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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Get the fresh start that you deserve

  • End the harassing phone calls.
  • Prevent your home from going into foreclosure.
  • Protect your car from repossession.
  • Stop wage garnishments and bank account levies.
  • Prevent lawsuits.
  • Eliminate debts.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the “fresh start” form of bankruptcy involving the elimination of all or a portion of debt. Certain debts cannot be eliminated such as child support, alimony, student loans and most taxes. Most individuals are concerned with keeping their home, vehicle and personal property; generally, as long as there is little equity and any loan payment is current, you will be allowed to do so. The costs associated with filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy are court fees, filing fees, credit counseling fees and attorney fees.

Our attorneys at Jeff Field & Associates focus on protecting your most valuable possessions – your home, your vehicle, your personal property – from foreclosure and repossession. Our lawyers have more than 70 years of combined experience handling bankruptcy cases, and have helped thousands obtain the relief the needed. Let us help you get back on your feet and put an end to your financial problems.

An Overview of the Chapter 7 process

  1. Contact Jeff Field & Associates to schedule a free initial consultation.
  2. Prepare your paperwork before coming in for your consultation. Visit our Getting Started page and fill out all appropriate forms. If you are married, make sure that your spouse fills out these forms as well.
  3. Free initial consultation. An attorney meets with you to review your paperwork and help you determine which form of bankruptcy is right for you.
  4. Complete credit counseling courses. Prior to filing your Chapter 7 case, you must complete a credit counseling session, and after your case is filed you need to complete a financial management course. Both sessions are available online or by phone.
  5. Meeting of Creditors. Approximately one month after you file, you and one of our attorneys will attend a hearing called the Meeting of Creditors. At this hearing, the Chapter 7 Trustee briefly reviews your case.
  6. Discharge. Approximately two to three months after the Meeting of Creditors hearing, you receive by mail an Order of Discharge from the Bankruptcy Court.

Frequently asked questions

What is the “means test”?

Under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, in order for a debtor to qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, the applicant must pass a “means test.” Basically, it is the first determination as to your eligibility to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

What are some types of debt that can be discharged in a chapter 7?

  • Unsecured personal loans
  • Auto accident claims
  • Credit card debt
  • Medical bills
  • Veterans Assistance loans and over payments
  • Certain civil court judgments
  • Collection agency accounts
  • Past-due rent
  • Utility bills past due
  • Social Security over payments
  • Repossessions deficiency balances

What are some types of debt that cannot be eliminated in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Some examples are:

  • Child support
  • Alimony
  • Student loans
  • Most income tax debt
  • Sales tax
  • Criminal restitution orders
  • Accident claims involving DUI/DWI

Sometimes recently incurred credit card debt cannot be discharged.

How long does a Chapter 7 case last?

A Chapter 7 case usually takes 4 to 5 months to complete.

How long does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy remain on my credit report?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for 10 years from the date of filing.

Take control of your finances and reclaim your life

From offices conveniently located in Athens, Douglasville, GainesvilleLawrenceville, Marietta and  Scottdale,  Jeff Field & Associates is able to help people throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and beyond. To schedule an appointment call 404-381-1278 or contact us online. Jeff Field & Associates represents clients in Rome,  Atlanta, Gainesville, Newnan, Macon and Athens. Please visit our Blog site to view posts by our attorneys for additional information about bankruptcy and a variety of other topics we hope you will find interesting and helpful.

 

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    5.0/5.0

    Chris and Laura have been amazing! The process seamless! All of my questions and needs were addressed! I highly recommend this office for your BK needs!

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    Crystal Jackson

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    5.0/5.0

    This is the best Bankruptcy Lawyers ever They treat you with respect and do not judge you for the mistakes you made.Mr.Sleeper and MS.Brown are the best they answered every question I had and if I couldn't reach them they always responded to my voice...

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    Mwells

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    5.0/5.0

    Jeff Fields and Laura Everett were wonderful! It was hard but they were so helpful and with me every step of the way. They answered every question and were very accessible. I hope noone has to experience this road, but if you do, try Jeff Field & Ass...

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    Becky Sharpe

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    5.0/5.0

    I had my concerns about filing initially, but Jeff walked me through the process and with his calm demeanor, made this process not at all as daunting as I initially thought it would become. The process flowed effortlessly and Cassie (a BIG shout out ...

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    Charita Willis

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    5.0/5.0

    Due to medical expenses and serious physical problems I had to file bankruptcy. I was nervous and really depressed about the whole situation. I called Jeff Field & Associates and felt at peace after talking to a lawyer. I decided to go with them and ...

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    Sherri Ellis

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