When Does It Make Sense to File for Bankruptcy in Alabaster, AL?

Most people do not want to file for bankruptcy. The social stigma associated with the notion of bankruptcy makes people hesitant to file for bankruptcy, no matter how dire their financial situation might be. However, when your debt burden becomes too much to bear, filing for bankruptcy might be the most sensible option available for you.

If You Are Facing Home Foreclosure

If you are behind on your mortgage payments and if the bank is planning to initiate foreclosure proceedings, it might be a prudent idea for you to file for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out most of your debts – including your mortgage debt. If you, however, want to retain your house, you must sign a ‘reaffirmation agreement’, wherein you confirm that you owe a debt to the bank and promise to repay them over a period of time.

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, can stop the foreclosure proceedings and give you sufficient time to clear the overdue, so that you can retain your house.

If You Have a Large Amount of Credit Card Debt

If you have multiple credit cards and if you are not able to meet the minimum payment requirements, filing for bankruptcy might be the best option for you. The exorbitant rate of interest makes credit card debt the worst kind of debt to have, as it can grow unmanageably large in no time. Data shows that consumer debt – credit card debt in particular – is one of the biggest reasons why people file for bankruptcy.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can not only erase your credit card debt, but also wipe out many other kinds of unsecured consumer debt. This gives you the fresh start you need to sort out your financial life.

If You Have Unpaid Medical Bills

If you or any of your family members are dealing with a serious illness and the medical bills are piling up, you can wipe it out by filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Alabaster, AL.

Even if you have health insurance, it might not be sufficient to pay for the expenses associated with treating a chronic or catastrophic illness. In some cases, the condition you are being treated for might not be covered under your healthcare plan at all. In such a scenario, the out-of-pocket expenses can pile up fast – leaving you with no choice but to file for bankruptcy.

Wage Garnishment

If you are way behind on your loan repayments, your creditors might try to file a lawsuit against you and get a wage garnishment order from the court. If they manage to do so, up to 25% of your wages could be garnished towards loan repayments.

In such a scenario, you might be left with too little to meet your day-to-day expenses. So, if you believe that your creditors might sue you and try to have your wages garnished, or if your credits have obtained a judgment against you, you should file for bankruptcy.

If You Are Unable to Find a Job

If you have been unemployed for an extended period of time and unable to find a job in the in Alabaster, AL. area, it might be impossible for you to repay your creditors – especially if you have high-interest debts. In such a scenario, unless you know for sure that you can get a high-paying job in the immediate future, you are better off filing for bankruptcy.

If You Believe You Cannot Pay Off Your Revolving Debt

If you believe – based on what you make and the financial commitments you have – that you will not be able to pay off your revolving debt (credit card debt and personal lines of credit) in the foreseeable future, filing for bankruptcy might be the only option left for you.

Unlike secured debt, revolving debt does not have an end date. If you are unable to pay off the principal amount, you might keep paying interest and minimum payments for the rest of your life. So, it is better to eliminate it once and for all and rebuild your financial life from scratch.

Thinking of Filing for Bankruptcy in Alabaster, AL? Talk to Us First

Filing for bankruptcy is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever have to make. So, it is important to get the right advice before you make a decision.

Attorney Ted Stuckenschneider has over 40 years of experience helping to resolve consumer debt issues in Alabaster, Alabama. He can assess your financial situation, determine whether you should file for bankruptcy, and help you sort out your financial life.

Being an experienced Alabama bankruptcy lawyer, Ted Stuckenschneider can provide you skilled advice and help you eliminate your debt burden in the shortest possible time frame. To get started, call us today at 205-324-5631 or message us online for a free consultation.

Coronavirus & Filing for Bankruptcy

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world. But in addition to affecting the day-to-day lives of people worldwide, as well as tragically taking the lives of more than two million people, coronavirus has changed the world economy. Not only has the pandemic had a big impact on stock markets, it has also made for a difficult year for job-seekers, has resulted in rising rates of unemployment, and has left the majority of countries in recession. 

Today, a number of prominent firms have buckled under the economic pressure and have filed or are planning to file for bankruptcy, and a coming wave of COVID-related bankruptcies is expected. While economic relief in the form of the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program, and the extension of unemployment insurance has helped both businesses and individuals alike, many of the federal loans allocated to businesses didn’t reach those who needed it most, and for many, more assistance is necessary. 

Economic Relief: What We Can Expect from the Government

A recent fact sheet published by the White House paints a grim picture of the economic situation in America. According to the fact sheet, approximately 14 million renters are behind on payments, more than 10 million Americans are unemployed, and at least eight million children are facing food insecurity. Communities of color have been hit even harder by the crisis.

On January 22, 2021, President Biden released an executive order aimed at mitigating the financial impacts of the coronavirus and providing families with the much-needed relief they’ve been waiting for. The order asks the Department of Agriculture to expand nutritional assistance programs, asks the Treasury Department to focus on getting financial relief to the Americans who have still not received the financial assistance to which they’re entitled, asks the Department of Veterans Affairs to pause collections on debts, and more. In addition to the executive order, Biden’s stimulus plan includes adding $1,400 stimulus checks for eligible individuals. 

It Might Still Not Be Enough

While the proposed stimulus package may give many families the boost they need, for others, an additional $1,400 won’t be enough to stop creditors from calling. For these families and individuals, options may feel limited and the financial future might feel hopeless. As stated earlier, it is likely that many individuals will turn to bankruptcy in the coming year. 

Filing for bankruptcy can be an intimidating process and, while bankruptcy can provide someone with a fresh financial start, it does have long-term consequences. To be sure, filing for bankruptcy will result in a big hit to a person’s credit score, which can impede their ability to secure loans, lines of credit, and even certain employment types in some cases. 

