Do I File for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?
A liquidation is known as a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. For many debtors, Chapter 7 offers the quickest way to a fresh start free of crippling debts, such as credit card balances or unpaid medical bills. In a Chapter 7 case, a Phoenix bankruptcy judge will appoint a trustee to liquidate some of your assets and repay your creditors as much as possible. Any remaining unpaid debt can then be discharged or canceled, meaning you are no longer under any legal obligation to pay.
With a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, in contrast, your debts are not immediately discharged. Instead, you submit a plan for repaying your debts to the court. This option allows you to manage your debt over a longer period of time, generally three to five years. Only after you complete this plan will the bankruptcy court discharge any remaining debts.
Of course, Chapter 13 bankruptcy assumes the debtor has a regular income and can afford the monthly payments. The actual amount you must repay each month will depend on a number of factors. For instance, the bankruptcy court will determine your “disposable income,” i.e., your gross wages less certain necessary living expenses and payments for any priority debts, such as your mortgage.
Will I Lose Everything?
Some people are reluctant to file for bankruptcy because they fear they will lose what little they have. But Arizona law provides for a number of bankruptcy exemptions. These exemptions allow you to keep much of your personal property so that you are able to rebuild your credit and your life following the discharge.
For instance, Arizona permits all debtors to exempt up to $6000 in household goods. This might not sound like a lot when thinking about how much you paid for everything. However, the value represents used goods. Therefore, you use the value you would pay at a rummage sale. You may also keep a certain amount of equity in your car or house. However, if the value of the property exceeds the exemption amount, the bankruptcy trustee may sell the property, allowing you to keep any exempt proceeds.
Do You Need a Chandler Bankruptcy Attorney?
It is possible to file for bankruptcy in Chandler on your own, but it is not recommended. Bankruptcy involves a good deal of paperwork. If you make a mistake or misunderstand the law, you may accidentally run afoul of the bankruptcy court, which can jeopardize your chances of obtaining a discharge.
A qualified Chandler bankruptcy attorney can guide you through every step of the Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 process. Also keep in mind that while many Chapter 7 cases are resolved within a few months, a Chapter 13 case, depending on the terms of your repayment plan, can remain open for many years. This fact emphasizes the necessity of working with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer.