Home Improvement Resources & FAQs Car Accident Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers Criminal Defense Lawyers Workers Compensation Lawyers Divorce Lawyers Bail Bond Companies Bankruptcy Lawyers Find a Top-Ranked Bankruptcy Lawyer Near You We did the research for you! Mystery Shopping Calls Learn about our selection process . Most Popular Cities = Featured Provider Hewitt Foster Legal Group, LTD 8044 Montgomery Road, Suite 700, Cincinnati, OH 45236 Hewitt Foster Legal Group, LTD R. Michael Smith Attorney At Law 4050 Executive Park Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45241 R. Michael Smith Attorney At Law Dearfield Law Firm, LLC 2555 S Dixie Drive, Dayton, OH 45409 Dearfield Law Firm, LLC Minneapolis, MN Hoglund Law 100 S 5th St Suite 1900, Rm 1962, Minneapolis, MN 55402 Expertise.com Concierge Service Minneapolis, MN Expertise.com Concierge Service Twin City Attorneys, P.A. 1912 North Lexington, Saint Paul, MN 55113 Twin City Attorneys, P.A. San Antonio, TX Law Offices of Jose Soria, PC 6800 Park Ten Blvd. Ste. 222N, San Antonio, TX 78213 Law Offices of Jose Soria, PC Pedro V. Hernandez, Jr. 5820 IH-10 West Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78201 Pedro V. Hernandez, Jr. Jackson Walker 112 East Pecan Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 Kohrman Jackson & Krantz 1375 East Ninth Street One, Cleveland, OH 44114 Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Sheldon Stein 2200 Terminal Tower, Cleveland, OH 44113 Borders & Gerace 3401 Enterprise Place, Suite 340, Beachwood, OH 44122 Borders & Gerace Crystal R. Cole Attorney at Law 731 Porter Rd., Nashville, TN 37206 Crystal R. Cole Attorney at Law Gopal & Pedigo Law Group PC 2841 Logan Street, Nashville, TN 37211 Gopal & Pedigo Law Group PC Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin PLLC 150 3rd Ave S Ste 1700, Nashville, TN 37201 Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin PLLC Salt Lake City, UT Law Offices of Laura Ferrin 299 S. Main St., Suite 1300, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Law Offices of Laura Ferrin Expertise.com Concierge Service Salt Lake City, UT Expertise.com Concierge Service Utah Bankruptcy Clinic 699 E. South Temple, Suite 201F, Salt Lake City, UT 84102 Utah Bankruptcy Clinic Jesse Aguinaga Attorney at Law P.C. 8323 Southwest Fwy # 670, Houston, TX 77074 Jesse Aguinaga Attorney at Law P.C. Hawash Cicack & Gaston LLP Attorneys at Law 3401 Allen Parkway, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77019 Hawash Cicack & Gaston LLP Attorneys at Law Busby & Associates 6100 Corporate Dr Ste 190, Houston, TX 77036 Busby & Associates The Law Office of Barry H. Spitzer 980 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 The Law Office of Barry H. Spitzer Fraley & Fraley Sacramento Bankruptcy Attorneys 1401 El Camino Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95815 Fraley & Fraley Sacramento Bankruptcy Attorneys Stutz Law Office 9343 Tech Center Dr., Suite 160, Sacramento, CA 95826 Stutz Law Office Steiner Law Group, LLC 115 Sudbrook Lane Suite 206, Baltimore, MD 21208 Steiner Law Group, LLC Miles & Stockbridge 100 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 Miles & Stockbridge Andrew Fury, Esq. 6931 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234 Andrew Fury, Esq. Morla Law Group P.A Attorneys-at-Law 3621 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33609 Morla Law Group P.A Attorneys-at-Law Leon Williamson Law 306 S Plant Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 Leon Williamson Law Dogali Law Group PA 401 E Jackson St Ste 1825 Ta, Tampa, FL 33602 Dogali Law Group PA Top Bankruptcy Lawyers in other locations Bankruptcy Lawyers in Richmond, VA Bankruptcy Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA Bankruptcy Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ Bankruptcy Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA Bankruptcy Lawyers in Austin, TX Bankruptcy Lawyers in Indianapolis, IN Bankruptcy Lawyers in Portland, OR Bankruptcy Lawyers in Louisville, KY Bankruptcy Lawyers in Long Beach, CA

