Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that allows an individual or business to have some or all of their debts discharged. It is normally considered as an option of last resort, because while it can stave off financial disaster, it has some considerable long-term consequences warranting careful consideration of the costs and benefits. Being a product of federal law, bankruptcy will go through federal courts. Accordingly, the procedure for filing for bankruptcy in Georgia is basically the same as the procedure anywhere else in the United States. However, individual courts in Carrollton, Georgia will have particular rules for exemptions, so you should speak with a local attorney before filing.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Carrollton, Georgia
There are 2 main types of bankruptcy in Carrollton, Georgia. They are known as Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation of some of the debtor's assets. It requires some percentage of the debtor's property to be sold in order to pay off as much of his or her debt as possible. However, the majority of property that most people own is exempt. This normally includes homes, vehicles, insurance policies, and retirement accounts. These do not need to be sold.
Once all non-exempt assets are sold, and the money from the sales turned over to the creditors, most remaining debt is absolved. But some types of debt cannot be discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. These include child support payments, student loans, and criminal fines, among others. If most of your Carrollton, Georgia debts are not dischargeable, you might want to consider options other than bankruptcy.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Carrollton, Georgia
Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Carrollton, Georgia is markedly different. It may or may not be a better option than Chapter 7, depending on the facts of your individual case. Chapter 13 does not excuse any debt, but it creates a new payment plan that should give the debtor some breathing room. Usually, all of the debts are consolidated into 1 periodic payment. While this might make it take longer to pay off the debt, if the debtor is willing to make a few sacrifices, the plan should be manageable.
Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Carrollton, Georgia
Which Bankruptcy type to file under depends heavily on the facts of each particular case. If you have a steady stream of income (enough to make a payment plan manageable), and a large amount of non-exempt property that you don't want to part with, Chapter 13 may be best for you. If you don't have a steady income or large amounts of non-exempt property, you may be better off filing for Chapter 7.
Whatever your situation, you should speak with a local Carrollton, Georgia bankruptcy Attorney. Your Lawyer will be able to advise you of your options and their likely outcomes, which will help you make a more educated decision.