Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy
By the American Board of Certification

While there are many rules in bankruptcy and the process may seem confusing, it is not so difficult that you should avoid the benefits bankruptcy can afford you.  If you have competent lawyers representing you, the process should be straight forward for most consumers.

Bankruptcy is governed by very complex laws and rigid rules.  For those reasons, only an experienced bankruptcy attorney can provide you with competent advice to help you through the detailed maze of the bankruptcy process.  Many paralegal companies advertise bankruptcy services at a discount.  However these companies are prohibited from rendering legal advice and can not represent you in court. 

Because of several exemptions built into the bankruptcy law, most people who file for bankruptcy protection do not lose any property at all.  However, you must disclose all of your assets to your attorney before we can be sure that you are entitled to keep all of your possessions even after bankruptcy.

Many people fear that bankruptcy will have a negative impact on their ability to borrow.  However, you must consider your whole credit picture.  By the time somebody files a bankruptcy, his or her credit report is usually already derogatory.  The bankruptcy cleans up past problems and allows you to start building your credit again. 

If you have income, it is often possible to get credit cards and car loans shortly after your case is closed.  It is even possible to get a home mortgage one year after your bankruptcy.  Many people would be unable to obtain this credit without getting rid of their old debt by filing for bankruptcy. In many cases, clients report having an easier time obtaining credit after the bankruptcy eliminated all of their debt.  We will assist you in repairing your credit so that you are able to obtain credit cards, a new home or vehicle.

It is possible to get a home mortgage one year after bankruptcy.  Moreover, FHA rules allow you to become eligible for a standard favorable rate two years after bankruptcy. We will assist you in obtaining the financing to purchase a home.

In most cases, these assets are exempt and protected.  This means that you can keep your pension, retirement plan and 401k.

Employers do not find out about the bankruptcy in most cases, unless you choose to tell them.  In addition, federal laws prohibit employers from firing someone or taking adverse action for filing bankruptcy.

If you are jointly liable for the debt, then we will recommend you file together. 

When one spouse files for bankruptcy protection, his or her spouse is generally not affected. 

It is true that some taxes may be discharged and completely wiped out.  However, several rules and criteria must be considered, which an attorney can explain to you.

The total time for a straight bankruptcy is generally less than four months.  However, the debtor receives the benefit of bankruptcy protection immediately after the case filed.  This means that creditors are not allowed to attempt to collect any debts from the debtor.  The harassing phone calls, letters from creditors, late notices, bills, garnishments, lawsuits and foreclosure can end immediately.

Certain debts are not wiped out by bankruptcy.  The common non-dischargeable debts include alimony, child support, student loans, debts incurred while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and some taxes. 

The only parties that receive notice of the bankruptcy are the creditors, the bankruptcy court and the Internal Revenue Service.  However, bankruptcy is public record so anyone who wants to find out could determine that you have filed if they specifically search for your name.