Experienced Berks County Bankruptcy Attorneys Near Reading, PA
Our Bankruptcy Attorneys have 40+ years of experience helping people and businesses in Berks County around Reading, PA, get their finances back on track. We understand the emotional stress financial problems can cause you.
Bankruptcy may seem like your only alternative because
- your debts are piling up;
- more bills are coming in every day, and there isn’t enough money coming in to pay them;
- you’re worried will turn off your utilities;
- it’s always on your mind, and you worry constantly;
- the constant phone calls and mail from creditors and debt collectors add to your stress;
- you really can’t enjoy things like you used to;
- you have trouble sleeping;
- it places pressure on your relationships; and
- even the thought of Bankruptcy is stressful because
- you’re afraid you’ll lose your house and other assets;
- you feel embarrassed;
- you feel like you’ve failed; and
- lastly, you worry about your credit going forward.
Does any of this sound familiar to you? It should. We’ve been helping people just like you in Reading and Berks County work through their financial difficulties for a long time. We’ve seen, heard, and understood what people go through when they are bankrupt. We know what you’re going through as well. And we can help. Let’s begin by discovering a few basic facts about Bankruptcy.
Essential Things to Understand About Bankruptcy
As experienced Bankruptcy Lawyers, we’ve learned some things you should know.
- You’re not alone. Unmanageable debt is a reality thousands of conscientious, hard-working Americans face every day. Two hundred and five people filed for Bankruptcy in Berks County in 2020.
- Bankruptcy may not be your only way to fix your finances. We’re Bankruptcy Attorneys. But we’re familiar with alternatives that may apply to your situation.
- There are two Types of Bankruptcy, and it’s essential to know the difference and choose the right type.
- Bankruptcy is not the end of the world. Bankruptcy allows you to gain a fresh start and get you back on your feet.
- You won’t lose all your assets.
- Bankruptcy stops harassing phone calls and mail from creditors and debt collection agencies;
- Your credit will recover over time.
- You don’t have to be embarrassed; you’re not a failure. Some of the most successful people in Reading and Berks County have gone through Bankruptcy. You learn from your mistakes and move forward.
Personal and corporate Bankruptcy includes many complicated processes. Trust our expert Bankruptcy Lawyers to help you get your finances back on track. Read on to find out why.
What Debts are Eliminated by Bankruptcy?
Two Classifications of Debt Under PA Bankruptcy Law
- Dischargeable Debt can be eliminated by declaring Bankruptcy and includes
- Credit Card Debt;
- Medical Bills;
- Personal Debt;
- Past Due Rent; and
- Unpaid Utility Bills
- Nondischargeable Debt cannot be removed through Bankruptcy and includes
- Student Loans;
- Spousal Support and Alimony Payments;
- Child Support in Arrears; and
- Unpaid Taxes.
How Does Bankruptcy Protect Me From Creditors and Debt Collectors?
The court issues an Automatic Stay on the day you file for Bankruptcy. The Automatic Stay stops
- current collection actions against you;
- foreclosures;
- utility shutoffs; and
- lastly, harassing phone calls from creditors and debt collectors.
Bankruptcy Options in Pennsylvania
You have two Bankruptcy options in Pennsylvania:
- Chapter 7: In Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, the court liquidates your assets to pay off your debts. Some debts may be discharged or forgiven as part of the process, although some are not dischargeable.
- Chapter 13. In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you agree to repay your debtors, usually within three to five years.
You need to talk to one of our experienced Bankruptcy Lawyers regarding your Bankruptcy options because:
- Deciding whether to have your debts forgiven or rearranged is an important decision with long-term implications.
- There are limitations to each type of Bankruptcy. For example, with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you may not be able to get relief if you have no way of meeting your obligations.
- The process can also take up to five years. However, even if the payments are designed to be more affordable, they can still be challenging.
- Finally, not everyone qualifies for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Your attorney can tell you whether you are eligible and help you determine how long your credit score may be affected.
Bankruptcy Alternatives
You may be unable to pay your debts, but you don’t necessarily have to file Bankruptcy. Our Bankruptcy Attorneys have experience with alternatives to filing Bankruptcy that avoid many long-term adverse effects on your credit. In addition, we may be able to help you negotiate with your creditors or find other ways to deal with and meet your financial obligations.
Our Experienced Bankruptcy Attorneys Can Help You
Our expert Bankruptcy Attorneys will help you because we
- listen, taking as much time as necessary until we fully understand the details of your financial situation;
- ask crucial questions only an experienced Bankruptcy Lawyer knows to ask;
- explain
- have a full breadth of legal expertise related to Bankruptcy, including Business Contracts, Business Dissolution; Business Tax Planning; and Estate Planning;
- organize important details;
- evaluate all your assets and debts via a means test;
- help you decide if your financial condition justifies filing for Bankruptcy;
- determine if filing for Bankruptcy is your best alternative;
- if bankruptcy is your best option, determine the correct type of Bankruptcy;
- tell you what to expect after you file;
- complete the necessary forms and petitions required by the Bankruptcy Filing Process in PA;
- stop the obnoxious, harassing, and often illegal debt-collection calls;
- instruct you how to conduct your financial affairs while going through the Bankruptcy process;
- devise a plan to place the least amount of pressure on your finances and credit; and
- lastly, provide the emotional support you deserve to lessen the stress everyone experiences when they’re under financial pressure.
When to Contact Our Bankruptcy Attorneys
Before contacting our Bankruptcy Attorneys, you don’t have to be on the verge of losing your home, retirement accounts, or other significant property. Having financial difficulties is like a disease. The earlier you treat it, the shorter the recovery. It’s the same with your finances. Delaying getting help can hurt your financial situation further. You lose even more, making the road to recovery even more difficult. So, if you are getting into financial trouble, we have the experience to help you get back on track.
You Won’t Find Better Bankruptcy Attorneys in Reading, Berks County, and Pennsylvania
We’re proven, experienced, and expert Bankruptcy Lawyers. We have
- Forty years of experience helping Bankruptcy clients in Berks County around Reading, PA.
- a full range of expertise in other legal areas impacted by Bankruptcies, including
- Business
- Contracts;
- Foreclosures;
- Contract Disputes; and
- Dissolution;
- Estate Planning;
- Divorce;
- Spousal Support and Alimony; and
- Child Support
- a reputation for giving clients genuine emotional support and respect;
- explain legal matters in plain English, so you don’t have to be a Bankruptcy Lawyer versed in legalese to have a conversation with us; and
- make sure you walk away knowing where you’re at, what will happen next when it happens, and that things will get better and you’ll be alright; and
- finally, we will not make false promises regarding flat fees.
The Bankruptcy Attorneys you’re looking for are right here waiting for you. Contact Us Online or Call Us at 610-670-9000 today. We’ll start helping you get your finances and life back on track.
We offer
- Convenient, Easy, and Safe Free Parking;
- Accessible Access Ramp; and
- Spacious, Well-Lit Offices