Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Middletown, Connecticut

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In Middletown, Connecticut, bankruptcy is a court procedure in which a person or business has some or all of their debts excused (or "discharged"), theoretically allowing them to start with a clean slate, and move on with their lives no longer drowning in debt (and hopefully having learned to better manage their use of credit in the process). Remember, though, that bankruptcy should not be viewed as a convenient way to get out of debt that you don't feel like paying back. It is meant to serve as an option of last resort for people and businesses faced with debt that they will probably never be able to pay back. The decision to file for bankruptcy can result in negative consequences, such as damaged credit ratings, which must be seriously weighed against the potential benefits.

Accordingly, it might be a good idea to consult with a Middletown, Connecticut bankruptcy attorney. Your lawyer will be able to counsel you about your options, including alternatives to bankruptcy, if such alternatives exist in your case. Whatever the result, it is often difficult to foresee the long-term consequences of any bankruptcy-related decisions, so the advice of a bankruptcy in Middletown could prove invaluable.

Types of Bankruptcy in Middletown, Connecticut

In Middletown, Connecticut, there are 3 types of bankruptcy in common use: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Because bankruptcy is a creation of federal law, the procedures governing bankruptcy in Middletown, Connecticut will be similar anywhere else in the U.S. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation of many of the debtor's assets in order to pay off as much of the debt as possible. This sounds harsh, but there is an upside: once the liquidation is complete, the debts are legally viewed as having been paid in full, whether or not the full amount was covered by the liquidation. Liquidation involves selling some personal property, and using the proceeds to pay off debt. Many types of property are exempt from liqudiation, and therefore may not need to be sold. They include homes, cars, and insurance policies, among others. You should know that some types of debt cannot be discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including taxes, student loans, and child support.

The other popular bankruptcy system in Middletown is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Under this system, the debtor's debts are restructured, instead of discharged. This involves creating a new repayment plan that the debtor will find manageable, given his or her income, and that will result in the creditors being paid in a reasonable amount of time. When a repayment plan is approved by a court, creditors are legally barred from attempting to collect under the original terms of their agreement with the debtor. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is primarily used by businesses, though it can be used by individuals (which is quite rare). Chapter 11 bankruptcy requires that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan - essentially telling the court how they propose to cut costs, streamline their operations, and pay their debts. This plan must be approved by the participating creditors through a simple majority vote.

During the Chapter 11 process, a business can usually continue its operations, and the stock can be traded, even if it is de-listed from a major stock exchange.

How Can a Middletown Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

Filing for bankruptcy in Middletown is a very important decision, and should not be made lightly. Before filing, one should consult with a good Middletown bankruptcy attorney for advice.

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Life in Middletown

Middletown, Connecticut is a city in Middlesex County. Its population is about 47,000 people, according to a 2005 estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The first foreign settlement of the area now known as Middletown came in 1650, by emigrants from a settlement nearby, which had been established a few years earlier. These settlers were Puritans, and during their period of influence, life was harsh. Some of this harshness was self-inflicted, in the form of extremely draconian laws, which allowed the death penalty for "crimes" such as cursing, blasphemy, and "incorrigible stubbornness of children."

During the Industrial Revolution, Middletown saw a major influx of immigrants from various parts of Europe, including Ireland, Italy, Germany, and Poland. This diversity is evidenced even today, with Middletown's various neighborhoods and ethnic restaurants (for which the city is becoming increasingly well-known), and the general cultural diversity of the city. Modernly, Middletown is a residential community, with the Middlesex Hospital being one of the largest employers.

If you live in Middletown, Connecticut, and need an attorney, you're in luck. There are many Middletown, Connecticut lawyers who can handle virtually any type of legal problem a person might have.