Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Bel Air, Maryland

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Bel Air, MD

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In Bel Air, Maryland, bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which a person or business has some or all of their debts legally cleared, when they are unable to pay them. This hopefully allows them to start over with a clean slate and move on, after having learned to better manage their use of credit in the process. However, bankruptcy should not be treated as a way to avoid debt that one simply doesn't feel like paying. It is meant to be a safety net for people or businesses who are really unable to pay off their debts. Because bankruptcy is not without negative consequences (such as a severely damaged credit rating for many years afterward), it should be viewed as an option of last resort.

Therefore, it is prudent to consult with an experienced Bel Air, Maryland bankruptcy attorney, who can advise you of the costs and benefits of bankruptcy. Because the decision to file for bankruptcy depends very heavily on the facts of each individual case, the advice of a Bel Air bankruptcy attorney cannot be substituted.

Types of Bankruptcy in Bel Air, Maryland

In Bel Air, Maryland, 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 Bel Air, Maryland will be about the same as anywhere else in America. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or "liquidation," requires the debtor to sell some of his or her property to the highest bidder, and using the proceeds from the sale to pay down as much debt as possible. Once the sale is done, all dischargeable debt is deemed paid in full, whether or not the sale was able to raise the entire 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 form of bankruptcy most frequently used in Bel Air is Chapter 13. It allows a person to pay off their debt over an extended period of time, often consolidating it into one periodic payment. In this system, the amount of money the debtor owes is not actually reduced, but the payment of the debt is made far more manageable. This gives the debtor some breathing room, allowing him to continue to earn a living while gradually paying down his debts, and gives some security to creditors that they will eventually collect all or most of what they're owed. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is almost exclusively used by businesses, but there is nothing that legally prevents it from being used by individuals, and its use by individuals is very rare. Chapter 11 bankruptcy requires the debtor to come up with a restructuring plan - telling the court how they propose to cut costs, improve their operations, and pay down their debts. The plan has to be approved by a majority vote of participating creditors.

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

How Can a Bel Air Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

Filing for bankrtuptcy in Bel Air is an influential decision with costs and benefits that must be weighed carefully. Before filing, it would be a good idea to speak with a good Bel Air bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Bel Air

Bel Air is located in Harford County, Maryland. When Bel Air comes to mind, people usually think of the popular television sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," or Bel Air in Los Angeles, California. However, this quaint town in Maryland has a population of a little over 11,000 people. It is home to a very diverse population of people with a median household income of around ,135.

The hospital and school district system are the primary employers. Bel Air is also home to some practicing attorneys who aid residents with their legal needs, while providing excellent and personalized legal servies.

Although a small town, Bel Air has been the home of some very famous people. Famous residents include John Archer, John Wilkes Booth, Augustus Bradford, Kimmie, Meissner, Melvin Mora, Herman Stump, Jay Witasick, and Pat Healey.

All in all, Bel Air is a wonderful place to live that offers residents small town charm along with an unified community spirit.