Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

HUNTSVILLE & DECATUR AL CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY LAWYERS

Best Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Near Me

We can help you in Huntsville, Decatur, Cullman, Scottsboro, Athens, AL, and the surrounding areas.

Our Huntsville Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys at Ferguson & Ferguson have successfully handled thousands of Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases throughout Northern Alabama. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a process that allows individuals to eliminate or discharge all, or some, of their debt in a legal and orderly fashion. Although the result is simple—the elimination of debt—the process can be tricky and fraught with many pitfalls. To ensure success, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filer must be keenly aware of not only the ultimate goal but also all of the law’s requirements. Chapter 7 bankruptcy (Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code) is commonly known to attorneys, lawyers, and others as a liquidating bankruptcy (liquidation), personal bankruptcy, or just plain “bankruptcy.” It is also referred to as a consumer, although businesses can also file under Chapter 7. For cases filed after October 17, 2005, eligibility to file Chapter 7 is partially determined by a means test if your annual income exceeds the median income for your geographic area as determined by the IRS. Under any chapter of bankruptcy, you are required to list all of your assets and all of your debts on your petition. An asset is anything you own or may have a right to own at some future date (for example, if you are in someone’s will). Some (and, in many cases, all) of your assets will be exempt. You can exempt any items normally used for your support and maintenance, such as clothing, furniture, household goods, and so forth. After you file your case, a trustee is appointed. He or she will liquidate or sell all of your non-exempt assets and pay your creditors according to the priority afforded to them by the Bankruptcy Code. You may voluntarily repay any debt upon agreement with the creditor. Whether this is ever advisable is questionable and is an issue to be discussed with your attorney or lawyer. The goal of most personal bankruptcy attorneys is to obtain a discharge of their clients’ existing debts and to give them a fresh start on their finances. Technically, the word “bankrupt” is not the correct terminology when referring to getting rid of debts, but most people (even many attorneys) use that phrase. The correct legal term is “discharge.”. You discharge your obligation to pay debts. Throughout this webpage, that is the term that will be used to describe getting rid of (bankrupting) debts in bankruptcy. In other words, once your discharge is granted, you no longer need to repay the debts that were incurred before you filed for bankruptcy. Your creditors are entitled to share in the proceeds obtained from the liquidation of your non-exempt assets. Under Chapter 7, the amount your creditors will get is fixed by the value of your non-exempt assets.

How can we help?

The first step to filing a successful Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to accurately evaluate one’s goals and one’s eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief. The objective of the typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy filer will be to eliminate all, or some, of his or her debt. Whether or not one is eligible to file is a different issue than whether or not one should file. The person contemplating a Chapter 7 bankruptcy must first assess whether or not he or she is eligible to file. The requirements are relatively easy. Currently, the requirements are that you have not filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the previous eight years or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy that paid less than a 70% dividend to unsecured creditors in the previous six years. A person filing for Chapter 7 need not be a citizen or even a legal resident of the United States; the Code requires that the debtor simply be a “resident.” If you meet these simple factors, then you would be eligible to file Chapter 7. Next, it is important to assess the advisability of filing a case. This is a complicated question, as bankruptcy laws are complicated. Generally, if you spend more money each month than you make, if you earn less than the average household size in your state, and if you do not own any non-exempt assets, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy would likely be successful. Where you live is important, as the median income numbers and your budget can all affect the success of your case. Once it appears you are eligible and that bankruptcy would accomplish what you hope, the process can also be complicated. Before you can file a case, the law requires every debtor to complete a credit counseling session. Once this is complete, the legal process of filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy begins with the preparation and filing of the bankruptcy petition and schedules. The bankruptcy petition and schedules are a series of documents that contain information about your debts, assets, income, and general financial status for the previous few years. The bankruptcy petition is used to demonstrate that you qualify for Chapter 7 discharge, determine which of your debts will be eliminated, what property you will be allowed to keep, and which debts you have chosen to keep. Once your case is filed, certain documents must be mailed to the trustee assigned to your case, and you will be assigned a date for a meeting of creditors as provided under 11 U.S.C. §341. The meeting occurs approximately four to six weeks after the filing of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The debtor’s attendance at this meeting is required, except in very rare circumstances. The trustee presides over the meeting. The trustee reviews the filing for possible fraud issues, represents your creditors, and evaluates your qualifications for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The Chapter 7 Trustee will also investigate property and valuation. One of the main duties of the trustee is to liquidate any non-exempt property and distribute the proceeds fairly among creditors. At the First Meeting of the Creditors, the Chapter 7 Trustee will ask a series of questions and typically make his or her findings during this short meeting. If the Chapter 7 Trustee issues a “no asset” report or “abandons” your property, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy will proceed, and the debtor will not lose any property. If all goes well at the First Meeting of Creditors, approximately 60 to 90 days thereafter, you will receive your discharge, and your case will close. During this period, all of your creditors will have the opportunity to review your Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and have the right to object to it. You will also be allowed to reaffirm or promise to keep paying your secured debts, such as a home or a car. At the time of your discharge, your pre-filing unsecured dischargeable debt will be eliminated forever!

What debts are not discharged in Alabama?

Certain unsettled debts are non-dischargeable in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Examples of these are alimony and child support obligations, taxes less than three (3) years old, student loans (with the sole exception listed below), any debts procured by fraud, incurring debt without a reasonably certain ability to repay the debt, and so forth. Certain debts related to a divorce proceeding, such as attorney fees, may be dischargeable in Chapter 13, but not in Chapter 7. Federal, state, and local taxes may be subject to specific time rules. Non-dischargeable debt is determined by federal bankruptcy law. Failure to pay any type of non-dischargeable debt will allow creditors to continue their collection process. Other non-dischargeable debts include mortgage liens, certain types of purchases for luxury items within 90 days of filing, secured debt, penalties, and fines by government agencies, punitive damages assessed for “willful and malicious acts,” drunk driving fines, debts not outlined on the schedule and forms filed with the bankruptcy court, and certain cash advances. If you are an individual and meet the requirements, Chapter 7 allows you to discharge most or all of your debts. It allows you to do this regardless of how many assets you have or how much your creditors ultimately receive. It allows you to walk away from your debts and start over. Corporations do not receive discharges of debts, but there still may be some benefit to allowing a trustee to liquidate the assets.

What are some of the disadvantages of Chapter 7?

You are only able to receive a discharge after eight (8) years have passed since the commencement of the last case in which you received a discharge, although you can file another Chapter 13 case sooner (usually 4 years). Thus, you should not file for bankruptcy if you need the option of doing it again in the next eight years. Payments made to or on behalf of any relatives within twelve (12) months before filing your bankruptcy case are recoverable by the trustee in your case. That’s right. If you repaid money during that period to your brother or made payments on a credit card that your mother let you use, they will have to pay back that money to your trustee, who will then distribute it equally to all your creditors. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make, often innocently, because they don’t know they will be filing for bankruptcy, but that’s the law. It’s designed to prevent debtors from preferring one creditor over another. The same is true for non-relatives, although the lookback period for them (such as credit cards, etc.) is only ninety (90) days, and most people don’t care if their trustee sues the credit card company to recover the money. If you are a corporation, you must stop operating your business immediately upon fi…ling the Chapter 7 petition. Only under extraordinary circumstances will the trustee operate a business.

How are monthly expenses and income used to calculate disposable income in the means test?

In the Means Test for bankruptcy, the calculation of disposable income involves deducting the monthly expenses from the current monthly income. This subtraction process enables the determination of how much income is left over after essential expenses have been accounted for, giving an indication of the amount that could potentially be available to repay debts or be considered disposable for other financial purposes.

What is the purpose of the means test formula in bankruptcy?

The primary purpose of the Means Test formula in bankruptcy cases is to determine eligibility for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy by assessing the individual’s current financial situation, particularly their income and expenses. This formula serves to prevent individuals with high incomes from abusing Chapter 7 bankruptcy while allowing those with significant expenses relative to their income to potentially qualify for debt discharge. By deducting monthly expenses from current monthly income, the means test calculates an individual’s disposable income, which plays a crucial role in determining their eligibility for specific bankruptcy protections and debt relief options.

What debts can be discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection?