Bankruptcy Lawyers in Tampa, FL Find a Top-Ranked Bankruptcy Lawyer Near You Related Resources Student Loan Debt and Bankruptcy: What You Need to Know 6 Steps to Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney What does a bankruptcy attorney do? Bankruptcy attorneys help clients understand whether they qualify for bankruptcy and what their best options are. They also prepare and file petitions, answer questions during the proceedings, and educate clients about potential best steps for a positive bankruptcy outcome. Bankruptcy attorneys might also file motions or paperwork if creditors dispute the bankruptcy, or to stop creditors from taking collections actions forbidden by the bankruptcy. What does a bankruptcy attorney do? Bankruptcy attorneys help clients understand whether they qualify for bankruptcy and what their best options are. They also prepare and file petitions, answer questions during the proceedings, and educate clients about potential best steps for a positive bankruptcy outcome. Bankruptcy attorneys might also file motions or paperwork if creditors dispute the bankruptcy, or to stop creditors from taking collections actions forbidden by the bankruptcy. What happens when you file bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is a formal process that individuals, married couples, or businesses can enact when they are no longer able to pay creditors. In a bankruptcy proceeding, filers are allowed to reduce debt to more manageable levels to best pay off money owed. Once the bankruptcy process is initiated, debt collectors can no longer seek repayments outside of the arrangements detailed in the bankruptcy settlement. Some forms of bankruptcy result in the liquidation of assets to pay back debts, while others allow filers to retain most of their possessions and investments. Many types of unsecured debt can be managed with bankruptcy filings, but not all. What happens when you file bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is a formal process that individuals, married couples, or businesses can enact when they are no longer able to pay creditors. In a bankruptcy proceeding, filers are allowed to reduce debt to more manageable levels to best pay off money owed. Once the bankruptcy process is initiated, debt collectors can no longer seek repayments outside of the arrangements detailed in the bankruptcy settlement. Some forms of bankruptcy result in the liquidation of assets to pay back debts, while others allow filers to retain most of their possessions and investments. Many types of unsecured debt can be managed with bankruptcy filings, but not all. Can you file bankruptcy on student loans? Under most circumstances, student loans aren't dischargeable and aren't included in bankruptcy proceedings. In rare cases, it may be possible to eliminate student loans through bankruptcy, but only if the courts determine that continuing to pay the loans would impose an undue hardship. Meeting the criteria for undue hardship is challenging, and most bankruptcy filers don't qualify. Can you file bankruptcy on student loans? Under most circumstances, student loans aren't dischargeable and aren't included in bankruptcy proceedings. In rare cases, it may be possible to eliminate student loans through bankruptcy, but only if the courts determine that continuing to pay the loans would impose an undue hardship. Meeting the criteria for undue hardship is challenging, and most bankruptcy filers don't qualify. What is bankruptcy fraud? Bankruptcy fraud is a blanket term that refers to any kind of dishonest bankruptcy proceeding, which can include: Hiding assets by transferring them to another person or entity Intentionally omitting assets when reporting to the court Destroying or withholding required documents Knowingly making false statements to bankruptcy trustees or creditors What is bankruptcy fraud? Bankruptcy fraud is a blanket term that refers to any kind of dishonest bankruptcy proceeding, which can include: Hiding assets by transferring them to another person or entity Intentionally omitting assets when reporting to the court Destroying or withholding required documents Knowingly making false statements to bankruptcy trustees or creditors How long is bankruptcy on public record? How long bankruptcy stays on public record depends on the kind of bankruptcy filing in question. Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on the record for 10 years as there isn't necessarily a repayment component. Chapter 13 bankruptcy remains on the record for seven years as some obligations are repaid following filing based on the terms of a discharge settlement. How long is bankruptcy on public record? How long bankruptcy stays on public record depends on the kind of bankruptcy filing in question. Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on the record for 10 years as there isn't necessarily a repayment component. Chapter 13 bankruptcy remains on the record for seven years as some obligations are repaid following filing based on the terms of a discharge settlement. Does bankruptcy clear tax debt? Bankruptcy can clear tax debt, depending on the circumstances. Taxes are dischargeable under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, not Chapter 13, and only if the tax debt is: Federal income tax debt related to current properly filed tax returns Honestly incurred with no fraud or evasion At least three years old Assessed at least 240 days before bankruptcy filings Existing liens are not eliminated with bankruptcy. Does bankruptcy clear tax debt? Bankruptcy can clear tax debt, depending on the circumstances. Taxes are dischargeable under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, not Chapter 13, and only if the tax debt is: Federal income tax debt related to current properly filed tax returns Honestly incurred with no fraud or evasion At least three years old Assessed at least 240 days before bankruptcy filings Existing liens are not eliminated with bankruptcy. Can they take my car in Chapter 7 bankruptcy? In many cases, it's possible to keep a vehicle following Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The Chapter 7 Motor Vehicle Exemption allows filers who own their vehicles outright or who are up to date with payments to keep their cars. However, those behind on making car payments are required to arrange a repayment plan. Otherwise, the vehicle may be repossessed as a part of the proceedings. Can they take my car in Chapter 7 bankruptcy? In many cases, it's possible to keep a vehicle following Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The Chapter 7 Motor Vehicle Exemption allows filers who own their vehicles outright or who are up to date with payments to keep their cars. However, those behind on making car payments are required to arrange a repayment plan. Otherwise, the vehicle may be repossessed as a part of the proceedings. How bad is it to file bankruptcy twice? Although possible, due to the damaging nature of bankruptcy, filing bankruptcy more than once isn't recommended. Filing multiple times puts a serious burden on one's credit report, making it harder to get a loan, buy a house, buy a car, or even open credit cards. Note that filing for bankruptcy isn't something that can be done at a filer's leisure. There are time limits following bankruptcy cases that dictate when it's permissible to file again. For example, after Chapter 7 bankruptcy, filers must wait at least eight years before filing Chapter 7 again or four years before filing Chapter 13. How bad is it to file bankruptcy twice? Although possible, due to the damaging nature of bankruptcy, filing bankruptcy more than once isn't recommended. Filing multiple times puts a serious burden on one's credit report, making it harder to get a loan, buy a house, buy a car, or even open credit cards. Note that filing for bankruptcy isn't something that can be done at a filer's leisure. There are time limits following bankruptcy cases that dictate when it's permissible to file again. For example, after Chapter 7 bankruptcy, filers must wait at least eight years before filing Chapter 7 again or four years before filing Chapter 13. Can anyone file bankruptcy? Anyone can file bankruptcy, but there are limitations regarding which form of bankruptcy is permissible. Qualifying for Chapter 7 requires a means test that evaluates income, debt levels, and income left over each month after paying basic obligations. Income over the median set by the court and monthly income that allows meaningful payments toward unsecured debt can disqualify filers from Chapter 7, which is generally the preferred form of bankruptcy due to the possibility of a full discharge. Anyone can file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but the terms are less favorable. In most cases, some debts must be repaid following a successful filing. Chapter 13 is also more likely to result in asset forfeiture. Can anyone file bankruptcy? Anyone can file bankruptcy, but there are limitations regarding which form of bankruptcy is permissible. Qualifying for Chapter 7 requires a means test that evaluates income, debt levels, and income left over each month after paying basic obligations. Income over the median set by the court and monthly income that allows meaningful payments toward unsecured debt can disqualify filers from Chapter 7, which is generally the preferred form of bankruptcy due to the possibility of a full discharge. Anyone can file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but the terms are less