Call: (614) 445-3000
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney
Ever feel like debt has totally overwhelmed you? Many people are completely over their head in debt, and the anxiety causes difficulty breathing. Don't give up hope. You are not alone.
As an experienced Columbus Ohio bankruptcy attorney, I can help you determine if filing bankruptcy is a good choice. As a licensed Ohio attorney, I can guide you through the process and help you achieve a fresh start to your life. Filing bankruptcy is not always the best choice for a situation. If an alternative is better for your situation, I can help you determine that as well.
How Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Works
There are generally 2 types of bankruptcy for the average debtor, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. To determine if you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court uses 2 tests for eligibility, the Means Test (or your income relative to the average American median income) and the Totality of the Circumstances Test (or look at the total circumstances to determine your monthly debt to income). The courts also consider a 3rd test called the Special Circumstances Test which looks at circumstances of a situation (like major medical, health, or other factors).
Discharge
When a person receives a Bankruptcy Discharge , the discharge allows the debtor to discharge all underlying contractual obligations on unsecured debts. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is known as a fresh start because it allows debtor (or the person filing the bankruptcy) the opportunity of a fresh start from the unsecured creditors of credit cards, medical bills, and other types of debt. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows the debtor to get rid of or discharge most unsecured debts. A Bankruptcy Discharge means that the estate has successfully discharged all unsecured debts that are owed.
Federal Bankruptcy Stay Order
When a person files a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition, they are protected under federal law by a Federal Bankruptcy Stay Order, which stops most lawsuits. If there are pending garnishments or repossessions, the filing of the bankruptcy may stop the collection efforts (except for child support).
Bankruptcy Trustee
A 341 Meeting of Creditors is conducted to evaluate the debtor's situation. The Bankruptcy Trustee represents the various creditors of the debtor, and Trustee's Duty is to evaluate all the assets and liabilities of the debtor. A Trustee has the power to Avoid Liens and recover assets on behalf of the bankruptcy estate. The debtor is entitled to a certain amount of protection through exemptions provided by state and federal law. These exemptions allow the debtor to protect some equity in cars, bank accounts, houses, and tax refunds. The Bankruptcy Trustee can sell property if there is equity in the property, and they can Distribute the Proceeds to the various creditors according to priority of the claim.
Non-Dischargeable Debts
Generally, a federal stay order applies to all unsecured debts. However, some debts are not eliminated in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The most common non-dischargeable debts are taxes, student loans, child support, and government loans. Any debt created by false pretenses, a false representation, or actual fraud is also not dischargeable. Also, any personal injury caused by a motor vehicle driven by debtor while intoxicated may not be dischargeable. Generally, a creditor needs to bring a non-dischargeable adversary action to assert a debt survives bankruptcy discharge. The exception to bringing an adversary action is child support, taxes, and most student loans.
Repossession
With automobiles, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing may stall out repossession efforts. There is usually a 45-day period after filing where the creditor cannot repossess the car. During that time period, a debtor may be able to work out payment arrangements with a car company. Only a Ch. 13 bankruptcy filing can help catch up on car and house payments. In addition, sometimes a Ch. 13 bankruptcy can "cram down" the amount owed on a car if the car has been owned more than 910 days. A Redemption makes it possible to reduce an existing car loan down to fair market value.
Utility Shut-Offs
Some Utility Shut-Offs may be stopped for a limited time after filing for bankruptcy. The Utility company may request an additional deposit within 20 days of the filing of the bankruptcy petition.
Reaffirmation Agreements
When you file bankruptcy, secured creditors usually want the Debtor to file a Reaffirmation Agreement to resecure the loan to the secured creditor. The creditors cannot force a Debtor to reaffirm the debt, and the process must be voluntary and feasible with the Debtor's budget. To learn more about reaffirmation agreements, click on the following link.
Dismissal
If a Ch. 7 bankruptcy case fails, it is dismissed. Generally, a dismissal is a bad thing. There are various effects of dismissal. One of the major effects is that creditors can go after the debtor and try to collect again against them. The creditor can garnish wages, go after bank accounts, file judgment liens, or suspend driver's licenses in the effort to collect on the debt. Sometimes a bankruptcy case can be converted to another type of bankruptcy.
Ohio Bankruptcy District Maps
Ch. 7 Bankruptcy
Eliminate unsecured credit cards and medical bills. It's not for everyone, but it may be right for you.
Read More
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Need to catch up a house or save a car? Ch. 13 bankruptcy helps people pay back their debt with what they have.Read More
Divorce
Is it time to consider your options with your marriage? Divorce can help you gain closure.Read More
Dissolution
When both people are in agreement on how to end a marriage, a dissolution is a possibility.Read More
Child Custody
Dealing with custody can help resolve child related issues in a relationship.Read More
Criminal
Have you been accused of a crime?
Maybe you should consider your options.Read More
