If you are struggling to manage your debt and are considering bankruptcy as an option, you may be uncertain whether you qualify, given the changes made to the bankruptcy laws in 2005. You want an experienced attorney, one with a thorough understanding of the law, who can help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
At the Law Office of Rita D. Carroll, I handle consumer bankruptcy filings, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. I understand that bankruptcy issues are highly emotional and provide compassionate, yet assertive, counsel to help you get what you need. Contact my office to arrange a free, 30-minute consultation.
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you have the opportunity to discharge certain debts in exchange for the sale or liquidation of some of your assets. If you qualify for protection under Chapter 7, any obligation you had to pay those debts will be terminated upon the completion of your bankruptcy proceeding. Certain debts may not be discharged in bankruptcy, such as student loans, child support arrearages and some tax obligations. Likewise, you may be able to designate certain property as exempt from sale in a Chapter 7 proceeding, such as your home and your vehicle.
Under the 2005 changes to the bankruptcy law, it is now more difficult for a debtor to qualify for protection under Chapter 7. You must now submit to a means test to determine whether you have the resources and/or earning capacity to repay your creditors over a period of three to five years. If the court determines that you do, your only option in bankruptcy will be to proceed under Chapter 13.
In a Chapter 13 proceeding, you agree to pay your creditors some or all of what you owe over a period of three to five years. If you make all of your payments, your debts will be discharged. You may be able to keep many of your major assets with an appropriate repayment plan.
In Georgia, before you file for bankruptcy, you must undergo financial counseling. I can refer you to appropriate sources for this counseling.
When you hire me to handle your bankruptcy, I will be with you every step of the way. I will draft and file the petition for you, which will invoke the automatic stay and stop creditor calls and letters. I will attend all hearings and proceedings on your behalf. If you file for protection under Chapter 13, I will draft and file a payment plan for you and handle any objections to the plan.
I file all bankruptcy petitions electronically, which helps to make the process quick and efficient.
For a free, 30-minute consultation with an experienced consumer bankruptcy lawyer, contact me via e-mail or call me at 770-830-9535. My office is open during normal business hours and evening and Saturday appointments are available upon request.
The Law Office of Rita D. Carroll
317B Bankhead Highway
Carrollton, GA 30117
Telephone: 770-830-9535
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
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