Bankruptcy can allow you a fresh start by allowing you to get out of debt while preventing foreclosures, repossessions, garnishments, and more. Paul Schofield has many years of experience counseling clients as to their options and guiding them through the bankruptcy process. Below you will find a brief overview of the types of bankruptcies that are available, and situations that you might face that Paul can assist you with. Bankruptcy consultations are always free, so don’t hesitate to call Paul at 912-275-7018.
A chapter 13 case allows you to keep your assets (such as a residence or a car) while allowing you time to catch up on missed payments over a period of 3 to 5 years.
A chapter 11 case allows a business to continue operating while setting up a plan for restructuring debts and getting back to profitability.
A chapter 7 case can allow certain qualifying individuals to receive a “discharge” of their debts without having to make payments over time.
That is a question that depends on your unique situation, and Paul Schofield will take the time to go over your options in depth at a free initial consultation. He will never encourage you to file for bankruptcy if that is not your best option. If you are facing any of the following financial issues, you should consider setting up a free initial consultation.
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy or are looking for advice on how to manage your financial situation, contact The Schofield Law Firm at 912-275-7018 for a free consultation. Paul Schofield will be glad to discuss your individual or your business situation and the options that are available.
Attorney at Law
Brunswick, Georgia
We recognize that bankruptcy is not right for everyone, and that most people would like to avoid having to file if at all possible. That’s why the initial meeting will not be a sales pitch to try and get you to file for bankruptcy. At this preliminary meeting you can discuss your financial situation to determine your best course of action. This will include a discussion of the types and amount of debts you have (credit cards, mortgages, medical bills, etc.), your goals (do you want to keep your house? your car?), your assets (sources of income, property, etc.), and any other considerations that may arise in your individual case.
If you have decided that bankruptcy is your best option, you will need to gather various documents and information (pay stubs, tax returns, the amounts you owe to each creditor, etc.) that will be needed in preparing the documents that must be filed with the bankruptcy court. Once you have provided all of the necessary information, we will prepare the documents and schedule another appointment so that you can review and sign the documents.
As soon as your bankruptcy documents are filed, the automatic stay will stop creditors from taking any collection actions against you. You will be required to attend a meeting of creditors (also called a “341 meeting”). At this meeting the trustee assigned to you case will ask you questions about your finances to make sure that the documents you signed accurately reflect your financial situation. We will help you prepare for this meeting and attend the meeting with you.
The next steps will depend on which chapter you filed under. In a chapter 13 case you will need to appear in court at a confirmation hearing to approve your chapter 13 plan. If your plan is confirmed, you will make payments to the trustee for a period of three to five years, after which most of your remaining debts will be discharged.
Although bankruptcy stays on your credit report for ten years, you can still work to rebuild your credit during that time. Once you have received your discharge, we will be able to provide you with advice and information on how to rebuild your credit and set you on track for a better financial future.