Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Taunton, Massachusetts

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Taunton, MA

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In Taunton, Massachusetts, bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person or business has some or all of their debts legally excused, 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 truly 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 Taunton, 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 Taunton bankruptcy attorney cannot be replaced.

Types of Bankruptcy in Taunton, Massachusetts

In Taunton, Massachusetts, 3 types of bankruptcy procedures are in common use: Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Being governed by federal law, the procedures involved in filing for bankruptcy in Taunton, Massachusetts will be roughly the same as everywhere else in America. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation of many of the debtor's assets in order to pay off as much of the debt as possible. This sounds harsh, but there is an upside: once the liquidation is complete, the debts are legally viewed as having been paid in full, whether or not the full amount was covered by the liquidation. Liquidation involves selling some personal property, and using the funds to pay off debt. Many types of property are exempt from liqudiation, and therefore may not need to be sold. They include homes, cars, and insurance policies, among others. You should know that some types of debt cannot be discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including taxes, student loans, and child support.

Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Taunton, most of the debtor's debt is not discharged. Instead, the bankruptcy court, working with the debtor and participating creditors, work out a payment plan that allows the debtor to pay off most of his or her debts over a longer period of time, thereby theoretically making the debt far more manageable. Once a payment plan is approved by the court, creditors are prohibited from attempting to collect payment under their original agreements that gave rise to the debt in the first place. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is almost always used by businesses, but there is nothing that legally prevents it from being used by individuals, and its use by individuals is very rare. Chapter 11 bankruptcy requires the debtor to come up with a restructuring plan - telling the court how they propose to cut costs, fix their operations, and pay down their debts. The plan has to be approved by a majority vote of participating creditors.

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

How Can a Taunton Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

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

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Taunton

Founded in the year 1637, Taunton is one of the oldest cities in the entire U.S. It is the county seat of Bristol County, Massachusetts. The city boasts a rich legacy in industrial history. It has traditionally been known as "The Silver City" after its local silversmith operations.

Taunton still maintains its reputation as the producer of some of the world's finest silver products. A Taunton company recently produced the medals for the 1996 Summer Olympics as well as exclusive silverware for the White House. In addition to silver products, Taunton's economy emphasizes semiconductor, electronics, and silicon manufacturing.

Visitors to Taunton can stop by the Silver City Galleria, which is a large shopping center located conveniently near neighboring cities. A popular destination in Taunton is the Taunton Green Historic District. Each December the city of Taunton provides an elaborate light display at Taunton Green. As a result, Taunton has also earned the nickname of "The Christmas City".

Lawyers in Taunton, Massachusetts will usually process legal claims at the Taunton District Court. The district court is authorized to adjudicate a wide array of civil and criminal claims, including felony cases. Taunton lawyers are ready to provide you with professional assistance and advice.