Bankruptcy Services in Columbus
Compassionate Bankruptcy Guidance in Central Ohio, including Newark, Lancaster, London & Delaware
Debt can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are with your finances. Whether you are dealing with threats of foreclosure or endless phone calls from aggressive creditors, stressors of debt are enough to make anyone lose sleep. Bankruptcy gives people the opportunity to overcome crushing debt and avoid its worst consequences. At the Law Office of Matthew Doyaga, LLC, our bankruptcy services in Columbus are designed to help you navigate the process and find the solutions you need.
Call (888) 490-7958 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation today. Flexible payment plans are available, and we provide our legal services in English and Spanish.
Defeat Debt With Our Help
Too many people think of bankruptcy as “giving up” or admitting defeat. The reality is bankruptcy can be a crucial lifeline for people who are drowning in debt and at risk of losing some of their most important assets, such as their homes or vehicles. A successful filing can help you eliminate debt, protect your property from creditors, and set you up for a brighter future. Our lawyer regularly assist clients with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. Because we recognize bankruptcy is not necessarily right for everyone, Law Office of Matthew Doyaga, LLC can also help you with home mortgage modifications and other debt-relief solutions.
Contact us online or call (888) 490-7958 to learn more about our bankruptcy services in Columbus.
How to File Personal Bankruptcies
When a person or business can no longer repay its debts or obligations, they have the option of filing fo r bankruptcy. When a person or individual files for bankruptcy, it is also known as a personal bankruptcy.
Choose Your Personal Bankruptcy Filing
There are several types of bankruptcy, but the most common types of personal bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Depending on what kind of debt you have, whether you are earning income, the value of your assets, and other details about your financial situation, the type of bankruptcy you file for will be different. For example, in order to file for Chapter 7, you must be able to pass the means test, whereas Chapter 13 may be better for those who earn a regular income.
Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney
Get valuable information from an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Columbus, Ohio at Law Office of Matthew Doyaga, LLC during a free initial consultation. We can take a detailed look at your debt and financial situation and determine which form of bankruptcy is right for you or if there are other options that you may be able to take. You deserve a fresh start.
Complete a Credit Counseling Course Within 180 Days Before Filing
Attending, completing, and receiving a certificate for a credit counseling course is a mandatory requirement before filing for bankruptcy. It must be offered by a government-approved organization as well. The counseling will give you further information to help you decide to file for bankruptcy or seek another solution for your debt. Courses typically cost $50 and you may get the cost waived if you qualify.
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
When filing for bankruptcy, the forms are made up of a total of 70 pages which are made up of 23 forms. These forms will ask questions about your finances such as how much you make, spend, own, and owe in debt. Our seasoned bankruptcy lawyers in Columbus, Ohio at Law Office of Matthew Doyaga, LLC can help you with these forms if necessary.
Pay Your Filing Fees
There are fees associated with filing for bankruptcy -- you must pay them in order to file. If you do not have funds right now to pay them, you may apply to pay your fee in installments after your case is filed. The maximum adjustment is for 4 monthly payments. If you are unable to pay the fee at all, you may complete a form to get the fee waived if you qualify. Unfortunately, if your application is denied, the bankruptcy court will order you to pay the fee in installments.
File Your Bankruptcy Petition With the Court
You must present your forms to the clerk -- they will not check your forms for errors, so you must be sure that your forms have been completed correctly. When you’ve filed your petition, your bankruptcy case will be appointed a bankruptcy trustee. Their duty is to communicate with you, your creditors, and request any further copies of your forms.
Attend a 341 Creditors Meeting
This meeting typically takes a few minutes at most. Your creditors will most likely not even be there, but if they are, they will ask questions about your financial circumstances. Your bankruptcy trustee will also have questions for you as well -- be sure to answer the questions truthfully because you’ll be under oath.
Complete a Pre-Bankruptcy Credit Counseling Course
This must be completed before your debts are discharged. Again, the course must be offered by a government-approved organization and the certificate you receive is necessary for completing your bankruptcy. There is a course fee that may be anywhere between $50 - $100 and you may get it waived if you qualify and you complete an application.
Receive a Notice of Debt Discharge
Finally, you will receive a Notice of Debt Discharge when your creditors have discharged your debts and you will no longer be responsible for any remaining debts you may have. It may take some time to receive this depending on how the circumstances of your bankruptcy case.
Are you struggling against debt? Reach out to our skilled bankruptcy attorneys in Columbus, Ohio at Law Office of Matthew Doyaga, LLC.
