If you find yourself drowning in debt and can’t see a way out, bankruptcy could give you the fresh start you need. You can start over with a bankruptcy petition, giving you a second chance to rebuild your finances and credit. When you declare bankruptcy, automatic stay protections are instantly applied, stopping almost all collection efforts made against you.
You can navigate each step of the bankruptcy procedure with the assistance of a reputable bankruptcy lawyer. At Westbrook Law Group LLC, we have experience and knowledge in helping clients get back on their feet. You can focus more on living your life while getting off to a smoother, quicker start financially. Contact our bankruptcy attorneys today.
Why Do I Need a Bankruptcy Attorney in Missouri?
Understanding all there is to know about the bankruptcy process is essential. You may file for any personal bankruptcy debt that best fits your scenario if you cannot pay your bills back. When declaring bankruptcy in Missouri, you can ask the court to forgive some of your debts or request approval for a repayment plan.
This process could be complex or confusing for you. Therefore, a Missouri bankruptcy lawyer will be necessary to assist you in getting through. Our Missouri legal firm is committed to giving you the utmost support to guide you throughout the process.
Don’t hesitate to consult our bankruptcy attorney if you face bankruptcy problems. This way, you can prevent more lawsuits and focus on financial recovery.
What Can I Expect From Bankruptcy Lawyers?
A bankruptcy filing may not be for anyone, but it can be your only way out of a financial spiral. In this case, working with a Missouri bankruptcy lawyer becomes a necessity. When partnering with our seasoned bankruptcy lawyer, you can expect the following:
- Compassionate Representation. Our bankruptcy lawyers are aware of your difficulties and will treat you with the respect and consideration you deserve.
- Determined Advocate. Our seasoned bankruptcy attorney will prioritize your best interest throughout the bankruptcy process.
- Personalized Attention. When you consult with our law office, you will receive attention from our skilled bankruptcy attorney. Westbrook Law Group LLC will take the time to study your financial circumstances to tailor our representation to your particular needs.
- Excellent Service. We take great pride in offering our clients top-notch customer service. We know that you are going through a trying period, and we will make every effort to make the bankruptcy process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Contact a bankruptcy lawyer right away to learn more about your legal options.
What are the Bankruptcy Types in Missouri?
You must select the bankruptcy that best suits your needs before learning how to file for bankruptcy. In Missouri, there are several different types of bankruptcy, but Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most popular for people.
For many people in Missouri who need to complete their bankruptcy swiftly, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the preferred alternative. Typically, the entire procedure takes a few months. The basic concept is that you liquidate your non-essential assets to pay your creditors, and then you discharge any remaining qualified debts. This arrangement benefits people who don’t own much real estate or other assets.
Conversely, Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to keep your possessions. In return, you create and follow a three to five-year payback schedule. Your obligations are canceled after the repayment schedule, giving you a clean slate.
Your unique situation, including your income, current debt level, and existing assets, will strongly influence which of these options is best for you. In Missouri, a bankruptcy attorney can assist you in selecting the best course of action.
Missouri Bankruptcy Courts
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court handles all bankruptcy matters. The Western District and the Eastern District are both bankruptcy courts in Missouri. You will file your claim in the Western District if you reside in Kansas City. Meanwhile, St. Louis residents submit their petition to the Eastern District.
Hence, it implies that if you plan to file for bankruptcy, the bankruptcy court you go to depends on where you live in Missouri. Don’t hesitate to contact our law office if you still need to decide which court to hear your case.
When Should I File for Bankruptcy?
When pondering the question, “Should I file for bankruptcy?” Ask yourself honestly if you could pay off your obligations in less than five years. If the response is “no,” it may be appropriate to file for bankruptcy.
The bankruptcy code’s purpose is not to imprison people for all time but to give them a second opportunity. Bankruptcy may be your best option if a combination of unfavorable circumstances and poor decisions has left you in a dire financial situation. And as a result, you do not see that changing in the next five years.
Even if you don’t fulfill the criteria for bankruptcy, there is always hope for debt relief. Possible alternatives include debt settlement, debt consolidation loans, and debt management plans.
Remember that declaring bankruptcy has significant, long-lasting consequences. Getting loans could be difficult because it stays on your financial report for seven to ten years.
On the other hand, getting rid of all your obligations and starting over might give you a tremendous mental and emotional boost.
Because filing for bankruptcy has significant and lasting implications, a person or corporation should consider alternatives. It may be advantageous to postpone filing for bankruptcy until there is no other choice.
Therefore, consider all your options before declaring bankruptcy and be ready for some harmful effects. Remember that the blemish on your record will not be permanent if you decide that bankruptcy is your only realistic alternative. You can restore your credit and gradually put bankruptcy behind you by managing your credit wisely in the future and paying your expenses on time.
Qualifying for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
You must complete the means test to determine if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This assessment tries to stop wealthy people from exploiting the bankruptcy system. According to the means test in Missouri, the court compares your most recent income to the median income of Missouri households with comparable sizes.
It’s critical to remember that after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, some debts still exist. The court won’t forgive specific obligations, including alimony, child support, and divorce property settlements. It also excludes criminal fines, student loans, and recently owed income and property taxes. You must also keep up with your mortgage and auto loan payments; otherwise, a foreclosure or repossession may occur.
Qualifying for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
In Missouri, there are restrictions on how much debt you can have while filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Unsecured debt is a loan for which you did not pledge an asset, whereas secured debt is a loan for which you committed an asset.
You probably will only be eligible to petition for Chapter 13 if your debt is within the thresholds. You might consider discussing Chapter 13 filing with a Missouri bankruptcy lawyer at our legal office. It’s also crucial to remember that the debt ceiling is frequently adjusted.
Statutes of Limitations and Statutes of Repose
Although it is not the only option, declaring bankruptcy is occasionally the most excellent method to escape heavy financial obligations. Some solutions can frequently lower your debt responsibilities without the unpleasant effects of bankruptcy.
You can occasionally reach an agreement with your creditors without using the courts that benefit both parties. A creditor might accept a repayment plan that lowers your debt or spreads out your payments over a more extended period rather than taking the chance of receiving nothing.
If you cannot make your mortgage payments, it may be worthwhile to talk to your loan servicer to find alternatives to filing for bankruptcy. If the collateral harm to your credit score from declaring bankruptcy makes you uneasy, you might consider other options.
As an alternative to filing for bankruptcy, you might first call your loan servicer and ask about a forbearance or loan modification. Another is to conduct your negotiations with creditors.
Some lenders might consent to a repayment plan that lowers your debt. Another option for paying off high-interest credit card debt is a debt management plan, which nonprofit credit counseling organizations often provide.
With the help of budgeting and financial planning, you can get your debt under control. A debtor can combine credit card debt and other debts into one monthly payment using debt consolidation, which has a lower interest rate.
Call Our Bankruptcy Attorney For Legal Help!
Westbrook Law Group LLC provides skilled assistance, counsel, and legal representation for each phase of submitting a Missouri bankruptcy. Our extensive legal knowledge has helped numerous individuals and families rebuild their lives after leaving behind significant debt.
Make the first move toward your financial recovery by scheduling a free first consultation with our law office. Alternatively, you can use our online contact form to enter the details of your case.
