North Carolina Bankruptcy Lawyer

As a bankruptcy law firm in Charlotte, we represent clients for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy filings in North Carolina. You’ll work hand in hand with your Charlotte bankruptcy lawyer to gather information and file your bankruptcy petition. We’re with you every step of the way.

If you’d like a FREE bankruptcy consultation, simply fill out this Consultation Form, and we will contact you today. Or, if you’re ready to speak with an attorney, call 704.749.7747. The bankruptcy consultation only takes 20-30 minutes.

Bankruptcy Is Painless

Living with debt is painful. Filing bankruptcy is painless. Bankruptcy is not a sign of failure. Bankruptcy is not an admission of “giving up”. In fact, when you decide you’re going to file bankruptcy, you’re taking control of your situation. We work hand in hand with our clients on the way to helping them achieve the financial freedom they deserve.

Bankruptcy Is Powerful Relief

Bankruptcy is a relief. Bankruptcy is also an agreement between you and your creditors. And for once you have some control over the terms. The reason you have control is that you have rights in bankruptcy, and those rights are granted under the federal bankruptcy code. They entitle you to relief in exchange for openness and honesty about your financial situation. If you have nothing to hide, you have everything to gain: peace of mind, financial stability, and a bright future for you and your family. When you make the decision to work with a bankruptcy lawyer in Charlotte, NC this relief is just around the corner.

When Bankruptcy Makes Sense

Our goal is to help you get back on track financially. Quite often bankruptcy makes sense as the most effective tool to accomplish this goal. It’s much more powerful than debt settlement and as a bankruptcy lawyer in Charlotte, NC, in our opinion, it’s a FAIR arrangement. After all, most clients have been paying their creditors faithfully for years, only to barely make a dent in what is owed. You deserve better.

Bankruptcy “Guilt”

It’s amazing how many clients feel obligated to their creditors. That’s because they are good people who want to live up to their promises. In this case, the promise to repay a loan or debt. The fact is, when your creditor initially loans money, they are aware a certain percentage of those loans will not be paid back. They build that into their profit model. We can assure you, your creditors will be fine. Bankruptcy is a choice to shift the focus from your creditors to yourself and your family. What could be more important than that?

Chapter 7 or Chapter 13

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation of assets which are then distributed to creditors. The good news is it’s very rare in my experience to actually have any assets liquidated. The bankruptcy code provides protections or “exemptions” for vehicles, homes, household goods, business “tools of the trade,” and other items. Typically, clients can protect all of their belongings when filing a Chapter 7.

A bankruptcy lawyer in Charlotte, NC will tell you a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a good option for clients who have too many assets to entirely protect, or too much income to file a Chapter 7. It represents a partial repayment to creditors and strikes a balance between having the ability to pay SOMETHING, but not having the ability to pay what creditors are demanding.

Finding A Bankruptcy Attorney

The key to a successful relationship with a Charlotte bankruptcy attorney is finding someone who is available, knowledgeable, and eager to fight for you. Bankruptcy attorneys often break the stereotype we typically hold of attorneys. We practice bankruptcy law because we feel like we are helping. It’s rewarding to see bankruptcy clients experience immediate relief—all in exchange for following the rules of the bankruptcy code. Call 704.749.7747 today to speak to a bankruptcy lawyer in Charlotte, NC today. Or click HERE to request a call.

Below, you’ll find answers to Frequently Asked Questions. You can click on this link to read ALL Bankruptcy Articles archived on this site.

The Layton Law Firm
1001 East Blvd B,
Charlotte, NC 28203,
+17047497747

Call Today 704.749.7747
We Hope You Choose To Recover With Us

Click Here To Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Bankruptcy FAQs

Do I File Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?

Short Answer: If your income and assets don’t push you into a Chapter 13, and if you’re not behind on a house or car that you want to keep, you can file a Chapter 7. Otherwise, you and your bankruptcy attorney will discuss filing a Chapter 13.

Longer Answer: Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are available to most bankruptcy clients. The primary difference between the two chapters is a Chapter 7 is shorter and does not require paying creditors anything, while Chapter 13 runs the course of a few years and does include a small payment to your creditors. While you may be ‘forced’ to file a Chapter 13 if your income or assets exceed the allowable amounts in bankruptcy under the Means Test, you may also choose to file a Chapter 13 to force your creditors to let you get caught up on mortgage payments, car payments, and taxes.

Additional Reading: Which Chapter To File

Can I Keep My Home/Car In Bankruptcy?

Short Answer: Yes.

Longer Answer: The bankruptcy code is written to allow generous exemptions for the debtor. What this means is that the court is not looking to take everything you own. Some exemptions can be applied to specific items, for instance a home or car, while other exemptions can be used anywhere you need them. Generally speaking, you get to keep up to $35,000 of equity in your home, and a minimum of $3,500 of equity in a vehicle. A good working definition of equity is the blue book value minus the existing balance on the debt.

Read More: Bankruptcy Exemptions

What Does It Cost To File Bankruptcy?

Our firm is extremely competitive in our pricing for bankruptcy filings. We also make the cost a bit more manageable by accepting an initial deposit to start working on your bankruptcy filing. We will continue to work with you until we are ready to file– at that time, as soon as we receive final payment we can file the bankruptcy.

A Chapter 7 filing requires the entire fee to be paid any time prior to filing the case. A Chapter 13, while more expensive than a Chapter 7, allows for a smaller up front fee, with the remainder of the fee to be paid over the course of the Chapter 13 payments.

