Three Tips To Help You Save More In The New Year

It’s February and you have 10 more months to get your finances back on track before next year. Starting a budgeting plan right now is the best way to look forward to a promising future. Saving money is easier than you think. Here are three steps to help you save money throughout the rest of the year:

1. Keep a record of your purchases

Little purchases, such as Starbucks stops, lunch out, extra trips to the grocery store, and other small purchases can add up quickly. Keeping a written record of everything you purchase over the course of a month will allow you to see how much you really spend and if you can cut back.

2. Create a budget

After reviewing your purchases, you can determine which items are necessities and which are luxuries. Next, decide which luxury items you can cut out or limit. With your complete list you can create a monthly budget.

3. Make short-term and long-term goals

After you have reviewed your spending record and created a new budget, you can set aside some money in a savings account. Your new savings account can be used to fulfill your short-term and long-term goals. A short-term goal can be as simple as only eating out once a week, while a long-term goal might be budgeting extra to pay down your student loans more quickly.

The best way to approach your debt depends on your specific circumstances and needs. Our bankruptcy attorneys have the skills, knowledge, and real experience needed to guide you toward your goals. We will help you make the right choices, and explain exactly what happens next and how it will affect you and your family. At King & King, we are on your side and will treat you with the respect and consideration you deserve. Give us a call today at 404-524-6400 for a free consultation or visit us at www.kingandkingattorneys.com

What Should I Expect At My Bankruptcy Consultation?

While bankruptcy can be stressful, filing is your first step towards achieving real, lasting, financial freedom. Once you make the decision to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy or Chapter 7 bankruptcy, call King & King in Atlanta, Georgia for a free consultation with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer.

What Should I Bring For My First Meeting?

There are a few things you need to bring to the meeting with your lawyer. Take the time to collect the following:

60 days proof of income

Most recently-filed tax return

Photo identification

Information about your creditors

If you are being sued by a creditor or if you have received letters from creditors, bring these to your initial meeting as well. Together, this information will give your attorney a good idea about your financial situation. Always be honest with your lawyer as any incorrect information may lead to your case being dismissed without getting debts discharged.

Your first meeting is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Your King & King attorney will meet with you at no charge for an initial consultation and review of your case, and then recommend the best course of action. Call us at 404-524-6400 to take the first step towards your fresh start.

Can Bankruptcy Stop Debt Collectors in Georgia?

How Can Bankruptcy Stop Debt Collectors?

If you’re looking for relief from non-stop phone calls and e-mails from bill collectors you may be wondering how bankruptcy protection works. Bankruptcy can stop all collection activity.

When you file bankruptcy an “automatic stay” goes into effect. Debt collection attempts come to a halt. The action can stop foreclosure proceeding, stop repossession, and even stop wage garnishment and pending lawsuits. Debt collectors are prohibited from continuing collection attempts, if they continue without permission make note of the activity and present it to your bankruptcy attorney. They may be breaking the law.

If you qualify for bankruptcy you can have medical bills, personal loans, and credit card debt discharged or eliminated. You will not be responsible for paying them and creditors cannot continue to collect on them once the court has discharged them.

If you find yourself in a difficult financial situation, we can help. King and King can stop the harassing phone calls and put you on the path to financial freedom. Call us today at 404-524-6400 to discuss your options, your consultation is free, or visit us at www.kingandkingattorneys.com for more information.

What are the most common causes of bankruptcy in Georgia?

At King & King we help people find a fresh start. Here are a few reasons people come to us for help. 

1. Medical Expenses

Studies indicate that this is the biggest cause of bankruptcy. Accidents and illness can easily result in enormous medical bills - bills that can quickly wipe out savings, retirement accounts, college education funds and even home equity. Bankruptcy may be an option even before these resources are exhausted.

2. Job Loss

Whether due to layoff or termination, the loss of income from a job can be devastating. Not having emergency savings to draw from only makes your situation more serious, using credit cards to pay bills can lead to deeper debt. If you are unable to find employment quickly it can be difficult to keep your creditors paid. Bankruptcy can put a stop to all collections.

3. Excess Use of Credit

Credit card bills, Car payments, mortgages, and other loan payments can spiral out of control. If you find yourself at the point where you can only make minimum monthly payments, bankruptcy may be the best option for you.

4. Divorce

Divorce can create tremendous financial strain on both partners. Legal fees, division of marital assets, decree of child support and/or alimony, these alone can be enough to cause some to file.

The good news is bankruptcy can give you a fresh start. The attorneys at King & King can put you back on track so you can stop worrying and move forward. Call us today at 404-524-6400 for a free consultation or visit us at www.kingandkingattorneys.com for more information. 

