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·BANKRUPTCY·
Assistance in handling outstanding debts through Bankruptcy to accomplish your short-term and long-term financial goals: Chapter 7 & Chapter 13.
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Solve Debt Problems
With Bankruptcy
With Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is not a decision to be made lightly, but there are times when it may be the best option for getting out of a bad debt situation.
Bankruptcy solutions were designed by the writers of the Constitution to protect citizens from draconian measures that used to destroy homes, families and businesses when they suffered financial misfortune. There are times when bankruptcy is the only responsible solution to insurmountable debt.
George & Davis, P.C., has helped hundreds of individuals from all walks of life achieve their debt relief goals by filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In doing so, we have helped them save most, if not all, of their assets and stop creditors from taking harsh legal action against them. We serve clients in Sturbridge and throughout surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Bankruptcy solutions were designed by the writers of the Constitution to protect citizens from draconian measures that used to destroy homes, families and businesses when they suffered financial misfortune. There are times when bankruptcy is the only responsible solution to insurmountable debt.
George & Davis, P.C., has helped hundreds of individuals from all walks of life achieve their debt relief goals by filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In doing so, we have helped them save most, if not all, of their assets and stop creditors from taking harsh legal action against them. We serve clients in Sturbridge and throughout surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Bankruptcy Stops Creditors
When you file for protection under bankruptcy laws, you are able to:
- Save your home from foreclosure in many instances
- Stop creditors from harassing you
- Prevent creditor lawsuits
- Protect yourself from liens and protect your earnings from garnishment
- Stop car repossession
A Fresh Start With Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
If you are drowning in debt and looking for a way out, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be for you. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, unsecured debt such as credit card debt and medical bills is eliminated. Creditors are legally barred from taking collection actions against you and from even contacting you at all.
If you are considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Massachusetts, the attorneys at George & Davis, P.C., are here for you. We have helped hundreds of clients from all walks of life achieve their debt relief goals by filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. We serve clients in Sturbridge and throughout surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Chapter 7 Basics
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often called debt liquidation bankruptcy, because the debtor's assets are liquidated and proceeds are used to pay creditors. In most cases, however, the debtor's assets fall within the list of bankruptcy exemptions. In other words, most debtors lose no assets in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 is means-tested, meaning that your income and assets must fall below a certain level for you to qualify. We can examine your situation to help you determine if you are eligible.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is relatively quick. In most cases, debt is eliminated in around six months. Errors or oversights in the process can cause delays and even put your debt relief goals in peril. Our lawyers have the skill and experience in bankruptcy law to guide you through the process and keep your financial goals on track.
If you are considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Massachusetts, the attorneys at George & Davis, P.C., are here for you. We have helped hundreds of clients from all walks of life achieve their debt relief goals by filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. We serve clients in Sturbridge and throughout surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Chapter 7 Basics
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often called debt liquidation bankruptcy, because the debtor's assets are liquidated and proceeds are used to pay creditors. In most cases, however, the debtor's assets fall within the list of bankruptcy exemptions. In other words, most debtors lose no assets in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 is means-tested, meaning that your income and assets must fall below a certain level for you to qualify. We can examine your situation to help you determine if you are eligible.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is relatively quick. In most cases, debt is eliminated in around six months. Errors or oversights in the process can cause delays and even put your debt relief goals in peril. Our lawyers have the skill and experience in bankruptcy law to guide you through the process and keep your financial goals on track.
Reigning In Debt Problems With Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
If you are struggling with debt problems, but are earning a steady income and have assets you want to keep, you may want to consider filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
At George & Davis, P.C., we can help you determine if Chapter 13 is right for you. If not, we can help you explore other options, such as Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you decide to file for Chapter 13, we can provide you with experienced guidance throughout the process.
Our law offices are located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Chapter 13 Basics
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debts are consolidated into a debt repayment plan that lasts between three and five years. Certain debts may be discharged, depending on the nature of the debt and your ability to pay.
Chapter 13 is not for everyone. Because you pay your debts over time, you must demonstrate to the court that you have the income to keep up with your payment obligations.
In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, certain debts are given priority over others. Secured loans such as car loans and mortgage payments typically must be paid in full, in addition to any arrearages. Unsecured loans such as credit card and medical debt may be discharged, depending on your means. Generally, you must pay as much of these debts as you can afford.
Like Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 stops creditors from harassing you and from taking legal action against you. An experienced attorney can help you take full advantage of the protections offered by Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Keep Your Home In A Chapter 13
One advantage Chapter 13 offers homeowners is the ability to pay off mortgage arrearages without losing their house. In a Chapter 13, you can get up to date on your mortgage payments while stopping home foreclosure.
At George & Davis, P.C., we can help you determine if Chapter 13 is right for you. If not, we can help you explore other options, such as Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you decide to file for Chapter 13, we can provide you with experienced guidance throughout the process.
Our law offices are located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Chapter 13 Basics
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debts are consolidated into a debt repayment plan that lasts between three and five years. Certain debts may be discharged, depending on the nature of the debt and your ability to pay.
Chapter 13 is not for everyone. Because you pay your debts over time, you must demonstrate to the court that you have the income to keep up with your payment obligations.
In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, certain debts are given priority over others. Secured loans such as car loans and mortgage payments typically must be paid in full, in addition to any arrearages. Unsecured loans such as credit card and medical debt may be discharged, depending on your means. Generally, you must pay as much of these debts as you can afford.
