Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Paterson, New Jersey

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Bankruptcy in Paterson, 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 absolved, 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 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 Paterson, 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 Paterson bankruptcy attorney cannot be substituted.

Types of Bankruptcy in Paterson, New Jersey

In Paterson, New Jersey, there are three basic bankruptcy schemes that are most frequently used. They are identified as Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Being a product of federal law, the procedural rules governing bankruptcy in Paterson, New Jersey will be very similar to those in any other part of the United States. Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires the debtor to liquidate some of his or her property, and use the proceeds to pay creditors. While this doesn't sound like much of a relief at first glance, the upshot is that once the appropriate property is sold, and the proceeds given to the creditors, all of the debtor's eligible debts are deemed paid in full, regardless of how much the creditors actually ended up getting. Not all of the debtor's property has to be sold off - the debtor will typically be allowed to keep things like a house, at least one car, some types of personal property, retirement accounts, and insurance policies. It should be noted that some debts are not dischargeable, and will have to be paid in full even if the debtor files for bankruptcy. This includes student loans, taxes, and criminal fines.

Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Paterson, most of the debtor's debt is not discharged. Instead, the bankruptcy court, working with the debtor and participating creditors, work out a payment plan that allows the debtor to pay off most of his or her debts over an extended period of time, therefore theoretically making the debt far more manageable. Once a payment plan is approved by the court, creditors are prohibited from attempting to collect payment under their original agreements that gave rise to the debt in the first place. Though applicable to individuals, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is typically used by businesses. Like Chapter 13, Chapter 11 requires the restructuring of debts. Under this system, the debtor must come up with a plan to reduce debt, cut costs, and improve operations. Once this plan is finalized, it is submitted to the participating creditors, who must approve it by a majority vote before it can be implemented.

A main advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that businesses can continue their operations while going through the process. Also, they can continue to buy and sell their stock.

How Can a Paterson Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

One should not make the decision to file for bankruptcy in Paterson lightly. Before making any such decision, it would be highly advisable to contact an efficient Paterson bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Paterson

Paterson, New Jersey is the county seat of Passaic County. It has a population of about 147,000 people, making it the third largest city in New Jersey.

Paterson, NJ became known as the "silk city" in the late 19th Century, due to its dominance in the silk-production industry. Paterson, NJ became a major center for other industries in the 20th century, thanks in large part to the presence of the Great Falls, a large waterfall on the Passaic River, which provided much of the energy needed for factories and other heavy industries in Paterson, NJ.

Modernly, Great Falls, NJ is part of an Urban Enterprise Zone, which is a designation under New Jersey Law that stimulates economic growth in areas where it's needed, through reduced sales tax, a fast-track process for obtaining business licenses, and financial incentives, such as tax credits, for businesses that hire new workers. Many Paterson, NJ lawyers were involved in drafting these rules, as well as getting portions of Paterson, NJ designated as such.

Paterson is known for being the residence of Paterson, NJ lawyer Edward Masry, who led the lawsuit against PGE, which was dramatized in the film "Erin Brockovich."

There are many other Paterson, NJ lawyers who can help you with whatever legal issue you may be facing. If you believe that you might need legal representation, there's a very good chance that a Paterson, NJ lawyer can help you.