What Happens At Your Bankruptcy Hearing in Georgia?

When you file for bankruptcy in the state of Georgia, you, together with your attorney, are required to attend a meeting with the Bankruptcy Trustee. The Trustee is appointed by the court to review the bankruptcy, verify your identity, and make a report to the court as to whether you have any non-exempt property. For most of our clients, your property is exempt and you are allowed to keep all of your assets.

This meeting is called a Section 341 Meeting of Creditors. "Section 341" refers to the part of the Bankruptcy Code that requires this meeting, and it is called a "Meeting of Creditors" because it is an opportunity for creditors to attend and ask questions regarding your assets or debts. However, creditors rarely attend these hearings except in large business cases.

This meeting is informal and a judge is not present. You are required to bring your driver's license and proof of your social security number to your 341 meeting. Below is a list of some standard questions you might be asked:

What is your full name?

Did you review and sign the documents?

Are you familiar with the information contained in your filing documents?

Is the information true and correct?

Have there been any substantial changes since the filing?

Are all of your assets listed?

Are all of your debts listed?

Do you have a child support or spousal support obligation?

Have you read the bankruptcy information sheet (a handout King & King provides to you)?

Have you filed a bankruptcy previously?

Contact King & King today to schedule your free consultation.  With offices in downtown Atlanta, Cobb County, and Lawrenceville, we are able to easily accommodate our clients living anywhere throughout the Atlanta metro area.  Call King & King Bankruptcy at (404) 524-6400 or visit us at www.kingandkingattorneys.com for more information.

Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy In Georgia

Chapter 13 bankruptcy has helped millions of Americans get out of debt. Chapter 13 allows you to pay back your creditors, and create a payment plan that works for you.  Chapter 13 can also allow you to keep your home as missed mortgage payments can be included in your payment plan. You can stop foreclosure and keep your home. Car payments can also be restructured and high interest payments can be eliminated. If this sounds like the right option for you, King & King can help you throughout the entire bankruptcy process.

Benefits Of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

A few of the advantages of Chapter 13 bankruptcy:

Avoid foreclosure
Liens and wage garnishments stop
Stop Car repossession
Assets are protected
Refinanced mortgages can be stripped away from your primary mortgage

All secured and unsecured debt, including some student loans and taxes, can be consolidated into a payment that you can afford.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Petition

Filing the petition with your bankruptcy lawyer is the first step. Once your attorney files your bankruptcy petition with the courts, an automatic stay is put in place so that your creditors cannot try to collect debts from you. This means the harassing phone calls will stop as does wagegarnishment, repossession, foreclosure, and lawsuits.

When filing, you will need to provide the names and addresses of all of your creditors and financial liabilities including your car loan, medical bills, credit card debt, tax liabilities, student loans, child support payments, alimony payments, personal loans, and mortgage. Listing your income and all of your debts is considered in what is called the “means test” to ensure that Chapter 13 will work for you. Your attorney can help you navigate this process.

If your debt is unmanageable, you need a solution. King& King can help you wipe the slate clean so that you can start over and have a bright financial future. Call us for a free consultation today at 404-524-6400

Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy In Georgia

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often referred to as a “fresh start” bankruptcy. The reason is most unsecured debts are discharged and you are left debt free. After your initial free consultation we can tell you whether you qualify for Chapter 7 or not. The good news is most clients qualify. Chapter 7 will also immediately stop collection harassment, wage garnishment and bank account seizures. Once we file your case, your creditors must stop any action to collect a debt from you.

To determine if you qualify we look at 4 important questions:

1. Your monthly income and expenses.

First we make sure you can pass the Means Test, which looks at your income over the past six months and then compares that income to a household of your size in Georgia. Most clients pass the means test. We also will review your specific income and expenses to ensure your budget qualifies you to file Chapter 7.

2. Assets.

We inventory and value your assets. We will review real estate, automobiles, and other personal property of high value. We then protect these assets by using the exemptions that Georgia bankruptcy law and federal bankruptcy law allow.

3. Creditors.

Your attorney will examine your debt and determine how each of your creditors will be affected by your bankruptcy case. Most debt – such as credit card debt, medical bills, unsecured loans, second mortgages, and payday loans can be completely wiped out.

4. Timing.

We will fast-track your bankruptcy case to be filed if you are facing garnishment, foreclosure, or some other legal action.

Struggling with debt can be overwhelming.  If you’re ready to get your life back, contact King & King and schedule a free consultation with one of our bankruptcy attorneys at 404-524-6400.  We can help you protect your home, your vehicles, and in most cases, everything else you own.