Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorneys in Augusta GA
Nobody thinks they are ever going to have to file for bankruptcy. Isn’t bankruptcy what happens to people who have absolutely nothing left? Doesn’t bankruptcy ruin your credit forever? These are false beliefs that, unfortunately, many people think are true.
In reality, filing for bankruptcy can be life-changing in the best way possible! If you’re struggling to keep your head above water, bankruptcy can be your chance for a brand new beginning—and our Augusta Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyers at the Law Firm of Duncan & Brow, P.C. can help you through.
At Duncan & Brow, good people come to us every day because their backs are simply against the wall. They feel they have nowhere to turn and are tired of the sleepless nights.
Maybe it is the loss of a spouse, loss of a job or an illness causes you to consider bankruptcy. Or, maybe you just feel overwhelmed. Our office can help you feel in control again. Remember, bankruptcy is what you do. It is not who you are. We have helped thousands of people just like you recover from financial difficulties. We can help you too.
Filing Chapter 7 in Georgia – What Are the Benefits?
If you have accumulated a large amount of debt that you are unable to repay and the harassing calls from debt collectors will not stop, then you could be a good candidate for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Augusta residents who file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically do not have jobs or a reliable source of income. The bills keep coming and they simply do not have the ability to pay them.
Some common debts that can be erased in a Chapter 7 case include:
Additionally, filing for bankruptcy institutes the automatic stay. This stay prevents creditors from continuing most collection actions, including wage garnishments.
Exempt Property and Assets in Chapter 7
Contrary to what people may say, you do not have to lose a home or car when you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Georgia.
There are exemptions that are available to help people keep their assets. We know how to protect your home, car, and wages in a Chapter 7 case while eliminating your debt.
Income Earned After Filing Chapter 7
Because chapter 7 bankruptcy is based on the financial situation you were in when you filed, your income earned afterwards does not affect your status. Your wages earned after filing will not be considered in your bankruptcy estate and cannot be used to pay back your creditors.
Qualifications for Chapter 7
Before you consider filing for bankruptcy it is important to determine whether it is the best option for you and if you are eligible for it. Our bankruptcy attorneys in Augusta can help you determine whether you qualify or not during the process.
In order to continue with Chapter 7 bankruptcy you must be able to pass the Means Test. The means test determines whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on your income. If your average income from the last 6 months is lower than the average median household income in Georgia then you can file for Chapter 7.
How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Filing for Chapter 7 starts with the bankruptcy petition, which lists what you earn, spend, and owe. If you are currently employed, you will also submit pay stubs and recent tax returns to the bankruptcy court.
A bankruptcy trustee will review what you have submitted. They will then schedule a meeting, where you will go over some clarifying questions. You will also take a credit counseling course and debtor education course.
While your Chapter 7 bankruptcy will take between six to eight months to complete, you are protected from the moment you file the case. After this time, you will receive a bankruptcy discharge which is essentially forgiveness of your dischargeable debt.
Free Bankruptcy Consultations!
Dealing with debt can seem very lonely, but it doesn’t have to be when you work with Duncan & Brow. Our Chapter 7 Bankruptcy attorneys are extremely sensitive to how you’re feeling right now and we will use our more than three decades of experience in bankruptcy law to help you get your life back on track.
Bankruptcy law is one of the most complicated forms of law in the United States. It is important to educate yourself, but you should not handle a bankruptcy filing without professional legal assistance. Our firm only handles Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and student loan cases, so you can rest easy knowing that you are in good hands.
