Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Elyria, Ohio

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Elyria, OH

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Bankruptcy is a court proceeding which lets a person or business have some or all of their debts discharged. It should usually only be considered as an option of last resort, because it can have significant long-term consequences, even if it can stave off financial disaster. This means that the costs and benefits need to be carefully considered before filing. Since it's a creation of federal law, bankruptcy is handled in federal courts. Therefore, the rules and procedures governing it in Ohio will be the same as everywhere else in the country. Individual courts in Elyria, Ohio will have some unique rules, however, so you should consult with a local lawyer before you file.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Elyria, Ohio

In Elyria, Ohio, there are 2 main types of commonly-used 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 Elyria, Ohio is not dischargeable, you may want to consider other options besides bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Elyria, Ohio

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Elyria, Ohio differs significantly from Chapter 7. It might be a better option than Chapter 7, depending on the facts of your case. Chapter 13 does not discharge debt, but restructures it instead. Usually, various debts are consolidated into a single monthly payment. This is designed to make the debt more manageable, giving the debtor the chance to pay off the debt over a longer period of time, without all of it coming due at once. This is usually manageable, as long as the debtor can make some sacrifices.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Elyria, Ohio

The answer to this question depends strongly on your individual situation. If you have enough stable income to manage a payment plan, and a lot of non-exempt property that you are unwilling to part with, Chapter 13 may be a good option. If you don't have much stable income, and most of your property is exempt, Chapter 7 might be better.

In any case, you should talk with a local Elyria, Ohio bankruptcy Lawyer. Your Lawyer can advise you of your options and inform you of their likely consequences. This will make it much easier for your to make an informed choice.

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Life in Elyria

Elyria, Ohio is a city located in Lorain County, of which it is the county seat. It has a population of about 55,000 people. Elyria was founded in 1817 by its namesake, Herman Ely. In 1908, Elyria Memorial Hospital opened, and it has since grown into a regional healthcare system which has won several awards for quality of care. Modernly, Elyria is a popular destination among visitors who enjoy outdoor activities. It boasts a very large number of parks, including Cascade Park, which is the larges and, by far, most popular park. It is home to the scenic East Falls, which are part of the Black River. Cascade Park is a popular sledding spot in the winter, and a good location to view the annual Independence Day fireworks display. Elyria, Ohio, in addition to sporting many locally-owned businesses, is home to the world headquarters of several major corporations, including BASF and Invacare. If you live in the area, and find yourself in need of an Elyria, Ohio lawyer, there's a good chance that at least one of the lawyers in Elyria, Ohio can help you.