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 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.

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.

Four Options For Eliminating Credit Card Debt In Georgia.

Credit card debt can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with credit card debt forever. King & King can help you eliminate your debts and put you on a path to a brighter financial future.  Here are a few strategies for climbing out of credit card debt.

Make a Budget

If your credit card debt is growing but not yet overwhelming, and you have a steady income that is adequate to your needs, you may be able to get out of debt by creating a budget. Put a larger amount of your income towards your credit card balance until the card is paid off. For this strategy to work, put a hold on making any new purchases on your cards.

Consolidate Your Cards

If you have good credit, you may be able to sign up for a new card that offers 0% interest for an introductory period. Transferring your existing balances to such a card can be an excellent strategy for cutting down your credit card debt. If you can’t open a new card with a 0% interest rate, consider consolidating as much of your debts as possible onto whichever card has the lowest interest rate. This will enable you to reduce the rate at which your debt will grow while you attempt to repay it.

Work Out a Debt Settlement

If your credit card debt has already gone into collections, you can consider working out a debt settlement with the collection agency. If you can repay 50 percent of the balance within a year or two, the collection agency may accept your offer.

File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy will completely wipe out your unsecured debts including credit card debts and stop creditors from contacting you. You can typically complete a Chapter 7 bankruptcy without liquefying your personal assets. If you decide to pursue bankruptcy, be sure to hire a bankruptcy attorney to help you.

If you’re tired of living with debt, if you feel like there’s no way out but you need help, then today is the day to call King & King at 404-524-6400 for a free consultation. We are experts in helping people just like you find the best way to move forward from being overwhelmed with debt. 

What Does A Debt Discharge In Bankruptcy Mean?

Many types of debts, including medical bills and credit card debt, may be discharged when you file for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy in Georgia.  When a debt is discharged, the debt is forgiven. Put simply: you are relieved of legal responsibility and will never need to repay the debt.

Your creditors will be prohibited from suing you or taking legal action to collect the debt. They are also prohibited from calling you, sending your demand letters, or harassing you in any way.

Filing for bankruptcy is not a decision to be taken lightly. Your first step should be to consult with a bankruptcy attorney in order to ensure that the bankruptcy filing goes as smoothly as possible. With the right attorney, your debts can be eliminated, allowing for a clean financial start.

If you’re ready to talk to an attorney about what bankruptcy can do for you, call King and King at 404-524-6400 or visit us online at www.kingandkingattorneys.com today for more information.