Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Meriden, Connecticut
In Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 Meriden could prove invaluable.
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Types of Bankruptcy in Meriden, Connecticut
In Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 common bankruptcy scheme used by consumers in Meriden is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In this system, debt is not discharged. Instead, it is restructured. This allows the debtor to have the terms of the agreements that gave rise to their debts in the first place thrown out, and replaced with new terms that call for a structured repayment plan, designed to allow the debtor to survive on whatever income they have, and allowing the creditors to get paid back eventually. Once a payment plan is approved, creditors are not allowed to attempt to collect payment under the original agreements. Although it can be used by individuals, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is used almost exclusively by businesses. Not unlike Chapter 13, Chapter 11 focuses on restructuring of debt, rather than discharging it. Chapter 11 requries that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan designed to reduce debt and cut costs. Before being implemented, this plan must be approved by a majority vote of participating creditors.
One main advantage of Chapter 11 bankrutpcy is that it allows businesses to continue their operations while the process plays out. Furthermore, their stock can still be bought and sold.
How Can a Meriden Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?
Filing for bankruptcy in Meriden is a very important decision, and should not be made lightly. Before filing, one should consult with a good Meriden bankruptcy attorney for advice.
There are 30 Bankruptcy, Banking and Credit cases posted in Meriden
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Bankruptcy Attorneys in the Largest CT Cities
Life in Meriden
Meriden, Connecticut is a city in New Haven County. It currently has a population of about 60,000 people.Meriden, which was originally part of Wallingford, became a separate city in 1727, and was incorporated in 1867. During the Industrial Revolution, Meriden earned the nickname "The Silver City," because it was a major center for the manufacture of silver products. The Parker Brothers gun company was founded in Meriden, and the manufacture of firearms during the Civil War and Spanish-American war was a major source of factory jobs in the area. The gun company was not affiliated with the toy and game company of the same name.
Like many cities whose economies were based on manufacturing, Meriden has fallen on hard economic times in recent decades, with the closing of many of the factories that drove its economy. However, as with most of these cities, Meriden's economy is gradually recovering and diversifying.
Meriden, Connecticut lawyers are ready to handle virtually any case that a resident of the area is likely to face. If you have any legal issue, you shouldn't hesitate to call a Meriden, Connecticut lawyer.
