Bridgeton Office
196 East Commerce Street
Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Tel: 856-497-9000
Fax: 877-445-7105
Bankruptcy
Are You Facing Financial Strain? Discuss Your Options with a New Jersey Bankruptcy Lawyer for Free
People from all walks of life can face financial strain due to a variety of different factors. Whether you were laid off at work, your business is struggling, or you have gotten in over your head with credit card debt or other expenses, if you cannot afford to pay your monthly bills, it may be time to speak with a New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer about the options you have available.
Our attorneys represent New Jersey residents in bankruptcy filings under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Filing under Chapter 7 allows you to completely erase your unsecured debts, and it puts an immediate end to harassing collection efforts. If you can afford your home and car loan payments without the burden of your unsecured debts, you can keep these assets after your bankruptcy. Filing under Chapter 13 allows you to establish a manageable repayment plan while reducing the overall amount you have to repay.
When is the Right Time to Speak with a Bankruptcy Lawyer?
Many people wait far longer than they should to speak with a bankruptcy lawyer. Usually, this is due to misconceptions about the bankruptcy process. Most people incorrectly assume that they need to be severely in debt in order to file for bankruptcy, that the bankruptcy process is daunting, and that filing for bankruptcy is a means of last resort reserved for when there are no other options on the table.
In reality, bankruptcy is a tool that people can – and should – use to avoid these kinds of dire scenarios. If you are facing financial strain, taking action now can prevent your situation from getting worse, and it can put you on the path to restoring your credit and financial stability quickly. With this in mind, we encourage you to contact a New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer about filing under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 if:
- You are currently living paycheck-to-paycheck
- You are unable to consistently pay your bills when they are due
- You are in danger of losing your house, vehicle or other property
- Your wages are being garnished
- You are constantly receiving phone calls from creditors or collections agencies
- Your bank account has been seized
- You have amassed a significant amount of credit card debt
- You could pay for your housing, utilities, and transportation if your other debts went away
These are all common scenarios in which filing for bankruptcy can provide significant and immediate financial relief. If you find yourself in one of these situations and you are worried about how filing for bankruptcy might affect your credit, the reality is that filing for bankruptcy now will prevent your credit score from sinking lower before you start to recover, and it will allow you to begin rebuilding your credit right away.
How the Bankruptcy Process Works
How do you file for bankruptcy, and what are the steps involved? The process is simpler than most people think; and, when you choose Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. to represent you, our attorneys will handle all of the major aspects of your bankruptcy on your behalf.
1. Schedule Free Consultation with a New Jersey Bankruptcy Lawyer
Your first step is to schedule an appointment to speak with a local bankruptcy attorney. Our firm has offices throughout New Jersey, and our attorneys are available to speak with you over the phone and via videoconference as well. We also offer free initial consultations, so it costs you nothing to learn whether filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the best option for you.
2. Collect Your Financial Records
If you decide that it makes sense to file for bankruptcy, then the next step is to collect your financial records to give to your attorney. This includes things like paystubs, W-2s or 1099s, tax returns, mortgage and car loan statements, credit card bills, utility bills, and any letters you have received from collections agencies or creditors.
3. Prepare and File Your Bankruptcy Petition
After speaking with you and reviewing all of the relevant documentation, your attorney will prepare and file your bankruptcy petition. This starts the formal bankruptcy process. Your bankruptcy petition will specify whether you are filing under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 (this is a decision you will make in consultation with your attorney), and it will request the specific relief you and your attorney have discussed.
4. Let Your Attorney Handle Your Bankruptcy Court Proceedings
As the formal bankruptcy process progresses, your attorney will be handling various aspects of your case both in and out of court. During this time, your main focus will be on continuing to manage your finances wisely and ensuring that you do not incur additional debts that could complicate your filing.
5. Obtain a Discharge Order
Finally, once the formal bankruptcy process is complete, the judge presiding over your case will issue a Discharge Order. This is the document that formally entitles you to protection from your former creditors and/or establishes your reorganized payment schedule. When you receive your discharge order, your attorney at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. will make sure you understand everything you need to know going forward.
How Filing for Bankruptcy Can Help You
In addition to reducing your debt and helping you restore your credit with manageable monthly payments, filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 can afford you numerous other benefits as well. Depending on your situation, some examples of these benefits may include:
- Restoring your driver’s license if it has been suspended due to surcharges
- Protecting your assets from repossession or foreclosure
- Eliminating second mortgages, liens and other encumbrances
- Reducing the balance owed on automobile loans
- Recovering funds in your bank account that have been seized
- Terminating your wage garnishment
- Remaining in your home as you rebuild your financial stability
