Massachusetts Bankruptcy Solutions: Your Questions Answered
Get Informed with Our Massachusetts Bankruptcy Firm!
At The Law Office of Glenn F. Russell, Jr. our legal team wants to educate you about the Massachusetts bankruptcy process, so you can make informed decisions. Our goal is to make you comfortable with every action that is being taken, so you can have peace of mind about your financial situation. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask our bankruptcy attorney by calling our Fall River office or submitting an online case evaluation form.
Understanding Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is used by individuals who are unable to mend their financial situation because they do not have enough assets or income. It is often called liquidation bankruptcy because the debtor's property is sold for cash by the trustee. Chapter 7 will allow debtor's financial debts to be discharged in a timely manner, but it is only available to persons who fall below a certain income level.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is used for individuals who are able to repay their debts in a reasonable time period. The debtor will come up with a repayment plan for the next few years, so that the creditors can receive part of their debts. After the payment plan is complete, the rest of the debt will be discharged. While repaying the debt, the debtor will be under the court's protection and creditors may not adjust the plan.
Can Bankruptcy Eliminate All My Debts?
Bankruptcy may allow you to get rid of all of your unsecured debts, which are debts that are not backed up by collateral. These include credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans.
The following types of debt that may not be eliminated by bankruptcy:
- Secured debt
- Child support and alimony
- Tax debt
- Student Loans
- Bankruptcy filing fees
Choosing the Right Bankruptcy Option for You
If you are eligible to pursue Chapter 7 bankruptcy, then you have an option of which bankruptcy chapter to file. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of bankruptcy.
Benefits of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- Your debts will be eliminated more quickly
- You don't have to worry about monthly payments
- Your future income is not counted
- Your credit score can recover faster
Benefits of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- You can retain more of your property
- Non-dischargeable debts in Chapter 7 can be reduced in Chapter 13
- Your wages may not be garnished
- Foreclosure on your home can be deferred
Drawbacks of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- You will lose any non-exempt assets
- You will still be responsible for paying any non-dischargeable debt
- You can't restructure any remaining debt
Drawbacks of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- Repayment period lasts for a long time
- Credit score is poor for a longer period of time
- Costs of bankruptcy may be higher
Contact Us for Your Initial Consultation Today!
Talk more with our Massachusetts bankruptcy attorney to discuss which chapter would be best for you. The Law Office of Glenn F. Russell, Jr. can analyze your situation and advise you on the best course of action to take.
If you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy in Massachusetts, then you need legal counsel that you can trust. Attorney Glenn F. Russell Jr. has assisted countless clients with complex bankruptcy cases and he can assist you as well! Call the office or submit an online case evaluation form to get started, before it's too late!
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Our FAQ
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Do I really need a foreclosure lawyer?Absolutely. Should you need foreclosure defense counsel, only an experienced attorney can determine which course of action is best for you. Whereas predatory scam artists try to prey on your financial vulnerability, a skilled foreclosure defense attorney genuinely can look out for the best interest of you and your family. Legal advice must be practical and efficient in order to be effective, so if you need strong legal guidance, trust that The Law Office of Glenn F. Russell, Jr. can offer the counsel needed to successfully navigate the complicated legalities of foreclosure or bankruptcy.
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Third parties are offering to help my foreclosure process. How do I know who to trust?
Perhaps one of the greatest obstacles individuals encounter during the foreclosure process is learning who to trust and who to avoid. Due to the nature of the foreclosure process, descriptions of any homes being foreclosed may be published and accessible as public information. It is a sad truth that there are fraudulent companies that prey on public lists of foreclosing homes and attempt to take advantage of a people's financial vulnerability.
You may be contacted by mortgage brokers, mortgage negotiators, or mortgage holders. You may also be contacted by a Massachusetts bankruptcy attorney or a private financier who offers to help you sort out your finances. These parties may be dependable sources of legal and helpful advice during your foreclosure.
Unfortunately, there are frauds and scam artists who will try to take your home or your money without providing any sort of service. A general word of advice we give to clients to follow is: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid scams with the help of a qualified attorney from our firm!
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What happens at a foreclosure sale?
It doesn't happen all the time, but if you have exhausted all of your legal alternatives and feel as though a foreclosure or short sale is the last resort, you need to know what to expect.
No foreclosure sale is exactly the same, but for the most part, the foreclosure sale process typically involves the following:
- Lenders must first send a notice of a foreclosure to the homeowner. The notice must be sent at least 14 days prior to the foreclosure sale date.
- A foreclosure sale will take place at the date, time, and place specified in the foreclosure notice.
- The foreclosure sale will be conducted by a licensed auctioneer. The auctioneer will read various legal notices, descriptions, and documents pertaining to the property.
- The auctioneer will take bids on the property, take deposit checks, and accept the highest bid to close the foreclosure property sale.
- Parties - including the mortgagor, the purchaser, and the auctioneer - will draft a foreclosure deed, which must be recorded and filed at the Registry of Deeds.
- A grace period - typically 30 days - will be given to allow the purchaser to line up financing.
- A closing will take place, and the new owner will formally take title to the foreclosed property.
All monies paid by the new purchaser will go toward paying real estate taxes, owed mortgages, and payments to creditors or other debts owed on the property. If no one at the foreclosure sale is able to bid a high enough amount to cover the debt of the property, then the balanced owed - called a deficiency - would then be the liability of the old owner.