Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Columbus Ohio
Need to Get Out of Debt? A Bankruptcy Attorney Can Help
If you need to get rid of debt, take the first step and speak with a bankruptcy attorney at Jump Legal Group in Columbus, Ohio. Each attorney has years of experience helping individuals and families in the Columbus, Ohio area get out of debt and get back on their feet. Imagine how peacefully you’ll sleep knowing that your debt is under control. No more annoying creditors calling at all hours of the day. No more worrying about which bill to pay next. It’s time to change your life, and we can help!
Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as “straight” or “liquidation” bankruptcy, enables a debtor to eliminate some or all of their debt at one time. A bankruptcy lawyer will work closely with you to help you understand your debt relief options and your rights provided by the Bankruptcy Code.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Columbus Ohio Law Office
Ready to find out if filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the right choice for you? Schedule a free consultation with an attorney at Jump Legal in Columbus, Ohio. Our office is conveniently located in the Columbus area. An attorney will evaluate your entire financial situation, including your income, your debts and your goals. They will then make recommendations on your best options for resolving your debt problems. Most importantly, your attorney will treat you with respect and dignity. We understand how difficult it is to have the courage to visit an attorney’s office. You will leave your first meeting feeling relieved and full of hope. As Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys in Columbus Ohio, we can help you change your life. If you are ready to change your financial future, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and start the process. You will always speak with an attorney and all communications remain confidential. There are no hidden costs and we quote all fees upfront. We also offer payment plans to help with legal fees; however, we will begin representation immediately. We look forward to helping you on your path to a solid financial future.
What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy gives you a fresh start and creates the foundation for a solid financial future. Rather than creating a plan for you to repay your unsecured debts, a bankruptcy trustee will gather and sell your nonexempt assets to repay creditors. You can wipe out credit card debt, medical bills, taxes, and home and automobile debt without owing a monthly payment. With this type of bankruptcy, you get to keep your house, vehicle, retirement fund, and your college fund. A temporary stay is placed on your existing debts, forcing creditors to stop collecting payments. You’ll also stop garnishments, repossession, foreclosure, and calls from creditors, restoring a little bit of normalcy to your day-to-day life.
Even if you claim bankruptcy, you will still be responsible for repaying a few debts, such as child support, student loans, under water 2 nd and 3 rd mortgages, and recent taxes, which cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. A bankruptcy attorney at Jump Legal can provide you a complete list of debts that cannot be discharged in a Chapter 7 filing in Columbus, Ohio.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy will appear on your credit reports for up to 10 years from the day you file. If you’re worried that your credit will suffer if you claim bankruptcy, remember that it’s better than doing nothing to fix your current situation. By filing Chapter 7, you get to start over and begin rebuilding your credit immediately after you receive a discharge. You may even be able to improve it faster than if you don’t file bankruptcy.
Will My Property Be Liquidated if I File Bankruptcy in Columbus?
While it’s possible some of your assets could be liquidated, it’s very unusual to lose any in a Chapter 7 filing in Columbus. You will be able to retain certain exempt personal property and you will only lose the assets that are not encumbered by liens (for example, a mortgage on a home) and that are not protected by exemptions. The starting point is the fair market value of your asset, less the amount owed and your exemption.
There are exemptions for all types of personal property. It’s important to note that even though bankruptcy is a part of the federal court system and is based largely on federal law, many states, including Ohio, are “opt out” states. This means Ohio uses its own exemptions. So, you may come across different exemptions under the Bankruptcy Code itself that would not apply to Ohio filers.
If you have assets in excess of the allowable exemptions for Ohio, it may be better to file Chapter 13 rather than Chapter 7 in order to protect those assets. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can create a monthly repayment schedule to pay off the money you owe over time rather than selling your assets to repay debts. A bankruptcy lawyer in Columbus will discuss your options with you and help you choose the best solution based on your specific situation.
How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Columbus Ohio
If you’re considering filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Columbus, Ohio, talk with a bankruptcy attorney at Jump Legal. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, talk through the different relief options available to you, and help you start the process of filing for bankruptcy if that’s the chosen solution.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy eligibility is not determined by the actual amount of debt you have. Instead, it’s based on income, including past income over the last six (6) months and projected future income, expenses, and family size. The first step in figuring out if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to take a look at your gross income from the past six (6) months. This will determine if you and your family are above or below the median income. To qualify for Chapter 7, your gross income will need to fall below the median. When you’re ready to file, you’ll be required to attend counseling within 180 days of filing as well as within 60 days of a creditor meeting, which will be set up after you file.
You’ll need to file forms that include information about your income, property, creditors, exemptions, tax returns, and more. When you’re done filing the appropriate paperwork and have attended counseling and the creditor meeting, you’ll submit a certificate of completion to the court, which will then discharge your debts.
Jump Legal Can Help With Chapter 7 Filing
Filing bankruptcy can feel overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone. A Jump Legal bankruptcy attorney in Columbus can help you every step of the way for a much smoother bankruptcy and debt relief process. Instead of trying to figure out how federal and state laws apply to your case, let a bankruptcy lawyer do it for you. Located in Columbus, Ohio, we are a bankruptcy law firm with the experience to ensure your home and car are protected and your debts are eliminated.
Our Columbus law firm works for you to improve your life through debt relief. We discuss how the bankruptcy process works and answer any questions you have.
Knowledge is power, and you will leave our office feeling better than when you arrived. Each attorney in our Columbus law firm handles a full range of debt resolution options including settlement, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy and mortgage loan modifications. You can feel confident that you’re working with knowledgeable, capable attorneys who have your best interests in mind.
Our law firm also tells you all of your costs upfront. Many firms advertise low Chapter 7 fees to attract naïve clients only to add on additional fees after the case is filed. At Jump Legal, your initial consultation is free. We will evaluate your case and then let you know the cost for representing you and filing your case.
In addition to our honest and upfront pricing, we won’t bill you for separate services such as composing a reaffirmation agreement or fielding harassing creditor calls. Our bankruptcy attorneys know that these services are often part of the process and we are willing and able to take care of them and alleviate stress from you and your family.
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