Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Park Ridge, Illinois

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Park Ridge, IL

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Bankruptcy is a legal procedure allowing a person or business to have their debts discharged, in part or in whole. It is usually treated as a last resort, because, while it can prevent financial catastrophe, it has some major 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 Park Ridge, Illinois bankruptcy Lawyer beforehand.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Park Ridge, Illinois

In Park Ridge, 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 eligible assets are sold, and the proceeds turned over to the creditors, most remaining debt is excused. However, some types of debt cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, including student loans, taxes, child support, personal injury awards, and fines. If most of your debt in Park Ridge, Illinois is not dischargeable, you might want to consider other options besides bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Park Ridge, Illinois

In Park Ridge, 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 eliminate debt, it restructures it. This involves a court coming up with a new repayment plan designed to be manageable for the debtor. This new plan sets aside the terms of the original agreements that created the debt in the first place. This creates a new payment structure, usually involving a single monthly payment, that the debtor should find manageable.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Park Ridge, Illinois

The answer to this question depends heavily on your individual 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.

Of course, you should always seek the counsel of an experienced local Park Ridge, 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 particular situation.

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Life in Park Ridge

Park Ridge is one of Chicago's most affluent suburbs. It has a little over 38,000 residents and conveniently located near O'Hare International Airport. Ironically, the suburb is located "on a ridge," hence the name Park Ridge.

Some popular spots to visit include the Des Plaines River, Rodham Corner, Pickwick Theatre, the main auditorium theater and Park Ridge Public Library.

Park Ridge is also famous because it is the hometown of former First Lady and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. When Clinton goes back to visit, she makes sure to visit all her favorite childhood spots.

Park Ridge residents, being so near Chicago, have available to them a very competent and strong legal force. Chicago is home to top-tier firms that train excellent attorneys in all areas of law.