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Check out the latest news on bankruptcy.
12 Myths About Bankruptcy
No, you will not lose everything you own. And no, you can't wantonly run up bills just before filing; that's called fraud. read more...
Bounce Back Fast After Bankruptcy
Carefully rebuild your credit and you could qualify for almost-normal rates, even a mortgage, in a year or two. Here's what you need to do. read more...
Beware Cut-Rate Bankruptcy Advice
Bankruptcy has become little more than a few months in purgatory, rather than the seven-year ache -- and lifelong disgrace -- it once was.
read more...
- I’ve never filed bankruptcy. Where do I begin?
- I work during business hours. When and where can I meet with an attorney?
- I can’t pay my bills. How can I afford to file bankruptcy?
- What are the different chapters of bankruptcy?
- How long does the procedure take from beginning to end?
- Will I lose my property if I file bankruptcy?
I’ve never filed bankruptcy. Where do I begin?
If you have substantial debts, or are faced with a repossession or foreclosure, or creditors are suing you, you may be a candidate for bankruptcy. The first step is to assess what debts you have, and how much, and to get an idea of your monthly income and expenses. Next, schedule an appointment with our office for a free consultation so that an attorney can review your financial information.
I work during business hours. When and where can I meet with an attorney?
Why travel into town? Our firm has seven office locations including downtown Pittsburgh, Beaver, Washington, Greensburg, Belle Vernon, White Oak, and Uniontown. Standard office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, with appointments available in the evenings and on weekends in our seven offices. If you choose to come to our Pittsburgh office on Saturday, we will reimburse you for parking.
I can’t pay my bills. How can I afford to file bankruptcy?
Our fees for bankruptcy will vary depending on the complexity of your case in addition to other factors concerning the amount of debt incurred and your current income situation. Should you need to file, our attorneys will quote you a fee appropriate for your situation and discuss payment arrangements. Our office does not require the full payment of fees up front.
What are the different chapters of bankruptcy?
Our office handles Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy matters. These chapters are used for different purposes
In general, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is used primarily to discharge unsecured debts, such as credit cards, medical bills, utilities, and personal loans. learn more...
A Chapter 11 bankruptcy is used primarily for businesses, and sometimes individuals, who need to reorganize their business or have too much debt to qualify for bankruptcy under Chapter 13. learn more...
Under Chapter 13, any arrearages owed on secured debts, such as mortgages or auto loans, are paid off under a payment plan for a period of three to five years. learn more...
How long does the procedure take from beginning to end?
A typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy will take approximately four to six months. Within four to six weeks of the filing of your documents a court hearing will be held, which you are required to attend. Your discharge from bankruptcy will arrive 90 to 120 days following your court hearing. You should note that creditors can no longer contact you or seek collection on your debts once your bankruptcy documents are filed with the Court.
Will I lose my property if I file bankruptcy?
No. The Bankruptcy Code allows debtors to protect certain amounts of equity in both their real and personal property. These exemptions should allow you to protect all of your property. Unless you have a large amount of equity in a home or vehicle(s), or large sums of money in your retirement plan(s), you don’t need to worry about losing your property in the bankruptcy. Should you have more equity than the exemptions allow, our office will advise you of your options.