Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Hammond, Indiana

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Hammond, IN

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In Hammond, Indiana, bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person or business has some or all of their debts legally excused, when they are unable to pay them. This hopefully allows them to begin over with a clean slate and move on, after having learned to better manage their use of credit in the process. However, bankruptcy is not a free ride, allowing someone who simply doesn't feel like paying their debts to get out of that legal requirement. It is designed to prevent debt which has little chance of ever being paid back from ruining the life and finances of the debtor. It also carries significant long-term consequences, which must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits. For example, bankruptcy makes it very difficult for the debtor to obtain credit in the near future.

For that reason, it would be advisable to speak with a good Hammond, Indiana bankruptcy attorney. This attorney will be able to advise you as to whether or not filing for bankruptcy is a good idea, given your particular situation. This determination is highly dependent on the details of each individual case, so a Hammond attorney's advice is truly indispensable.

Types of Bankruptcy in Hammond, Indiana

In Hammond, Indiana, 3 types of bankruptcy procedures are in common use: Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Being governed by federal law, the procedures involved in filing for bankruptcy in Hammond, Indiana will be roughly the same as everywhere else in America. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation of many of the debtor's assets in order to pay off as much of the debt as possible. This sounds harsh, but there is an upside: once the liquidation is complete, the debts are legally viewed as having been paid in full, whether or not the full amount was covered by the liquidation. Liquidation involves selling some personal property, and using the funds to pay off debt. Many types of property are exempt from liqudiation, and therefore may not need to be sold. They include homes, cars, and insurance policies, among others. You should know that some types of debt cannot be discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including taxes, student loans, and child support.

The other typically used bankruptcy system in Hammond is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This allows a debtor to repay most or all of their debts in a structured manner. It reorganizes the debt into lower periodic payments that, with a bit of frugality, the debtor should find manageable. This allows the debtor to continue to earn a living, and allows the creditors to eventually collect what they are owed. Once a repayment plan is authorized by the bankruptcy court, creditors are legally barred from seeking repayment under the terms of the agreements that gave rise to the debt in the first place, and will instead have to accept payment under the new plan. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is usually a better option for people who have a steady income. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is primarily used by businesses, though it can be used by individuals (which is quite rare). Chapter 11 bankruptcy requires that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan - essentially telling the court how they propose to cut costs, streamline their operations, and pay their debts. This plan must be authorized by the participating creditors through a simple majority vote.

One major advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it allows businesses to continue their operations while the process plays out. Furthermore, their stock can still be bought and sold.

How Can a Hammond Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

The need to weigh all the options and consider the costs and benefits of applying for bankruptcy in Hammond cannot be overstated. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it would be a good idea to speak with a Hammond bankruptcy attorney beforehand.

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Life in Hammond

Hammond is located in Indiana's Lake County. It is near Chicago and is home to around 80,830 people.

Hammond's top employers include Cabelas, British Petroleum, Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, Tortilla Nuevo Leon, Jupiter Aluminum, Unilever, Lear Corporation, Horseshoe Casino, Dietrich Industries, and Cargill. To support all these businesses, Hammond is home to many competent attorneys who practice in corporate law. Additionally, Hammond residents and businesses have the legal force in nearby Chicago to also tend to their needs. Chicago is home to many large law firms, ivy-league educated attorneys, and mid to small size firms that focus on providing personalized legal services.

Some famous people who have called Hammond home include Jimmy Valiant, Jordan Schafer, Scott Sheldon, Fritz Polland, Jeremy Jordan, George Groves, Danella Folta, Hal Faverty, Darrel Chaney, and Robert K. Abbett.

All in all, Hammond offers residents a wonderful quality of life!