How Can Bankruptcy Stop Your Car From Being Repossessed?

This can be a difficult time of the year for many families. You may be having trouble paying your bills, but you still want your family have a great holiday season. This may mean you spend more money than you should, and suddenly it’s easy to find you are facing serious debt problems. There is help.

First, be careful about how you approach your financial situation. Certain car creditors may be more aggressive than others. If you miss a car payment, the lender may repossess your car, which can make a difficult financial position much worse.

If your car is repossessed, the lender can sell the car and use the money to pay off the balance of the loan. If more funds are still owed, the lender can sue you for the outstanding amount. This means you may still be making payments on a car that you no longer have.  Your wages can also be garnished in this situation.

If you find yourself in this situation you have options. You can work with your lender to try to find a more manageable payment schedule or other type of loan modification. You can also take advantage of bankruptcy.

Under the “Automatic Stay” in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, any collections or repossession actions against you must stop. This allows you an opportunity to design a plan to meet your financial obligations, including car payments. You will be able to keep certain property, including vehicles, which is extremely helpful.

Filing bankruptcy means you can keep your car and start on the road to a better financial future. The experienced Georgia bankruptcy attorneys at King & King will analyze your specific situation and help you develop a plan that meets your needs. Call us today at 404-524-6400  for a free consultation.

Bankruptcy Can Help You Deal with Medical Debt In Georgia

Medical bills continue to be one of most common reasons why people file bankruptcy in Georgia. Even when you have health care coverage, it can be impossible to pay co-pays for doctor visits, prescription medications, and make payments on bills your insurance does not cover. People all over Georgia continue to juggle their finances by trying to make payments on credit card debt, mortgage and vehicle payments, utilities, and groceries all while trying to cover unexpected medical expenses. When it becomes too much to handle, the bankruptcy attorneys at King & King can help.

Bankruptcy can clear your debt. Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates unsecured debts such as credit card bills, personal loans, broken leases and medical bills. Chapter 13 bankruptcy reorganizes debts into an affordable monthly plan that allows you to make payments based on your income ability. Chapter 13 also helps stop foreclosure, repossession and more. Your bankruptcy attorney can help you decide which chapter is best for you. Both chapters put a stop to all collections.

When you or a loved one is dealing with an illness or other health concerns, the last thing you want to worry about is how bills will be paid. This is when an experienced bankruptcy attorney at King & King can help you find an appropriate solution to your situation.

If you are dealing with medical debt or find it is becoming increasingly difficult to make necessary monthly payments because of medical bills, call King & King to schedule a free consultation today at 404-524-6400.

3 Steps To Stop Wage Garnishment in Georgia Today

In Georgia, garnishment is not something that can happen overnight in most cases. In order to take a portion of your wages, your creditor needs an order from the court. To obtain this order, the creditor must first sue you for the debt, win the lawsuit and obtain a judgment. Having prevailed in the lawsuit, your creditor may then ask the court to allow your wages to be garnished. However, in some cases this may happen without your knowledge. Here are 3 steps to stop wage garnishment in Georgia.

1. Call King & King to schedule an appointment. We will see you as soon as possible and inform you of the next steps during your free consultation with a skilled attorney.

2. Bring your paperwork to the appointment. We will let you know in advance the paperwork we may need to stop your garnishment, so be sure to bring what you can.

3. We can file your bankruptcy the same day (business hours allowing) and contact your creditor and payroll department for you to stop the garnishment.

At King & King, we take the time to understand your needs and answer all of your questions. While we want to solve your problem quickly, it’s important that you are comfortable with the process, and understand how it will impact you. These thoughtful conversations enable us to ensure the best possible outcomes. Call King & King bankruptcy attorneys today at 404-524-6400 to schedule an appointment so we can assess your financial situation and recommend the best way for you to get your affairs back on track.

Should You File For Bankruptcy?

