Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy Protection
Are you trapped by overwhelming debt? Are you struggling with high interest rates, late fees and harassing calls from creditors? Bankruptcy protection can provide you a fresh start. Learn More
Stop Collections & Lawsuits
We can advise you on how to take action promptly to stop creditor harassment. Talk to our attorneys as soon as possible, before creditor harassment gets worse and creditors target you. Learn More
Bankruptcy FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about bankruptcy. Learn More
SOUND ADVICECOMPASSIONATE SERVICE
Experienced Ohio Bankruptcy Attorneys
Bankruptcy is a debt relief remedy established by federal law. An Ohio bankruptcy attorney from our firm can explain how it may resolve your financial stress. Filing for bankruptcy can help you reduce or eliminate the bills you cannot afford while keeping assets such as your house and car. Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows for a financial fresh start, while Chapter 13 reorganizes debt to make it easier to pay.
BANKRUPTCY MAY BE THE FRESH START YOU NEED TO GET ON THE PATH TO A BRIGHTER FINANCIAL FUTURE.
Federal and state bankruptcy laws are very complex. When you’re looking for relief from your debt problem, you want an experienced bankruptcy lawyer at your side. Our attorneys specialize in bankruptcy and have decades of legal experience and financial knowledge. They know the intricate details of the law, and they will work with you to choose the best path possible for your circumstances.
Reach out to an Ohio bankruptcy lawyer at Fesenmyer Cousino Weinzimmer to understand all of your available options. Call us at 614-228-4435 (Columbus), 937-222-7472 (Dayton), or 877-654-5297 (Cincinnati) for a free consultation to evaluate your financial situation. Our goal is to help you resolve your burdensome debt.
Get Your Free ConsultationOur Ohio Bankruptcy Lawyers Assist in these Areas
Ohio Bankruptcy FAQs
Most people haven’t experienced bankruptcy. Ohio bankruptcy laws are very complex, and when bankruptcy becomes a very real possibility, it’s normal to have questions and concerns about the process. Here we address general questions. To get answers regarding your individual situation, speak with one of our bankruptcy attorneys.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common form of bankruptcy. Also known as “liquidation” bankruptcy, it enables you to discharge (eliminate) most or all consumer and/or business debts. It is over in a few months, so you can begin rebuilding credit quickly.
With this type of bankruptcy, if you are current on your home mortgage payments at the time of filing and all of the equity you have in the property is exempt under state or federal laws, you may be able to keep your house. Similarly, if you are current on your car loan payments (or if you own the vehicle outright), then it is likely that you will be able to retain the vehicle.
Chapter 7 may be your best option if your income is too low to pay credit card bills, medical bills, utilities, payday loans or personal loans, or if you are facing court action or collection activities by creditors. Our bankruptcy lawyers can advise you of whether you qualify for Chapter 7.
If you do not qualify for Chapter 7, have a steady income and financial problems that are temporary, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be a viable option for you. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is also recommended for individuals in Ohio who may be facing foreclosure or repossessions.
Chapter 13 provides a court-approved reorganization plan for you to repay some or all of your debt affordably over a three- to five-year period. You are protected from harassment by creditors, and if you successfully complete the plan, the remaining unsecured debts covered by the plan are discharged. A Chapter 13 repayment plan can help you keep your home or car if you are behind on payments or if there is unprotected equity in an asset.
The cost to hire an Ohio bankruptcy lawyer depends on whether you file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy and the complexity of the case. We strive to make filing bankruptcy as affordable as possible for our clients as we understand the financial hardships you are facing. We offer a free consultation so that we can review your entire financial situation and give you an exact fee quote. For more specific information about the cost of a bankruptcy, call us at 614-228-4435 (Columbus), 937-222-7472 (Dayton), or 877-654-5297 (Cincinnati).
Although there will be an initial setback in your credit rating, credit starts to rebound quickly after bankruptcy, and you will typically wind up with an improved credit score.
– Chapter 7 bankruptcies stay on a person’s credit record for up to 10 years.
– Completed Chapter 13 bankruptcies remain on an individual’s credit record for up to 7 years.
After bankruptcy, you may be in a better position to get credit, because most or all of your debts will be eliminated and you reduce your debt-to-income ratio. An experienced Ohio bankruptcy lawyer from our firm can advise you about the best ways to begin rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy.
Your Social Security benefits cannot be lost by filing for bankruptcy, as this is a protected asset. These benefits will not be considered as income to pay your creditors, though the court may consider your Social Security benefits when determining your ability to pay some debts. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the court will calculate your Social Security benefits when determining whether you have the ability to make the payments required by your repayment plan.
Generally, retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs and defined-benefit plans are protected during bankruptcy, though the amount protected may be capped. If you have a pension when you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, typically you can exempt at least some of your pension.
If you are married, you can file for joint bankruptcy with your husband or wife, or you can file bankruptcy as an individual. However, even if you file as an individual, your bankruptcy may affect your spouse. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, and deciding whether to file an individual or joint bankruptcy will depend on your unique situation and whose name each debt is in. For a more complete explanation of how bankruptcy affects spouses, contact our skilled bankruptcy attorneys for a free consultation.
REPUTABLE GUIDANCEOHIO BANKRUPTCY LAWYERS
We’re Your Legal Advocates During the Bankruptcy Process
Filing for bankruptcy is a complicated undertaking. When you work with our bankruptcy lawyers, we’ll answer your questions and ease the way through every step, reducing your stress and helping you reach a satisfactory outcome. You don’t have to be a financial or legal expert – that’s what your Ohio bankruptcy lawyer is for. We know that you probably already have your hands full with work and family, and you likely have spent a lot of time worrying about finances. We’ll lessen your worry through knowledgeable legal advice.
OUR ATTENTIVE BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEYS WILL ALWAYS BE ON HAND TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND SETTLE YOUR WORRIES SO THAT YOU CAN FOCUS ON A FRESH START.
Our experienced and skilled bankruptcy lawyers will simplify the whole process for you. We will walk you through the legal process, tell you what things to do and not to do, stop the harassing phone calls from collections agencies, and prepare and file all legal documents with the court.
WHY CHOOSE OUR OHIO BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEYS?
We know that you have a choice when looking for bankruptcy attorneys. So why choose our firm? Our attorneys specialize in bankruptcy and have decades of legal experience and financial knowledge. We have in-depth insight into the intricate details of federal and state laws. When we work with you, we’ll carefully analyze your situation to choose the best path possible for your individual circumstance. We can even advise you whether there may be alternatives to bankruptcy for your situation, such as debt settlement. Debt settlement involves negotiating a reduced payoff amount for medical charges, credit cards, mortgages and other bills.
CALL TO DISCUSS GETTING DEBT RELIEF TODAY
If you’re struggling with debt and creditor calls, take the first step toward debt relief by contacting our Ohio bankruptcy lawyers for a free initial consultation. . Call us at one of our office branches: 614-228-4435 (Columbus), 937-222-7472 (Dayton), or 877-654-5297 (Cincinnati).
We are an Ohio debt relief agency. We help people in Ohio file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
Can You Stop Foreclosure in Ohio After Receiving the First Notice?
READ ARTICLEFROM OUR BANKRUPTCY BLOGCATEGORY: Foreclosures
Receiving anything from a mortgage lender that mentions the words “foreclosure” or “legal action” can be overwhelming. As soon as they read those words, many people have trouble understanding the rest of the notice. However, receiving a first notice from your mortgage lender does not mean you will automatically lose your home. It also doesn’t mean the foreclosure itself has started. You can still save your home, but you need to act quickly. Here’s a look at what you need [...]