Expert Bankruptcy Attorneys Serving Richmond County, VA

Attorneys helping you work toward improved finances through bankruptcy

Handle Spiraling Debt and Halt Creditor Calls with Trusted Bankruptcy Lawyers

Struggling with your debt can feel like you’re drowning. And getting flooded with relentless creditor calls trying to take advantage of you in your vulnerable state makes matters even worse. Without the right tools and assistance, swimming your way out of debt can feel impossible. 

But you don’t need to feel stuck or alone. Many people have been where you’re at and found relief through bankruptcy. This financial tool gives you the support you need to improve your personal finances.

Bankruptcy is a common tool for conquering debt and gives you the breathing room to work on financial freedom again. Filing for bankruptcy can put a stop to debt collectors’ efforts and give you the opportunity to better manage your personal financial situation.

Financial Freedom Legal’s team of expert bankruptcy attorneys, Veronica and Steve, are well known for their work in Richmond County, VA. By offering free consultations, our team is able to help determine if bankruptcy is right for you and which chapter works best for you.

We’ll provide honest and compassionate feedback with the support to assist you in your financial journey through either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy—helping you resolve or reorganize your debt.

Gain peace of mind again, knowing you’ll be able to finally take care of your financial well-being and other areas of your life.

Fill out our form for a free consultation to see how our bankruptcy attorneys can help you in Richmond County, VA.

Your Bankruptcy Filing Options in Richmond County, VA 

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorneys

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as Liquidation Bankruptcy,  is a vital tool for resolving debts that you’re unable to pay.

Debts such as credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, cash advances, internet loans, personal loans or judgments may be eligible for financial relief with Chapter 7 bankruptcy. After your debt is resolved, you’re in a more stable financial position to focus on other areas of your life that you had to put on hold.

Once you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay is put on your debt, which prevents collection efforts right away. Creditors must end all attempts for collections, garnishments, warrants in debt or utility disconnections.

In some cases, you can choose to liquidate your property in exchange for the resolution of a mortgage or vehicle loan. However, some filers may be required to take this step as part of their debt repayments.

But Financial Freedom Legal works to help you hold onto your property. Our goal is to assist you with the best possible solution for long-term financial results. Schedule a free consultation to see if Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you.

[Chapter 7 Bankruptcy]

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyers

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Also known as Plan of Reorganization Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy allows you to pay debts on your own terms.

Right when you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you’re still able to halt debt collection attempts while you make a repayment plan based on your income and debts so you only pay what you can truly afford. You’ll have three to five years to repay your debts and in most cases, any remaining debts can then be discharged in full.

A major difference with Chapter 13 is that it takes longer compared to Chapter 7. But this method allows you to reorganize a larger range of debts and protects your important assets. Many people who file Chapter 13 bankruptcy use the reorganization as a chance to better manage other bills such as rent and/or to eliminate liens on their personal property.

We’ll work with you to handle your financial troubles. Our expert bankruptcy attorneys can help you overcome your debt. Contact Financial Freedom Legal for a free bankruptcy consultation to find out if Chapter 13 is the right bankruptcy solution for you.

[Chapter 13 Bankruptcy]

 

Stephen Relyea working with a client to help with their eviction through bankruptcy

Don’t Wait to Find Debt Relief: Our Supportive Bankruptcy Attorneys in Richmond County, VA Are Here to Help

Filing for bankruptcy not only protects your personal finances from any harmful further action, it also gives you access to a powerful financial tool for financial freedom—an automatic stay on your debts. That means preventing further collection or garnishments as well as putting a stop to constant creditor calls. No more harassing calls or stressing about having money taken from your paychecks that you work hard for.

You can also get utility companies to resume services, pause foreclosure proceedings and receive asset protections.

But bankruptcy goes one step further by either resolving your debts or giving you a newly restructured payment plan that’s practical and affordable. 

Use bankruptcy as a resource to better your financial situation and find financial freedom. This allows you to focus on rebuilding your credit, effectively manage your finances and get relief. 

Helping Richmond County, VA Through Bankruptcy 

Answering Your Top Bankruptcy Questions in Richmond County, VA

Will I lose my house if I file bankruptcy?

No, it is entirely possible to file bankruptcy and keep your home. For many people, protecting your home is the number one priority, and our team has your back.

In many cases, filing bankruptcy may actually help to protect your home by helping you to catch up missed mortgage payments or pay other debts that may be affecting your home, such as delinquent real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance, or homeowner’s association dues.

Will filing for bankruptcy ruin my credit forever?

No, filing for bankruptcy will not ruin your credit forever. It will almost certainly impact your credit upon filing, but in the long run, it may actually put you in a better position to be able to rebuild your credit.

