Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in West Haven, Connecticut
In West Haven, 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). However, bankruptcy should not be treated as a way to avoid debt that one simply doesn't feel like paying. It is meant to be a safety net for people or businesses who are truly unable to pay off their debts. Because bankruptcy is not without negative consequences (such as a severely damaged credit rating for many years afterward), it should be viewed as an option of last resort.
Accordingly, you should speak with a good West Haven, Connecticut bankruptcy lawyer. Your West Haven bankruptcy lawyer can inform you of the costs and benefits of filing for bankruptcy, and give his or her professional opinion as to whether or not it's a good option, given your particular circumstances.
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Types of Bankruptcy in West Haven, Connecticut
There are 3 bankruptcy schemes that are commonly used in West Haven: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is governed by federal law, so the procedures in West Haven, Connecticut are very similar to what they will be anywhere else in the United States. Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires the debtor to liquidate some of his or her property, and use the proceeds to pay creditors. While this doesn't sound like much of a relief at first glance, the upshot is that once the eligible property is sold, and the proceeds given to the creditors, all of the debtor's eligible debts are deemed paid in full, regardless of how much the creditors actually ended up getting. Not all of the debtor's property has to be sold off - the debtor will usually be allowed to keep things like a house, at least one car, some types of personal property, retirement accounts, and insurance policies. It should be noted that some debts are not dischargeable, and will have to be paid in full even if the debtor files for bankruptcy. This includes student loans, taxes, and criminal fines.
The other common bankruptcy scheme used by consumers in West Haven 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. 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.
One advantage of Chapter 11 bankrutpcy is that it allows a business going through it to continue operations, and to trade its stock.
How Can a West Haven Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?
Filing for bankrtuptcy in West Haven is a major decision with costs and benefits that must be weighed carefully. Before filing, it would be a good idea to speak with a good West Haven bankruptcy attorney.
There are 21 Bankruptcy, Banking and Credit cases posted in West Haven
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Bankruptcy Attorneys in the Largest CT Cities
Life in West Haven
West Haven is known as "Connecticut's Youngest City", as it only recently incorporated 1961. Ironically, it is one of the oldest settlements in the nation dating back to the 1600's. The city is located in New Haven County and has a population of about 53,000. It was originally founded as a shipping and industrial center focusing on rubber production and buckle shops.West Haven is home to several nationally-acclaimed schools such as the University of New Haven and Notre Dame High School. The city is also full of sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places such as the American Mills Web Shop and Old West Haven High School.
One of the main attractions in West Haven is the Savin Rock area. Savin Rock was originally home to a seaside resort and an amusement park for several decades. It has now been converted into a walk and beach path. These days the area hosts the annual Savin Rock Festival held every summer. The festival is a four-day event featuring music, food, and different musical bands every night.
Lawyers in West Haven, Connecticut spend a lot of their time in the New Haven County Superior Court, which hears a variety of different legal claims. Many West Haven lawyers are members of outstanding civic and professional organizations like the New Haven County Bar Association.
