Can Bankruptcy Help With My Medical Bills In Georgia?

Medical bills can quickly put you over your head in debt. In Georgia, medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy.  Fortunately, medical bills are easy to wipe out in bankruptcy. They are a class of debt in bankruptcy knows as “unsecured debt.”

An attorney at King and King can review your situation and explain your bankruptcy options. For many people, this means filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which will completely eliminate many types of unsecured debts, such as medical bills and credit card bills. Most filers are able to keep all of their property.

You may also qualify for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This can also eliminate or reduce your unsecured debts, including your medical bills. You can also stop foreclosure and sometimes eliminate second mortgages.

You Can Still Obtain Medical Care

You will still be able to get the treatment you need. Your ability to obtain medical care will not be affected when you file for bankruptcy.

If you’re struggling with overwhelming medical debt, we can help. Call us today at 404-524-6400 for a free consultation or visit us online at www.kingandkingattorneys.com

Do's and Don’ts For Filing Bankruptcy In Georgia

Filing for bankruptcy can be difficult and complicated. We've put together a quick overview to help you when filing for bankruptcy in Georgia. Our list is a great overview, but reviewing with a qualified attorney is the best way to get answers to your questions.

Bankruptcy Do's:

 Do be honest with your attorney — King and King handles all your personal information with confidentiality and privacy. Be sure to tell us everything so we can file your bankruptcy petition accurately.

 Do continue making mortgage payments — If you get behind after filing bankruptcy, your creditor can begin foreclosure on your home. The good news is we can help even up to the last moment, and may be able to resolve the situation if you fall behind while in an active bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Don'ts:

Don't hide your property —Transferring your property to another person may be seen as fraudulent. Let us help you keep it.

Don't pay off personal loans — If you owe money to family members, now is not the time to repay them. Let the bankruptcy court determine the priority of your creditors and handle it through the proper channels.

Don't spend your retirement money — More good news, most retirement accounts are exempt in bankruptcy.  Speak with your attorney for more details.

If you are ready to speak to a bankruptcy attorney who can help, call 404-524-6400 for a free consultation today.  Need more information? Visit us online at www.kingandkingattorneys.com

How To Stop Wage Garnishment In Georgia

Wage garnishment in Georgia can be difficult to reverse. The money you earn will be taken out of your paycheck until the full amount is repaid to your creditor. The good news is as soon as you file bankruptcy, the bankruptcy court issues an order telling all of your creditors to stop contacting you. This order is called the “automatic stay.“  The automatic stay also prohibits creditors from any and all collection actions against you, including wage garnishments.

Even if you wait until after you have begun being garnished, a bankruptcy will stop the garnishment immediately. You may be able to recover months of garnished wages. Any money that is garnished by mistake after the case is filed must also be returned.

To stop your wage garnishment and file for bankruptcy, contact the experienced bankruptcy attorneys at King and King for a free consultation today, 404-524-6400. Need more information? Visit us at www.kingandkingattorneys.com

Should I Have Money In The Bank Before Filing Bankruptcy?

Prior to filing bankruptcy there are some smart ways to use your money. However it’s very important to understand what you can spend money on and what the courts will not consider exempt. We recommend consulting with your attorney before making these decisions.

Bankruptcy laws in Georgia allow you to plan prior to filing bankruptcy.  You are also allowed to maximize the exemptions which can increase the property you get to keep.  This includes converting non-exempt assess (such as cash) into exempt assets (like appliances or clothing). Making smart purchases with your money prior to filing can help you transition out of bankruptcy and help reduce the amount of cash that can become part of your bankruptcy estate.

Some exempt assets to consider purchasing prior to filing bankruptcy include:

• Most major appliances (not including televisions)
• Beds and bedding
• Clothing and shoes
• Food
• Back payments on secured assets such as cars or homes
• Bringing utility payments current
• Necessary and current bills such as rent or cell phone bills

Items you should not spend money on prior to filing bankruptcy include:

• Vacations or any travel
• Jewelry or other luxury items
• Televisions
• Recreational Vehicles

There are many other items not considered exempt.  Call King and King in Atlanta today for a free consultation at 404-524-6400 or visit us at www.kingandkingattorneys.com for more information.