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Bankruptcy is a process that is governed by federal law, supervised by bankruptcy court, which allows individuals to seek relief from overwhelming debt and obtain a new financial start. An individual that cannot repay their debts when they become due, files for bankruptcy, following a legal framework that resolves debts and determines how creditors will be paid. A bankruptcy attorney can help determine which one is right, based on your situation. Some types of bankruptcy proceedings include:
There can be various consequence for filing for bankruptcy. However, the impact is not permanent. Given time, and responsible financial management, an individual can rebuild positive financial standing. Common consequences for filing for bankruptcy include:
The assets that you can keep in bankruptcy depend on the type of bankruptcy you file and the state you live in, determining exemption laws. Exemption laws define types and amounts of property that can be protected from seizure to repay creditors. Exemption laws do have limitations. Consulting with a bankruptcy attorney can help you understand what is best for your situation and which assets you can keep.
Through bankruptcy, a debt that you are no longer liable for repaying is considered discharged. Discharged depts vary with the type of bankruptcy you file and the laws and regulations in your state. Not all debts can be discharged, and some have certain requirements that must be met. Common types of debt that may be discharged are:
If you're experiencing severe financial difficulties, bankruptcy can provide a path to debt relief and help you get a fresh start. Whether you are just starting to consider bankruptcy or have already filed, getting a bankruptcy lawyer involved can help you maximize the benefits afforded to you by the United States Bankruptcy Code.
We've assembled a list of trusted local lawyers that you can use to find the right Ohio bankruptcy attorney to help you stop wage garnishment, prevent creditor harassment, get debt relief, and protect your property.
A bankruptcy attorney can help you determine if the process is right for you or if other debt relief options are better suited to your needs. If bankruptcy is appropriate for your situation, your lawyer will help you decide whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy (often used by individuals or small business owners), Chapter 13 bankruptcy (where debt repayment plans are established to help you get back on track), Chapter 11 (business reorganization) or some other form of Ohio-specific bankruptcy process is best for you.
People wind up filing for bankruptcy for many reasons, often involving outside forces or unforeseen expenses: Medical debt and unexpected health care costs can quickly spiral out of control, credit card debt can accrue due to business expenses or needing to use a credit card during periods of unemployment and low cash flow, investments in the stock market, real estate or other financial vehicles might suffer due to a financial crisis, or a supply chain shutdown can cause debt to cascade in times of pandemic (such as the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak) or due to oil price fluctuations. In any of these situations, a bankruptcy attorney can help you find the best course of action.
Finding the right Bankruptcy Law attorney starts with knowing what to evaluate. When reviewing Ohio attorney profiles, consider the following:
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