Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Smyrna, Tennessee

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In Smyrna, Tennessee, bankruptcy is a judicial process in which the debts of a person or business can be eliminated 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 efficient than requiring the debtor to pay off everything they owe. Remember, though, that bankruptcy should not be viewed as a proper way to get out of debt that you don't feel like paying back. It is meant to serve as an option of last resort for people and businesses faced with debt that they will probably never be able to pay back. The decision to file for bankruptcy can result in negative consequences, such as damaged credit ratings, which must be seriously weighed against the possible benefits.

Accordingly, you should speak with a good Smyrna, Tennessee bankruptcy lawyer. Your Smyrna bankruptcy lawyer can inform you of the costs and benefits of filing for bankruptcy, and give his or her professional advice as to whether or not it's a good option, given your individual circumstances.

Types of Bankruptcy in Smyrna, Tennessee

In Smyrna, Tennessee, 3 types of bankruptcy procedures are in common use: Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Being governed by federal law, the procedures involved in filing for bankruptcy in Smyrna, Tennessee will be about the same as anywhere else in America. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation of some of the debtor's assets to pay off as much of his or her debt as possible. Once the liquidation is fulfilled, and the proceeds given to the creditors, the rest of the debt is discharged. Liquidation is essentially selling assets to the highest bidder. Only some of the debtor's assets have to be sold, and many classes of property are exempt, meaning that the debtor can keep them, including homes, cars, insurance policies, and retirement accounts. It should be noted that certain types of debt cannot be discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including student loans, child support payments, criminal fines, and recent taxes.

The other commonly used bankruptcy system in Smyrna is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This allows a debtor to repay most or all of their debts in a structured manner. It reorganizes the debt into lower periodic payments that, with a bit of frugality, the debtor should find manageable. This allows the debtor to continue to earn a living, and allows the creditors to eventually collect what they are owed. Once a repayment plan is approved by the bankruptcy court, creditors are legally barred from seeking repayment under the terms of the contracts that gave rise to the debt in the first place, and will instead have to accept payment under the new plan. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is normally a better option for people who have a steady income. Though Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be used by individuals, it is almost exclusively used by businesses. Similar to Chapter 13, Chapter 11 involves restructuring of debts, rather than complete discharge. The debtor is required to come up with a restructuring plan that lays out how it plans to cut costs, streamline operations, and pay its debts. The plan must then be approved by a vote of participating creditors.

During the Chapter 11 process, a business can normally continue its operations, and the stock can be traded, even if it is de-listed from a major stock exchange.

How Can a Smyrna Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

The decision to file for bankruptcy in Smyrna is not one to be made lightly, and it certainly should not be made without first obtaining the advice of an accomplished Smyrna bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Smyrna

Smyrna, Tennessee is a town with a population of close to 40,000 residents. Smyrna is comprised of 23 square miles, and originally began as an agrarian community. The Smyrna airport, makes it easy for travelers to fly directly into the city.

Smyrna is best known for its role in the Civil War. The city, with it's strategic location between two major posts (Nashville and Chattnooga) saw a lot of action. The 160-acre Sam Davis plantation is located in Smyrna, and commemorates the death of the Confederate hero in Smyrna. There is still a military presence in Smyrna today, with the Stewart Air Force Base, and the Tennessee National Guard both located in Smyrna.

In addition to a military presence, Smyrna also has a Nissan Motors plant within the city, a popular place for many residents to work.

Located in Rutherford County, Smyrna lawyers serve their city and the surrounding areas, helping their client with a range of legal issues. Smyrna lawyers are skilled in a range of specialties and available to help their neighbor today!