Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Baton Rouge, LA

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In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person or business has some or all of their debts legally absolved, 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. Remember, though, that bankruptcy should not be viewed as a proper way to get out of debt that you don't feel like paying back. It is meant to serve as an option of last resort for people and businesses faced with debt that they will probably never be able to pay back. The decision to file for bankruptcy can result in negative consequences, such as damaged credit ratings, which must be seriously weighed against the possible benefits.

Accordingly, it might be a good idea to consult with a Baton Rouge, Louisiana bankruptcy attorney. Your lawyer will be able to counsel you about your options, including alternatives to bankruptcy, if such alternatives exist in your case. Whatever the result, it is often hard to predict the long-term consequences of any bankruptcy-related decisions, so the advice of a bankruptcy in Baton Rouge could prove invaluable.

Types of Bankruptcy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

There are 3 bankruptcy options that are typically used in Baton Rouge: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is governed by federal law, so the procedures in Baton Rouge, Louisiana are very similar to what they will be anywhere else in the United States. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or "liquidation," requires the debtor to sell some of his or her property to the highest bidder, and using the funds from the sale to pay down as much debt as possible. Once the sale is fulfilled, all dischargeable debt is deemed paid in full, whether or not the sale was able to raise the full amount owed. You should note that some property (usually the types of property deemed essential) is fully or partially exempt from liquidation, meaning that the debtor gets to keep it. This includes houses, cars, and retirement accounts, among others. Some types of debts, however, cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, including taxes, child support, and student loans.

The other frequent bankruptcy scheme used by consumers in Baton Rouge is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In this system, debt is not discharged. Instead, it is restructured. This allows the debtor to have the terms of the contracts that gave rise to their debts in the first place thrown out, and replaced with new terms that call for a structured repayment plan, designed to allow the debtor to survive on whatever income they have, and allowing the creditors to get paid back eventually. Once a payment plan is authorized, creditors are not allowed to attempt to collect payment under the original agreements. Although it can be used by individuals, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is used almost always by businesses. Not unlike Chapter 13, Chapter 11 focuses on restructuring of debt, rather than discharging it. Chapter 11 requires that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan designed to reduce debt and cut costs. Before being executed, this plan must be approved by a majority vote of participating creditors.

While going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a business can continue operating, and its stock can continue to be traded.

How Can a Baton Rouge Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

Filing for bankrtuptcy in Baton Rouge is a huge decision with costs and benefits that must be weighed carefully. Before filing, it would be a good idea to speak with a seasoned Baton Rouge bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is a great place to have some fun! For some fun in the sun, families can go to Blue Bayou Water Park. The park includes crazy waterslides and tubes, and cafes with great food. Right across the street is Dixie Landin Theme Park with great roller coasters and rides for all ages.

For a more relaxing outing, try a boat ride on Casino Riverboats. These riverboats feature live music, buffets, and gaming tables! Casino Riverboat rides are a great way to eat, drink, enjoy the water, and have some fun gambling.

Baton Rouge is also an area rich in history. There are many historical sites to visit, including the Enchanted Mansion Doll Museum, the Magnolia Mound Plantation, Mount Hope Plantation, and San Francisco Plantation.

However, fun is not the only thing Baton Rouge is about. Baton Rouge is filled with many great law firms that have a large clientele, are experienced in all practice areas, and have skilled lawyers working for them. Therefore, have no fear because any legal need can be met in Baton Rouge!