If you are thinking about bankruptcy, it is important to meet with a financial professional, a bankruptcy attorney, or both as soon as possible. A professional can guide you through all of your options for debt relief, including negotiating with your creditors, refinancing or restructuring your mortgage, and debt consolidation. If filing for bankruptcy is the best option, then an attorney can help you to understand the two primary types of bankruptcy for individuals–Chapter 7 and Chapter 13–and which one is best suited for your case.

Get an Analysis Early

One thing that’s important when facing debt and feeling nervous about your financial future is to meet with a professional sooner rather than later to get an analysis. While meeting with a professional might feel intimidating or even embarrassing, getting control of your financial situation and educating yourself about your options is the most responsible thing that you can do. Additionally, the earlier that you take action, the more options that may be available; if you wait too long to manage your debt, bankruptcy might be the only option. 

During this challenging time, many individuals and families are struggling with debt. This is nothing to be ashamed of. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to consult with a professional who can review your situation and make a recommendation about how you should move forward.

Call the Law Offices of Ted Stuckenschneider, P.C. Today

The coronavirus pandemic will likely have lasting economic effects on families, individuals, businesses, the United States economy, and the global economy. If you are someone who is struggling to make ends meet during this time and are simultaneously facing large amounts of debt, bankruptcy may be a way to get relief. Call our experienced Alabama bankruptcy lawyer directly today at (205) 324-5631 for the legal support and guidance that you need during this challenging time. 

Can I Keep My Car During a Bankruptcy?

Many individuals who would benefit from debt relief are often too afraid to file bankruptcy. Some fear further damaging their credit or their reputation, while others fear losing vital assets such as their home or vehicle.

But bankruptcy is intended to relieve you of your financial burdens. It is not meant to deprive you. As such, even if you are filing for Chapter 7 instead of Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may still be able to keep important assets such as your house or car. To learn more about how this works, reach out to Ted Stuckenschneider PC today.

How Can I Protect It?

Getting a fresh start does not mean starting entirely from scratch. Most states, including Alabama, are aware of this and allow exemptions so that you may keep certain property. Through the use of these exemptions, you can protect key assets that would otherwise be far too difficult for you to reacquire.

Whether it is the car you need for work or your family home, trust that our board-certified bankruptcy lawyer can help you protect it.

Where Should I Start?

When you enlist our services, attorney Ted Stuckenschneider will draw upon his experience to find the right solution for you. Should he believe that you will not qualify for Chapter 7 or that it would not serve your interest, he will advise you accordingly.

Don’t continue to needlessly struggle with your finances because you are worried you may lose everything. Instead, work with us to explore your bankruptcy options and get back on your feet. Get started today with a visit to our Birmingham office for your free initial consultation. Call 205-324-5631 or send us an email to schedule a time that works for you.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

Chapter 7 Vs Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Money problems won’t simply go away just because we wish them to. When it comes to getting back on track financially, you may need to consider filing for bankruptcy. But knowing where to begin and which debt relief option is best for you isn’t always intuitive. As such, reaching out to a board-certified lawyer like attorney Ted Stuckenschneider should be your first step.

Here at Ted Stuckenschneider PC, we have helped countless individuals find relief from crippling debt. Get the counsel you need and get started on a plan to retake control of your situation today.

What Are The Advantages? Disadvantages?

The two most commonly filed chapters of bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 allows you to completely erase your debt, while Chapter 13 helps you reorganize and repay instead. As two different chapters of the Bankruptcy Code, these two legal processes offer different advantages.

For example, while you may be able to wipe your slate clean with Chapter 7, your property is often subject to liquidation. The proceeds from the sale of your assets are then used to repay your debts. On the other hand, although you cannot immediately clear your debt through Chapter 13, you can set up a manageable payment plan over a set period. This plan allows you to keep your assets and property.

Get Started On The Right Track Today

With the pros and cons of both, it can be difficult to pinpoint which chapter of bankruptcy you should pick. But the course of action that is right for you can be narrowed down by your own unique circumstances.

For this reason, it is better to work with a skilled bankruptcy lawyer who can help you determine if you meet the requirements and start from there. To learn more, schedule a consultation at our Birmingham, Alabama, office today. Call 205-324-5631 or send us a message online.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

Will I Lose My House During a Bankruptcy?

Although bankruptcy is a great relief option for those who are struggling with immense debt, it can be an overwhelming decision to make. Despite the opportunity for a fresh start, not knowing whether you will lose your car or, worse, the roof over your head can make anyone pause. But you do not have to navigate the process alone.

If you are considering bankruptcy, contact Ted Stuckenschneider PC at once. Let our board-certified consumer bankruptcy attorney address your concerns and put them to rest today.

How Can I Keep My House?

Filing for bankruptcy does not mean you will lose everything. Even through the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process, you may still be able to keep essential assets such as your home and your vehicle.

But your ability to keep your home also depends on the following factors:

  • Whether you are current on your mortgage payments
  • If you can keep up with the payments after bankruptcy
  • If the homestead exemption can protect your home’s equity
  • The amount of equity in your house

If filing Chapter 7 would increase the risk of you losing your home, we can help you explore Chapter 13 bankruptcy. While Chapter 13 does not allow you to clean your slate, it does allow you to restructure your debt, continue making payments and keep your property.

What Can An Attorney Do For Me?

The fear of losing your house should never keep you from getting the debt relief you and your family need. Work with us to determine which plan can help you put a stop to the collection calls and an end to your debt today.

To learn more about how we can help you prevent further bills from piling up, reach out to our Birmingham, Alabama, office as soon as possible. Call 205-324-5631 or use our online intake form to schedule your free consultation with attorney Ted Stuckenschneider today.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.