Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Peabody, Massachusetts

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Peabody, MA

  • /10
  • Client Overall
    Satisfaction Rate*
*TrustPilot score as of 010118

Find Lawyers

In Peabody, 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 start 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 severely damaged credit rating for many years afterward), it should be viewed as an option of last resort.

Therefore, it is prudent to consult with an experienced Peabody, 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 Peabody bankruptcy attorney cannot be substituted.

Types of Bankruptcy in Peabody, Massachusetts

In Peabody, 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 Peabody, 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 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 qualifying 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 normally 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 recognized bankruptcy scheme used by consumers in Peabody 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 contracts 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. 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.

A main advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that businesses can continue their operations while going through the process. Also, they can continue to buy and sell their stock.

How Can a Peabody Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

Filing for bankrtuptcy in Peabody is a huge decision with costs and benefits that must be weighed carefully. Before filing, it would be a good idea to speak with a good Peabody bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Peabody

Peabody is an Essex County city that is home to 55,000 residents of Boston's highly desirable North Shore suburban area. Peabody began as a farming community but has since shifted focus to more tourist friendly avenues like the massive Northshore Mall and Shopping Center, on of the areas largest, the historic Brooksby Farm, and the infamous host of the U.S. Senior and U.S. Women's Golf Opens, Salem Country Club. In 2009, Forbes Magazine dubbed Peabody the 14th most livable city in the United States. There are also a number of manufacturing, medical, and technology companies located in Centennial Industrial Park which is located a stone's throw from the Corwin Manufacturing Company. With such a thriving city there are bound to be some problems but you will be relieved to know there are a number of Peabody lawyers who can help sort those out. Peabody lawyers are familiar with local courts and their procedures; they can also lay out your legal options and help you weigh one against another. Peabody is known locally for its strong school system and sports programs. Ice hockey, soccer, and track are their strongest but the baseball program has been making outstanding progress too. Olympic swimmer Samantha Arsenault, professional wrestler Matt Bloom, pitcher John Tudor, and hockey player Bobby Hanson are just a few of the local notables.