Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Elizabeth, New Jersey
Bankruptcy in Elizabeth, New Jersey is a court proceeding through which a person or business who is unable to pay their debt is able to have some of their debt legally eliminated, or "discharged." This theoretically allows the debtor to move on with a clean slate. 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 truly 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 Elizabeth, New Jersey 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 Elizabeth bankruptcy attorney cannot be substituted.
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Types of Bankruptcy in Elizabeth, New Jersey
There are three basic bankruptcy schemes that are most commonly used in Elizabeth: Chapters 7, 13, and 11. Bankruptcy is a creation of federal law, so the procedure for filing for bankruptcy in Elizabeth, New Jersey will be roughly the same as it would be anywhere else in the U.S. 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 proceeds 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 popular bankruptcy system in Elizabeth is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Under this system, the debtor's debts are restructured, instead of discharged. This involves creating a new repayment plan that the debtor will find manageable, given his or her income, and that will result in the creditors being paid in a reasonable amount of time. When a repayment plan is approved by a court, creditors are legally barred from attempting to collect under the original terms of their agreement with the debtor. 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 Elizabeth Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?
The need to weigh all the options and consider the costs and benefits of filing for bankruptcy in Elizabeth cannot be overstated. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it would be a good idea to speak with a Elizabeth bankruptcy attorney beforehand.
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Life in Elizabeth
Elizabeth, New Jersey is located in Union County and has a population of over 124,000 people. Elizabeth is the 4th largest city in New Jersey and also serves as the county seat for Union County. In 2008, Popular Science Magazine rated Elizabeth, New Jersey as one of the 50 Greenest Cities in America. It is also one of the nation's oldest cities, being founded in the year 1655 and incorporated in March of 1855.The city of Elizabeth, New Jersey is a unique combination of business and residential developments. A few examples of Elizabeth's major employers include Bayway Refinery and Newark Liberty International Airport. The Jersey Gardens outlet mall and the Elizabeth Center also generate large amounts of revenue.
Elizabeth, New Jersey is filled with U.S. historical landmarks. Residents and tourists can learn about American history at places such as Liberty Hall Museum. Liberty Hall is a historic mansion built in 1772 by William Livingston, one of the signers of the U.S. Constitution. Many notable U.S. persons were born and raised in Elizabeth, such as author Judy Blume and Poet Joe Weil.
Lawyers in Elizabeth, New Jersey offer assistance for a variety of legal matters and issues. The Union County Courthouse Complex is located in Elizabeth. Many Elizabeth attorneys resolve legal disputes at the courthouse.