Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Bowie, Maryland

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Bowie, MD

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Bankruptcy is a legal procedure allowing a person or business to have their debts discharged, in part or in whole. It is usually treated as a last resort, because, while it can prevent financial catastrophe, it has some major 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 Maryland is essentially the same as the process anywhere else in the United States. However, particular courts in Bowie, Maryland will have individual rules for exemptions, so you should speak with a local attorney before filing.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Bowie, Maryland

In Bowie, Maryland, there are 2 commonly-used types of consumer bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation of some of the debtor's assets. It requires some percentage of the debtor's property to be sold in order to pay off as much of his or her debt as possible. However, the majority of property that most people own is exempt. This usually includes homes, vehicles, insurance policies, and retirement accounts. These do not have to be sold.

Once eligible assets are sold, and the proceeds turned over to the creditors, most remaining debt is excused. 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 Bowie, Maryland is not dischargeable, you may want to consider other options besides bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Bowie, Maryland

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Bowie, Maryland differs significantly from Chapter 7. It might be a better option than Chapter 7, depending on the facts of your case. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy involves a court setting up an altered payment plan, which allows the debtor to pay off most or all of his debts over a longer period of time, through monthly payments that should, assuming that the debtor is willing to make a few sacrifices, be manageable.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Bowie, Maryland

Whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right choice for you depends heavily on your individual situation. If you have a stable income stream, and a lot of non-exempt property, Chapter 13 might be right for you. If you don't have a stable income, and most of your property is exempt, Chapter 7 might be a better way to go.

In any case, it would be a good idea to consult a local bankruptcy Lawyer in Bowie, Maryland. Your Lawyer can make an educated judgment as to what your best option is, and advise you accordingly (of course, the choice to file for bankruptcy is ultimately yours).

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Life in Bowie

Bowie is the largest city in Prince George's County and the fifth most populous in the state of Maryland. The city was founded in 1882 when the Baltimore Potomac Railroad Company began construction of a rail line connecting to southern Maryland. There are over 50,000 residents of Bowie today who enjoy the city's rich history which is displayed at the Huntington Railroad Museum. The museum acts as a welcome center and displays pictures and various Bowie artifacts in the original stations which have been beautifully restored.

Bowie is popular among families and students alike with a plethora of schools including public, private, and institutions of higher learning like Bowie State University. There's a host of lawyers in the city too. Lawyers in Bowie take nearly every kind of case and are familiar with consulting clients in many different areas of law, working with you to decide what's best. Other attractions include the Bowie Baysox, a baseball team. Bowie isn't a notably affluent city but the median income for residents is ,670 and the city boasts that less than 2% of the population is below the poverty line.