Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Springfield, Massachusetts

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Springfield, MA

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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. Being a creation of federal law, bankruptcy will go through federal courts. Accordingly, the process for filing for bankruptcy in Massachusetts is essentially the same as the process anywhere else in the United States. However, particular courts in Springfield, Massachusetts will have distinct rules for exemptions, so you should speak with a local attorney before filing.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Springfield, Massachusetts

There are 2 typical forms of consumer bankruptcies in Springfield, Massachusetts: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 states that a certain percentage of the debtor's property be liquidated to pay off at least a small part of their debt. However, many forms 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 absolved. However, some forms of debt cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, including student loans, taxes, child support, personal injury awards, and fines. If most of your debt in Springfield, Massachusetts is not dischargeable, you may want to consider other options besides bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Springfield, Massachusetts

In Springfield, Massachusetts, chapter 13 is extremely different from Chapter 7, and may or may not be the best option for you, depending on your situation. Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not absolve debt, it restructures it. This involves a court coming up with an adjusted repayment plan designed to be manageable for the debtor. This new plan sets aside the terms of the original arrangements that created the debt in the first place. This creates a new payment structure, typically involving a single monthly payment, that the debtor should find manageable.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Springfield, Massachusetts

Chapter 13 is typically a good option for people who have a stable income, and a large amount of non-exempt property that they can't part with. On the other hand, if most of the debtor's property is exempt, and he or she does not have a stable income, Chapter 7 might be more beneficial.

Of course, you should always seek the counsel of an accomplished local Springfield, Massachusetts 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.

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Life in Springfield

Springfield, MA is the largest city on the Connecticut River, and the seat of Hampden County. It has a population of around 153,000 people.

Like many cities in New England, Springfield, MA has a long and rich history, much of it associated with Colonial times and the American Revolutionary War. Shortly after the Revolutionary War ended, Springfield became the site of the first populist uprising in the United States. Known as Shays' Rebellion, this revolt resulted in a fundamental change in the U.S. government, leading to the abandonment of the Articles of Confederation in favor of the Constitution which we use today. Obviously, many of the drafters of the Constitution were lawyers, and this tradition of excellence in the legal profession continues in Springfield, MA today.

Springfield, MA is commonly referred to as the "City of Progress" - and it has been home to many individuals and movements that have advanced society for the better. For example, many inventions that made the industrial revolution possible were invented in Springfield. Also, prior to and during the Civil War, Springfield, MA was one of the major centers for the abolitionist movement, with many of Springfield, MA's lawyers defending slaves who had escaped the South.

Of course, there are still many skilled and dedicated lawyers practicing law in Springfield, MA. And if you are facing a legal problem, a Springfield, MA lawyer can almost certainly help.