Cincinnati Bankruptcy Lawyer

Sometimes people facing overwhelming debt can feel frozen, unsure of what to do next. They avoid answering the phone and let mail pile up unopened. They feel trapped and don’t want to face creditors’ harassing phone calls and angry letters. We understand. Our Cincinnati bankruptcy lawyers have worked with many people who feel just like you do. There is a way out. There is a brighter tomorrow. Our attorneys offer every client compassion and understanding, and we take on the legal burden, so you don’t have to. We offer a free initial consultation, so call us at 877-654-5297.

The Most Common Types of Bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is over quickly and allows you to eliminate many types of unsecured debt, such as medical bills and credit cards. It requires that you liquidate your assets, except for those that are exempt. However, there are Ohio exemptions that may allow you to keep most of your property, which may include cars, work-related tools, and basic household furnishings. Chapter 7 is often the route chosen by individuals who have debt that far exceeds their income.

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to reorganize assets and consolidate your payments to avoid fees and fines and repay some or all of your debt affordably over a three- to five-year period. Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you repay a portion of your unsecured debts, and you may be able to save your home from foreclosure and your vehicle from repossession. A trustee distributes money to your creditors so you no longer have to deal with them. This way, you are relieved of the harassing phone calls and letters from creditors. If you successfully complete the court-approved payment plan, the debts covered by the plan are discharged and you can keep most assets. Also, Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to pay a portion of your attorney fees through the repayment plan.

Ohio has an automatic stay that prohibits most creditors from collection activity such as harassing phone calls, lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, and foreclosures. However, there are some “non-dischargeable” debts that bankruptcy will not eliminate, including child support, most student loans, and most tax debts. If you have additional questions about which of your debts may be dischargeable and which are not, we’d be glad to talk to you about that. Call us at 877-654-5297.

Once you file, both types of bankruptcy provide protection from your creditors. That means you can catch your breath, regroup and begin again.

Common Sources of Debt

1. Student Loan Debt

This is especially burdensome for millennials, who also have the pressure of wanting to buy and furnish a home and start a family. And those with student loan debt are more likely to take out a car loan — another large debt burden. While student loan debt is generally not dischargeable under bankruptcy, being relieved of other consumer debts that are dischargeable can make it easier to meet monthly student loan payments.

2. Medical Debt

A major medical problem can cause bills to mount up even if you have insurance; and because people often take on additional credit card debt to cover medical bills and doctor co-pays, debt increases rapidly. None of us ever wants to get sick, but illness can strike when we least expect it. Even if we have savings, those can be depleted quickly in the face of hospital bills, the cost of medication and rehabilitation services. It is no secret that in America medical costs are astounding, and they can be a heavy burden, particularly if you face a serious or lengthy illness.

3. Credit Card Debt

People often buy more on credit than they can afford and wind up paying just the minimum balance. For some reason, it is easier to overspend with credit cards than it is with cash. That’s why it’s so important to use credit cards prudently and sparingly. Unpaid credit card debt carries a very high interest rate that rapidly creates more debt, which can become unpayable. Anyone who has experienced this upward, out-of-control debt spiral knows that it’s easy to fall into and very difficult to get out of.

4. Mortgage Debt

Owning a home is an integral part of the American Dream. To finance that dream, most homeowners have a mortgage, which can easily become a financial burden. In fact, the top source of debt for people in Ohio is mortgage debt. There’s nothing worse than being “house poor,” which means you have a beautiful house but very little spending money or discretionary income. If you miss a mortgage payment, it can be very hard to catch up. And suddenly your mortgage is in arears.

Be aware that exemption laws do not protect all property; a bankruptcy filing does not discharge all types of debts, and there are different classes of creditors that may be able to seize your property. The Cincinnati bankruptcy attorneys at Fesenmyer Cousino Weinzimmer understand each of these distinctions and can provide the best legal advice to protect your assets and provide financial freedom. If debt is making your life unmanageable, consider the relief and fresh start that filing for bankruptcy can bring.

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Common Reasons a Bankruptcy Filing Is Dismissed

Not completing the pre-bankruptcy credit counseling class within the 180 days before your bankruptcy filing or not filing a certificate of completion with the court will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed. If you cannot afford to pay credit counseling fees, you must request a fee waiver from the counseling organization before the session begins.

Not filing required bankruptcy forms with the Ohio bankruptcy court will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.

