Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Passaic, New Jersey

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Passaic, NJ

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Bankruptcy in Passaic, New Jersey is a court proceeding through which a person or business who is unable to pay their debt is able to have some of their debt legally absolved, or "discharged." This theoretically allows the debtor to move on with a clean slate. 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 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 Passaic, New Jersey 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 Passaic bankruptcy attorney cannot be substituted.

Types of Bankruptcy in Passaic, New Jersey

In Passaic, New Jersey, there are three basic bankruptcy schemes that are most commonly used. They are known as Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Being a product of federal law, the procedural rules governing bankruptcy in Passaic, New Jersey 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 eligible 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 usually 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.

Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Passaic, 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. Though available to individuals, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is mostly 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 proposed, it is submitted to the participating creditors, who must approve it by a majority vote before it can be implemented.

During the Chapter 11 process, a business can usually continue its operations, and the stock can be traded, even if it is de-listed from a major stock exchange.

How Can a Passaic Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

The need to weigh all the options and consider the costs and benefits of filing for bankruptcy in Passaic cannot be overstated. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it would be a good idea to speak with a Passaic bankruptcy attorney beforehand.

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Life in Passaic

Passaic, New Jersey is a city in Passaic County. As of a 2008 Census estimate, its population is just under 67,000 people.

The city of Passaic can trace its origins to a Dutch settlement established in 1679, on the Passaic River. "Passaic" comes from the Lenape word pahsayèk, which means "valley." The 19th Century saw a great deal of industrial growth, becoming a center for the textile industry. Passaic is sometimes called the "birthplace of television" because, while the TV was not invented there, it is the site of the first permanent TV station designed to broadcast to consumers. It began transmission in 1931.

Currently, portions of Passaic are designated by the state of New Jersey as "urban enterprise zones." This is part of a state program to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth by targeting areas underserved by businesses providing basic services, and encouraging them to set up shop there through reduced sales taxes (3 1/2% as opposed the statewide rate of 7%), and tax credits for hiring new employees.

If you live in Passaic, New Jersey, and need an attorney, chances are good that you'll be able to find one. Thanks to its size, diversity, and proximity to the large city of Newark, there is a significant legal community there. The chances are good that a Passaic, New Jersey lawyer can help you with whatever legal issues you might face.