The thought of filing for bankruptcy can be scary, but many people use this process each year to regain control over their finances. It is often possible to discharge debts and catch up on missed payments along the way.

If the day-to-day stress from being under financial strain is too much, it may be time to consider bankruptcy. This is a big decision, but a fresh financial start could be the first step towards the life you always wanted. Reach out to a Dayton bankruptcy lawyer today to get started.

Types of Bankruptcy

Most people in Dayton file either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, and the right choice for you depends on your goals and financial situation.  Chapter 7 is often called liquidation bankruptcy. It works best if you have limited income and mostly unsecured debt, such as credit cards or medical bills. If you qualify under the means test, the court can discharge many of those debts in a few months.

Chapter 13 is a repayment plan. You make structured payments over three to five years. It works well if you are behind on your mortgage or car loan and need time to catch up. You keep your property while paying what you can afford through a court-approved plan. A Dayton bankruptcy attorney can help you pursue either of these options.

What Are the Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is not just about eliminating debt. This process provides you with an array of benefits, some of which kick in the moment your petition is filed. Some of the major benefits of filing for bankruptcy include the following:

Stops Collection Activity

The automatic stay takes effect as soon as you file. Creditors must stop calling. Lawsuits pause. Wage garnishments and bank levies freeze. That immediate relief can lower stress overnight.

Eliminates Your Debt

A bankruptcy discharge permanently wipes out many of your unsecured debts. This includes obligations like personal loans, credit card bills, and medical debts, among other examples. Once discharged, your creditors cannot come back to attempt to collect.

Protects Your Property

Ohio exemptions protect certain equity in your home, vehicle, retirement accounts, and personal belongings. In many cases, you keep everything you need to live and work while your bankruptcy case progresses.

Creates a Structured Path Forward

If you are going through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can benefit from a structured path out of debt. Over the next three to five years, you will pay down some of your debt and get caught up on your mortgage or car note.

Do I Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but going through the bankruptcy process without one is risky. Bankruptcy paperwork is detailed and unforgiving, and a single mistake could add months to your case. In some situations, an error could result in your case being dismissed entirely.

Some errors, like failing to complete the credit counseling course, can be corrected in time. However, there are other issues that can lead to lingering consequences, especially if the court believes there was an attempt at fraud and not an honest mistake.

An experienced bankruptcy attorney in Dayton can review your income, apply the correct exemptions, and choose the chapter that protects you best. More importantly, they can help you avoid the kind of mistakes that might put your discharge at risk.

Talk to a Bankruptcy Attorney in Dayton Today

If your financial issues continue to compound, it may be time to look for a more permanent solution. When you get a fresh start through a bankruptcy discharge, you have a better chance of avoiding mountains of debt in the future. Call a Dayton bankruptcy lawyer today to get started.

 

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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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