Not paying court filing fees to start a bankruptcy case or failing to get court approval for a fee waiver or an installment plan will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.

Not providing requested documents such as tax returns, pay stubs and mortgage statements within the specified timeframes will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.

Not appearing at the creditors meeting in front of the bankruptcy trustee will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.

Not making your Chapter 13 plan payments on time or not making alternative arrangements with the bankruptcy trustee to catch up will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.

Not obeying court orders. will cause your bankruptcy filing to be dismissed.

Call Our Cincinnati Bankruptcy Lawyers Today

Though filing for bankruptcy can be a difficult step, our attorneys do everything we can to expedite the process and make it as easy as possible. When you contact our office, you will be able to personally meet with one of our attorneys. Our attorneys specialize in bankruptcy, and have helped thousands of families tackle their debt and get on the path to a better financial future. We want you to focus on your fresh start and the brighter days that lay ahead of you. Start the process today by calling us at 877-654-5297.

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Is Debt Stress Taking Over Your Financial Life?

When debt mounts up, it creates enormous stress that creeps into other areas of your life. You’re likely to be less productive at work, and your family life is likely to be affected. Financial pressures lead to arguments over money and become a major cause of divorce. This, in turn, causes great stress on children in the home and can result in poor study habits and falling grades at school. Overwhelming debt can have this spiraling downward effect on even the strongest, most loving families.

Making the situation worse is the bombardment of collection activities from creditors, including harassing phone calls and threats of lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, and foreclosures and the fear of losing your job, your vehicle, and your home.

It is important to stop this process as quickly as possible and regroup for a fresh start. Often a person waits to take action, hoping their financial situation will just get better on its own, which causes even more debt to pile up. The sooner you recognize the state of your financial situation, the sooner you can take action to have the debts discharged and start over.

Remember that: You can start over. Getting in touch with a skilled Cincinnati bankruptcy attorney could be the first step in having a fresh start on life.

Could Your Bankruptcy Filing Get Dismissed?

Ohio bankruptcy laws are complex, and even the simplest Chapter 7 cases require completing extensive forms, researching exemption laws, and following all local court rules. If you fail to comply with Ohio bankruptcy requirements, you risk losing your nonexempt assets or having your bankruptcy case dismissed without discharging your debts. That’s why it’s critical to have a skilled Cincinnati bankruptcy lawyer at your side to guide you, answer your questions and explain your options at each step in the process. One mistake, such as forgetting to include a particular creditor in your bankruptcy filing or forgetting to send a certain form on time, can result in difficulties further down the line. Our attorneys can ensure your forms are filed correctly and clearly dictate the next steps. For a free consultation, call one of our attorneys at 877-654-5297.

Understanding Bankruptcy in Cincinnati

People who file for bankruptcy typically have large amounts of credit card and other debt and then have bad luck such as losing a job, going through a divorce, or being hit with uninsured medical expenses. Interest and penalties mount up until they can’t pay their debts. An affordable bankruptcy can give you a chance for a “fresh start” on life under the protection of the federal bankruptcy court. However, the more complex your bankruptcy situation, the more you need the help of a bankruptcy attorney.

Why It’s Best to Have a Bankruptcy Lawyer on Your Side

It makes sense to have a qualified bankruptcy lawyer on your side who knows the intricacies of the courts, the judges, and the system. You can go through the bankruptcy process effectively and keep costs at a minimum. The skilled and seasoned Cincinnati bankruptcy lawyers at Fesenmyer Cousino Weinzimmer understand what you are going through and offer a free consultation to evaluate your financial situation and find the debt-relief solutions and payment plans that will work best for you.

Consulting a Cincinnati Bankruptcy Attorney Can Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes

Many who are considering filing for bankruptcy lack a full understanding of the process and outcomes. They may ask:

• How do I even know whether bankruptcy is right for me?
• Will all my debts be forgiven?
• Where do I start?
• What forms are required?
• What type of legal assistance do I need when filing?

In short, an answer to each question can be provided in a free consultation with one of the bankruptcy lawyers at Fesenmyer Cousino Weinzimmer. But why should you file with an attorney in the first place? You might be worried that you’ll only pile on more debt that way. In the next section, let’s go over why filing for bankruptcy without legal representation could cause unnecessary added costs or even a dismissal of your filing.