At King & King, we understand that deciding whether or not to file for bankruptcy in Georgia is a very important decision to make. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who can analyze your specific facts and go over your options. If you are ready for a free consultation, call us at 404-524-6400 for help today. Here a few of the things to review when deciding to file for bankruptcy. 

What Are Your Debt Problems?

• Out of control credit card debit

• Medical Debt

• Repossession

• Foreclosure

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Debt?

• Your creditors can put liens against your assets

• Seize your bank accounts

• Garnish your wages

• Foreclosure

• Repossession

What Happens If You File For Bankruptcy?

• Stop all collections against you and your creditors will stop contacting you

• Relieve the legal obligation to pay back your debts

• Allow you to rebuild your credit

• Remove liens against your property

• Stop repossession

• Stop foreclosure

Call the experienced bankruptcy staff at King & King to determine whether declaring a bankruptcy case would be in your best interest. King & King will evaluate your situation and determine if Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you. Call our office today at 404-524-6400 to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options, or feel free to visit us at www.kingandkingattorneys.com.

How Can Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In Georgia?

Many people who are considering bankruptcy fear that they will lose the things that they hold most dear when they file. One of the biggest of these worries is whether you can keep your home, especially if the home is in danger of foreclosure.

Bankruptcy can stop foreclosure, and it is possible for you to keep your home.

The Automatic Stay

One of the benefits of filing for bankruptcy is the automatic stay. In both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, the automatic stay is a court-ordered injunction that begins as soon as the bankruptcy case has been filed. The automatic stay stops all collection actions by creditors against the debtor. Foreclosure proceedings are included in that group of collection actions that are stopped.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings allow you to repay past-due mortgage payments a little bit at a time over several years rather than forcing a lump sum up front. If you can remain current on the monthly plan and mortgage payments, you should be able to keep your home.

Contact King & King For a Free Consultation Today

An experienced Georgia bankruptcy lawyer can help you determine the best way to stop a foreclosure, help you utilize the best exemptions to protect your property, and can help address any concerns you have about the bankruptcy process.

Call King & King today at 404-524-6400 to schedule a free consultation to discuss how bankruptcy may help you.

Do You Get Out Of All Debts If You Declare Bankruptcy?

If you are struggling with debt in Georgia, you are not alone. Most people fall behind on their bills at some point in their lives. Don’t worry—you can get help.

Bankruptcy may be the answer to your problems. Speaking with an experienced attorney will give you a better idea of how bankruptcy can help your specific situation. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal process that can remove most debts and give you a fresh start, but there are some debts you may have to set up a payment plan to pay off. 

The debts that bankruptcy can help with are known as unsecured debt. If you have these kinds of debts, filing bankruptcy will most likely wipe them out:

credit card bills
medical bills
utility bills
personal loans
stale tax debt
Broken leases

The rules are different for other debts, such as:

child support
alimony
recent tax debt
federally-insured student loans

Bankruptcy can also provide relief from your secured creditors, like for your home or for your car.  If you live in Georgia and are looking for a bankruptcy lawyer to help you get out from under your debt, call King & King at 404-524-6400 for a free consultation.  We will review your debt and guide you to the most effective bankruptcy to file. Begin your journey to a fresh start today.

What Should I Do If My Wages Are Being Garnished?

What Should You Do If Your Wages Are Being Garnished In Georgia?

We understand wage garnishment causes serious hardship and make it impossible to get back on top financially. If you are currently being subjected to wage garnishment, bankruptcy could be a solution. Here are a few tips to help you stop wage garnishment.

When can your wages be garnished?

A creditor has to successfully sue you in court before they can obtain a wage garnishment against you. When that occurs, your creditor must then notify the sheriff’s office where you live and provide official paperwork proving the ruling against you. The sheriff’s office will then contact your employer, who must garnish your wages.

Will I be told in advance that my wages are going to be garnished?

In most cases you will know a wage garnishment is going to happen either by attending the hearing about your debt or by receiving a letter that a creditor has won a judgment against you. If you miss notification by the court you may told by your employer.

What can I do if my wages are garnished?

