COLUMBIA BANKRUPTCY LAWYERS

At Westbrook Law Group, we understand that people considering bankruptcy are often experiencing serious financial difficulties. As a result, we work with our clients to ensure that they can afford bankruptcy by meeting with you and determining the exact services that you need so that you are not paying for legal work that isn’t applicable to your case under an arbitrary flat fee. If you are getting a quote over the phone from an office that quotes everyone the same fee prior to knowing anything about their situation – RUN, don’t walk! We have a client centered approach to determine a reasonable fee based on your situation and needs. While some of our competitors advertise extremely low initial fees, they add on fees once you have committed to filing with them. We are completely up front about our fees and will tell you exactly what it will cost to file for bankruptcy by tailoring a fee that is best for you and only you.

In most cases, yes. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will delay any foreclosure sale that may be pending. Upon the completion of the bankruptcy, if you are still able to make the monthly payments on your mortgage, and are current on the payments you will be able to keep your home. Under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, any amount that you may be behind on your mortgage will be wrapped up into the plan payment agreed upon by you, your creditors, trustee and the court. In this case, you will be able to keep your home as well.

As court proceedings are a matter of public record, your filing will be part of that record. That being said, it is very rare that people take the time to dig through the bankruptcy filings at the courthouse. The Westbrook Law Group takes client confidentiality very seriously. If you have any specific concerns regarding your bankruptcy and privacy issues, please alert us to them at your initial consultation.

Yes. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy “falls off” your credit report after 10 years and a Chapter 13 after 7. It is not uncommon for a person’s credit score to actually improve after a bankruptcy as they are no longer liable for the debts that were discharged. Furthermore, many banks offer secured credit cards, which require a deposit to the amount of the credit limit. As you prove your ability to pay, the credit limit may be slowly increased. We have been told by mortgage brokers that home loans are possible 2 years after a chapter 7 bankruptcy.