Why You Need a Cincinnati Bankruptcy Attorney

Cincinnati residents who are considering filing for bankruptcy may be tempted to try to save money by doing it alone, but beware – doing so can cost more than you think. You still have to pay all the filing and court fees, and even the simplest bankruptcy cases require completing extensive forms, researching exemption laws, and following all local court rules within certain time limits.

The bankruptcy process is complex; and the more complicated your situation, the more you need the help of an attorney. Mistakes can not only be costly — they can result in loss of nonexempt assets, denial of discharge of debt or, even worse, lead to criminal charges for fraud. It makes more sense to have an attorney’s help to ensure that everything is done properly and correctly.

Since most attorneys who specialize in bankruptcy understand that you are struggling financially, they will not only provide a free initial consultation, but structure your fees accordingly. You don’t have to worry that filing with an attorney will only make your debt problems worse.

At your free consultation, you will be able to discuss how fees will be paid and how to structure payments so they are affordable. You can also ask questions about what type of assistance and customer service you can expect, the attorney’s past results with bankruptcy cases, and what debt relief solutions will work best for you. We understand how important these questions are to you. Remember: the initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose by learning about your options. Get in touch and start your journey to financial well-being today.

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Know What Is Involved Before Filing Bankruptcy in Cincinnati

To start, you need to understand what bankruptcy is and determine whether you qualify. There are two major types of consumer bankruptcy, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Each of these are unique, and which route you choose depends on the specifics of your individual circumstances.

Filing Bankruptcy Under Chapter 7

Chapter 7 is the most common form of bankruptcy, and it will eliminate most or all debts, but you can use it only once every eight years. It’s quick — over in a few months, so you can begin rebuilding credit. There are exemptions that can protect certain types of property, but it is advisable to consult with an attorney to confirm that your particular property is protected. Exemptions can include clothing, cars, equipment used for work (like tools) and household furnishings. If all your property is exempt, you may qualify for a “no asset” bankruptcy.

The Means Test

Ohio requires that you pass something called a “means test” to determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7. This formula takes into account your average monthly income for the past six months (which must be below the Ohio median for your size household) your debts, and other aspects of your financial situation.

Filing Under Chapter 13

If you do not qualify for Chapter 7, you may still be eligible for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, under which you can consolidate payments to repay some or all of your debt affordably over a three- to five-year period. This plan is best for those who don’t qualify for Chapter 7 and who have equity in an asset that they want to protect. Harassing calls and letters from creditors stop, and once you successfully complete the payment plan, qualified debts covered by the plan are discharged.

Be aware that exemption laws do not protect all property; a bankruptcy filing does not discharge all types of debts. Cincinnati bankruptcy attorneys at Fesenmyer Cousino Weinzimmer understand each of these distinctions and can provide the best legal advice to protect your assets and provide financial freedom.

Let Us Help You

There is no time like the present to face your debt difficulties squarely and make some decisions about how to proceed. An experienced and skilled Cincinnati bankruptcy attorney can explain your options and counsel you about whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 may be the right choice for you. You don’t have to go it alone. And you don’t have to feel overwhelmed by the legal system. That’s what we’re here for. Call us at 877-654-5297 for your free initial consultation.

Why Choose Our Bankruptcy Lawyers in Cincinnati?

The bankruptcy process is complex, and making mistakes can result in complications that can make your situation worse. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced Cincinnati bankruptcy lawyer guide you through the process. While there are many attorneys out there, it is important to find one you not only feel comfortable with but who has the experience and track record necessary to see you through your bankruptcy successfully. Here are some reasons why we feel you should choose our FCW Cincinnati bankruptcy lawyers:

• We are affordable. We understand that you are already having financial problems, so we strive not only to keep our fees low, but, if necessary, to work with you to arrange affordable plans for payment prior to filing. By efficiently analyzing your situation and your options, we can prevent you from making mistakes that can wind up costing you more in the long run.
• We know how to negotiate with your creditors and try to get them to slow down their collection attempts to allow you time to obtain the funds you need to file.
• We provide trusted advice. We understand the distinctions between the various types of bankruptcy and can provide the best legal advice to help you decide which is the best way to protect your assets and get back on the road to financial freedom.
• We are thorough. We make sure everything is done correctly so that there will be no delays in getting you the debt relief you need.
• We are experienced. Founding attorney Tom Fesenmyer has been practicing law since 2001, and has personally filed several thousand cases to help people get out of financial difficulty. Our law practice focuses solely on bankruptcy, debt relief, and related matters.
• We are available to answer your questions and concerns and have the backup staff, paraprofessionals and legal assistants to prepare your case properly.
• We offer free, confidential, and personalized consultations to discuss your individual situation and determine the best way to help.