Your creditor will continue garnishments until your debt is repaid if you don’t take action. One effective way to immediately stop wage garnishments is to file bankruptcy. When you file for bankruptcy, you get an automatic stay, which stops all collections, including garnishments. If the debt is charged off or otherwise addressed during bankruptcy, the garnishment cannot be restarted, even when the bankruptcy ends.

At King & King bankruptcy attorneys we have been helping people in the state of Georgia stop wage garnishment for over 40 years. Call us today for a free consultation at 404-524-6400. We can help you get the fresh start you deserve.

What Happens to Unsecured Debts When I File Bankruptcy in Atlanta?

The main goals of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case are to stop creditors’ collection actions against you and to discharge as many of your debts as possible. Creditor collections are stopped by the “automatic stay.” The automatic stay also stops home foreclosure, repossessions, and wage garnishments. When bankruptcy is filed correctly in Georgia, Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges all “general unsecured debts.”

The good news is your Chapter 7 discharge can happen quite quickly. About 100 days after your bankruptcy lawyer files your case, the bankruptcy court enters a discharge order. The effect of your discharge is creditors can no longer collect on your debt, and you get a fresh start, debt-free!

Unsecured debt amounts under Chapter 13 bankruptcy are often decreased to only a small percent of the original debt, sometimes only 5-10%, often even 0% of the original amount. In most situations, during your Chapter 13 payment period you must pay your secured and priority debts in full before paying your general unsecured debts anything. In many cases, unsecured creditors get nothing.  Contact the attorneys at King & King to find out how a 0% Chapter 13 might work for you.

King & King has been providing an uncompromising level of client care to individuals who are going through bankruptcy. Our attorneys understand that filing for bankruptcy is a last resort option, and it’s associated with strong, difficult emotions. When you walk through our doors, you can rest assured that you aren’t alone in this process. Call King & King today at 404-524-6400 for a free consultation.

Is It Better to File Bankruptcy Before or After Car Repossession in Atlanta?

While a vehicle lender can repossess your vehicle as soon as you are late on a payment, most lenders don’t repossess right away. They’d usually rather have you make the payments so that they earn the interest on the contract. Most likely your lender has the legal right to repossess, and sometimes repossession can happen very quickly.

It’s Better to File Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Before Repossession

Filing bankruptcy stops repossession, even if the lender has already started the process. The moment your Georgia bankruptcy lawyer files your case, an “automatic stay” goes into effect. This legally stops all collection efforts against you and your property. It will halt the repossession process in its tracks and allow you to protect and keep your car.

Getting Your Car Back After Repossession

You can potentially get your vehicle back after it’s already been repossessed. However, you must act fast and speak to a bankruptcy attorney as soon as possible. You may only have ten days to act. King & King has been helping people in Georgia gain a fresh start for over 40 years, and we understand everyone's financial circumstances are unique.  To find out what bankruptcy will actually mean to you, contact King & King today to schedule a free initial consultation at 404-524-6400.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File Bankruptcy in Georgia?

Filing for bankruptcy in Georgia can be of the most important decisions you will make in your life. The bankruptcy process is complex, and a single mistake could compromise your ability to successfully complete your bankruptcy case. Because bankruptcy has become more common, people other than lawyers are building businesses around the filing process. If the person preparing your bankruptcy does not have the necessary legal experience to file your case correctly, they could jeopardize your bankruptcy discharge.

The difference in hiring an attorney over a petition preparer is the petition preparer simply completes forms on your behalf. They are not required to have any formal training or undergo a background check, which means you could be handing your sensitive information over to someone you really don’t know. Additionally, they cannot provide any legal advice, so you must educate yourself about complex bankruptcy law before using their services.  Further, in the Northern District of Georgia, the United States Trustee’s Office frowns upon petition preparers.

Filing for bankruptcy involves much more than filling out forms. The bankruptcy lawyers at King & King can provide the kind of legal support you need to protect your rights and get the fresh start you deserve. Call us today to schedule your free consultation at 404-524-6400.

