We Are Here To Answer Your Bankruptcy Questions
Filing for bankruptcy is a big decision, and many people facing debt problems naturally have questions. On this page, we have provided answers to some of the most common questions we receive. After reading, you can contact Ed Shaw Law to get answers to any additional questions during a free consultation.
Why work with an attorney instead of a debt settlement company?
There are numerous reasons to work with a reputable attorney rather than a debt settlement company, and we will only list two of them here. The first reason is that while there are some honest and transparent debt settlement companies, there are also many scammers, and it’s not always easy to tell the difference. Working with a fraudulent company could cause you to lose more money while making your debt problems worse.
Second, your creditors typically aren’t obligated to negotiate with a debt settlement company, so there are no guarantees they will agree to a settlement offer. If you begin the bankruptcy process, you have legal rights and protections that make creditors much more likely to negotiate.
Do I get to keep any assets if I file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 is often called “liquidation bankruptcy” because debtors may need to give up assets in order to partially repay creditors. This sounds scary, but the reality is that you won’t lose all or even most of your assets. Bankruptcy laws and courts recognize that taking away all of a person’s assets is not only cruel; it also sets them up for future money problems that could result in another bankruptcy.
You may lose some luxury items and may need to get current on payments to keep other possessions, but you certainly won’t lose everything. In fact, it’s possible that you won’t lose anything at all.
How will I know if bankruptcy is the right option for me?
The best way to understand your options is to consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney like those at our firm. While bankruptcy is a powerful legal tool, it is not appropriate for everyone. We examine the amount and types of debt you have, and we only recommend bankruptcy if we believe that it is the most appropriate form of debt relief for you.
Does filing for bankruptcy mean that I’m irresponsible or untrustworthy?
This may seem like an odd question to put into writing, and most people won’t ask it out loud. However, you may be thinking it, which is why it is important to clarify that the answer is a resounding No!
The majority of Americans have debt – it is simply how our economy works. Debt can become unmanageable for many reasons that have nothing to do with how responsible someone is. The leading driver of consumer bankruptcy in the U.S. is medical debt, often stemming from a serious health problem or unforeseen emergency.
Finally, seeking legal debt relief and trying to get a fresh financial start is a sign of responsibility and trustworthiness. You are facing your problems rather than avoiding them. In short, you don’t need to feel shame or guilt about filing for bankruptcy. It was designed to help people facing the same difficult circumstances you currently find yourself in.
Discuss Your Options With An Experienced Attorney For Free
Ed Shaw Law offers free initial consultations to all prospective clients. If you’d like to discuss your options and learn how we can help, contact us at our offices in St. Cloud and Brainerd by calling 800-507-0352. You can also send us an email.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.