Through Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, individuals who qualify can have many of their consumer-related debts wiped out. This means that creditors will be unable to collect the portion that the individual owes. This process primarily applies to consumer debts and can provide significant relief by eliminating a majority of these debts.

What are the income thresholds for automatically qualifying under the means test in Alabama?

In Alabama, the income thresholds for automatically qualifying under the Means Test are as follows: If you are single, live alone, and earn less than $39,768 per year, you will meet the criteria to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection under the means test. If you have one dependent living with you who has no income and your annual income is less than $48,770, you will also qualify to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection based on the means test.

How does the means test impact eligibility for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

The Means Test plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy by assessing an individual’s income and expenses. It is a formula used to ascertain who qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection and is designed to prevent individuals with high incomes from abusing the system. However, the test also takes into consideration various factors, such as expenses, including mortgage payments, to ensure that individuals who genuinely require debt relief can still qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The ultimate goal of the Means Test is to strike a balance between preventing abuse of the system by high-income earners while also providing a pathway for those facing financial hardship to access the benefits of Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.

What about your credit after a Chapter 7 case?

The bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for up to ten (10) years after you file. Other accurate negative reports on your credit must be removed after seven (7) years (like late payments on credit cards, foreclosures, etc.). However, according to our former clients, this is usually not as big a problem as most people think. Credit lending agencies know you won’t be able to file another bankruptcy for at least 6 years, and therefore, they don’t have that risk to bear. You will not get as high a credit limit as you once had or be able to borrow a large sum of money, but getting some credit (such as a secured credit card) shouldn’t be that difficult, and you can rebuild your credit over time. What you will likely face is higher interest rates, higher down payments, more points, etc. Some people do have difficulty rebuilding their credit, but it is usually due to other factors besides bankruptcy, such as their employment record, other credit problems, etc. In any event, we can provide you with excellent materials for helping you rebuild your credit, should you so desire. Having practiced in Alabama for over 20 years, we have seen a lot of different scenarios. See an attorney for more information. Call us today at 256-534-3435 or 1-800-752-1998.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Frequently Asked Questions

The following answers provide general information about Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy cases are fact-specific, and median-income figures, official forms, exemption amounts, filing fees, and other requirements may change. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney about the law and procedures applicable to your case.

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a federal court process that may eliminate personal liability for many qualifying debts. A trustee reviews the debtor’s finances and may administer nonexempt property for the benefit of creditors.

Why is Chapter 7 called liquidation bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 is sometimes called liquidation bankruptcy because a trustee may sell nonexempt property and distribute the proceeds to creditors. Many individual Chapter 7 cases are no-asset cases in which no property is distributed.

Who may qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Individuals, partnerships, corporations, and certain other business entities may file Chapter 7, subject to applicable eligibility rules. Individual consumer debtors may also have to complete the Chapter 7 means test.

What is the Chapter 7 means test?

The means test evaluates current monthly income and allowed expenses to determine whether an individual consumer filing is presumed abusive. The correct median-income and expense figures are those in effect for the filing date.

Does income above the Alabama median automatically disqualify me?

No. Income above the applicable median does not automatically prevent a Chapter 7 filing. The debtor may need to complete the remaining means-test calculations and may qualify after permitted deductions are considered.

Can I file Chapter 7 if most of my debts are business debts?

An individual whose debts are primarily nonconsumer or business debts may be treated differently under the means-test rules. The source and purpose of each debt should be reviewed carefully.

What debts can Chapter 7 usually discharge?

Many unsecured debts may be discharged, including qualifying credit-card balances, medical bills, personal loans, utility bills, collection accounts, and certain civil judgments.

Are credit-card debts discharged in Chapter 7?

Most ordinary credit-card debts may be discharged. A creditor may challenge debts involving fraud, false statements, certain recent luxury purchases, or certain recent cash advances.

Are medical bills discharged in Chapter 7?

Medical bills are generally unsecured debts and may ordinarily be discharged in Chapter 7, subject to the debtor’s eligibility and the facts of the case.

Are personal loans discharged in Chapter 7?

Many unsecured personal loans may be discharged. Loans involving fraud, a valid lien, a co-signer, or another statutory exception may require additional analysis.

Which debts are generally not discharged in Chapter 7?

