Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in West Allis, Wisconsin

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in West Allis, WI

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Bankruptcy in West Allis, Wisconsin is a court process which allows an individual or business who is drowning in debt to be relieved of their legal obligation to pay off some or all of their debt. Hopefully, this will allow both the debtor and creditors to move on with their lives. Of course, one should never view bankruptcy as a "get out of debt free" card, allowing someone to be relieved 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.

Therefore, it is a good idea to talk with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer in West Allis, Wisconsin. They will be able to advise you on the likely legal and financial consequences of filing for bankruptcy, and help you determine if it's the right option for your. Because this determination depends heavily on the facts of each individual case, the counsel of a West Allis bankruptcy attorney cannot be substituted.

Types of Bankruptcy in West Allis, Wisconsin

There are 3 bankruptcy schemes that are commonly used in West Allis: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is governed by federal law, so the procedures in West Allis, Wisconsin are very similar to what they will be anywhere else in the United States. Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires the debtor to liquidate some of his or her assets in order to pay off as much debt as possible. Once the sale of the assets is complete, and the proceeds handed over to the creditors, the debt is viewed as discharged. Liquidation is basically selling assets to the highest bidder. Not all of the debtor's assets will need to be sold, and many types of property are totally or partially exempt, including homes, cars, retirement accounts, and insurance policies. This means that the debtor can keep them. It should be noted that some types of debts are not dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including student loans, criminal fines, taxes, and child support payments. Even when the bankruptcy process is complete, these debts will have to be paid in full.

The other popular bankruptcy system in West Allis is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Under this system, the debtor's debts are restructured, instead of discharged. This involves creating a new repayment plan that the debtor will find manageable, given his or her income, and that will result in the creditors being paid in a reasonable amount of time. When a repayment plan is approved by a court, creditors are legally barred from attempting to collect under the original terms of their agreement with the debtor. Though available to individuals, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is mostly 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 proposed, it is submitted to the participating creditors, who must approve it by a majority vote before it can be implemented.

One main advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it allows businesses to continue their operations while the process plays out. Furthermore, their stock can still be bought and sold.

How Can a West Allis Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

The need to weigh all the options and consider the costs and benefits of filing for bankruptcy in West Allis cannot be overstated. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it would be a good idea to speak with a West Allis bankruptcy attorney beforehand.

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Life in West Allis

West Allis, Wisconsin is a charming city located in the greater Milwaukee area. West Allis has a sizeable population of just under 65,000 residents and is a very popular place to visit in Wisconsin. The city is located on 11.4 square miles.

West Allis is home to the Wisconsin State Fair, and the fairgrounds are a popular place for concerts and other activities in addition to the fair. West Allis has a lot of activities for residents to enjoy including parks, trails, and movie theaters. The Root and Kinnickinnic Rivers flow through parts of West Allis, which makes for some lush landscape and beauty for residents and visitors to enjoy.

West Allis is also home to some fabulous lawyers. Lawyers practicing in West Allis are trained to help their local client in any legal matter he or she is facing. Many West Allis lawyers grew up in the city and decided to practice there and their appreciation for their community is evident. In addition to great lawyers, West Allis has a wonderful professional community which makes this city a great place to work in. Whether visiting or living, West Allis has it all!