Its a federal law that is designed to give honest debtors a fresh start.

Each case is different, but in general most debts can be discharged, and most people get to keep what they own.

It does not scrub your credit report clean, and some debts are not dischargeable.

chapter 7 can only be filed once in 8 years, following the filing of a previous chapter 7. The rules are different for chapter 13 filings.

For consumer debtors, the choice is between chapter 13 and chapter 7.

You need to talk to your attorney to find out the answer.

You need to talk to your attorney to find out the answer.

There is a list of exempt property which says what you get to keep. This is a legal question and you need to consult your attorney.

It depends; that’s why you need an attorney. If you file without an attorney you may be dismayed at what you are going to have taken away.

Yes most people get to keep everything they owned at the time they filed, including their cars and their home.

Most debts are dischargeable; common exceptions are back child support, back taxes and student loans.

There is one hearing everyone must attend; its called the meeting of creditors but it is really an interview with the Trustee appointed to handle your case.

Yes, in many case it may actually improve it by wiping out old debt and judgments.

As long as you have income you will get credit cards and car loans immediately after filing.

You can wipe out past due utility bills, but then you have to put up a deposit for restoration of gas and electric service, so unless it is a large amount it may not pay to list them.

We rarely see it, except in rare instances where sensitive government clearance is required.

In many cases yes. You need to confer with your attorney for the details.

The co-signer is still liable for a debt even though you are filing. By the same token a co-signer will not be affected by your filing if they continue to pay the debt.

You can file jointly for the same price, or file on your own.

Yes, the automatic stay stops all collection activity upon the filing of the bankruptcy.

It varies from creditor to creditor, but notices are received by listed creditors about a week after filing.

Student loans are not discharged unless you make a convincing showing of undue hardship. This is a complex legal issue to be discussed with your attorney if you are considering trying to have student loans discharged.

You should file in the district where you have lived for the previous 3 months.

There is no simple answer; each case is different. you would need to discuss this with your attorney.

Traffic Law FAQs

The purpose is to avoid points against your license that can lead to suspension or revocation of your driving privileges, and to avoid an increase in your insurance premiums.

Moving violations carry points; more serious violations more points than minor infractions. After a certain number of points in a certain period of time, your driving privileges can be suspended or revoked.

For minor violations, probably not. For more serious charges like DWI and driving while suspended or revoked, probably yes.

yes, because we can save you the points.

Each court is different and the facts of the case will be determine the amount of the fine.