Common examples include domestic support obligations, many student loans, certain taxes, criminal restitution, specified fines, debts for some willful and malicious injuries, and debts established as nondischargeable by the bankruptcy court.

Can Chapter 7 discharge student loans?

Most student loans are not automatically discharged. A debtor generally must bring a separate proceeding and prove the applicable legal standard for undue hardship.

Can Chapter 7 discharge tax debt?

Some older income-tax debts may qualify for discharge when detailed timing, filing, assessment, and conduct requirements are met. Many recent taxes, trust-fund taxes, tax liens, and taxes involving fraud are not discharged.

Are child support and alimony discharged in Chapter 7?

No. Child support, alimony, and other domestic support obligations are generally not dischargeable in Chapter 7.

Does Chapter 7 stop creditor calls and collection activity?

Filing a Chapter 7 petition generally triggers the automatic stay, which stops most collection calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and other collection activity while the stay remains in effect.

Can Chapter 7 stop wage garnishment?

The automatic stay generally stops most wage garnishments for covered debts after filing. Domestic support garnishments and certain other obligations may be treated differently.

Can Chapter 7 stop a foreclosure?

A Chapter 7 filing may temporarily pause a foreclosure through the automatic stay. It usually does not provide a long-term method for curing substantial mortgage arrears, and the lender may seek relief from the stay.

Can Chapter 7 stop a vehicle repossession?

The automatic stay may temporarily stop repossession when the vehicle has not already been repossessed. Keeping the vehicle may require continued payments, reaffirmation, redemption, or another legally permitted arrangement.

Can I keep my house in Chapter 7?

Whether a debtor can keep a house depends on equity, applicable exemptions, mortgage status, liens, and the trustee’s assessment. A discharge does not ordinarily remove a valid mortgage lien.

Can I keep my car in Chapter 7?

A debtor may be able to keep a vehicle when its equity is protected and the secured debt is properly addressed. Options may include reaffirmation, redemption, continued payment where permitted, or surrender.

What property can I keep in Chapter 7?

Bankruptcy exemptions protect certain property from administration by the trustee. The available exemptions and protected amounts depend on applicable law and the debtor’s circumstances.

What is nonexempt property?

Nonexempt property is property or equity that is not protected by an applicable bankruptcy exemption. A Chapter 7 trustee may sell nonexempt property when doing so would provide a meaningful benefit to creditors.

What is a no-asset Chapter 7 case?

A no-asset case is a Chapter 7 case in which the trustee determines that there is no nonexempt property worth administering for creditors. Creditors are generally instructed not to file proofs of claim unless later notified.

What does a Chapter 7 trustee do?

The trustee reviews the petition and schedules, questions the debtor at the meeting of creditors, investigates assets and transfers, and administers nonexempt property when appropriate. The trustee does not represent the debtor.

What is the Chapter 7 meeting of creditors?

The meeting of creditors, also called the Section 341 meeting, is a proceeding at which the debtor answers questions under oath about assets, debts, income, expenses, transfers, and the bankruptcy papers.

Do creditors usually attend the Chapter 7 meeting?

Creditors have the right to attend and ask appropriate questions, but many routine consumer meetings are attended only by the debtor, the debtor’s attorney, and the trustee.

How long does a Chapter 7 case take?

Many uncomplicated individual Chapter 7 cases result in discharge within several months after filing. Cases involving assets, litigation, objections, missing documents, or other complications may remain open longer.

When do I receive a Chapter 7 discharge?

In a typical case, the discharge is entered after the deadlines for objections expire and the debtor completes all required steps, including the financial-management course. The exact timing depends on the case.

What is a Chapter 7 discharge?

A Chapter 7 discharge releases an individual debtor from personal liability for qualifying debts and generally prohibits creditors from taking collection action on those discharged debts.

Does a Chapter 7 discharge eliminate liens?

A discharge generally eliminates personal liability but does not automatically remove a valid lien from collateral. A creditor may retain rights against the property unless the lien is avoided or otherwise addressed.

What is a reaffirmation agreement?

A reaffirmation agreement is a written agreement under which a debtor remains personally liable for a debt that might otherwise be discharged, commonly in connection with a vehicle or other secured property.

