Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee
In Memphis, Tennessee, bankruptcy is a judicial process in which the debts of a person or business can be eliminated or restructured. This allows the debtor to climb out of a financial hole, and move on with a clean slate, which is sometimes more economically efficient than requiring the debtor to pay off everything they owe. Remember, though, that bankruptcy should not be viewed as a convenient way to get out of debt that you don't feel like paying back. It is meant to serve as an option of last resort for people and businesses faced with debt that they will probably never be able to pay back. The decision to file for bankruptcy can result in negative consequences, such as damaged credit ratings, which must be seriously weighed against the potential benefits.
Accordingly, you should speak with a good Memphis, Tennessee bankruptcy lawyer. Your Memphis bankruptcy lawyer can inform you of the costs and benefits of filing for bankruptcy, and give his or her professional opinion as to whether or not it's a good option, given your particular circumstances.
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Types of Bankruptcy in Memphis, Tennessee
In Memphis, Tennessee, there are 3 types of bankruptcy in common use: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Because bankruptcy is a creation of federal law, the procedures governing bankruptcy in Memphis, Tennessee will be similar anywhere else in the U.S. 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 proceeds 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.
The other popular bankruptcy system in Memphis is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Under this system, the debtor's debts are restructured, instead of discharged. This involves creating a new repayment plan that the debtor wil find manageable, given his or her income, and that will result in the creditors being paid in a reasonable amount of time. When a repayment plan is approved by a court, creditors are legally barred from attempting to collect under the orginal terms of their agreement with the debtor. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is primarily used by businesses, though it can be used by individuals (which is quite rare). Chapter 11 bankruptcy requires that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan - essentially telling the court how they propose to cut costs, streamline their operations, and pay their debts. This plan must be approved by the participating creditors through a simple majority vote.
One main advantage of Chapter 11 bankrutpcy is that it allows businesses to continue their operations while the process plays out. Furthermore, their stock can still be bought and sold.
How Can a Memphis Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?
Filing for bankruptcy in Memphis is a very important decision, and should not be made lightly. Before filing, one should consult with a good Memphis bankruptcy attorney for advice.
There are 450 Bankruptcy, Banking and Credit cases posted in Memphis
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Bankruptcy Attorneys in the Largest TN Cities
Life in Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee has something for everyone. Popular family attractions include Graceland, Main Street Trolley, AutoZone Park, and the Gibson Factory. Memphis is also known as a city rich in history, so there are many museums to see! Some museums include the National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Mississippi River Museum at Mud Island, and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.Amongst all the cities in the United States, Memphis is deemed the twentieth largest city in the U.S. Along with Nashville, Memphis is known to be one of Tennessee's most exciting and metropolitan cities with a population of around 1,316,100 people. Downtown Memphis lies along the Mississippi River and is home to many companies and law firms. Memphis attorneys have a reputation of being competent and client oriented, focusing on providing excellent legal services to Memphis residents.
