Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Gary, Indiana

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Gary, IN

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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 Indiana 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 Gary, Indiana bankruptcy Lawyer beforehand.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Gary, Indiana

In Gary, Indiana, there are 2 typical forms of commonly-used 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 all non-exempt assets are sold, and the money from the sales turned over to the creditors, most remaining debt is excused. 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 Gary, Indiana debts are not dischargeable, you might want to consider options other than bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Gary, Indiana

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Gary, Indiana is very different from Chapter 7. Whether or not it is a better option is highly dependent on the facts of each distinct case. 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 Gary, Indiana

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.

Regardless of your situation, you should speak with an attorney in Gary, Indiana who is experienced in bankruptcy before making a decision. They will be able to advise you of your options, and the likely results of each one, allowing you to make a much more informed decision.

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Life in Gary

Gary is located in Lake County, Indiana. It is located south east of Chicago, about 25 miles from downtown Chicago. Approximately 80,300 people call Gary, Indiana their home. Gary is the seventh largest city in Indiana, and is near Lake Michigan.

Gary is known for its large steel mills and for being the birthplace of the Jackson family. Some famous residents include the Jacksons, Avery Brooks, Freddie Gibbs, Gerald Irons, Tank Johnson, Ron Kittle, William Marshall, Ernest Lee Thomas, Deniece Williams, and Fred Williamson.

Some popular attractions include Brunswick Park, Hillman Park, Little Calumet River, Glen Park, and Jefferson Park.

Gary is also home to attorneys who practice in various areas of law. Residents can also look to the strong legal force in nearby Chicago for their legal needs.