How Can I Stop a Lawsuit From a Creditor in Georgia?

If you have received a letter about a debt collection lawsuit in Georgia, do not ignore it. A lawsuit will not go away if you don’t do anything, and typically will result in a default judgment against you. If the creditor wins the lawsuit, without much notice to you, there are actions they can take to recover the money you owe them.

Garnished Wages

Once a debt collector wins the lawsuit, they can garnish your wages. When a garnishment order is sent to your employer, you can expect them to withhold a portion of your wages and send the money directly to your creditor.  A wage garnishment is a devastating way to pay back a debt, and can quickly send your life into a financial spiral.

Your Bank Account Can be Frozen

The debt collector can also send the judgment to your bank to “freeze” your bank account. If your account is frozen, there are actions you can take to defend yourself. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can explain to you the next steps on how to “unfreeze” the account and keep your money.

 Bankruptcy May Be An Option

If you cannot afford to settle or fight the debt collector in court, a bankruptcy filing may be the best for you. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate most debts and provide you with a “fresh start.” Once a petition is filed with the Bankruptcy Court, any debt collection lawsuit (garnishment or frozen account) will be stayed. To find out if bankruptcy is right for you, call the offices of King & King for a free consultation today at 404-524-6400.

Can I Keep My Car If I File For Bankruptcy In Georgia?

If you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy in Georgia, we know you have a few questions. One of the questions we hear most often is “what will happen with my car loan?” If you do not own your car outright will you lose it? Can it be left out of the bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy Can Help You Keep Your Car

If you’re filing under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you’ll be able to keep your car as long as you keep making your Chapter 13 plan payments and otherwise comply with your Chapter 13 plan. Under Chapter 7, whether you keep your car will depend on your ability to make payments. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your attorney can file a “Statement of Intention” indicating whether you want to keep or surrender the vehicle. If you cannot afford the monthly payments on your car loan, then you may consider surrendering the car. The auto loan balance will be fully discharged in your Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

King & King has been helping people in Georgia gain a fresh start for over 40 years, and we understand everyone's financial circumstances are unique.  To find out what bankruptcy will actually mean to you, contact King & King today to schedule a free initial consultation at 404-524-6400.

Can You File For Bankruptcy Twice In Georgia?

Millions of people have filed for bankruptcy protection. After receiving a bankruptcy discharge, most people make every effort to stabilize their finances. However, it’s not uncommon for individuals to need to file a second or even a third bankruptcy petition. If you have filed for bankruptcy and need to file again, your eligibility for debt discharge will be influenced by what type of bankruptcy you filed in the past, what type you are filing now, and when you filed the most recent bankruptcy.

Time restrictions on filing bankruptcy:

For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, in most cases you cannot receive the same type of discharge again until 8 years have passed since the date you filed before.

Many people end up needing to refile their Chapter 13 bankruptcies.  The rules on this are complex.  Contact King & King today for a case review.

It Is Possible to File a Different Type of Bankruptcy

If you previously filed Chapter 7, but would like to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is possible to do so. If you previously filed Chapter 13, but now want to file Chapter 7, this is also possible. You may even be able to convert your current active case from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7.  However, there are many intricate rules. Speak to your attorney to find out what your options are for your specific situation.

For more information regarding your rights and options when you are facing bankruptcy, contact King & King bankruptcy attorneys for a free consultation at 404-524-6400 or visit us online at www.kingandkingattorneys.com

How to Clear Medical Debt In Georgia

Large medical debts are one of the most common reasons people consider filing for bankruptcy in Georgia. Even with insurance, an emergency visit to the hospital can cost thousands. Filing for bankruptcy is sometimes the best option for breaking free of medical debt. Your bankruptcy lawyer can help you decide the best option for your situation.

