Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Springfield, Missouri

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Springfield, MO

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Bankruptcy in Springfield, Missouri is a court procedure through which a person or business who is unable to pay their debt is able to have some of their debt legally cleared, or "discharged." This theoretically allows the debtor to move on with a clean slate. However, bankruptcy is not a free ride, allowing someone who simply doesn't feel like paying their debts to get out of that legal requirement. It is designed to prevent debt which has slight chance of ever being paid back from ruining the life and finances of the debtor. It also carries significant long-term consequences, which must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits. For example, bankruptcy makes it very difficult for the debtor to obtain credit in the near future.

Accordingly, you should speak with a good Springfield, Missouri bankruptcy lawyer. Your Springfield bankruptcy lawyer can inform you of the costs and benefits of filing for bankruptcy, and give his or her professional evaluation as to whether or not it's a good option, given your specific circumstances.

Types of Bankruptcy in Springfield, Missouri

In Springfield, Missouri, 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 Springfield, Missouri will be roughly the same as everywhere else in America. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or "liquidation," requires the debtor to sell some of his or her property to the highest bidder, and using the funds from the sale to pay down as much debt as possible. Once the sale is done, all dischargeable debt is deemed paid in full, whether or not the sale was able to raise the full amount owed. You should note that some property (usually the types of property deemed essential) is fully or partially exempt from liquidation, meaning that the debtor gets to keep it. This includes houses, cars, and retirement accounts, among others. Some types of debts, however, cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, including taxes, child support, and student loans.

The other frequent bankruptcy scheme used by consumers in Springfield 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 arrangements 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 authorized, creditors are not allowed to attempt to collect payment under the original agreements. Though Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be used by individuals, it is almost always 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 authorized by a 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 Springfield Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

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

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Springfield

Springfield, Missouri is the third-largest city in the state of Missouri. It has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Springfield has a long and fascinating history. During the Civil War, Missouri was a border state, and its population was divided in its loyalty to the Union and the Confederacy. Both the Union and the Confederacy claimed Missouri, and its star was on the flags of both sides. It also had two separate governments, one loyal to the union, and one to the confederacy. Both purported to be the legitimate government of the entire state. There were many small skirmishes between rival towns and neighbors, essentially creating a war within a war. As a result, Springfield, MO was the site of many clashes during the war. Springfield, MO also gave rise to the "Wild West" era of American history. In 1865, there was a "quick draw" shootout in the town square. This was the only such shootout ever recorded in American history, even though they're now a staple of Western movies.

Modernly, Springfield is a thriving city, with an economy based on education, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. Kraft Foods and 3M, among other major corporations, have manufacturing facilities in Springfield, MO.

As a result, it goes without saying that there are many sophisticated and skilled attorneys in Springfield, MO. If you can think of a legal practice area, you can be almost certain that there's at least one (and probably more) Springfield, MO lawyer who practices it, and can help you with your legal problem.