Bankruptcy is a debt-relief remedy created by federal law to help consumers set aside financial burdens so they can move forward with life. Chapter 7, considered a “fresh start” bankruptcy, or Chapter 13, a consumer debt reorganization bankruptcy, can both help you drastically reduce or eliminate the bills you cannot afford while holding onto assets such as your house and car. Our skilled bankruptcy attorneys can help those in Hamilton determine whether bankruptcy is right for you.
We understand that when you file bankruptcy, you have a lot of questions and concerns, a Hamilton bankruptcy attorney can walk you through the process and stand beside you every step of the way. We are professional, understanding and compassionate. To find out more about how Fesenmyer Cousino Weinzimmer can help, call us at 614-228-4435 (Columbus), 937-222-7472 (Dayton), or 877-654-5297 (Cincinnati). We offer a free consultation, so the initial phone call costs you nothing.
How Do I Choose the Best Bankruptcy Lawyer in Hamilton, Ohio?
We understand that finances are tight when you are considering bankruptcy. When choosing a bankruptcy lawyer in Hamilton, Ohio, you want to make sure you’re getting good value for the dollars you spend. Fesenmyer Cousino Weinzimmer is among the most affordable and efficient bankruptcy law firms in Ohio. We offer top-notch bankruptcy services with compassion and understanding. We know that even the most responsible individuals can face unexpected financial crises through no fault of their own. Whether a job loss, staggering medical diagnosis or other unforeseen circumstances, a person’s financial foundation can be wiped out without warning.
We focus on lowering your financial stress quickly and creating a brighter path forward. We want you to know that you’re not alone. We’re here to explain the process and support you as you walk through it. We are affordable and provide substantial value compared to our competition.
The cost of a bankruptcy depends on whether you file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, as well as the complexity of the case. Our Hamilton bankruptcy attorneys strive to make filing bankruptcy as affordable as possible for our clients because 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. Call us at 614-228-4435 (Columbus), 937-222-7472 (Dayton), or 877-654-5297 (Cincinnati) for more details.
Different Types of Bankruptcy
A Hamilton bankruptcy attorney can help you choose the best path.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Chapter 7 is the most common form of bankruptcy. Often called a “fresh start” or “liquidation” bankruptcy, it enables you to discharge/eliminate most or all of your consumer debts. It also puts an immediate stop to harassing phone calls and letters from creditors. Chapter 7 is typically completed within a few months, so you can turn over a new leaf and begin rebuilding your credit quickly.
Chapter 7 is often your best option if your income is not enough to pay outstanding medical bills, credit card bills, payday loans, utilities, consumer installment loans and personal loans or if you are facing collections or court activities by creditors. It can also stop or prevent repossessions, civil judgments and some wage garnishments. Through Chapter 7, you can eliminate the bills you cannot afford while holding onto assets like your house and car.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Chapter 13, also known as “wage earner” or “debt reorganization” bankruptcy, is an option that may be right for you if you earn too much to qualify for Chapter 7.
Chapter 13 is for people who have a steady income and financial problems that are temporary. It’s a way to catch your breath before moving forward. Chapter 13 is recommended for individuals in Ohio that may be facing foreclosure or repossessions. It is often the best choice for homeowners with more equity in secured assets than they can protect with their Ohio bankruptcy exemptions and who wish to keep these assets.
Through Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are able to create a court-approved reorganization plan so you can repay some or all of your debts affordably and manageably over a three- to five-year period. During this time, all harassing calls and letters from creditors are stopped, and once you successfully complete the repayment plan, the remaining unsecured debts under the plan are discharged and eliminated.
An Affordable Hamilton Bankruptcy Attorney Explains the Details of Bankruptcy Law
We know that there are common questions among individuals considering bankruptcy, and we hope to provide some answers here:
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy will stay on a person’s credit record for up to 10 years.
- Completed Chapter 13 bankruptcy remains on a person’s credit record for up to 7 years.
- Your Social Security benefits cannot be lost when you file for bankruptcy.
- Generally, retirement benefits like 401(k)s, IRAs, and defined-benefit pension plans are protected during bankruptcy.
- Generally, individuals can keep their primary residence and vehicles after bankruptcy. In Chapter 7, if you are current on your home mortgage and all the equity you have in the home is exempt under state and federal laws, then you can likely keep your house. If you are current on vehicle loans or own them outright, you’ll generally be able to keep them. A Chapter 13 repayment plan will often allow you to keep your house and vehicles even if you are behind on payments, by restructuring this debt.
- Debts that cannot be discharged through bankruptcy include alimony, child support, student loans and some specific other debts.
- If you are married, you can file bankruptcy jointly with your husband or wife, or you can file as an individual. However, if you file as an individual, your spouse will still be liable for any debts you incurred jointly and/or co-signed.
- Having a bankruptcy on your record should not affect your current employment. By law, an employer cannot terminate you because you’ve declared bankruptcy. However, when applying for a new job, certain employers might check your credit score, and this could impact whether they extend a job offer to a candidate.
Contact a Skilled and Experienced Bankruptcy Attorney in Hamilton Today
There’s no time like today to get a fresh start on tomorrow. Rather than continuing to struggle under insurmountable debt, pursuing bankruptcy might be a better option. We can put an immediate stop to harassing phone calls and letters from creditors and explore your options for a brighter future. To find out more about how Fesenmyer Cousino Weinzimmer can help, call us at 614-228-4435 (Columbus), 937-222-7472 (Dayton), or 877-654-5297 (Cincinnati). The initial consultation is free.