Like Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 stops creditors from harassing you and from taking legal action against you. An experienced attorney can help you take full advantage of the protections offered by Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Keep Your Home In A Chapter 13
One advantage Chapter 13 offers homeowners is the ability to pay off mortgage arrearages without losing their house. In a Chapter 13, you can get up to date on your mortgage payments while stopping home foreclosure.
What Assets Can I Keep?
If you are struggling with debt, one question that may be keeping you up at night is: If I file for bankruptcy, what can I keep?
It is a common bankruptcy myth that people who file for bankruptcy lose all of their assets. In fact, most people who file do not lose any assets at all. What you can keep depends upon several factors, including the amount and nature of your debt and your income and assets.
At George & Davis, P.C., we have extensive experience handling bankruptciesfor clients in Sturbridge and throughout surrounding Massachusetts communities. We handle every bankruptcy with close attention to detail. We can help you achieve your debt relief goals while keeping as much property as the law will allow.
Bankruptcy Exemptions
The government has carved out a list of exemptions detailing what property a person who files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can keep. In Massachusetts, the bankruptcy exemptions include:
It is a common bankruptcy myth that people who file for bankruptcy lose all of their assets. In fact, most people who file do not lose any assets at all. What you can keep depends upon several factors, including the amount and nature of your debt and your income and assets.
At George & Davis, P.C., we have extensive experience handling bankruptciesfor clients in Sturbridge and throughout surrounding Massachusetts communities. We handle every bankruptcy with close attention to detail. We can help you achieve your debt relief goals while keeping as much property as the law will allow.
Bankruptcy Exemptions
The government has carved out a list of exemptions detailing what property a person who files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can keep. In Massachusetts, the bankruptcy exemptions include:
- Up to $500,000 equity in a home
- Up to $7,500 in one vehicle
- Cemetery and burial property
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Personal property, including up to $15,000 in furniture, $1,225 in jewelry, $2,500 in cash and a $6,000 wildcard exemption you can apply to any property
Making Personal Bankruptcy Work For You
We offer free initial consultations for our bankruptcy clients. We handle two types of consumer bankruptcy:
Many of our clients have questions. Will I lose my house and car? How will bankruptcy affect my credit? Which debt is dischargeable and which is not? How quickly can I file? What property does Massachusetts bankruptcy law exempt? We can answer all your questions in a one-on-one consultation.
A bankruptcy properly done by the lawyers at George & Davis, P.C., can provide you with the financial foothold you need to start anew and benefit you and your family for the rest of your lives.
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a rapid and effective way to discharge most of your debt while preserving essential assets.
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a good option for those with a reliable source of income or unprotected assets they need to preserve.
Many of our clients have questions. Will I lose my house and car? How will bankruptcy affect my credit? Which debt is dischargeable and which is not? How quickly can I file? What property does Massachusetts bankruptcy law exempt? We can answer all your questions in a one-on-one consultation.
A bankruptcy properly done by the lawyers at George & Davis, P.C., can provide you with the financial foothold you need to start anew and benefit you and your family for the rest of your lives.
FAQ for Bankruptcy
1. Can I apply for a new credit card once I have filed?
— Bankruptcy actually helps your credit. While declaring bankruptcy will typically cause your credit to drop, it usually improves your credit in the medium and long term. Your credit score is largely based on your debt-to-income ratio. After bankruptcy you have little or no debt. Your score recovers and you are often able to access credit within a year of filing.
2. What happens to my assets during a bankruptcy?
— Your assets are usually protected by exemptions in the law that prohibit creditors from seizing property that you need to function and survive. For instance, there is an exemption that protects your home, another that protects your car and still others that protect your clothes, furniture and even money and bank accounts. Exemptions are not unlimited and a careful analysis before each bankruptcy will determine if any of your assets are at risk.
3. Do I have to go to court if I file for bankruptcy?
— Most bankruptcies only require you to attend what's called a "341 meeting" in front of a trustee who will ask questions to determine if you have any assets or income. We review most of the trustee questions during the intake process and know whether there are any issues we need to address before the 341 meeting.
4. I'm a business owner; how can I avoid personal bankruptcy?
— You can incorporate your business. This provides some protection against creditors, particularly those that have contracts or leases with the corporation. But you might still be liable for any corporate debts that you personally guarantee.
5. What is chapter 7?
— Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows for the discharge of most debts provided you don't own anything too valuable and your income is not too high.
6. Can you keep any of your current or old credit cards once you have filed?
— Most current credit cards are canceled by bankruptcy. However, you are often able to access credit within a year of declaring.
7. Do I have to file for bankruptcy if I am in debt?
— There are many options short of bankruptcy to address debt problems. We explore alternatives to bankruptcy as part of our intake process.
8. How does chapter 13 differ from chapter 7?
— Chapter 13 bankruptcy differs from Chapter 7 in several ways, but the most important is that Chapter 13 debtors have to make monthly payments towards their debtor for a period of between three and five years.
9. Do I have to list all of my property when I file for bankruptcy?
— You must list all of your property when file for bankruptcy. As part of the service we offer, we analyze your property to insure it will be protected, or to make that you aware it is not.
10. I'm married - does my spouse have to file for bankruptcy too?
— No. If the debt is primarily in your name, it may make sense for you to declare without your spouse.
11. Who will know about my bankruptcy?
— Bankruptcies are public, which means anyone can go to the courthouse to see who filed. But it is not currently publicized, which means it is not regularly published online or in the newspaper.
How can
we help you?
we help you?
509 Main Street
P.O. Box 199
Sturbridge, MA 01566
P.O. Box 199
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Phone: +1 (508) 347–7114
Fax: +1–508–347–5627
Fax: +1–508–347–5627
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