Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Racine, Wisconsin

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Racine, WI

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Bankruptcy in Racine, Wisconsin is a court procedure which allows an individual or business who is drowning in debt to be absolved of their legal obligation to pay off some or all of their debt. Hopefully, this will allow both the debtor and creditors to move on with their lives. Of course, one should never view bankruptcy as a "get out of debt free" card, allowing someone to be absolved of their obligation to pay their debts just because they don't want to. It is meant to serve as a lifeline, preventing unmanageable debt from resulting in complete financial ruin. Accordingly, it is best treated as an option of last resort, because it can carry with it significant negative consequences, which must be weighed against the possible benefits. For example, filing for bankruptcy can severely damage a person's credit rating.

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

Types of Bankruptcy in Racine, Wisconsin

In Racine, Wisconsin, 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 Racine, Wisconsin will be about the same as anywhere 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 proceeds to pay off debt. Varied 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 recognized bankruptcy scheme used by consumers in Racine 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 Racine Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

Filing for bankrtuptcy in Racine 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 Racine bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Racine

Racine is located in Racine County, Wisconsin. It is well-recognized because of its location being near to popular sites such as the beautiful Lake Michigan, Root River, Milwaukee and Chicago.

Popular attractions include the Wind Point Lighthouse, S.C. Johnson and Son Administration Building and Research Tower, Racine Zoological Gardens, Thomas P. Hardy House, and Historic Horlick Field.

Famous celebrity athletes from Racine include Bob Foster, Steve Hanson, Don Heinkel, Ed Killian, Jesse Marsch, Brent Moss, Leo Murphy, Alex Scales, Tim Van Galder and Al Zupek.

Racine is also home to many attorneys who actively practice and are capable of handling the legal needs of residents and local businesses. Thus, no one has to travel far from Racine to have their legal needs taken care of.