If you’re dealing with mounting debts and financial hardships, it’s important to know your options. Fortunately, filing for bankruptcy can provide you with the relief you need to get your finances back on track. However, it is important to choose the best Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Phoenix to protect your interests throughout the process.
The best Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Arizona is a licensed, professional attorney that specializes in helping clients navigate the complex laws and procedures of bankruptcy. They have the knowledge, expertise and experience to help you avoid common mistakes and achieve your desired result.
A good lawyer will spend time reviewing your current situation and discussing any potential issues that may arise with your case. They should also look at your income, assets and expenses to ensure that your Chapter 7 filing is likely to be successful.
They’ll be able to advise you on what exemptions you may have and how much of your nonexempt property can be protected from liquidation. They’ll also help you prepare your bankruptcy plan and file any necessary documents with the court.
You’ll need to pay an attorney fee, usually up front, when you file for bankruptcy. That can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the market and the complexity of your case.
There are some free resources for debtors who can’t afford to hire an attorney, such as legal aid societies and pro bono attorneys. Contact your local legal aid society or state bar to see what is available in your area.
In many cases, a bankruptcy trustee will take possession of your non-exempt property and sell it to cover your creditors’ claims in the bankruptcy case. This can include real estate, cars, boats, and other types of property, depending on how much you owe on those items.
The proceeds from the sale of your nonexempt property will be used to repay your creditors a percentage of their claims. Some debts, such as child support, taxes and student loans, will not be discharged in a bankruptcy case, regardless of whether they are non-exempt.
If you have a significant amount of nonexempt property, the trustee will need to review your bankruptcy plan to determine how much of that property is exempt and how much is required for your creditors’ claims. This can be an expensive part of the process, so it’s important to work closely with your attorney and understand your rights when it comes to protecting your nonexempt property.
A good bankruptcy attorney can help you avoid costly errors when filing for bankruptcy. They will know how to complete the necessary paperwork in a way that protects your nonexempt property and argues effectively with your creditors to convince the judge that you qualify for discharge and should be allowed to file.
They will also make sure that you aren’t making any illegal transfers of property before filing for bankruptcy, which can be a violation of federal law. They’ll also be able to advise you on any tax consequences that may arise.