If you would like a fee quote for a bankruptcy it’s as simple as calling and asking. You can reach us at 704.749.7747. Or you can email [email protected] and put “Fee Quote” in the subject of your email. We will respond with a quote for a Chapter 7 and a Chapter 13.

Read More: Chapter 7, Chapter 13

When Will My Creditors Stop Calling Me?

Short Answer: Immediately!

Longer Answer: As soon as you file your bankruptcy, the federal court sends notice to all of your creditors you listed in your bankruptcy petition. It takes a few days for them to receive the notice, but if they attempt to contact you to collect on a bill after they receive it, they are in violation of the Automatic Stay in bankruptcy. As long as your bankruptcy case stays active, they are not allowed to contact you. Once you receive your discharge, the debt no longer exists so they will not make attempts to collect on it.

Read More: Automatic Stay

How Long Does Bankruptcy Take?

In a Chapter 7, you file your bankruptcy with your attorney, and about 40 days later you will have a short meeting at the courthouse. Your attorney will attend with you, and the meeting only lasts a few minutes. About 60 days after the meeting, you should receive your discharge and the case will be closed. There are exceptions, but that is generally how long a Chapter 7 takes.

In a Chapter 13, you file bankruptcy with your attorney, and have your meeting about 40 days later. A Chapter 13 is different however, in that you have an ongoing monthly payment in Chapter 13. As a result, your bankruptcy is typically open for 36 to 60 months, depending upon the length of the plan you and your attorney file. After the final payment, you’ll receive your discharge.

Will People Know I Filed Bankruptcy?

Technically, a bankruptcy filing is public. Practically speaking, unless someone goes down to the courthouse to search your name, they will not know you filed bankruptcy. It is not published in the newspaper or any other publication. Your creditors will be notified that you filed bankruptcy. It will be up to you whether to tell friends and family about your bankruptcy. If you do, you may be surprised to find one or more of them have filed bankruptcy in the past as well. It’s not as uncommon as you might think.

What Is A Bankruptcy Consultation?

A bankruptcy consultation is a conversation between you and the attorney. You can have your consultation over the phone or in person. During the consultation, you and the attorney will discuss your situation and the attorney will help you better understand the options you have. The goal is to answer your questions and help you decide on your next step. There is no pressure to move forward. The consultation is about helping you, it’s not about the law firm.

Next Step: Request A Consultation

Bankruptcy Related Articles

Learn more about what to expect and how we can help.

Understanding the Differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy, Chapter 13, Chapter 7

Bankruptcy can feel like a life raft when you're drowning in debt. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's a complex process with many facets, and the path you choose depends on your individual circumstances. For individuals in…

Which Type Of Bankruptcy Should I File?

Bankruptcy

Which Type Of Bankruptcy Should I File? You have several options when choosing which type of bankruptcy to file. For most consumers and even small business owners, those choices come down to a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. While a free…

What Happens To My Car In Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy

What Happens To My Car In Bankruptcy? If you own a car or lease a car, you will need to decide what happens to your car in bankruptcy. You have the choice to keep your car and the debt associated with it, or you can choose to surrender the…

Default Judgment – What To Do

Bankruptcy, Debt Negotiation

Default Judgment – What To Do If you received notice of a default judgment, it most likely means that a creditor successfully filed a lawsuit against you and obtained the judgment in your absence. This judgment is just as valid as a judgment…

Bankruptcy Filings Increase 10% In August

Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, Chapter 13, Chapter 7, Debt Negotiation

Bankruptcy filings for all Chapters (Chapter 7, Chapter 13, Chapter 11) increased in July of 2022, as compared to July of 2021. A recent article by Epiq Bankruptcy indicates that increased interest rates, supply chain concerns, and inflation…

Hard Money Lenders And Debt Settlement

Bankruptcy, Debt Negotiation

Debt Settlement With Hard Money Lenders Hard money loans serve a very specific purpose and fall under alternative lending. They provide cash quickly. Typically, they are used for a real estate investment or some other investment where the investor…

How Much Debt Do You Need To File Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy

How Much Debt Do You Need To File Bankruptcy? There is no set amount of debt needed to file bankruptcy. In deciding whether to file bankruptcy, we examine the amount of debt you have, the type of debt you have, and whether you qualify for Chapter…

New Year’s Resolution — File Bankruptcy Now

Bankruptcy, Chapter 13, Chapter 7

New Year’s Resolution – File Bankruptcy Now If you are thinking that the only thing that could make this year worse than last year is to stay buried in debt, it is time to file bankruptcy. You deserve the fresh start that filing bankruptcy…

Does My Spouse Have To File Bankruptcy With Me?

Bankruptcy

Does My Spouse Have To File Bankruptcy With Me? No, your spouse does not have to file bankruptcy with you. Whether you file individually or together will be a function of your income, assets, and debts. Our office will assist you with the decision-making…

North Carolina Bankruptcy Lawyer

Bankruptcy Is Painless

Bankruptcy Is Powerful Relief

When Bankruptcy Makes Sense

Bankruptcy “Guilt”

Chapter 7 or Chapter 13

Finding A Bankruptcy Attorney

The Layton Law Firm 1001 East Blvd B, Charlotte, NC 28203, +17047497747

Frequently Asked Questions

Bankruptcy Related Articles

The Layton Law Firm
1001 East Blvd B,
Charlotte, NC 28203,
+17047497747