If you are facing financial hardship and considering bankruptcy, it is important to understand all your options. Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code provides several benefits and a streamlined process, but not everyone will qualify to file under it. An attorney could help you protect your rights and evaluate how to proceed.

Contact an experienced Allen Park Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer and move toward getting the fresh financial start you deserve. Use our bankruptcy calculator today to learn more about how we could help, and reach out to discuss our convenient payment plans that allow you to file for $0 down.

Qualifying for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Not everyone who struggles with debt can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The process begins with a means test, which calculates whether your income is low enough to qualify. If your average monthly income over the past six months is above the median income for a household of the same size in Michigan, you may not be eligible.

However, the means test subtracts certain expenses, including housing, food, utilities, and medical costs, to determine whether you have enough disposable income to repay your creditors. When this shows little to no ability to pay, Chapter 7 remains an option. If you have sufficient disposable income, the court may direct you toward Chapter 13 instead.

Additionally, individuals must complete a credit counseling course from an approved agency before filing, and you could be barred based on your past bankruptcy filing history. If you have received a Chapter 7 discharge in the past eight years or a Chapter 13 discharge in the past six years, you may not be eligible. Our Allen Park attorneys could review your finances and determine if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Why File for Bankruptcy Under Chapter 7?

There are many reasons why you might want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The first and potentially most important benefit is the automatic bankruptcy stay. The moment you file your petition, this requires your creditors to stop any debt collection efforts, including:

  • Collection calls
  • Garnishments
  • Bank levies
  • Lawsuits
  • Foreclosure proceedings

The goal of filing for bankruptcy is discharging debt. If you complete all the necessary processes of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your unsecured obligations, including credit card and medical debt, could be eliminated. Some obligations, such as tax debts and child support payments, cannot be discharged.

If you are facing financial hardship, the disadvantages of liquidation are usually minor. For example, filing for bankruptcy can lower your credit score, but if you are already struggling with credit, completing Chapter 7 could help you rebuild your score. Our Allen Park attorneys could offer you guidance about whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the right choice for you, helping you decide how to seek a fresh financial start.

Use Our Bankruptcy Calculator To See if a Chapter 7 Attorney in Allen Park Could Help You

Filing for bankruptcy without professional guidance could put your financial future at risk. The process is complicated, and one misstep could have costly consequences. You deserve the support of an Allen Park Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer who will advocate for you at every stage. Take the first step by filling out our bankruptcy calculator today.

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We are a debt relief agency helping people file bankruptcy under the United States Bankruptcy Code.
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