PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY

Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that assists financially troubled individuals in obtaining a fresh start. There are three type of personal bankruptcies. They are Chapter 7 Liquidation; Chapter 13 Repayment either in whole or in part; and Chapter 12 family farmer. Under all three types you must disclose all of your assets, debts, income, expenses and other financial information. The filing of each type of bankruptcy automatically stops your creditors from taking any action against you outside the Bankruptcy Court.

If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.

Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM at (814) 459-4411.

In a Chapter 7 liquidating proceeding, a Trustee is appointed by the Court to oversee the sale of assets and the distribution of proceeds to creditors. You may be entitled to keep many of your assets despite the existence of the bankruptcy. You can keep all of the assets covered by exemptions; exemptions include certain amounts for a house, vehicle, jewelry, personal property and certain income benefits. These exemptions can be substantial. At the conclusion of the bankruptcy proceeding, you are discharged from most debts except those which are protected by a lien or mortgage. This means that you no longer legally owe these debts. Certain secured debts which are collateralized by a lien or mortgage, and some taxes may receive different treatment depending upon your circumstances.

In a Chapter 13 repayment proceeding, you propose a plan that provides for the whole or partial repayment of your debts over time, usually three to five years. The Chapter 13 process generally works best for wage earners with regular income. The Court will review the plan to be sure that it is fair and legal. The Court will also review your income and expenses to see if you can reasonably expect to complete the plan. A Trustee is appointed to collect and distribute your payments and, if applicable, will attach a portion of your wages to ensure completion of your plan. While you fulfill the provisions of the Court approved plan, your creditors cannot harass you or pursue other legal action against you, or in some cases, other parties who may have co-signed for you. Unlike a liquidation proceeding, if you successfully complete you repayment plan, you may keep all of your assets. Certain secured debts and taxes may receive different treatment, depending upon your circumstances.

The ability to file a Chapter 12 family farm bankruptcy petition is somewhat dependent on Congress continuing the availability of this type of relief. Assuming Chapter 12 filings are available, the family farmer proceeding also requires the approval by the Court of a plan that provides for the full or partial repayment of debts. The rights available to a family farmer are somewhat different than those available under a personal repayment proceeding, but provide many of the same protections as the personal repayment proceeding.

If you are concerned about financial difficulties, discuss your legal rights and responsibilities with an attorney.

If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.

Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
at (814) 459-4411.