How the Bankruptcy Process Works
How You Can Most Effectively Prepare for Bankruptcy
If you face overwhelming debt and are considering bankruptcy as a way to get a fresh start, you may have no idea how the bankruptcy process works and how soon you can expect to get relief. Whether you own and operate a business or are finding it difficult to manage credit card debt or a home mortgage payment, you want an experienced lawyer to help you understand whether bankruptcy is the right course of action for you.
At the Robert C. Bruner Law Offices, in Tallahassee, Florida, we have over 20 years of experience handling business and consumer bankruptcy proceedings. We built our successful practice by providing clients with a high level of personal service and attention, and by making ourselves available when people need to talk with us. When you hire us to help you resolve bankruptcy matters, you will always work directly with attorney Robert C. Bruner. To set up a free initial consultation, contact our office or call us at 850-270-0016 (toll-free at 888-402-6927).
Understanding How Bankruptcy Works
At our office, we understand that the bankruptcy process is unfamiliar to many people. We will take the time to carefully explain the process, along with anticipated time lines, so that you understand what the benefits are, as well as the consequences.
Regardless of the type of bankruptcy you file, you will immediately (upon filing) be protected by the automatic stay established in the federal bankruptcy code. Under the automatic stay, your creditors are prohibited from calling you, sending you letters, taking legal action against you, or using any means other than the bankruptcy proceeding to collect the debt from you.
Our first step when working with you on a bankruptcy filing will be to determine whether you should seek to discharge your debts under Chapter 7 or try to reorganize your debt under Chapter 11 (businesses) or Chapter 13 (consumers). Under the recent revisions to the bankruptcy law, you must now qualify to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy by demonstrating to the bankruptcy court that you lack the means to repay your creditors over a three- to five-year period. We will run a means test for you to help you determine if Chapter 7 is an option.
If you opt for Chapter 7, we will next determine which debts can be discharged, as well as what property you can exclude from sale. Contrary to popular myth, tax debts are not necessarily exempt from discharge in a Chapter 7 proceeding. You should bring all tax records with you so that we can help you determine your rights.
If, instead, you choose to file under Chapter 11 or Chapter 13, we will work with you and your creditors to put together a reorganization plan that is within your means.
Contact Our Office
For a free initial consultation, contact us by e-mail or call our office at 850-270-0016 (toll-free at 888-402-6927). We are available to meet with you any day of the week.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
