Why File a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

For many families in Northeast Louisiana, debt becomes overwhelming, and they need a fresh start to get their finances under control. Chapter 7 is one of the more common methods of consumer bankruptcy that can offer you federal protection and resolve your major debt.

If you’re thinking about Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must take a means test that examines your assets, expenses, and income to determine your eligibility. It is also important that you have not already completed a Chapter 7 case during the last eight years or a Chapter 13 filing in the past six years.

How Does Chapter 7 Work?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a consumer liquidation bankruptcy. It involves the selling of non-exempt assets by a trustee in order to collect payment to distribute across all your creditors. The trustee is also paid a commission for overseeing the distribution.

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Louisiana, most of your debts will be discharged. Debts that can be discharged include credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, business debts, civil court judgments, utility bills, and more. However, your unpaid alimony, child support, fraudulent debts, student loans, and some taxes cannot be discharged through this type of bankruptcy.

Take note that a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will seize your tax break to pay off debt. Still, it is possible to keep some types of secured debts like your vehicle or home. But to do this, you will have to sign a “Reaffirmation Agreement.”

If you seek to file a Chapter 7, but found out that you are not eligible, you may file for a Chapter 13 instead. There are some who may be eligible but find that this is not the right bankruptcy for them after all factors are considered. Speak with our bankruptcy lawyers to determine which bankruptcy procedure is right for you and your family.

What Assets are Exempt from Seizure?

When determining which of your assets are protected from creditors in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the state of Louisiana has a bankruptcy exemption chart to reference. This chart shows the exemption limits for equity in property, which is the difference between the debt on an asset and its value. Below are some key points to keep in mind when deciding what is or is not protected.

  • Property secured by loans that are current in payments and has equity covered by exemptions can be kept if you agree to keep it current.
  • Assets secured by loans that are current in payments but has equity not covered by exemptions can potentially be liquidated by the trusted.
  • Married couples are allowed to file together and claim full sets of exemptions.
  • If you have non-exempt property you want to keep, usually the trustee must be paid the value of that property.
  • There are some federal exemptions you may use along with the Louisiana exemptions.

Dump the Debt Today!

How would you like to wake up one morning completely debt-free? A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Louisiana could completely wipe out your unsecured debt and give you a fresh start financially.
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How to File a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Louisiana

There are several steps involved when filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Louisiana. Before filing, you must first undergo credit counseling as required by the 2005 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA). The BAPCPA also requires you to take a means test where the courts will check if your median income exceeds the Louisiana median income guideline. If you exceed it, you cannot file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Once this step is complete, you should consult with an attorney to determine what assets you own are exempt from seizure. You and your Monroe, LA bankruptcy attorney will likely review Louisiana’s exemption guideline before filing your paperwork.

Hire a Knowledgeable Monroe Bankruptcy Attorney

The E. Orum Young Law Office has over 35 years of experience with bankruptcy cases in Northeast Louisiana. Our team of bankruptcy attorneys assists our clients every step of the way to create the best path for a favorable outcome. We are long-standing member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

We have a record of over 20,000 bankruptcy cases filed in Northeast Louisiana. This means our firm has extensive experience in bankruptcy law to get you on the road to financial freedom.

If you want to get a fresh start, speak with one of our attorneys today and get a free case review. Call (318) 450-3192 and find out the facts about a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and how it may be the right debt relief option for you.

How It Works?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy has the power to discharge many kinds of debt. When your debt is discharged, it means that you, the debtor, is no longer responsible for the debt. This bars creditors from taking collection actions against you. Moreover, after a debt is discharged, you are not legally required to pay it back. Should creditors come after your debt after you’ve filed a Chapter 7, they can face serious penalties.

List all your debts and gather all necessary documents. Bring this during your first meeting with an E. Orum Young bankruptcy attorney. Your attorney interview will determine the best course of action to resolve your debt.

Let our attorneys sign and file your bankruptcy documents with care. For the past 35 years, clients have chosen E. Orum Young to represent them in bankruptcy matters more than any other law firm in Northeast Louisiana! We will see to it that your debt is resolved.

Wait up to 4 months for your Chapter 7 bankruptcy to be finalized. But once the date and time of your bankruptcy are set, collectors can no longer make attempts to collect on your discharged debts. Our attorneys will sue any creditor that calls about your debt after we have resolved your bankruptcy.