Bankruptcy

Who We Help

We know that filing for bankruptcy can be difficult, and we understand that it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. People come to us at many different points in their financial journey. You may see yourself in one or more of these situations:

• Your debt has gotten serious, and you need a plain explanation. You want to know what bankruptcy actually is, how it works, and whether it might apply to your situation.
• The calls, letters, demands, and collection threats are getting harder to ignore. The pressure is building, and you want it to stop.
• You are confused by all the options. You need help understanding the difference between bankruptcy, debt settlement, consolidation, repayment plans, Chapter 7, and Chapter 13.
• You want to understand what filing really involves. You need to know what the court process looks like, what documents you may have to gather, and which deadlines or rules could matter for your case.
• You received something official and scary. Court papers, a judgment, a garnishment notice, or a frozen bank account have you searching for real debt-relief answers.

Of course, it’s common to have many questions and concerns if you’re considering bankruptcy, but remember that it should be based solely on financial matters, not emotions. Our Crown Point bankruptcy attorneys will help you consider your case’s important factors and weigh all your options.

How the Bankruptcy Process Works in Indiana

Bankruptcy can feel like a mystery from the outside. In reality, it follows a clear set of steps. Here is our general process:

1. Free telephone consultation. You start with a no-cost call. We listen to your situation and answer your first round of questions.
2. Review your finances. We look at your income, expenses, total debt, and monthly cash flow. This helps us make a logical decision rather than an emotional one.
3. Choose the right chapter. Most individuals file one of two types: Chapter 7 wipes out qualifying unsecured debts, such as credit cards and medical bills. It often works well for people with limited income. Chapter 13 sets up a repayment plan, usually lasting three to five years. It can help you keep property and catch up on past-due mortgage or car payments.
4. Complete credit counseling. Federal law requires a short credit counseling course before you file. We point you to approved providers.
5. File your petition. We prepare and file your paperwork with the bankruptcy court. The moment we file, the “automatic stay” kicks in. This legal protection stops most creditor calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and collection efforts right away.
6. Attend the 341 meeting. You meet briefly with a trustee who reviews your case and asks a few questions. We prepare you ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect. Most people find it far shorter and calmer than they feared.
7. Finish the debtor education course. A second short course is required after filing.
8. Receive your discharge. In a Chapter 7 case, discharge usually comes within a few months. In a Chapter 13, it arrives after you complete your repayment plan. Once your debts are discharged, you are free of them.

We will help you decide if bankruptcy is right for you. Your decision to file bankruptcy should be based on your current income and expenses, your total debt, and the monthly cash flow you have coming in to pay those debts. One parameter to watch closely is how much disposable income you have at the end of each month. If you don’t have enough money to make a significant payment on your debt, bankruptcy might be a valid option. We can help you look at your case and make an informed decision.