Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Savannah, Georgia

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Savannah, GA

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In Savannah, Georgia, 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, it might be a good idea to consult with a Savannah, Georgia 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 Savannah could prove invaluable.

Types of Bankruptcy in Savannah, Georgia

In Savannah, Georgia, there are three basic bankruptcy schemes that are most commonly used. They are known as Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Being a product of federal law, the procedural rules governing bankruptcy in Savannah, Georgia will be very similar to those in any other part of the United States. Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires the debtor to liquidate some of his or her assets in order to pay off as much debt as possible. Once the sale of the assets is complete, and the proceeds handed over to the creditors, the debt is viewed as discharged. Liquidation is basically selling assets to the highest bidder. Not all of the debtor's assets will need to be sold, and many types of property are totally or partially exempt, including homes, cars, retirement accounts, and insurance policies. This means that the debtor can keep them. It should be noted that some types of debts are not dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including student loans, criminal fines, taxes, and child support payments. Even when the bankruptcy process is complete, these debts will have to be paid in full.

The other popular bankruptcy system in Savannah 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. Though Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be used by individuals, it is almost exclusively used by businesses. Similar to Chapter 13, Chapter 11 involves restructuring of debts, rather than complete discharge. The debtor is required to come up with a restructuring plan that lays out how it plans to cut costs, streamline operations, and pay its debts. The plan must then be approved by a vote of participating creditors.

One advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it allows a business going through it to continue operations, and to trade its stock.

How Can a Savannah Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

The decision to file for bankruptcy in Savannah is not one to be made lightly, and it certainly should not be made without first obtaining the advice of an experienced Savannah bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Savannah

Savannah, Georgia is the county seat for Chatham County. It is the largest city in the county and was Georgia's original state capital. Savannah is also an important industrial hub and a functional Atlantic seaport.

Savannah is internationally known for being a model of "Southern hospitality and charm". The city's culture, architecture, and history have earned it the nickname of "Hostess City of the South". The nickname is a reference to the warm and cordial atmosphere of the city and its residents. In particular, Savannah's cozy downtown area attracts many visitors and is one of the U.S.' largest National Historic Landmarks.

Music plays a major role in Savannah culture. Year-round, the city hosts several music festivals, such as the annual Savannah Jazz Festival and the Savannah Music Festival. Several rock bands had their start in Savannah. The Savannah Civic Center also hosts concerts and features over 900 different events every year. Savannah, Georgia is frequently mentioned in popular films, television shows, and in literature.

Lawyers in Savannah, Georgia practice in many areas of law in order to meet the diverse needs of the community. Many Savannah lawyers are part of the Savannah Bar Association and other local and voluntary bar organizations