What is redemption in Chapter 7?

Redemption may allow an individual debtor to keep certain personal property by paying the secured creditor the legally determined value of the collateral in a lump sum, subject to statutory requirements.

Can I voluntarily repay a discharged debt?

Yes. A debtor may voluntarily repay a discharged debt, but a creditor generally may not pressure or force the debtor to repay it.

Do I have to list every debt and every asset?

Yes. Bankruptcy papers require complete and accurate disclosure of assets, debts, income, expenses, transfers, financial accounts, claims, and other requested information. Intentionally omitting information can cause serious consequences.

What documents are needed for Chapter 7?

Commonly needed records include pay statements, tax returns, bank statements, creditor statements, vehicle and mortgage information, insurance records, property valuations, retirement statements, identification, and documents concerning recent transfers.

Do I need credit counseling before filing Chapter 7?

An individual generally must complete approved credit counseling within the legally required period before filing, unless a statutory exception applies.

Do I need a debtor-education course after filing?

An individual debtor generally must complete an approved personal financial-management course after filing and submit the required certification before receiving a discharge.

Can I repay family members before filing Chapter 7?

Payments to relatives or other insiders before filing may be reviewed as preferential transfers and may be recoverable by the trustee. A debtor should obtain legal advice before making unusual payments or transfers.

Can I transfer property before filing Chapter 7?

Improperly transferring property before filing can lead to trustee recovery actions, denial of discharge, dismissal, or allegations of bankruptcy fraud. All transfers must be fully disclosed.

Can a creditor challenge a debt’s discharge?

Yes. A creditor may file an adversary proceeding alleging that a particular debt is nondischargeable because of fraud, false pretenses, willful injury, or another statutory ground.

Can the court deny my entire Chapter 7 discharge?

Yes. A discharge may be denied for conduct such as concealing property, destroying records, making false statements, disobeying court orders, or failing to explain the loss of assets.

How often can I receive a Chapter 7 discharge?

Bankruptcy law imposes waiting periods between discharges. The applicable period depends on the chapter of the earlier case, the chapter of the new case, and the dates and results of the prior filing.

How is Chapter 7 different from Chapter 13?

Chapter 7 generally has no repayment plan and may involve administration of nonexempt property. Chapter 13 uses a three-to-five-year repayment plan and may provide tools for curing mortgage arrears and restructuring certain debts.

Will Chapter 7 appear on my credit report?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy may remain on a consumer credit report for up to ten years from the filing date. Credit rebuilding depends on later payment history, income, debt levels, and other credit factors.

Can I rebuild credit after Chapter 7?

Yes. Many people begin rebuilding by reviewing credit reports, correcting errors, using new credit cautiously, paying obligations on time, maintaining stable income, and avoiding excessive new debt.

Does Ferguson & Ferguson offer free Chapter 7 consultations?

Yes. Ferguson & Ferguson offers free bankruptcy consultations. The Huntsville office can be reached at 256-534-3435, and the Decatur office can be reached at 256-350-7200.

Where are Ferguson & Ferguson’s Chapter 7 offices located?

The Huntsville office is located at 303 Williams Avenue SW, Suite 321, Huntsville, Alabama 35801. The Decatur office is located at 211 Oak Street NE, Decatur, Alabama 35601.

Why Hire Huntsville Attorneys Ferguson & Ferguson

To find out if declaring bankruptcy makes sense for you, the first step is to talk to a lawyer experienced in bankruptcy and financial problems. Our firm’s attorneys practice principally in bankruptcy law. We are here to answer your questions and support you as you explore all your legal options. Call for a free bankruptcy consultation with the experienced lawyers of Ferguson & Ferguson in Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, we can help. Let us guide you through the practical steps to getting a fresh financial start. Call us at 256-534-3435 to schedule a free, private, and confidential consultation at our downtown Decatur or Huntsville office. We have built our law firm by maintaining our commitment to professional legal advice, unsurpassed customer service, and competitive and fair fees. We are here to help. Huntsville office location: 303 Williams Avenue SW Suite 321 Huntsville, AL 35801 Decatur Office Location: 211 Oak Street, NE Decatur, AL 35601