Bankruptcy Can Eliminate Medical Bills

Depending on the type of bankruptcy you qualify for, you may be able to eliminate your medical debt by filing for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

If you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your discharge will wipe out your medical bills along with your other general unsecured debts including credit card debt. There is no limit to the amount of medical debt you can discharge in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, medical bills and all other general unsecured debts are also dischargeable.  You may not have to pay unsecured debts back at all, or you may just pay a portion.  The amount you pay depends on your income, expenses, and nonexempt assets.

There’s no shame in not being able to pay your medical bills. No matter how high your income or how well-insured you are, expensive medical bills from accidents and illnesses can happen to anyone.

We understand unexpected medical bills are a common reason why people in Georgia and the greater Atlanta area consult bankruptcy lawyers. At King & King, our attorneys understand the difficulties your family is facing. Call us today at 404-524-6400 for a free consultation.

What Can You Keep in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Georgia?

If you're thinking of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Georgia, you may be surprised to find out that much of your personal property will be exempt from liquidation. When bankruptcy works the right way, you will emerge from your bankruptcy debt free, while keeping your home, car, and possessions.

Here is a quick look at property that will likely be exempt from liquidation in your Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

• Your primary motor vehicle. 
• Clothing. 
• Furniture, household goods and other items. 
• Household appliances. 
• Jewelry. 
• Retirement pensions. 
• Equity in your home. 
• Tools of your trade. 
• Social security, disability benefits and other public benefits. 
• Personal injury damage awards.

Qualifying for bankruptcy is the first step you can take towards achieving a fresh financial start. Speak with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney from King & King today to get your questions answered with a no-obligation consultation.

Learn more about how to stop your home foreclosure, keep your car from being repossessed, and other important actions you can take to getting your life on track call King & King at 404-524-6400 for help today.

How Can I Raise My Credit Score After Bankruptcy In Georgia?

After filing bankruptcy one common question our clients ask is how they can start to rebuild their credit after the bankruptcy process is complete. The good news is that by filing bankruptcy, you can actually help your score. While credit scores typically decrease in the year prior to filing bankruptcy, after your bankruptcy discharge you can expect to see a steady rise in your credit score, especially if you are very careful while you rebuild your credit.

To keep your credit score moving in the right direction after filing bankruptcy, you may want to consider a secured credit card or a store credit account. Payments made on-time are reported to the credit bureaus which will help you rebuild a strong credit history.  It’s important to be judicious in taking on new loans.  Use credit sparingly and carefully.

Chapter 7 can remain on your credit report for up to ten years. Within 2-3 years after your bankruptcy discharge, a credit score in the 700's is possible if you practice good credit management.

If you are struggling with debt in Georgia and would like more information about bankruptcy and whether it may be an option for you, schedule a free consultation with King & King. Call us today at 404-524-6400 or visit us at www.kingandkingattorneys.com for more information.

How Can I Stop Repossession In Georgia?

Have you received a notice that your car is going to be repossessed? We understand that without a car, getting to work or picking up your children after school can become a stressful challenge. There is a way to stop repossession. At King & King we provide personalized bankruptcy services for all types of debt relief and debt-related problems. We can help you obtain a fresh financial start.

Will My Car Be Repossessed?

When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes immediately into effect, preventing a car from being repossessed. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you continue to make the payments on the loan. In a Chapter 13, a monthly payment is decided on with the court. That monthly payment is often much less than the original payment, and it can be imposed upon the lender regardless of how many months the client may have missed prior to filing bankruptcy.  For many clients in Chapter 13, we are able to lower the interest rate paid on the car loan dramatically.

What Chapter 13 Can Do to Save Your Car

· Lower the payoff price of the car

· Protect your car from repossession because of the automatic stay

· Lower the interest rate of the loan

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the client often only pays the value of the vehicle. Since most people owe thousands of dollars more than their vehicles are really worth, you can save a substantial amount of money using this benefit of Chapter 13.

Call King & King for a free consultation to find out whether you can save your vehicle through bankruptcy. You might also want to surrender your vehicle through a Chapter 7 and get a fresh start.  You can reach us at 404-524-6400 or visit us at http://kingandkingattorneys.com/Stop-Repossession for more information.