I’m Overwhelmed with Debt. How Can Filing Bankruptcy Help?

I’m Overwhelmed with Debt.  How Can Filing Bankruptcy Help?

in ,

Our bankruptcy lawyer understands the burden people face when they have significant debt.  You feel like you are drowning and cannot see a way out. After spending more than three decades helping clients who are overwhelmed by debt, our bankruptcy attorney has seen it all and is extremely gratified when he can help clients realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Our next series of articles will cover some ways that filing bankruptcy can help you relieve stress and move on to the next stage of your life. Let’s get started:

Stop the Creditors from Calling

Collection agencies can be ruthless in their attempt to recover debt.  Not only are collection agents persistent in calling, but some can be down right intimidating.  The good news is once your bankruptcy lawyer files for you, an “automatic stay” takes affect and creditors will be required to stop contacting you.

Resolve Debt

Probably one of the most attractive features of filing bankruptcy is that it does resolve your existing debt issues.  Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debt, while Chapter 13 re-organizes your debt and allows you to be placed on a plan toward paying it off completely. Either way, you are afforded a fresh start.

Our next article will outline more ways filing bankruptcy can help ease the feeling of being overwhelmed by your outstanding debt.  If the bills are piling up and the debtors keep calling, it may be time to discuss your options with our bankruptcy lawyer. At the Drose Law Firm, bankruptcy is all we handle, and we take into consideration both the legal and emotional aspects of each case. When filing bankruptcy, Charleston residents and those in surrounding areas know who to call. We invite you to connect with our bankruptcy attorney today!

bankruptcy attorney

Bankruptcy and Divorce

in
bankruptcy attorney

Two of the most stressful events that can occur in a person’s life are bankruptcy and divorce.  Each is difficult can be very emotional. If you are considering filing both bankruptcy and divorce, then you should retain an experienced divorce attorney and a bankruptcy lawyer to handle your cases. A bankruptcy attorney can give you information to help you make informed decisions in regard to filing bankruptcy, including:

  • Helping determine what type of bankruptcy to file, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
  • Outlining the tax implications involved with filing for both bankruptcy and divorce.
  • Assisting you with the decision of when it would be most beneficial to file bankruptcy (before or after divorce.)
  • Discussing what items you qualify to keep if you file for bankruptcy.

Once the above decisions have been made, your bankruptcy attorney can then help you fully prepare for the bankruptcy process. If it is determined that it is best to file bankruptcy before your divorce, then your bankruptcy lawyer will begin working on your filing right away. If you plan to file after divorce, then it is important to keep your bankruptcy lawyer apprised of when the divorce is scheduled to occur and advised of any changes in your situation or status.

Drose Law Firm has more than 30 years of experience in the practice of bankruptcy. Charleston residents and those in surrounding areas trust us because of the attention to detail and personalized care we put into each case we handle.  If you need a bankruptcy attorney, we can help. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today.

Why Should I Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney

Why Should I Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney?

in

We are continuing our series of articles highlighting some of the reasons to consider hiring a qualified bankruptcy lawyer. Charleston has many attorneys, but it is important to understand that not all are familiar with filing bankruptcy. Just as you probably would not hire an estate planning attorney to handle your divorce, it is advisable that when filing bankruptcy, you consider hiring a bankruptcy attorney who is familiar with the process. Our previous article discussed how a bankruptcy lawyer understands what you can and cannot do when it comes to filing bankruptcy. We also covered how a bankruptcy lawyer can help you determine which type of bankruptcy is best for you.  Let’s look at two more reasons why you should consider engaging a bankruptcy attorney.

A Bankruptcy Lawyer Will Handle All the Paperwork

There is a lot of paperwork associated with filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. A bankruptcy lawyer is familiar with the paperwork and knows what information is needed to submit a successful filing.  A qualified bankruptcy attorney also stays on top of the latest requirements and any changes to the law that may affect your filing.

A Bankruptcy Attorney Will Represent You in Court

A qualified bankruptcy lawyer is familiar with the requirements of the court, including important deadlines that must be met. Having a bankruptcy attorney represent you in court takes these burdens from you so you are better able to focus on making a fresh new start.

Bottom line, engaging a qualified bankruptcy lawyer can save you time, spare you from a lot of headaches and red tape, and significantly increase your chances of a successful filing.  When it comes to bankruptcy, Charleston residents and individuals throughout South Carolina have trusted Drose Law Firm for more than three decades. Give us a call to speak with our bankruptcy attorney today.

Do I Need To Hire A Bankruptcy Attorney?

