We have locations available by appointment in the following areas. Please call us to speak to an attorney and set up an initial meeting.
Every year, countless Americans come face-to-face with the reality that they cannot escape their mounting debts on their own. While this situation can feel helpless, the protections of the Bankruptcy Code could provide you with long-term relief.
There are different options when it comes to filing for bankruptcy, and determining which path to walk can be difficult without the support of a compassionate attorney. Our team can work with you to ensure you are treated fairly every step of the way. Let a Columbus bankruptcy lawyer help you pursue your fresh financial start.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the two most common forms of consumer bankruptcy, but they work very differently. Understanding their differences—and similarities—can help you choose the right option for your financial situation.
Chapter 7 is typically faster, lasting about four to six months. It’s designed for individuals with little or no disposable income who need immediate debt relief. Most unsecured debts, like credit cards and medical bills, are discharged without requiring repayment. However, you may have to give up non-exempt property, though many filers can protect most or all of their assets under Ohio’s exemption laws.
Chapter 13, on the other hand, is for individuals with steady income who can afford to repay part of their debt over time. Instead of liquidating assets, you create a court-approved repayment plan that lasts three to five years. It allows you to catch up on secured debts like mortgage arrears while keeping your home or car.
Both chapters provide the protection of the automatic stay, stop creditor harassment, and require completion of credit counseling and financial management courses. The right choice depends on your income, goals, and asset situation—your bankruptcy lawyer can guide you through that decision.
Everyone has their own reason for considering bankruptcy. Some people simply want the collection calls to stop, while others have a plan for getting their life back on track if they could just erase some of their bills first. A Columbus bankruptcy attorney could help you achieve any of the following:
The primary reason most people file for bankruptcy is the potential for a fresh financial start. It is not uncommon for someone to face years of financial hardship and calls from collectors before finally deciding to pursue bankruptcy. Once you come out of the other side of this process, you are usually free from the bulk of your debts. It is important to note that some debts cannot be discharged, including child support obligations and taxes.
While there are many long-term benefits to filing for bankruptcy and dealing with your debt, one immediate positive is a halt to all collection activities. Your creditors cannot sue you, foreclose on your home, or even make collection calls while the automatic bankruptcy stay is in effect.
Some people use the bankruptcy process as an opportunity to catch up on delinquent accounts or missed payments. While under the protection of the bankruptcy code, it is impossible for creditors to foreclose on your home or repossess your car. This gives you a window of time to not only work toward a discharge of your debts, but also to come out of the process fully caught up on these important obligations.
Ready to take the next step in securing your financial future? Our Columbus bankruptcy lawyers are here to help. Reach out as soon as possible to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your options.
We have locations available by appointment in the following areas. Please call us to speak to an attorney and set up an initial meeting.
We are a debt relief agency helping people file bankruptcy under the United States Bankruptcy Code.
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