Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in North Chicago, Illinois

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in North Chicago, IL

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

Find Lawyers

Bankruptcy is a legal procedure allowing a person or business to have their debts excused, in part or in whole. It is typically treated as a last resort, because, while it can prevent financial catastrophe, it has some influential long-term consequences. This warrants careful consideration of the costs and benefits. Bankruptcy is governed by federal law and handled in federal courts, so the procedural and substantive rules involved in Illinois are often the same as anywhere else in the U.S. However, individual bankruptcy courts have slightly different rules for items such as exemptions, so it would be a good idea to consult with a local North Chicago, Illinois bankruptcy Lawyer beforehand.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in North Chicago, Illinois

In North Chicago, Illinois, there are 2 commonly-used forms of consumer bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 requires that a certain percentage of the debtor's property be liquidated to pay off at least a small part of their debt. However, many types of property are exempt, and do not need to be liquidated, such as cars, homes, insurance policies, and retirement accounts.

Once appropriate assets are sold, and the money turned over to the creditors, most remaining debt is excused. However, there are certain types of debt that cannot be excused 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 North Chicago, Illinois.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in North Chicago, Illinois

In North Chicago, Illinois, chapter 13 is very different from Chapter 7, and may or may not be the best option for you, depending on your situation. Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not absolve debt, it restructures it. This involves a court coming up with an adjusted repayment plan designed to be manageable for the debtor. This new plan sets aside the terms of the original arrangements that created the debt in the first place. This creates a new payment structure, typically involving a single monthly payment, that the debtor should find manageable.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in North Chicago, Illinois

The answer to this question depends heavily on your distinct situation. If you have enough steady income to manage a payment plan, and a lot of non-exempt property that you are unwilling to part with, Chapter 13 might be a good option. If you don't have much steady income, and most of your property is exempt, Chapter 7 might be better.

In any case, it would be a good idea to consult a local bankruptcy Attorney in North Chicago, Illinois. Your Attorney can make an educated judgment as to what your best option is, and advise you accordingly (of course, the choice to file for bankruptcy is ultimately yours).

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in North Chicago

North Chicago is an outer suburb of Chicago. It falls in Lake County, Illinois. It has a population a little over 36,000 people.

Some famous residents of North Chicago include Chaka Khan, Shawn Marion, Michael Turner, Quincy Miller, Tyrone Smith, and Obrien Schofield.

Being so near Chicago, North Chicago residents have an extremely competent legal force to handle their legal matters. Chicago is home to many top ranked law firms that train ivy-league educated attorneys. Further, Chicago also has many small to mid-size law firms that train intelligent attorneys who focus on providing personalized legal services.