Top-Rated Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Serving All Of East Texas
When filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is important to have a personal bankruptcy lawyer who understands your specific situation. You need a caring, personable attorney who can help you find solutions. The law firm of William H. Lively, Jr. WHL, PLLC, specializes in filing bankruptcy in Tyler and the surrounding counties of Texas. We offer help with debt problems and will work to give you a new start financially so you can immediately rebuild your credit.
If you have questions about debt relief, contact Chapter 13 attorney Bill Lively today. For a free consultation, please call our law office in Tyler at 903-920-0008 or complete our contact form. We are the premier bankruptcy law firm serving all of East Texas.
What Is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy gives you the opportunity to restructure your financial affairs without having to liquidate (sell) current assets. Instead, you can make payments through a Chapter 13 trustee to pay back creditors an equivalent amount (the same that they would have received in a Chapter 7 case) over a period of three to five years. You can also restructure car notes to lower payments and create a payment plan for your house.
Many Chapter 13 cases involve people who are facing:
- Foreclosure on their home
- Repossession of their vehicles
- Court action to levy judgments against you
- Wage garnishment by debtors (including the IRS)
Filing for Chapter 13 may also:
- Reduce interest rates on some loans
- Possibly discharge some of your unsecured debt (credit cards)
Any individual, married couple or small family business may file a Chapter 13. However, corporations and LLCs are not eligible to file.
Have questions about Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Please see our Chapter 13 bankruptcy FAQ.
What Is The Automatic Stay In Bankruptcy?
The most powerful relief that an individual can receive in Chapter 13 is the automatic stay. It is called automatic because that is exactly what it is — immediate relief from all debt collection activities and property seizures, including calls or harassment from creditors. The automatic stay will not stop collection of child support that is owed after filing, nor the continuation of criminal proceedings.
What Are The Benefits Of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Many people feel dejected when they file Chapter 13 bankruptcy because there is still a stigma that bankruptcy is a sign of failure — however, this is far from true. Bankruptcy is a chance for you to regain control of your future, and filing shows that you are taking responsible steps to improve your financial situation.
Some of its benefits include:
You Do Not Have To Liquidate Assets
In Chapter 7, debtors must liquidate, or sell, their nonexempt assets to repay their creditors. Chapter 13, however, allows debtors to set up a repayment plan instead of selling many of their possessions.
It Can Prevent Foreclosure And Repossession
When someone files Chapter 13 in Texas, the court automatically stops repossession and foreclosure proceedings. Filers can make up for missed mortgage and car payments by working out a payment plan based on what they can afford. You will be able to keep your house, and potentially make lower mortgage payments each month.
It Appears On Your Credit Report For Less Time
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy remains on credit reports for only seven years, whereas Chapter 7 remains for 10 years. This means that Chapter 13 will have less of an impact on your credit score, and you can start to rebuild credit immediately.
You Can Reschedule Secured Debts
When someone files Chapter 13, they can reschedule their secured debts, extending them over the course of three to five years. This makes the monthly minimum payments significantly lower and more affordable.
Create A Plan For Eliminating Your Debt | Contact Us For A Free Consultation
Attorney Bill Lively is highly experienced in helping individuals, families and business owners to successfully repay their debts and move forward. To schedule a free consultation with him, please call 903-920-0008 or contact us by email.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.