Are you drowning in debt and don’t know where to turn?

You don’t have to face financial hardship alone. There’s a caring professional bankruptcy lawyer in Houston, TX ready to listen to you.

• If you have questions about bankruptcy…
• If you’re tired of harassing phone calls and threatening letters from creditors…
• If you just want to get life back to normal…

We’re here to help.

Take the first step and fill out our free Bankruptcy Survey. It only takes a minute to complete, and you don’t have to give us your name. Knowing a little about your financial circumstances will allow us to help you get life back on track faster.

Here are some of the most common Texas bankruptcy questions we get from Houston residents like you.

Q: What is bankruptcy?

A: If you owe more money than you can pay, federal bankruptcy law provides the process to allow you to either eliminate your debt or work out a payment plan to pay your debts (either in portion or in full) over a period of time.

Q: Will bankruptcy stop all the harassing phone calls and mail from bill collectors?

A: The short answer is yes! No one likes being reminded of financial hardship over the phone or in the mail. In Texas, bankruptcy lawyers fight the aggressive and annoying creditors for you. Once you file your case with bankruptcy court, an “automatic stay” will go into effect. This will stop the creditor harassment.

Q: Will bankruptcy stop a wage garnishment from a lawsuit over an unsecured debt?

A: Yes. All debts are included. The automatic stay will stop the garnishment.

Q: How long will bankruptcy remain on my credit report?

A: Bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for up to ten years.

Q: What’s the difference between “secured” and “unsecured” debt?

A: Secured debt is debt where you provided collateral allowing a creditor to make a claim on an asset like your house, real estate or car. Unsecured debt is held by creditors who have no claim to your assets. A credit card company would be a good example.

Q: What if I forget one of my debts after I file?

A: Your Houston bankruptcy lawyer can amend your case to include any additional debts you may remember after the case is filed.

Q: Can I file without my spouse filing, too?

A: This is something you should discuss carefully with your attorney. The spouse that doesn’t file could end up being responsible for some of the debts.

Q: Can I be held responsible for a debt that I co-signed?

A: Yes.

Q: Can all debts be discharged?

A: No. Some debts including student loans, government loans, and back taxes cannot be discharged.

Q: Will I lose my social security payments if I go bankrupt?

A: No. You will continue to receive benefits.

Q: Am I going to lose my house, car or other possessions?

A: Many people put off talking to a bankruptcy attorney because they’re afraid of losing everything. But the truth is there are exemptions, both state and federal, that allow you to keep a certain amount of personal property. Every state is different, though, which is why it’s very important to get bankruptcy advice from a local Houston lawyer; one who will know the ins and outs of Texas bankruptcy law.

Q: Can I pick which debts to put in the bankruptcy?

A: No. You must include all of your debts.

Q: When do I receive a discharge?

A: Generally, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge is received 60 days after the 341 meeting, or first meeting of creditors. For Chapter 13, you receive your discharge after you have completed the payments under the Chapter 13 plan.

Q: What are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?

A: Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are the two most common forms of bankruptcy. They are a complex set of laws and forms you file when declaring bankruptcy. Many lawyers specialize in these types exclusively so you know you’re getting expert up-to-date legal advice. Texas bankruptcy attorneys understand the laws most applicable to Houston filers and will fight to protect your rights and your property.

Q: How do I file bankruptcy?

A: Bankruptcy is a long complicated process to describe. Which is why it’s important to talk to a local bankruptcy attorney to decide if filing is the right decision for you. Fortunately, if you do decide to declare, your attorney does most of the work.

It’s likely you’ll have to make several trips to their office, so choose one close by. You’ll need to provide them with all your personal information so they can assemble and file your voluntary petition. Once the documents are filed in bankruptcy court, you will be assigned a trustee. That person is in charge of collecting any further information from you and making sure everything is accurate. Next, your creditors are notified of the bankruptcy filing so they stop all collection activity including phone calls and mailings.

A qualified bankruptcy lawyer from Houston TX will guide you through the bankruptcy process as quickly and painlessly as possible. Please complete the Free Bankruptcy Survey form below. There is no obligation and you’ll get free advice on the best way to improve your financial situation. Don’t wait — find out if filing bankruptcy is your best option by completing the form today!