Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Wilmington, Delaware

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Wilmington, DE

  • /10
  • Client Overall
    Satisfaction Rate*
*TrustPilot score as of 010118

Find Lawyers

Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that allows an individual or business to have some or all of their debts discharged. It is usually considered as an option of last resort, because while it can stave off financial disaster, it has some significant long-term consequences warranting careful consideration of the costs and benefits. Being a creation of federal law, bankruptcy will go through federal courts. Accordingly, the process for filing for bankruptcy in Delaware is essentially the same as the process anywhere else in the United States. However, particular courts in Wilmington, Delaware will have individual rules for exemptions, so you should speak with a local attorney before filing.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Wilmington, Delaware

There are 2 common types of consumer bankruptcy in Wilmington, Delaware: Chapter 7 and 13. Chapter 7 liquidates part of the debtor's assets. It requires a certain percentage of the debtor's assets to be sold off to pay as much of his or her debt as possible. However, many forms of property that most people own are exempt, meaning that they don't need to be sold. This often includes houses, vehicles, insurance policies, and essential personal items, like clothing. These assets are not available to creditors.

Once eligible assets are sold, and the money turned over to the creditors, most remaining debt is discharged. However, there are certain types of debt that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, including student loans, taxes, child support, and criminal fines. If most of your debt is non-dischargeable, it may not be a good idea to file for bankruptcy in Wilmington, Delaware.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Wilmington, Delaware

In Wilmington, Delaware, chapter 13 is extremely different from Chapter 7, and may or may not be the best option for you, depending on your situation. Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not discharge debt. Instead, it restructures it. This involves the bankruptcy court coming up with a new payment plan that supersedes the terms of the agreements that gave rise to the debt in the first place. This results in a new payment plan that the debtor should find manageable, if he or she can make a few sacrifices.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Wilmington, Delaware

Chapter 13 is usually a good option for people who have a stable income, and a large amount of non-exempt property that they can't part with. On the other hand, if most of the debtor's property is exempt, and he or she does not have a stable income, Chapter 7 might be more beneficial.

Of course, you should always seek the counsel of an accomplished local Wilmington, Delaware bankruptcy attorney before you make the decision to file. He or she will be able to advise you of your options, and suggest the best possible course of action for your particular situation.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Wilmington

Wilmington, Delaware is the largest city in the state of Delaware. It currently has a population of about 71,000 people.

The area now known as Wilmington was first colonized by settlers from Sweden in 1638. After World War II, Wilmington, Delaware saw a large increase in prosperity and population, which led to the growth of suburbs around the city.

One of the largest employers in Wilmington is the Port of Wilmington, a large deep-water port, which brings in about 5 million tons of goods each year, playing an important role in the region's economy.

Thanks to its large and diverse economy, the lawyers of Wilmington, Delaware have a broad range of experience and competence. If you live in Wilmington, Delaware and need an attorney, chances are good that there's a Wilmington lawyer who can help you with whatever legal issues you might be facing.