Let Us Help Ease Your Financial Strain
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy offers a pathway to clear overwhelming debts by liquidating assets to pay creditors. Ideal for those unable to meet financial obligations, it provides a fresh start by discharging eligible debts, allowing you to reset your financial landscape. This process halts all creditor harassment, wage garnishments, and lawsuits, giving you the relief and peace needed to rebuild.
Determining eligibility for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy involves specific criteria:
Income Level: Applicants must pass the means test, which compares your income to the median in your state for your household size.
Previous Bankruptcy: You cannot have received a Chapter 7 discharge in the last eight years or a Chapter 13 discharge in the last six years.
Credit Counseling: Completion of a credit counseling course from an approved agency within 180 days before filing is required.
Disposable Income: If your disposable income is sufficient to fund a Chapter 13 repayment plan, you may not qualify for Chapter 7.
Fraudulent Transfers: Any recent transfers of assets to avoid inclusion in the bankruptcy estate could disqualify you.
Primary Residence: Homeowners must consider state-specific exemptions that might affect their ability to keep their home.
The Means Test is pivotal for determining eligibility for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, assessing whether your income is low enough to file. It compares your average income over the past six months to the median income for a similar household in your state. If your income is below the median, you likely qualify, paving the way for debt relief through bankruptcy.
Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is a structured process to help you reset financially:
Initial Consultation:
Discuss your financial details with your attorney to evaluate if Chapter 7 is suitable.
Credit Counseling
Complete a mandatory session to explore all your financial options before filing.
Filing the Petition
Submit detailed forms about your finances to the court.
Automatic Stay
This halts most collection actions by creditors immediately after filing.
Meeting of Creditors
Answer questions about your finances in a meeting with the trustee and creditors.
Liquidation
Non-exempt assets may be sold by the trustee to pay creditors.
Discharge of Debts
Most debts are discharged, releasing you from liability.
Post-Discharge
Adapt to new financial habits to avoid future issues.
Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy instantly activates an automatic stay, halting creditor harassment, wage garnishments, and collection attempts. This powerful legal tool provides immediate relief, allowing you to address your financial situation without the constant pressure from creditors. It’s a crucial step towards regaining peace of mind and restructuring your finances for a stable future.
Starting anew after Chapter 7 Bankruptcy involves strategic steps to rebuild your credit profile. By obtaining secured credit cards, engaging in responsible borrowing practices, and consistently monitoring your credit score, you can gradually restore your financial standing. This approach ensures a steady improvement, helping you establish a solid credit foundation and secure a positive financial future.
Don’t wait to regain control of your financial lifE
If you’re considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and need guidance on how to proceed, I’m here to help. With decades of experience, I can provide the legal assistance you need to navigate the bankruptcy process efficiently and effectively. Take the first step towards a new financial beginning.
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We proudly serve clients throughout Central Ohio and the greater Columbus area, including Reynoldsburg, Blacklick, Pickerington, Pataskala, Whitehall, Gahanna, Brice, and beyond.
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