If you are faced with overwhelming debt or you are having trouble keeping up with your monthly bills, filing bankruptcy can help you get rid of your debts or set up a plan to repay them in a way that is affordable for you.

Once those debts are eliminated or under control, you will be in a better situation to be able to really start working to rebuild your credit. Rebuilding your credit after filing bankruptcy is important, and our team is here to provide advice and help get you on the pathway to credit re-establishment and financial freedom.

Can I buy a house after I file bankruptcy?

Yes, you are able to buy a home after you file bankruptcy. You may need to wait a certain period of time—usually a year or two after filing a bankruptcy case—before lenders will be willing to approve you for a mortgage loan, but you may be able to get approved for a mortgage loan even while you are still going through the bankruptcy process, subject to approval by the bankruptcy court.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has also established specific guidelines that set forth the rules and criteria for buying a house after filing a bankruptcy. We are happy to help you learn more about the process, provide guidance along the way, and connect you with our community partners that can assist you in your home-buying journey.

Should I put my house, car, or other property in someone else’s name before filing bankruptcy?

No. Please, do not transfer the deed to your house, title to your car, or ownership of any other property to someone else before filing bankruptcy.

Any changes in ownership made prior to filing bankruptcy could be very problematic, may cause you to lose that property, and potentially prevent you from being able to get the help you need.

Please talk with us about your options at a free consultation before you make any major changes.

Can I get rid of tax debt in bankruptcy?

Sometimes, some tax debt will be eliminated without repayment in bankruptcy. Other tax debt, typically more recent tax debt, will need to be repaid.

You will be set up with a bankruptcy plan to help resolve tax debts and get your life back on track.

Will I lose my car if I file bankruptcy?

No, it is entirely possible to file bankruptcy and keep your car. Having transportation is extremely important and Financial Freedom Legal will work with you to find options that will protect your property.

If your car loan payments are behind, filing bankruptcy can actually help you prevent repossession and keep your car. It is also possible in some cases to keep your car and adjust your loan payment terms so that you end up paying less on the car loan than would be due under the original loan terms.

Does my spouse have to file bankruptcy if I file bankruptcy?

No, your spouse does not have to file just because you file bankruptcy. However, the bankruptcy court may require that you provide some financial information about your spouse when you file your individual case.

If you are married and file bankruptcy individually, your spouse’s debts will not be impacted by your bankruptcy case. Debts that are joint between you and your spouse will be addressed in your bankruptcy, but your bankruptcy will only affect your liability on those debts.

Therefore, if you are discharged from a debt that is joint with your spouse, your spouse will be responsible for paying any portion of the joint debt that remains after your bankruptcy case is over.

Can I finance a vehicle after filing bankruptcy?

Yes, filing bankruptcy does not prevent you from financing a vehicle in the future. Vehicles don’t run forever, so it is actually quite common for people to finance the purchase of vehicles after filing bankruptcy, whether it is a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy.

In some cases, you may need to get permission from the bankruptcy court. Financial Freedom Legal will walk you through that process and take the steps necessary to get the court’s approval. 

Will my student loans go away if I file bankruptcy?

Probably not. There are some rare circumstances in which some student loan debts can be fully or partially discharged. But in most cases, bankruptcy will not eliminate any portion of your student loan debt.

Our team will gladly evaluate and discuss your specific student loans with you. Even if filing a bankruptcy will not eliminate your student loan debt, it can still help if you have fallen behind on your student loan payments.

As long as you are in an active bankruptcy case, you will not be required to make student loan payments, and creditors will not be allowed to bother you with collection calls or other collection actions.

Should I just pull funds out of my retirement account to pay off my debts?

No. Please do not give away your retirement funds to creditors. Retirement funds are fully protected in bankruptcy under state and federal laws.

Veronica Brown-Moseley

Stephen Relyea

If you’re struggling with debt and feel like there’s no way out, there is. Many people have had a hard time with their personal finances, and our team of bankruptcy attorneys in Richmond County, VA is here to help. Financial Freedom Legal will collaborate with you to assist you in finding relief. Our trusted legal assistance gives you the opportunity for the fresh start you deserve.

We use a holistic legal approach that gives you comprehensive resources to help you get a handle on your financial troubles and lead you toward long-term financial freedom.

Veronica and Steve handle your case with care to help you get the best possible solution for your unique situation.

Contact us today to see how bankruptcy can be the financial tool you need for managing your debt.

Bankruptcy Lawyers Helping Richmond County, VA Residents Get Back on Their Feet From Financial Hardship

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