When you hire our Cincinnati bankruptcy attorneys, we will make sure everything is filed correctly and your fees are paid in a timely manner. We will appear in court on your behalf, file motions to eliminate liens and respond to objections from creditors. We are here to walk you through the entire bankruptcy process and make sure you get the debt relief you are entitled to.

Let our Cincinnati bankruptcy lawyer handle all legal hurdles involved with getting you out of debt so you can focus on rebuilding your life.

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How to Find a Good Bankruptcy Attorney in Cincinnati

• A good bankruptcy attorney should be knowledgeable, competent, efficient, and suit your individual needs.
• The attorney you choose should be located in the Cincinnati area, since you will have to make several trips to the office.
• The attorney should be someone you feel comfortable with, who is compassionate, understands your individual circumstances, and who can determine the type of bankruptcy that is right for you.
• The attorney should have the appropriate certifications, have extensive experience in bankruptcy, and a practice that is limited to bankruptcy, debt relief, and related matters.
• The attorney should be able to personally meet with you and answer all of your questions, and be able to prepare your case in a timely manner.
• The Cincinnati bankruptcy lawyer should be affordable and structure fee payments that you can manage.

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What You Need to Do to File Bankruptcy

• Gather financial paperwork and run the means test calculator to gauge your bankruptcy options
• Determine how much of your property is exempt
• Complete mandatory pre-filing credit counseling
• Prepare and assemble your bankruptcy papers. There are 50+ pages of forms detailing current debts, assets, income, and expenses, and your intentions regarding loans secured by collateral
• Make copies of forms and assemble them according to Cincinnati local court rules
• File forms with the court
• Pay the required filing fee
• Attend your hearing with the bankruptcy court trustee (341 Meeting). At this meeting, the trustee can ask you questions about the information on your forms. Creditors can object to or challenge exemptions you are claiming
• File motions to eliminate liens and respond to objections from creditors
• Complete a mandatory Debtor Education course once your case has been filed. This needs to be completed in order to receive your discharge.

Because the process is so complicated, it makes sense to take advantage of our free consultation offer. Contact the experienced and compassionate Cincinnati bankruptcy attorneys at Fesenmyer Cousino Weinzimmer for help, information, and support through this process. We will evaluate your entire financial situation, discuss your options, and help you decide on the path to a brighter future that makes sense in your individual case.

Delaying can only make your situation worse, so call our Cincinnati office today: 877-654-5297. We also have conveniently located office branches at 614-228-4435 (Columbus) and 937-222-7472 (Dayton). Contact our bankruptcy lawyers today to set up your free consultation so we can determine what debt relief solutions will work best for you.

Should You File on Your Own?

If you are weighed down by debt to the point that you are considering filing for bankruptcy, the last thing you need is attorney fees you cannot afford. However, you need to be careful, as trying to deal with insurmountable debt or going through bankruptcy on your own may actually wind up costing you. It can actually be more expensive to attempt filing bankruptcy without the help of an attorney than with an attorney.

Filing bankruptcy on your own brings the same filing and court fees as using an attorney, but doing so incorrectly could result in paying more or having your bankruptcy dismissed. Worse yet, you may end up without having your debts forgiven.

If you try to avoid bankruptcy by taking out payday loans or using debt consolidation or similar services, high interest rates and fees can add to your debts without resolving the issues.

There is a lot of paperwork that must be completed when filing. It is not worth the risk to file on your own and end up with additional expenses. Bankruptcy paperwork can include fees for:

• Mandatory pre-filing credit counseling
• Court filing fees
• Mandatory debt management ‘education’
• Advice and information
• Preparing, copying and assembling forms
• Other court procedures

Where to File for Bankruptcy in the Cincinnati Area

If you have lived in Butler, Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Highland, Adams, Scioto, or Lawrence County for the better part of 180 days, your bankruptcy attorney will file on your behalf at the Ohio Southern District Bankruptcy Court in Cincinnati, the address is:

221 E. Fourth Street, Atrium Two Suite 800, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Phone: (513) 684-2572