Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Oak Lawn, Illinois

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Oak Lawn, 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 Oak Lawn, Illinois bankruptcy Lawyer beforehand.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Oak Lawn, Illinois

In Oak Lawn, 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 Oak Lawn, Illinois.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Oak Lawn, Illinois

In Oak Lawn, 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 does not excuse debt, but restructures it instead. Typically, various debts are consolidated into a single monthly payment. This is designed to make the debt more manageable, giving the debtor the chance to pay off the debt over a longer period of time, without all of it coming due at once. This is typically manageable, as long as the debtor can make some sacrifices.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Oak Lawn, Illinois

This depends entirely on the facts of your specific case. If you have a decent amount of steady income, and a large amount of non-exempt property which you don't want to part with, Chapter 13 might be the best option for you. If most of your property is exempt, and you don't have much steady income, Chapter 7 might be the best option.

Of course, you should always seek the counsel of an experienced local Oak Lawn, Illinois 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 specific situation.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Oak Lawn

Oak Lawn, IL is a village in Cook County. Its population is approximately 55,000 as of the 2000 Census.

Being in Cook County, Oak Lawn is generally considered to be a suburb of Chicago. Residents of Oak Lawn are particularly proud of their city's park system, which is composed of over 300 acres of open green space, parks, and recreational facilities, such as basketball and tennis courts, as well as baseball and soccer fields.

The downtown area of Oak Lawn, Illinois went nearly a decade without significant new construction. However, in recent years, it has undergone a major redevelopment, with the intent of revitalizing the area, and creating jobs. New condominium developments, office space, as well as many new spaces for retailers and restaurants were all added, significantly revitalizing the area.

This seems to have been effective, as the percentage of people living below the poverty line in Oak Lawn, Illinois is far lower than the national average, which is about 20%. By contrast, only 5% of the population of Oak Lawn lives below the poverty line.

There are many lawyers in and around Oak Law, Illinois who can help you with virtually any legal problem you might have. Oak Lawn, Illinois attorneys are always ready to help.