Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in New Bedford, Massachusetts

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in New Bedford, MA

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Bankruptcy is a legal procedure allowing a person or business to have their debts discharged, in part or in whole. It is usually treated as a last resort, because, while it can prevent financial catastrophe, it has some major long-term consequences. This warrants careful consideration of the costs and benefits. Being a product of federal law, bankruptcy will go through federal courts. Accordingly, the procedure for filing for bankruptcy in Massachusetts is basically the same as the procedure anywhere else in the United States. However, individual courts in New Bedford, Massachusetts will have individual rules for exemptions, so you should speak with a local attorney before filing.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in New Bedford, Massachusetts

There are 2 main types of consumer bankruptcies in New Bedford, Massachusetts: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 liquidates some of the debtor's assets. It requires a certain percentage of the debtor's assets to be sold off to pay as much of his or her debt as possible. However, many types of property that most people own are exempt, meaning that they don't need to be sold. This often includes houses, vehicles, insurance policies, and essential personal items, like clothing. These assets are not available to creditors.

Once the non-exempt property is sold, the rest of the dischargeable debt is eliminated. Some types of debt, however, is non-dischargeable, including student loans, criminal fines, and others. If most of your debt in New Bedford, Massachusetts is not dischargeable, Chapter 7 may not be the best option.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in New Bedford, Massachusetts

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, Chapter 13 is quite different from Chapter 7. Chapter 13 may or may not be the best choice for you; this depends on the facts of your particular situation. Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not discharge debt. Instead, it restructures it. This involves the bankruptcy court coming up with a new payment plan that supersedes the terms of the agreements that gave rise to the debt in the first place. This results in a new payment plan that the debtor should find manageable, if he or she can make a few sacrifices.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in New Bedford, Massachusetts

Whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right choice for you depends heavily on your individual situation. If you have a steady income stream, and a lot of non-exempt property, Chapter 13 might be right for you. If you don't have a steady income, and most of your property is exempt, Chapter 7 might be a better way to go.

In any case, it would be a good idea to consult a local bankruptcy Attorney in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Your Attorney can make an educated judgment as to what your best option is, and advise you accordingly (of course, the choice to file for bankruptcy is ultimately yours).

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Life in New Bedford

New Bedford, Massachusetts houses a population of over 100,000 residents. And that's not all New Bedford is home to, the city is also the number one fishing port in America, in addition to being the world's most famous whaling era seaports. The strategic locationright onthe water makes the city a natural seaport, and wonderful place for the commercial or leisure fisherman to take advantage of.

In addition to many parks and shops located in the city's historic district, New Bedford has whaling museum to commorate the city's role in whaling. Fishing and manufacturing are the two largest industries in New Bedford, although tourism is also on the rise.

New Bedford is also home to some of the state's top lawyers. New Bedford lawyers and other professionals enjoy the wonderful work and lifestyle that the east coast city has to offer, and are trained to assist their client in any issue he or she may find themself facing. New Bedford's location fifty one miles south of the state capital of Boston, makes it a very easy city to visit and enjoy. New Bedford also enjoys a thriving arts and music movement in recent times, that is home to many lively festivals and concerts for their residents and visitors to take part in.