favorable. In most cases, some debts must be repaid following a successful filing. Chapter 13 is also more likely to result in asset forfeiture. How will bankruptcy affect my credit score? Bankruptcies are noted on credit reports. How much a bankruptcy might drop a person's credit score depends on how high the score was to begin with, but generally speaking, the hit can be as much as 100 to 200 points. Often scores are already dropping because people filing for bankruptcy may have already missed payments on debts. Chapter 13 bankruptcies are listed on credit reports for seven years from the filing date, while Chapter 7 bankruptcies are listed for 10 years from the filing date. This is because Chapter 13 bankruptcies require at least partial payment of debts owed. How will bankruptcy affect my credit score? Bankruptcies are noted on credit reports. How much a bankruptcy might drop a person's credit score depends on how high the score was to begin with, but generally speaking, the hit can be as much as 100 to 200 points. Often scores are already dropping because people filing for bankruptcy may have already missed payments on debts. Chapter 13 bankruptcies are listed on credit reports for seven years from the filing date, while Chapter 7 bankruptcies are listed for 10 years from the filing date. This is because Chapter 13 bankruptcies require at least partial payment of debts owed. What are the benefits of filing for bankruptcy? Filing a bankruptcy petition causes an automatic stay. This legally stops creditors from taking further action to collect debt, including garnishing wages or foreclosing on property. Going through a bankruptcy successfully means that debts included in the bankruptcy are discharged and don't have to be paid back, except as provided in a Chapter 13 repayment plan. Bankruptcy can help someone recover from financial duress so they can make better decisions and improve financial situations in the future. Disadvantages can include temporary lower credit scores and limitations on spending and financing. What are the benefits of filing for bankruptcy? Filing a bankruptcy petition causes an automatic stay. This legally stops creditors from taking further action to collect debt, including garnishing wages or foreclosing on property. Going through a bankruptcy successfully means that debts included in the bankruptcy are discharged and don't have to be paid back, except as provided in a Chapter 13 repayment plan. Bankruptcy can help someone recover from financial duress so they can make better decisions and improve financial situations in the future. Disadvantages can include temporary lower credit scores and limitations on spending and financing. What's the difference between debt settlement and bankruptcy? Debt settlement occurs when people negotiate with individual creditors. The creditor agrees to take a payment that's lower than what someone owes and call the debt “paid in full.” Bankruptcy is a legal process that causes debts to be dismissed after someone proves they don't currently have the means to pay their debts as owed. Typically, someone can't enter into bankruptcy and also settle some debts, because the court would see that as favoring one creditor over another. What's the difference between debt settlement and bankruptcy? Debt settlement occurs when people negotiate with individual creditors. The creditor agrees to take a payment that's lower than what someone owes and call the debt “paid in full.” Bankruptcy is a legal process that causes debts to be dismissed after someone proves they don't currently have the means to pay their debts as owed. Typically, someone can't enter into bankruptcy and also settle some debts, because the court would see that as favoring one creditor over another. Find a Top-Ranked Bankruptcy Lawyer Near You Other Top-Ranked Professionals Bail Bond Companies Bicycle Accident Lawyers Birth Injury Lawyers Boat Accident Lawyers Brain Injury Lawyers Business Lawyers Car Accident Lawyers Child Support Lawyers Construction Accident Lawyers Criminal Defense Lawyers Defamation Lawyers Divorce Lawyers Dog Bite Lawyers Employment Lawyers Estate Planning Lawyers Immigration Lawyers Litigation Lawyers Long Term Disability Lawyers Mediators & Arbitrators Medical Malpractice Lawyers Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Personal Injury Lawyers Probate Lawyers Real Estate Lawyers Slip And Fall Lawyers Social Security & Disability Lawyers Truck Accident Lawyers VA Disability Lawyers Workers Compensation Lawyers Wrongful Death Lawyers