Middletown Bankruptcy Lawyer Helping You Find Your Path To Financial Freedom

I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to any bankruptcy issue, having been admitted to:

• The Massachusetts Bar and Connecticut Bar
• The U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
• Practice before the First Circuit Court of Appeals

I am also a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and the Middlesex County Bar Association. Whether you are currently suffering from credit card debt, real estate debt, medical debt, or any other type of unsecured consumer debt, I can offer you the legal advice you need to help you live comfortably, keep your home or go into retirement without the concern of paying off debt.

Answering Commonly Asked Questions About Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy can be a complicated and often confusing process. Many people may be afraid to take the next step because of the misconceptions that surround the process. To help clarify what bankruptcy can do, here are my answers to some of the questions I often hear from my clients:

Will bankruptcy eliminate all my debts?

While bankruptcy can be a powerful financial tool, it cannot eliminate all debts. It also cannot cure financial habits. You will need to commit to the bankruptcy process in order to eliminate as much debt as possible while still retaining your property. Any unsecured debts will be eliminated when you file for bankruptcy. However, you will still have to pay off secured debts. Similarly, if you file for Chapter 13, you may have a repayment plan, rather than a discharge of all debts.

What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?

In order to file for Chapter 7, you will need to fall under the average income for your state or area. If you pass the means test, you can then file. Chapter 7 is often called “liquidation bankruptcy,” as you will liquidate your assets in order to pay off nondischargeable debts. You may also be able to use exemptions to protect certain property, depending on your situation.

Chapter 13 is slightly different. You do not need to fall under a certain income. However, you must have a sustainable enough job to pursue this option. This is because Chapter 13 utilizes a repayment plan method that seeks to negotiate a plan with all secured creditors in order to pay off debts over time. You may still discharge certain debts and will likely be able to keep your home.

If I file for bankruptcy, will I still lose my house?

If you want to keep your home and are facing foreclosure, filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be a serious option for you. When you file for bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay, which means that your creditors and lenders can no longer take any action against you. You will likely be able to keep your house, as long as you can restructure your debts and begin to make payment plans over time.

Won’t bankruptcy ruin my credit?

This is a common myth that surrounds bankruptcy. While bankruptcy will make it challenging for you to obtain a credit card right away, this is often a good thing. It gives you time to restore healthy financial habits and begin taking the appropriate steps toward rebuilding your credit rather than jumping back into debt right away. There are many methods that can be used to rebuild and restore your credit over time.

Will I lose all my possessions if I file for bankruptcy?

While many people fear this outcome, it is often not the case. There are bankruptcy exemptions available that allow you to exempt certain assets and property from the liquidation or repossession process. You can utilize these exemptions to keep property like cars, homes and land. Working with an attorney will help ensure that you get as many exemptions as you are eligible for.

What should I do if a creditor is harassing me?

If you feel like a creditor is harassing you, then you should speak with a lawyer right away. Creditors are not allowed to violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This means they cannot yell or call you names over the phone. They also cannot call you multiple times a day or call you at unreasonable hours, such as early in the morning and late at night. It also states that creditors cannot call you at your place of work or leave threatening messages. If they violate these rights, you may be able to pursue legal action against them and end their collection practices.

Is bankruptcy right for me?

This can be a tough question to answer. The bottom line is that, although bankruptcy is a great financial tool, it is not right for everyone’s financial situation. For this reason, it is crucial that you discuss your case with a seasoned bankruptcy attorney who can walk you through the process and review your financial situation.