What does Consumer Bankruptcy lawyers do?

Consumer bankruptcy lawyers help individuals and businesses file for bankruptcy protection under the bankruptcy code. Bankruptcy lawyers in your area can also help creditors receive payment from debtors who are unable to pay their debts.

Consumer bankruptcy lawyers near you represent debtors in court and help them navigate the bankruptcy process. They also work with creditors to negotiate repayment plans.

Bankruptcy lawyers typically have a deep understanding of the bankruptcy code and can provide guidance and support to both debtors and creditors during the bankruptcy process.

10 issues (with description) handled by Consumer Bankruptcy lawyers

1. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: This type of bankruptcy allows individuals to discharge their debts and get a fresh start.
2. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: This type of bankruptcy allows individuals to reorganize their finances and repay their debts over time.
3. Debt Negotiation and Settlement: Consumer bankruptcy lawyers can negotiate with creditors on behalf of debtors to try to reach a settlement agreement.
4. Creditor Harassment: Consumer bankruptcy lawyers can help stop creditor harassment by filing a cease and desist order or filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
5. Student Loan Debt: Student loan debt can be discharged in bankruptcy, but there are certain requirements that must be met.
6. Tax Debt: Tax debt can be discharged in bankruptcy, but there are certain requirements that must be met.
7. Medical Debt: Medical debt can be discharged in bankruptcy, but there are certain requirements that must be met.
8. Foreclosure Defense: If a debtor is facing foreclosure, a consumer bankruptcy lawyer can help them defend their home.
9. Wage Garnishment: A wage garnishment can be stopped by filing for bankruptcy protection.
10. Bankruptcy Fraud: Bankruptcy fraud is a federal crime and can result in jail time and fines.

When to hire a Consumer Bankruptcy attorney?

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it is important to speak with a consumer bankruptcy lawyer to learn about your rights and responsibilities. A consumer bankruptcy lawyer can also help you determine if bankruptcy is the right option for you and can guide you through the bankruptcy process. Low-income individuals may be able to get free or reduced-fee legal assistance through a legal services program.

If you are a creditor, you may also want to hire a consumer bankruptcy lawyer to help you collect your debts. You can search for consumer bankruptcy lawyers in your area on the American Bar Association's website.

Authorities that handle Consumer Bankruptcy issues in U.S

The United States Trustee Program is responsible for overseeing the bankruptcy process and protecting the interests of creditors and debtors. The Office of the U.S. Trustee is a part of the Department of Justice.

You can find more information about the U.S. Trustee Program on their website or by calling 1-877-838-7842.

The Federal Trade Commission also has information about filing for bankruptcy and choosing a bankruptcy lawyer. You can find more information on their website or by calling 1-877-382-4357. State governments also have agencies that handle consumer protection issues, including filing for bankruptcy. You can find contact information for your state's consumer protection agency on the National Association of Attorneys General website.

There are also private organizations that provide information and assistance to consumers, including the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the American Bankruptcy Institute. You can find more information on their websites or by calling 1-800-388-2227 and 1-866-482-9227, respectively.

What to expect when working with a Consumer Bankruptcy attorney

When you meet with a consumer bankruptcy lawyer, they will ask you questions about your financial situation and debts. Be prepared to answer questions about your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. You will also need to provide information about your creditors, including their name, address, and phone number.

Need to hire one?

The consumer bankruptcy lawyer in your area will use this information to determine if you are eligible for bankruptcy relief and, if so, which type of bankruptcy would be best for you. The lawyer will also explain the bankruptcy process and what you can expect.

You should feel free to ask the consumer bankruptcy lawyer any questions you have about the process or their fees. Once you have decided to hire the lawyer, you will need to sign a retainer agreement. This agreement will outline the lawyer's fees and how they will be paid.

You can expect the bankruptcy process to take at least six months. During this time, the lawyer will work with your creditors to negotiate a repayment plan or debt relief. If a repayment plan is not possible, the lawyer will file a petition with the court to have your debts discharged.

After your debts are discharged

...you will need to start rebuilding your credit. This can be done by getting a secured credit card or by taking out a small loan and making timely payments. Over time, as you rebuild your credit, you will be able to qualify for unsecured credit products, such as credit cards and loans.

You can also get help from a credit counseling service. These services can assist you in creating a budget, managing your money, and developing a plan to repay your debts. You can find a list of accredited credit counseling services on the Department of Justice's website.

Bankruptcy is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly.

If you are considering bankruptcy, you should speak with a consumer bankruptcy lawyer to learn about your rights and responsibilities. A consumer bankruptcy lawyer near you can also help you determine if bankruptcy is the right option for you and can guide you through the bankruptcy process. Low-income individuals may be able to get free or reduced-fee legal assistance through a legal services program.

If you are a small business owner, you should speak with a bankruptcy lawyer to learn about your options. Small businesses have different bankruptcy options than individuals and the process can be more complex. A bankruptcy lawyer can help you determine if bankruptcy is right for your business and can guide you through the process.

Please note that this information is general in nature and is not intended to be legal advice. For specific information about your situation, please contact a consumer bankruptcy lawyer in your area. You can find one below on this page.