Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Legal Services since 1993
The Law Firm of Ann Shaw, P.A., has helped people in financial turmoil overcome debt problems for years. However, since 2006, our law firm has substantial experience helping a "new" kind of bankruptcy client—middle and upper class individuals and families caught in the mortgage crisis and economic turndown. In addition to financial challenges caused by credit card debt, sudden and expensive medical problems, divorce or death, we now help people facing:
- Job loss, or a reduction in hours worked
- The loss of dependable overtime pay
- Adjustable rate mortgages
- Rising energy costs
At The Law Firm of Ann Shaw, P.A., we understand the feelings of surprise and even shock that you may be experiencing as you consider filing for bankruptcy protection. And we can help.
A face-to-face meeting with an experienced Salisbury consumer bankruptcy attorney can provide fast, helpful answers in a safe, confidential environment. We do not judge. We solve problems for people and businesses facing stress, worry and, often, seemingly unsolvable financial problems.
At our firm, a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney will sit down with you for a full financial consultation. We will discuss viable alternatives to bankruptcy, assess informal workouts, start the process of protecting your remaining assets, and, if necessary, file bankruptcy immediately to end creditor harassment, wage garnishments, bank liens and other problems.
We can help you through both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy:
- Chapter 7 is known as the "fresh start" bankruptcy, under which all exempt assets are protected and eligible debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills and unsecured personal loans, are wiped clean. Certain debts, such as child support arrearages or student loans, cannot be discharged through the bankruptcy process. While many people are aware of the potential for asset liquidation by a bankruptcy trustee in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, they are frequently unaware of exemptions which allow them to keep certain assets. Our firm can explain these exemptions, including the new Maryland Homestead exemption, and help you understand which assets you may be eligible to keep under these exemptions. In order to be eligible for debt relief under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, debtors must qualify under a complex bankruptcy means test. We can guide you through this process and explain your options if you are not eligible.
- Chapter 13 is the "payment plan/debt reorganization" bankruptcy. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows debtors to consolidate their debt into a manageable repayment plan. One monthly payment is made to a bankruptcy trustee, who will disburse payments to creditors in accordance with the court-approved three- to five-year plan. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows debtors the opportunity to avoid foreclosure by consolidating defaulted payments into the repayment plan, allowing them sufficient time to regain control of their finances. Asset liquidation is unnecessary in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 bankruptcy has disposable-income requirements for filers.
We can immediately provide clarity regarding a wide range of challenges. For more information regarding our lawyer team and your consumer bankruptcy rights, contact our firm.
Contact a Federally Designated Debt Relief Agency in Salisbury, Maryland
Don't commit to the time and expense of driving all the way to the Western Shore. Contact The Law Firm of Ann Shaw, P.A., for a firm offering effective consumer bankruptcy legal services in a manner that is truly convenient; we are located one block from the Salisbury courthouse. To contact us for experienced legal service close to home, call 410-202-8029 or 866-986-2096.
