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.
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:
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 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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
