Columbus Bankruptcy Attorneys

Compassionate Support from Dedicated Legal Professionals

The City of Columbus shines amongst its peers, boasting a vibrant arts scene and a wealth of cultural options, including the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and the Columbus Museum. While the city has an exhilarating range of activities for locals, financial hardships can overshadow these attractions, causing immense stress and economic instability. 

When financial concerns become overwhelming, bankruptcy may provide a lifeline to endure these challenging times. At The Bankruptcy Law Group LLC, we understand your struggles. With over 15 years of experience guiding clients through difficult financial situations, we are ready to leverage our bankruptcy knowledge to provide you with the relief and peace of mind you need.

To learn more about bankruptcy and whether it could benefit you, call (770) 766-5004 or connect with our Columbus bankruptcy attorneys online.

Exploring Your Bankruptcy Options

When dealing with overwhelming debt, bankruptcy can offer a legal pathway to regain financial stability. For individuals, there are two primary types of bankruptcy to consider:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Often referred to as "liquidation bankruptcy," this option involves selling non-exempt assets to pay off creditors. Most unsecured debts, such as credit card balances and personal loans, are subsequently discharged, making it suitable for those unable to repay their debts.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: This type of bankruptcy focuses on creating a repayment plan to address all or part of an individual's debts over three to five years. It is ideal for those with a steady income who don't qualify for Chapter 7.

To determine eligibility, you'll need to undergo a means test, which compares your income to the median income for a similar household in your state. If your income falls below the median, you may qualify for Chapter 7; otherwise, Chapter 13 might be a viable alternative.

How Means Testing Impacts Your Bankruptcy Options

Means testing is a pivotal element in the bankruptcy process, as it significantly influences your available bankruptcy options. Understanding how this test impacts your eligibility for different types of bankruptcy can help you make more informed decisions about managing your debt and planning your financial future. 

The means test is designed to assess your financial capacity to repay debts. It determines whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which involves liquidating non-exempt assets to discharge unsecured debts, or if you should file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which requires a structured repayment plan over three to five years. This test ensures that only individuals who genuinely lack the means to repay their debts can opt for liquidation under Chapter 7.

Means testing involves the following steps: 

• Income calculation: The first step involves calculating your average monthly income over the six months before filing for bankruptcy. This includes all forms of income such as wages, salaries, bonuses, and other regular earnings.
• Comparison with state median income: Your calculated income is then compared against the median income for a household of your size in your state. The U.S. Census Bureau regularly updates these figures.
• Determining eligibility: If your income falls below the median level, you typically qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, allowing for the discharge of most unsecured debts without requiring a repayment plan. Conversely, if your income exceeds the state median, you proceed to the second part of the test, where you deduct allowed expenses to determine your disposable income, helping to ascertain if you can feasibly manage a repayment plan under Chapter 13.

Navigating the means test and understanding its implications can be complex. Consulting with an experienced bankruptcy attorney can provide clarity and guidance. They can help you accurately complete the means test, interpret the results, and advise on the best bankruptcy option for your circumstances. With professional support, you can confidently move forward toward financial stability and recovery.

Is Hiring an Attorney Necessary for Filing Bankruptcy?

For many, bankruptcy offers a viable solution for managing insurmountable debt, halting creditor harassment, preventing foreclosure, and stopping wage garnishment. But can you navigate this process alone, or do you need a lawyer? While not mandatory, having an attorney by your side during a bankruptcy filing is highly advisable.

Our experienced lawyers provide numerous benefits, including:

• Professional advice from attorneys well-versed in bankruptcy law
• Assistance with every step of the process, from document gathering to paperwork submission
• Strong legal representation during creditor negotiations and court appearances
• Guidance to avoid common bankruptcy mistakes

At The Bankruptcy Law Group LLC, our Columbus bankruptcy attorneys are dedicated to helping clients explore all their debt relief options, including bankruptcy and debt consolidation. With a long-standing record of success and a client-first approach, we offer free consultations and flexible scheduling, including weekends and evenings.

Trusted Legal Representation from Knowledgeable Legal Professionals 

Since 2007, The Bankruptcy Law Group LLC has assisted numerous individuals in filing for bankruptcy, providing practical solutions for those overwhelmed by debt. Our firm, with its long-standing record of success, is committed to helping clients resolve their financial crises swiftly, enabling them to start anew. As members of the Metro-Atlanta Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Group, we are dedicated to offering reliable, client-focused legal representation.

The Bankruptcy Law Group LLC stands out from the competition because we provide: 

• Emergency legal services available
• Late evening and weekend appointments
• Free consultations
• Quick and effective services

Whether you reside in College Park, Stockbridge, or the greater Atlanta area, we can support you through this challenging period. We will assist you in evaluating your options, ensuring you make informed decisions for yourself and your family. Navigating the bankruptcy process can be intricate and demanding, but we will guide you through each step, managing all the details on your behalf. Rest assured, our law firm is committed to protecting your best interests and fighting for a positive outcome to your financial challenges.

Contact our Columbus bankruptcy lawyers today at (770) 766-5004 or online to take the first step towards financial freedom.