Bankruptcy in Atlanta, GA

Are you contemplating bankruptcy or hiring a bankruptcy attorney in Atlanta, Georgia? Are you tired of creditors calling for payments you can’t make? Maybe looking for a way to get out of debt and have you exhausted all other options? Then bankruptcy might be the solution you seek. It is a legal option that can erase a portion or all of your debts.

Types of Bankruptcy in Atlanta, Georgia

Bankruptcy is a legal process that helps individuals and businesses get a fresh financial start. It eliminates a portion of or all of their debts or financial liabilities. In Atlanta, GA to be approved, individuals must prove they have a hardship that prevents them from staying current on their financial obligations. Keep in mind that not all debts qualify. Some liabilities, such as child support arrears, delinquent taxes, alimony, and student loans generally do not qualify for discharge. Consumers who find themselves falling behind in debt can file either Chapter 7, 11 or 13. To determine which option is right for you, you’ll need to assess your goals, assets, and income. You should also consider working with an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

Atlanta residents filing bankruptcy must appear before the U.S Bankruptcy Court of the Northern District of Georgia.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Many people find Chapter 7 to be the right solution for their circumstances because it provides them with the opportunity to start over financially. However, before filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you should thoroughly assess your income and ability to repay what you owe. You should also speak with a bankruptcy attorney in Atlanta  who can help you to decide if a liquidation plan is right for you.

Typically, individuals approved for Chapter 7 lack stable income or have experienced a change in circumstances that has resulted in an inability to manage their debts. Though Chapter 7 erases debts, the tradeoff is you may have to give up certain possessions, such as your home, car or some other assets. However, once you file your petition, an automatic stay goes into effect that requires all collection activity against you like foreclosures and garnishments, to stop temporarily. However, the automatic stay does not prevent all collection attempts. For example, if you owe child support or restitution for a criminal case, you are still liable for those payments.

Georgia Bankruptcy Law states that individuals filing for Chapter 7 protection must go through a means test. This test only applies to high income earners that are attempting to file for Chapter 7. If your income is below the median for Georgia, or if the majority of your debts are non-consumer debts, you may be exempt from the means test.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is more complex than other types of bankruptcy. It is often used by businesses and certain types of people. It allows petitioners to restructure their debts with a reorganization plan, so they are easier to manage over a determined length of time, usually four to 18 months. The main benefit of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it does not require petitioners to sell off or liquidate their assets to pay what they owe. It does allow debtors to negotiate with their creditors a reorganization plan that enables them to stay current on their debts moving forward.

The U.S. Courts provide an online guide for the bevy of forms you’ll need to file if you are filing for Chapter 11 in Atlanta. Remember, this type of restructuring is generally used by businesses that are attempting to pay off their debts without liquidating. Those filing Chapter 11 will have to submit voluntary petitions, a list of creditors, a statement of financial affairs, and a list of equity shareholders. An experienced attorney in Atlanta can best help you with this process.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a debt restructuring or wage earners plan. In Atlanta, GA after you file, the courts will assign a trustee to examine your liabilities and assets and ability to pay bills. Unlike other types of bankruptcy, Chapter 13 involves you restructuring your debt with a three to five-year repayment plan. The flexibility of this repayment plan will depend on what property you want to keep and how steady your income is. It may also give you the opportunity to have some or most of your debts discharged.

According to Try Ascend, filing for chapter 13 is required when your income level disqualifies you from chapter 7. When you file for chapter 13 you will have to formulate a payment schedule, and prove that this schedule will allow you to pay off your debts in the time limit set forth. You’ll also have to show how this new monthly payment provides relief that your old monthly payment does not.

The Bankruptcy Process in Atlanta, Georgia

There is never an ideal time to declare bankruptcy. However, if you are unable to pay off what you owe within five years, filing for bankruptcy can help you to lessen the negative impact on your situation and help you get back on track.

In Atlanta to begin the filing process, gather all of your financial records, including monthly expenses, debts, assets and annual income. This information is crucial to give the courts an accurate picture of your circumstances. Failure to provide all necessary information can result in your petition being denied.

Atlanta residents that pursue bankruptcy protections should know that bankruptcy does not eliminate all debt. You’ll still have to pay any debts accruing from alimony or child support. However, under Georgia State Law there are several exemptions that will allow you to keep property and possessions as you go through this process. You’ll be able to keep your home up to $43,000 and your motor vehicle up to $5,000. Additionally, public benefits such as social security and workers comp will be protected, as well as pensions. However, as you file your exemptions it may be beneficial to have an attorney to help you protect your possessions.

At least six months before you file for bankruptcy, eliminate unnecessary spending. Do not run up the balances on your credit accounts. You’ll also need to complete an approved credit counseling course, usually online or over the phone. Credit counseling is necessary to help you learn financial literacy and help you learn better financial habits. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion to include in your filing. If you don’t have the certificate of completion from the credit counseling course that you took, the courts will reject your bankruptcy petition.

Work With an Experienced Atlanta, Georgia Lawyer

Hiring a local bankruptcy lawyer in Atlanta during this process can help reduce the costly risks of self-representation in court. An experienced bankruptcy lawyer understands state and federal bankruptcy laws. He or she can help you understand which laws apply to your case, especially which debts that can be discharged or can’t be discharged. An experienced Georgia attorney can also offer you guidance to improve the outcome of your case.

Keep in mind that there are debt management alternatives and financial resources that may benefit you more than bankruptcy, such as debt consolidation. Though bankruptcy is an attractive solution, it is best as a last resort. Do you need immediate help? Then one of our experienced lawyers in Atlanta can guide you through the entire bankruptcy process. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Georgia state lines.

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