Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Wilkes Barre, PA

  • /10
  • Client Overall
    Satisfaction Rate*
*TrustPilot score as of 010118

In Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, bankruptcy is a judicial process in which the debts of a person or business can be absolved or restructured. This allows the debtor to climb out of a financial hole, and move on with a clean slate, which is sometimes more economically proficient than requiring the debtor to pay off everything they owe. Of course, one should never view bankruptcy as a "get out of debt free" card, allowing someone to be absolved of their obligation to pay their debts just because they don't want to. It is meant to serve as a lifeline, preventing unmanageable debt from resulting in complete financial ruin. Accordingly, it is best treated as an option of last resort, because it can carry with it significant negative consequences, which must be weighed against the possible benefits. For example, filing for bankruptcy can severely damage a person's credit rating.

Accordingly, it might be a good idea to consult with a Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorney. Your lawyer will be able to counsel you about your options, including alternatives to bankruptcy, if such alternatives exist in your case. Whatever the result, it is often hard to predict the long-term consequences of any bankruptcy-related decisions, so the advice of a bankruptcy in Wilkes Barre could prove invaluable.

Types of Bankruptcy in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

There are 3 bankruptcy options that are normally used in Wilkes Barre: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is governed by federal law, so the procedures in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania are very similar to what they will be anywhere else in the United States. 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 fulfilled, 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 often used in Wilkes Barre is Chapter 13. It allows a person to pay off their debt over a prolonged 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 usually used by businesses, though it can be used by individuals (which is quite rare). Chapter 11 bankruptcy requires that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan - basically telling the court how they propose to cut costs, streamline their operations, and pay their debts. This plan must be approved by the participating creditors through a simple majority vote.

One advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it allows a business going through it to continue operations, and to trade its stock.

How Can a Wilkes Barre Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

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

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Wilkes Barre

Wilkes-Barre, population 43,000, is located in Luzerne County in the state of Pennsylvania. The city recently celebrated the 200th anniversary of its incorporation in 1806. Wilkes-Barre belongs to the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area.

As the county seat, Wilkes-Barre is an important economic and residential hub for Luzerne County. It features a blend of historic sites with modern technological accommodations. For example, popular places to visit in Wilkes-Barre include the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion and the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre. Luzerne County Museum is also located in the city.

Wilkes-Barre is also an excellent place for education and advancement opportunities. Wilkes University and King's College, which were both recently expanded, can be found in the city. Also, several large employers like GUARD Insurance Group and Benco Dental Supply Co. are situated in Wilkes-Barre. The city also implemented extensive renovation projects beginning in 2009.

Wilkes-Barre lawyers usually assist their clients at the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas located in the city. Lawyers in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania are known for providing quality services in a variety of legal fields and specialties. Many of them have received accreditation in multiple state bars.