November 2022

With the holiday season quickly approaching, debt can start to build up under the strain of expensive Christmas gifts, ill-judged credit card usage, and more. While the holiday season can be particularly stressful, any time of financial adversity can lead to heightened anxiety.

Yet, if you are an Auburn or Opelika resident overwrought by debt, there are tactics in place for you to gain a second chance. Perhaps the most common type of bankruptcy, known as “liquidation bankruptcy” or Chapter 7, allows you to regain control of your finances by having most of your unsecured debt, including credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans discharged by a bankruptcy court.

Here is a quick but crucial explanation of Chapter 7 bankruptcy from David S. Clark, an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Opelika, Alabama.

How Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Work?

Unfortunately, while Chapter 7 is an incredible tool, it is not a magic wand that automatically wipes out any debt you may have. Thus, before describing the inner workings of Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it is important to understand exactly which type of debt could be discharged. 

Dischargeable debts under Chapter 7 include:

• Credit card balances (including overdue and late fees)
• Medical bills
• Personal and payday loans 
• Mortgage or automobile loans for which you are unable to pay
• Utility bills
• Social Security overpayments
• Veterans’ assistance loans and overpayments

Non-dischargeable debts under Chapter 7 include:

• Child support
• Alimony
• Student loans
• HOA fees
• Secured debts

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court immediately places an automatic temporary stay on all current debts and appoints a dedicated bankruptcy trustee to your case. The automatic stay stops creditors from collecting payments, foreclosing on your home, or repossessing property. 

The trustee’s job is to oversee every aspect of your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. Yet, unlike an attorney, they remain neutral for both you and your creditors. 

The Importance of a Local Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney 

While filing a successful Chapter 7 bankruptcy on your own is possible, it’s not wise in every case. Unfortunately, bankruptcy may seem like a universal and simple process, but most of the time it’s not. 

From an immense amount of paperwork to complicated court discussions, there are many parts to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case that require expertise. Ultimately, by hiring a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney, your case could be more successful (which means you’re not only able to keep more property but also discharge more debts). 

David S. Clark is a dedicated bankruptcy attorney that handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Whether you’re in the Auburn and Opelika area or seeking a local firm that has your best interests at heart, David S. Clark has years of experience helping those in difficult financial times. For more information on Chapter 7 bankruptcy, contact David S. Clark today!

Bankruptcy can give you a fresh start when you are under the weight of overwhelming debt. Yet, much like any legal matter, the process of bankruptcy can be confusing.

Bankruptcy can give you a fresh start when you are under the weight of overwhelming debt. Yet, much like any legal matter, the process of bankruptcy can be confusing. You can file the case without legal help, known as going pro se, but the expertise of an experienced bankruptcy attorney is unmatched. 

Here’s how to decide if you need a bankruptcy lawyer and what to expect from David S. Clark, a bankruptcy attorney based in Opelika, Alabama. 

Different Types of Bankruptcy

While there are many types of bankruptcy, when filing as an individual, cases often fall under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Chapter 7, also known as a straight or liquidation bankruptcy is designed for Auburn or Opelika residents who are unable to pay monthly debt payments. In every Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case, the court assigns an impartial case trustee that faces your debtors for you. Ultimately, these appointed trustees aren’t working to make money for the creditors or to make your debts magically disappear. They seek the best route forward for both parties.

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, also called a wage earner’s plan, the court approves a repayment plan that gives you a period of a reasonable amount of time to pay off your debt. This is usually a more desirable avenue for debt relief than Chapter 7 because it enables you to keep certain valuable assets out of a creditor’s reach. 

What’s The Point of a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

When it comes time to file for bankruptcy, it can seem like everyone is against you. A dedicated bankruptcy lawyer, like David S. Clark, seeks to not only fight for you but also to relieve the overwhelming aspects that often come with a bankruptcy case. 

Almost like a tour guide, a bankruptcy attorney can advise you about matters such as: 

• Whether bankruptcy is a smart move or not
• Which type of bankruptcy to file
• How every step of the bankruptcy process will work
• Details on the elimination of debt depending on the chapter of bankruptcy you file
• Any and all paperwork as well as further discussions with creditors

It can be tempting to handle every step of bankruptcy alone, but just because you file for bankruptcy doesn’t mean your debt magically disappears. Without an experienced lawyer, you may make legal mistakes that carry long-term financial consequences.

David S. Clark, More Than Your Bankruptcy Attorney

Filing for bankruptcy is a significant decision, yet, as mentioned, it doesn’t mean the end of your finances forever. David S. Clark is an Opelika-based bankruptcy attorney who has helped countless Alabama residents find freedom from the weight of immense debt. 

Whether you are seeking to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, David S. Clark can help you every step of the way. For more information, contact David S. Clark today!