Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Lowell, Massachusetts

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Lowell, MA

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In Lowell, Massachusetts, bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person or business has some or all of their debts legally absolved, when they are unable to pay them. This hopefully allows them to begin over with a clean slate and move on, after 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 honestly unable to pay off their debts. Because bankruptcy is not without negative consequences (such as a heavily damaged credit rating for many years afterward), it should be viewed as an option of last resort.

Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an experienced Lowell, Massachusetts bankruptcy attorney, who can advise you of the costs and benefits of bankruptcy. Because the decision to file for bankruptcy depends very heavily on the facts of each individual case, the advice of a Lowell bankruptcy attorney cannot be replaced.

Types of Bankruptcy in Lowell, Massachusetts

In Lowell, Massachusetts, there are three basic bankruptcy schemes that are most often used. They are recognized as Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Being a product of federal law, the procedural rules governing bankruptcy in Lowell, Massachusetts 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 verified, and the proceeds handed over to the creditors, the debt is perceived 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 completely 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 Lowell 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 decent amount of time. When a repayment plan is authorized by a court, creditors are legally barred from trying to collect under the original terms of their contract with the debtor. Though accessible to individuals, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is generally used by businesses. Like Chapter 13, Chapter 11 requires the restructuring of debts. Under this system, the debtor must come up with a plan to reduce debt, cut costs, and improve operations. Once this plan is presented, it is submitted to the participating creditors, who must approve it by a majority vote before it can be implemented.

One major advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it allows businesses to continue their operations while the process plays out. Additionally, their stock can still be bought and sold.

How Can a Lowell Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

One should not make the decision to file for bankruptcy in Lowell easily. Before making any such decision, it would be highly advisable to contact an accomplished Lowell bankruptcy attorney.

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Life in Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts is the fourth largest city in the state with a population of over 106,000. Along with Cambridge, Lowell serves as the county seat for Middlesex County. Lowell is most famous for being "the birthplace of the industrial revolution" within the U.S. It was the first U.S. city to have phone numbers, and Alexander Graham Bell once demonstrated the telephone in Lowell.

The city offers many of the amenities of a large city, while at the same time maintaining a small-town culture. Neighborhoods in Lowell, Massachusetts proudly display historic homes in a variety of styles, such as Colonials, Capes, Ranches, and Victorians. Lowell is also one of the oldest cities in the state and has produced many outstanding figures in American history, such as author Jack Kerouac and entertainer Ed McMahon.

In addition to preserving its rich history, Lowell is known for constantly employing new technologies and innovations. For example, the city is home to Lowell Telecommunications, which is a dynamic, evolving community media center. The Revolving Museum is another facility that offers public art exhibits and educational programs. Lowell's focus on economic and business development has provided the community with ample opportunities for progress and advancement.

Many lawyers in Lowell, Massachusetts work closely with the Lowell District Court. Lowell lawyers offer legal services in many different fields to cover the needs of the community. Lowell is known for being host to a large number of civic service organizations, which many lawyers are active in.