Do I Need To Hire A Bankruptcy Attorney?

in

One question people often have when they are facing bankruptcy is if they need to hire a bankruptcy lawyer.  Our next series of articles will address this question and offer a brief overview outlining some of the advantages of hiring a bankruptcy attorney.

A Bankruptcy Attorney Understands What You Can And Cannot Do

If filing bankruptcy was a simple process, then bankruptcy attorneys would not exist.  The truth is there are court requirements, deadlines, and legal requirements that need to be addressed.  Additionally, a qualified bankruptcy lawyer will know what debts can be included in your filing and which ones are exempt.  Filing bankruptcy without a qualified and experienced bankruptcy attorney is a very time-consuming process that can result in both legal and financial consequences if not done properly.

A Bankruptcy Lawyer Can Help Determine Which Type Of Bankruptcy Is Best For You

There are two different types of bankruptcy filings to consider. Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges qualified debt, which eliminates the need to pay back certain types of unsecured debt. Chapter 13 bankruptcy re-organizes your debt and affords you a timeframe (usually three to five years) to re-pay your debt. Every case is different. Experienced bankruptcy lawyers know how to determine which type of bankruptcy is right for each situation.

Our next article will cover more reasons why hiring a bankruptcy lawyer is a good idea.

Remember, not every attorney has experience with bankruptcy. Charleston residents have trusted the Drose Law Firm with their bankruptcy filings for more than 30 years. If you are struggling with debt and would like to know your options, our bankruptcy attorney is here for you. Give us a call to schedule your consultation today.

What Can I Expect After Filing Bankruptcy?

What Can I Expect After Filing Bankruptcy?

in ,

Some people are apprehensive about filing bankruptcy because they do not know what to expect. There is little worse than hiring a bankruptcy lawyer that leaves you in the dark. As an experienced bankruptcy attorney, I take time to educate my clients on the process of filing bankruptcy. Charleston residents have come to trust me, which is why I am one of the most respected bankruptcy attorneys in the Lowcountry. Our next series of articles will discuss what you can expect to happen after you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Automatic Stay

Once your bankruptcy attorney has filed Chapter 7, an automatic stay will go into effect.  This essentially keeps creditors from contacting you, garnishing your wages or bank accounts, or taking any legal action against you. Be sure to inform your bankruptcy lawyer if you receive harassing calls or correspondence from your creditors after the automatic stay goes into effect.

Trustee

A trustee will be assigned to you.  Your trustee will review your filings and be present along with your bankruptcy attorney during your creditor meeting.

Reaffirmation Agreements

Your creditors may choose to send you a reaffirmation agreement to not have their debt discharged. If you receive one of these give it to your bankruptcy attorney to review before signing.

Our next article will cover more of what you can expect to happen after your bankruptcy lawyer files Chapter 7.

The Drose Law firm has more than 30 years of experience handling bankruptcy.  Charleston bankruptcy lawyers are not all equal and many also practice other types of law.  Our bankruptcy attorney only handles bankruptcy and creditor debtor law. If you’ve tried everything else or are ready to consider bankruptcy, we will be here for you. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today. 

bankruptcy attorneys

Do These Things if You Are Considering Filing Bankruptcy

in
bankruptcy attorneys

Considering bankruptcy?  If so, there are some things that bankruptcy attorneys advise that you do and don’t do before filing.  Let’s take a look:

Make a List of Your Assets

Making a list of your assets is a must.  If you wish to get a head start, you can begin making your list before meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer.  One of the first things your bankruptcy attorney will do is ask you to write down everything you have and own.  It is important to be completely honest and not try to hide assets or give them to a friend or family member to “hold.”  Your bankruptcy lawyer needs to know and see everything.

Don’t Run Up Additional Debt

Just because you are considering bankruptcy does not mean you should run up additional debt.  There can be consequences to doing this so be sure to consult your bankruptcy attorney before making any large purchases.

Keep Your Retirement Funds Where They Are

Bankruptcy attorneys advise against draining your retirement accounts. Leave everything where it is until you meet with your bankruptcy lawyer. Some or all of your retirement accounts may be exempt from creditors.

