Bankruptcy Attorney in Gulfport, Mississippi
Our Firm Handles:
Chapter 7 - Individual and Business Liquidation
Chapter 13 - Individual Reorganization
Chapter 11 - Large and Small Business and Large Individual Consumer Reorganization
Debtor Representation
Creditor Representation
Debtor and Creditor Negotiation
Complex Debtor and Creditor Issues
Judgments
Wage Garnishment
Foreclosure
What Is the Difference?
For the average person, there are two types of bankruptcy, namely Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Chapter 7 is considered to be a "liquidation" bankruptcy. Chapter 7 allows you to discharge obligations on unsecured type debts, such as credit cards, medical bills, and other accounts which are not secured by collateral. On secured loans (those items such as car loans and house mortgages) you may keep the collateral and "reaffirm" the debt (during the bankruptcy you sign a new agreement under the same terms as those to which you had previously agreed) and then keep paying the debt or you can give the property back to the creditor. There are, however, certain types of debts, such as taxes, student loans, domestic support (child and alimony), and others that are not dischargeable.
Chapter 13 allows you time to reorganize your debt into a Chapter 13 "plan" where you can use future income to consolidate your debt. The plan is, in most cases, for five years. If the court approves the plan, your debts are paid according to the terms of the plan, most often to a bankruptcy trustee. You generally get to keep your property as long as your debts to the secured creditors, including past due amounts, are properly considered by the plan.
Bankruptcy remains a part of your credit history for up to 10 years from the date you file. A bankruptcy filing can affect your ability to borrow money in the future or the terms (such as interest rates) you can obtain on new credit.
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Reach Out NowWhat Do I Bring
On this page, you will find links to the appropriate questionnaire for your case (individual or business). If you think you may file bankruptcy and contact my office, we can send you the questionnaire in a form that is much easier to prepare than the one you print from my website.
When you come to my office for your initial meeting, there are several items that you will need to bring with you. If you don't have them available, you may not be able to file until we receive copies. Prior to filing, you will need:
Your last 2 years of tax returns for you and your spouse - even if your spouse is not filing bankruptcy;
Six months of your pay stubs from your employer or some official statement from your employer providing this information. If your spouse works but is not filing bankruptcy, please bring your spouse's information also. If you are self-employed, I will need a profit and loss statement from you or your accountant;
Six months of bank statements for all accounts;
Your year-to-date earnings which are not included in a tax return previously filed;
A copy of your credit report can be obtained free of charge here.
Other documents may be required, but this will get us started. Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions.