Bankruptcy in Colorado
Are you contemplating bankruptcy or hiring a bankruptcy attorney in Colorado? 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 Colorado
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 Colorado, 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.
At the time of writing, this process can involve attending the U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of Colorado.
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 Colorado 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.
The federal judiciary recommends considering an alternative to Chapter 7 bankruptcy before filing. Debtors with a business can avoid liquidation with Chapter 11, whether it be a sole proprietorship or corporation. Another example would be a Colorado resident who can benefit from an adjustment of debts.
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 Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts provides lists of requirements and information for Colorado property owners to file. Most cases need a schedule of current income and expenses to start. You’ll also want to state your assets and liabilities, along with financial affairs and executory contracts.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a debt restructuring or wage earners plan. In Colorado 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 allow you to have some or most of your debts discharged.
Filing for Chapter 13 can start with completing a Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy. According to a guide by the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Colorado, you’ll also need a reorganization document. This can protect you from losing your home, but you need to have a plan approved by a judge. Other forms and necessities to turn into the court system are:
- Chapter 13 Voluntary Petition for Individuals
- Statement About Your Social Security Numbers
- Certificate of Credit Counseling
- List of Creditors
- Filing Fee or Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments
The Bankruptcy Process in Colorado
Filing for bankruptcy is rarely an easy decision, but it may be the best step forward if repaying your debts within five years is impossible. Bankruptcy can help reduce the burden of overwhelming debt and set you on a path toward financial recovery.
In , starting the process requires gathering all your financial records. This includes details about your monthly expenses, outstanding debts, assets, and annual income. Providing accurate and complete information is essential, as missing or incomplete records can lead to a denial of your petition.
In some cases, Colorado property owners can find exemptions from bankruptcy. For example, current legislation protects homesteads from up to $105,000 in debts, contracts, or other civil obligations. Other exceptions you can lean on include:
- Unemployment benefits
- Partnership property
- Crime victims’ compensation
- Up to $7,500 in equity for vehicles
- Veterans’ benefits
- Group life insurance benefits up to $100,000
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 Colorado Lawyer
Hiring a local bankruptcy lawyer in Colorado 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 can or can’t be discharged. An experienced Colorado 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 Colorado can guide you through bankruptcy. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Colorado state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to speak with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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