Can a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Champaign, IL Help Me?
Everyone has debt. And if you’re anything like countless other Americans, this debt can be suffocating. Financial obligations can quickly get out of control, and before you know it, you may have no choice but to look for a way out.
Unfortunately, bankruptcy is never a simple process. If everyone knew how to go through the bankruptcy process, it’d probably be a lot more popular. But as with most money problems, nothing’s ever easy, and before you know it, you’ll be looking for a bankruptcy lawyer who can help you out.
Fortunately, a bankruptcy lawyer from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols can help you navigate the bankruptcy process, and we’re always available if you have any questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today, and read through these frequently asked questions to decide whether bankruptcy is right for you.
What can bankruptcy do for me?
In short, bankruptcy can get you out from under your financial burdens. Declaring bankruptcy can give you some much-needed relief from debts, and after you liquidate assets to pay off your creditors you may feel freer and better than you have in years. Unfortunately, there’s always a catch.
After you declare bankruptcy and liquidate everything, moving on is a bit of a challenge. Some types of bankruptcy will stay on your name for up to ten years, and it can be difficult to take out loans, apply for housing, and even land a job: Bankruptcy takes a major bite out of your credit score, and it takes many years to repair the damage.
Is there a right or wrong way to declare bankruptcy?
Declaring bankruptcy is like jumping into the ocean – you want to make sure you can swim before you even think about it. When you consider bankruptcy, you should be as informed as possible, and this means contacting a bankruptcy lawyer and discussing your options.
Bankruptcy is a lengthy and complicated process, and you’ll want a lawyer helping you through it anyways. Think of this as shopping around for a lawyer that will help you the most, so take notes on the services they will provide, their availability, and how close they are to your location. There’s a right way and a wrong way to do anything, but when it comes to bankruptcy a lawyer will keep you on the right path.
What are my bankruptcy options?
In terms of personal bankruptcy, there are two main routes you can take: Chapter 7, and Chapter 13. You may have heard of Chapter 11 bankruptcy on the news before, but that’s none of your concern: Chapter 11 mainly focuses on major businesses and corporate restructuring.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is also known as liquidation bankruptcy. Filing Chapter 7 means you’ll be selling off your assets to pay off your existing debts. Assets are a pretty large umbrella, but there are certain exemptions that are protected from liquidation: Your primary residence, engagement or wedding rings, and many others. Outside of the list of exemptions, however, and your assets are fair game.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is also known as reorganization bankruptcy. When you file Chapter 13, you can hold on to your assets, but you’ll have to stick to a court-mandated repayment plan. Chapter 13 is basically a way to establish a formal roadmap towards repaying your creditors, and it takes a lot of hard work to stick to the plan.
How can a bankruptcy lawyer help me?
One of the most common questions we get at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols is the most straightforward: “Can a bankruptcy lawyer in Champaign IL help me?”
The short answer? We can help you find a way through the complicated legal red tape that surrounds every bankruptcy, and we can help you decide which type of bankruptcy is right for you. If you’re looking for a more in-depth answer, our lawyers are standing by to help you learn more and work through your bankruptcy as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Reach out to Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols today, and see how we can help you find a way forward.