Bankruptcy in Odessa, TX

Are you contemplating bankruptcy or hiring a bankruptcy attorney in Odessa, Texas? 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 Odessa, Texas

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 Odessa, TX 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.

If someone from Odessa needs to appear in court during this process, that can involve a trip to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Western District of Texas.

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 Odessa  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.

Filing for Chapter 7 begins with credit counseling with an organization like Credit Firm Incorporated in Odessa. If a firm like this one certifies that you went through their process and can benefit from bankruptcy, you can file with the court. Around a month afterward, a creditors’ meeting will occur. Up to 60 days later, the court will order a discharge of your debts. Any property that doesn’t have exclusions will get sold to pay for as much as possible.

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.

According to the U.S. Courts, filing for Chapter 11 comes with a $1,167 fee for filing and $571 for administration. Depending on the circumstances, you or your business may pay this in installments instead of a lump sum. Businesses or corporations typically take advantage of this type of debt relief. But, an individual or a sole proprietorship in Odessa can qualify as well.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a debt restructuring or wage earners plan. In Odessa, TX 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.

Bankruptcy forms for Chapter 13 come in two waves and have strict deadlines to meet. After the initial filing, debtors in Odessa have 14 days to submit additional forms that include their repayment plan. Incomplete or incompetent completion of this paperwork can lead to a denial by the court and trustees. To avoid a costly mistake or delay, you may want to consider a consultation with an attorney.

The Bankruptcy Process in Odessa, Texas

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 Odessa 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.

Additionally, debtors from Odessa will need to make decisions about whether to take state or federal exemptions. This choice can depend on the property and total equity you can keep after bankruptcy. An excellent example of this to consider is the homestead exemption. The State of Texas allows you to keep up to $100,000 in the value of your real estate. On the other hand, the federal exception only reaches $25,515 at most. If you rent and do not own your home, it remains possible that you will want to go with U.S. Code instead.

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 Odessa, Texas Lawyer

Hiring a local bankruptcy lawyer in Odessa 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 Texas 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 Odessa can guide you through the entire bankruptcy process. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Texas state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!