do decide to give you credit.

What is the stigma of bankruptcy?

There is a stigma associated with bankruptcy that implies some failing, flaw, and/or guilt on the part of the bankruptcy filer. of bankruptcy clients as lazy or dishonest or criminal is perpetrated. However, bankruptcy fraud is the exception and not the rule.

Can I close a bank account before bankruptcy?

What you'll want to do is open checking and savings accounts at a bank that doesn't service any of your debt and use the new account for banking purposes before filing bankruptcy. Again, you don't need to close other accounts—leave them open and report all accounts when filling out your bankruptcy paperwork.

What happens to my credit score if I file bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy will have a devastating impact on your credit health. The exact effects will vary. But according to top scoring model FICO, filing for bankruptcy can send a good credit score of 700 or above plummeting by at least 200 points. If your score is a bit lower—around 680—you can lose between 130 and 150 points.Mar 10, 2020

Why Should I Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney?

Corporations and partnerships are required by law to have an attorney in order to file for bankruptcy. However, individuals may represent themselves in Bankruptcy court. While many people choose to do this in order to save some money, the Bankruptcy court strongly recommends that you hire a lawyer when filing for bankruptcy.

Can I Use My Bankruptcy Attorney for Other Legal Problems?

This will depend on the attorney, because each attorney will specialize in different areas of the law.

Where Can I Find a Bankruptcy Attorney?

If you do not know where to find a good bankruptcy attorney, one good place to check is the website of the bankruptcy court in your area. Many courts include information on how to find local bankruptcy lawyers. Another great resource is attorney referral services.

Making the Initial Decision to File

Sometimes, people make a snap decision to file for bankruptcy, as they believe it is the only option to resolve their debts. In other situations, people put off filing for bankruptcy much longer than they should due to misapprehensions about the process and its implications.

Applying Exemptions in Chapter 7 Cases

If you decide to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the law allows the bankruptcy trustee to seize and liquidate non-exempt property and assets in exchange for the discharge of your debts. The law provides exemptions to help you protect your property, but doing so can be confusing.

Ensuring Your Chapter 13 Plan is Reasonable

If you decide to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the process can be longer and more complex than Chapter 7. It is critical to have a skilled bankruptcy attorney advocating for you to make sure that your debt repayment plan is reasonable based on your income and financial situation.

Contact an Indiana Bankruptcy Lawyer for More Information

At the Schmidt Whitten & Whitten, Attorney at Law, we know the benefits of hiring an Indiana bankruptcy attorney for your case, and we would be happy to discuss these benefits with you in detail and in the context of your specific situation. Contact us to set up an appointment today.

How To Hire A Bankruptcy attorney?

If you are uncertain if you even need to speak with a bankruptcy attorney, it is always a good idea to set up a meeting with one because they can help guide you toward the path you need to take.

Should you get a second option?

Most bankruptcy attorneys offer you a free initial meeting; this can be an excellent time to get to know an attorney and get a second option if you feel that you need one. It is essential that you and your bankruptcy attorney are on the same page.

How to find a bankruptcy attorney?

Finding a bankruptcy these days is relatively easy. It would be best if you were using Google and other search engines. With the number of reviews left on these search engines picking out an attorney should be reasonably comfortable.

How will I be able to afford to pay an attorney if I am filing for bankruptcy?

Many bankruptcy attorneys will allow you to set up a payment plan. They understand the stress you are under and want to do all they can to help you out. If you face bankruptcy, then figuring out how to pay your attorney should be the least of your worries.

How long does it take to file for bankruptcy?

The bankruptcy process usually is going to take between one and three months. How long it takes will depend on how large and complex the bankruptcy process is. Suppose you are filing for bankruptcy over medical bills.

What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation bankruptcy. When this happens, all of your possessions are sold to cover your debts. The selling of your possessions could include your house or your car. Whatever is needed to cover your debts. Chapter 7 allows you to start over. However, a bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for up to 10 years.

What do bankruptcy attorneys do?

Almost all bankruptcy attorneys have specialized software that prepares and files your required bankruptcy paperwork with the court. You'll provide your attorney with all of your financial information, such as income, expense, asset, and debt information.

What is the responsibility of a bankruptcy attorney?

For these reasons, one of the responsibilities of your bankruptcy attorney is to know the local rules and filing procedures.

How to file for bankruptcy?

First, you can expect your attorney to tell you whether filing for bankruptcy would be in your best interest. If it is, you should also learn: 1 whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another type will help you achieve your financial goals 2 what you can expect during the bankruptcy process, and 3 whether your case involves any particular difficulties or risks.

What to expect during bankruptcy?

Most importantly, if you have any questions, you can expect your attorney to respond to your calls or emails promptly.

What information do you provide to your attorney?

You'll provide your attorney with all of your financial information, such as income, expense, asset, and debt information . Your lawyer will use it to prepare the official forms and then go over the completed paperwork with you to ensure accuracy.

What type of hearings can an attorney represent you at?

Some common types of hearings you can expect your attorney to represent you at: Chapter 13 confirmation hearings. Chapter 7 reaffirmation hearings, and. any other motion or objection hearings filed by you, your creditors, or the trustee.

What is the mandatory hearing for bankruptcy?

After filing for bankruptcy, all debtors must attend a mandatory hearing called the 341 meeting of creditors. But, depending on your case, you (or your attorney) might need to go to additional hearings. Some common types of hearings you can expect your attorney to represent you at: Chapter 13 confirmation hearings.

image

Making The Initial Decision to File

Applying Exemptions in Chapter 7 Cases

  • If you decide to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the law allows the bankruptcy trustee to seize and liquidate non-exempt property and assets in exchange for the discharge of your debts. The law provides exemptions to help you protect your property, but doing so can be confusing. An attorney can review all of your property and assets and best apply a...
See more on kmslawoffice.net

Ensuring Your Chapter 13 Plan Is Reasonable

  • If you decide to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the process can be longer and more complex than Chapter 7. It is critical to have a skilled bankruptcy attorney advocating for you to make sure that your debt repayment plan is reasonable based on your income and financial situation. If you enter into a repayment plan with a monthly payment you cannot afford, you are asking for complicatio…
See more on kmslawoffice.net

Contact An Indiana Bankruptcy Lawyer For More Information

  • At the Schmidt Whitten & Whitten, Attorney at Law, we know the benefits of hiring an Indiana bankruptcy attorney for your case, and we would be happy to discuss these benefits with you in detail and in the context of your specific situation. Contact us to set up an appointment today.
See more on kmslawoffice.net