Bankruptcy Attorney Massachusetts

A person in a blue shirt is sitting at a cluttered desk with hands on the back of their head. The desk, resembling that of a busy Bankruptcy Attorney in Massachusetts, has a laptop, notebooks, documents, and sticky notes.

Affordable Bankruptcy Attorney

Filing for bankruptcy can be stressful, but it can help you regain control of your finances. Whether you’re struggling to pay your debts, experienced a job loss, or have unforeseen circumstances, Hines Bankruptcy Law is an affordable bankruptcy law firm with decades of experience helping clients win their bankruptcy cases. Schedule your free bankruptcy consultation now.

Why Hire Hines Bankruptcy Law?

The website for the United States Bankruptcy Court for Massachusetts urges the use of a qualified bankruptcy attorney, stating “The use of an attorney is recommended. Ignorance of the law may cost an individual far more than an attorney’s fee.” This is why Hines Bankruptcy Law offers reasonable fees, in addition to:

  • Free Same Day Consultations
  • Weekend Consultations
  • Convenient Locations: located in both Worcester and Leominster
  • File Your Case Remotely

Massachusetts Bankruptcy Services Offered

Hines Bankruptcy Law offers bankruptcy services for:

Chapter 7, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, is the most common form of consumer bankruptcy and has the power to eliminate nearly all of your debt. This provides a fresh financial start for many individuals. With the guidance of an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Massachusetts, you can determine if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right option for your situation.

Wage Garnishment

What is Wage Garnishment?

Wage garnishment is a legal process where a creditor obtains a court order to deduct a portion of an individual’s earnings directly from their paycheck. This deducted amount is used to repay a debt owed to the creditor. Wage garnishment typically occurs after a creditor has obtained a court judgment for an unpaid debt.

Key points about wage garnishment include:

  • Court Order: Creditors must obtain a court judgment to initiate wage garnishment legally.
  • Garnishment Limits: Federal and state laws establish limits on the amount that can be garnished from a debtor’s wages based on their disposable income.
  • Types of Debts: Common debts subject to wage garnishment include credit card debt, medical bills, student loans, and unpaid taxes.
  • Impact on Income: Wage garnishment can significantly reduce a debtor’s take-home pay, making it challenging to cover living expenses.
  • Legal Protections: Debtors have rights and protections under federal and state laws regarding wage garnishment. Some income may be exempt from garnishment, and debtors can challenge the garnishment in court.

If you are facing wage garnishment or have questions about your rights, it’s advisable to seek legal advice from a bankruptcy attorney or a qualified financial professional. Contact Hines Bankruptcy Law today for a free consultation.

Hines Bankruptcy Law is Here to Help with Your Massachusetts Wage Garnishment Needs

At Hines Bankruptcy Law, we understand the significant impact that wage garnishment can have on individuals and families facing financial challenges. If you are experiencing wage garnishment due to unpaid debts, our experienced bankruptcy attorneys can provide immediate assistance. We will work diligently to stop wage garnishment by exploring legal options, such as filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which halts wage garnishment and other creditor actions, giving you the opportunity to regain control of your finances. Our team will guide you through the bankruptcy process, ensuring that you understand your rights and options every step of the way. Don’t let wage garnishment disrupt your financial stability—contact Hines Bankruptcy Law today for a confidential consultation and take proactive steps toward resolving your debt challenges.

Advantages of Filing for Bankruptcy

While filing for bankruptcy should always be a last resort, it can provide numerous benefits to those facing insurmountable debt. By filing for bankruptcy in Massachusetts, you may be able to:

  • Obtain a fresh financial start
  • Eliminate unsecured debt (credit cards, payday loans, medical bills, etc.)
  • Silence creditors
  • Stop foreclosure and repossession

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Pay For A Bankruptcy Lawyer?

There are a few ways to pay for a bankruptcy lawyer. Some lawyers offer payment plans that allow you to pay your legal fees over time. You may also be able to find a lawyer who will take your case pro bono (for free) if you have very low income. Some legal aid societies provide free or low-cost bankruptcy assistance. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can pay your lawyer fees through your repayment plan. For Chapter 7, you’ll generally need to pay something upfront, but the total cost is usually less than Chapter 13.

Why Can Some People File For Chapter 7 And Others Can’t?

Whether you can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy depends mainly on your income. If your income is below the median for your state, you’ll likely qualify. If it’s above median, you must pass a “means test” – if your disposable income is high enough to fund a Chapter 13 repayment plan, you won’t be allowed to file Chapter 7. The reasoning is that Chapter 7 is for those who truly can’t pay their debts, while those with sufficient income should repay at least a portion in Chapter 13. Other factors like very high expenses may allow above-median filers to still qualify for Chapter 7.

Can I File For Bankruptcy If I Have A Mortgage?

Yes, you can file for bankruptcy if you have a mortgage. In fact, bankruptcy is often used as a way to avoid foreclosure and catch up on missed mortgage payments. If you file Chapter 7, you can keep your home if you’re current on payments and any equity is covered by exemptions. In Chapter 13, you can include mortgage arrears in your repayment plan to get current over time. However, bankruptcy generally can’t change the terms of your mortgage or eliminate payments going forward. You’ll need sufficient income to keep paying if you want to keep the home.

Can You Switch From A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy To A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Yes, it’s possible to convert a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case to Chapter 7. This is often done if your financial circumstances change and you can no longer afford your Chapter 13 plan payments. To convert, you must qualify for Chapter 7 – your income must be low enough to pass the means test. You’ll also have to pay a conversion fee. The main drawback is that you may lose nonexempt property in Chapter 7 that you could have kept in a successful Chapter 13. But if Chapter 13 is no longer feasible, converting to Chapter 7 can still provide debt relief and protect you from creditors.

How Do I File for Bankruptcy with No Money?

Filing for bankruptcy with no money is challenging but not impossible. For Chapter 7, you’ll need to pay the filing fee of a few hundred dollars, though it can sometimes be waived or paid in installments if your income is very low. Finding a pro bono lawyer or legal aid clinic is key for low-income filers. For Chapter 13, legal fees can be paid through the plan, but you must have enough income for plan payments. Some filers save up money before filing or borrow from family. Avoid taking on new debt or “raiding” retirement accounts.

Hiring a Bankruptcy Attorney in Massachusetts

At Hines Bankruptcy Law, our compassionate and knowledgeable Massachusetts bankruptcy attorney is committed to providing you with the guidance and support you need to achieve debt relief and a better financial future. Don’t let the stress of overwhelming debt control your life any longer. Contact Hines Bankruptcy Law today at 978-705-2877 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards financial freedom.

Bankruptcy Expert

Bankruptcy law is our area of expertise. Don’t use a jack of all trades for your important legal needs!

Easy Process

We make it easy! No need to go to court or even to our office. Enjoy our effortless process!

Affordable

We keep our service fees competitive so you can get the relief you need without breaking the bank.
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