Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Harlingen, Texas

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Harlingen, TX

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In Harlingen, Texas, 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. Bankruptcy should be treated as an option of last resort, and should not be viewed as a fitting way to get out of debt that you just don't feel like paying. Bankruptcy can have severe consequences, including but not limited to damage to your credit rating. A bad credit score can impact your ability to obtain loans in the future, to rent an apartment, and possibly even your ability to get hired at some jobs (as some employers now run credit checks on prospective employees).

Therefore, it is prudent to consult with an experienced Harlingen, Texas 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 Harlingen bankruptcy attorney cannot be substituted.

Types of Bankruptcy in Harlingen, Texas

There are three basic bankruptcy schemes that are most commonly used in Harlingen: Chapters 7, 13, and 11. Bankruptcy is a creation of federal law, so the procedure for filing for bankruptcy in Harlingen, Texas will be roughly the same as it would be anywhere else in the U.S. 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 Harlingen, 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. 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.

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 Harlingen Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

Filing for bankrtuptcy in Harlingen is an influential decision with costs and benefits that must be weighed carefully. Before filing, it would be a good idea to speak with a good Harlingen bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in Harlingen

Harlingen is city in Cameron County, Texas, located some 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico coastline. It has a population of about 65,000 people and is the second largest city in the county. Much of the city's initial development is due to the presence of Harlingen Air Force Base, which closed in the 1960's.

Harlingen is known for being a hot spot for many sports activities and facilities. The city is home to the Rio Grande Valley White Wings, a minor league baseball team. The Valley Race Park racetrack is an indoor facility where residents can watch greyhound races.

Other popular attractions in Harlingen include the World Birding Center and the Harlingen Art Forum. Harlingen is also an ideal city for those who appreciate the fine arts. The Rio Grande Valley Art League and the Rio Grande Valley Civic Association are involved in promoting several art-themed events. The Rio Grande International Music Festival is held yearly in Harlingen.

Lawyers in Harlingen, Texas reflect the city's commitment to fostering a volunteer spirit. Many Harlingen lawyers are participants in the city's numerous community service organizations. The city is served by the Harlingen Municipal Court.