The Drose Law Firm has more than three decades of experience helping individuals file bankruptcy.  Charleston residents trust our bankruptcy attorney because of his personalized approach to help them “reset” and get back on track.  Remember, not all bankruptcy lawyers are alike.  You want to hire a bankruptcy attorney who is qualified and has a comprehensive understanding of bankruptcy laws.  At the Drose Law Firm, bankruptcy is all we do.  If you are considering filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, we can help. Give us a call to learn more today.

bankruptcy lawyers

Will I Lose My Home If I File Bankruptcy?

in , ,
bankruptcy lawyers

Probably one of the most common questions bankruptcy lawyers are asked by clients is if they will lose their home when they file bankruptcy. While each individual circumstance is different, in most cases, you will not lose your home. However, you will still be required to make your mortgage payments if you wish to keep your home.  Here are some additional factors to consider: 

  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a restructuring of debt.  If you are facing foreclosure and wish to keep your home, your bankruptcy attorney may propose a re-payment plan that covers catching up on delinquent mortgage payments.
  • You are allowed to exempt some of the equity of your home from bankruptcy. Your bankruptcy lawyer can discuss how this may work in your case.
  • Depending on your circumstances, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may allow you to eliminate a wholly unsecured second mortgage on your home. A wholly unsecured second mortgage is one where there is no equity in your home to attach. Again, your bankruptcy attorney will need to look closely at this to determine if your existing second mortgage qualifies.

When filing bankruptcy, Charleston area residents know they can trust the Drose Law Firm to find them the freedom and relief they need. While some bankruptcy lawyers take a “cookie cutter” approach, our bankruptcy attorneys personalize our services and are passionate about providing qualified, experienced advice to the clients we serve.  If you are considering filing bankruptcy in Charleston or surrounding areas, we’re here to help.  Give Drose Law Firm a call today!

Help! I’ve Filed Bankruptcy But Creditors Keep Calling

Help! I’ve Filed Bankruptcy But Creditors Keep Calling

in , ,

Theoretically, when you file bankruptcy, your creditors should stop calling you.  You may still be contacted by creditors until your bankruptcy notice fully processes.  However, there are some debt collectors who may be relentless and still choose to contact you. If this happens, there are a few steps you can take.

Tell Them You Have Filed

The first step you should take if you are contacted by creditors after your bankruptcy attorney files for you is to let them know you have filed and ask them to stop calling you.

Make a Detailed List of Creditors Who Call

As you inform creditors who call you that your bankruptcy lawyer has filed for you, be sure to keep a log of each call.  Write down the name of the creditor, name of the person calling you (if you are able to get it), when they called (date and time), and a brief synopsis of the conversation. This could be useful if action needs to be taken against a persistent debt collector as discussed below.

Let Them Know You Are Prepared to Take Legal Action

Once you have informed your creditors that your bankruptcy attorney has filed on your behalf, they should stop calling you. If they do not, then you are well within your rights to inform them that you are prepared to take legal action if they continue to harass you.  Be sure to consult with your bankruptcy lawyer on your full rights and recommended verbiage to use in your particular situation.

When it comes to bankruptcy, Charleston residents and those in surrounding areas have trusted Drose Law Firm for more than 30 years. If you find yourself in need of an experienced and compassionate bankruptcy attorney, we are here. Give us a call to learn more today!

bankruptcy attorney

Do I Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

in
bankruptcy attorney

There are two types of bankruptcy options that a bankruptcy attorney can file: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, most unsecured debt is discharged.  Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a debt reorganization and consolidation.

Not everyone qualifies to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  If you wish to consider Chapter 7, your bankruptcy lawyer will need to be provided with an accurate accounting of your income and debt as well as the size of your household.  Your bankruptcy attorney will calculate your median state income and, in most cases, if your income is below median, then you will be able to file for Chapter 7.  We often see those who are underemployed or unemployed qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Charleston area residents who do not qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy may choose to file Chapter 13.

If you are considering either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is important to engage a qualified and experienced bankruptcy attorney.  The Drose Law Firm only handles bankruptcy.  Charleston residents and those in surrounding areas appreciate our expertise, compassion, and willingness to get the job done.  Our goal as your bankruptcy lawyer is to ease your financial stress and put you on the path to financial freedom!

Would you like to learn more about whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and/or which type of bankruptcy may be right for you?  If so, our friendly staff and bankruptcy attorney are ready to talk to you.  Give us a call to schedule an initial consultation today!

Medical Debt

This charity plans to buy out $278 million of medical debt

in ,

A national charity has announced it will buy out the unpaid health care bills of 82,000 low-income patients.

RIP Medical Debt has reached a deal to buy $278 million in debt from Ballard Health, according to The Wall Street Journal. Many of those patients never should have been billed at all under the hospitals’s financial-aid policies, but seemingly failed to fill out the proper applications. Health care costs have soared recently, and bills are haunting patients.

Read article on Fortune.com