Services

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy gives a fresh start to financially strapped individuals. In a Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy, all credit card debts and “unsecured” debts are eliminated, and it gives you a chance at a new life.
After bankruptcy, you can recover good credit in about two years. Filing for bankruptcy does not mean 7 to 10 years of bad credit – that is a myth. Credit card companies usually offer you credit cards right after the bankruptcy is over. Qualifying for a mortgage will take about three years after bankruptcy.

The most often asked question is how does one qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Essentially, you need to have three things: (1) moderate to low income, (2) significant amount of debt and (3) no substantial property.

One: Moderate to Low Income

To qualify for Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy, you must have moderate to low income as set forth in the Bankruptcy Code. Your income level is determined by your household’s circumstances. This includes factors such as your cost of living, where you live and what deductions are taken out of your paychecks.
To determine if you qualify for Chapter 7, please call us. We provide free consultations to review your situation and let you know if you qualify for help.

Two: Significant Debt

Many financially struggling families are trapped by high interest debt that was incurred to cover basic expenses and emergency expenses that arise from unemployment, illness, and divorce. The Bankruptcy Code is designed to provide a fresh start for these families by eliminating debt such as credit card debt.

Three: No Substantial Property

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not mean you lose all your property or possessions. The bankruptcy law is designed to protect individuals’ cars, homes, bank accounts and other assets up to certain values. In the great majority of bankruptcy cases, consumers are allowed to keep their cars, homes, bank accounts and other household items. The amount of protection is different for each state. If your assets are above the value allowed, the Bankruptcy Court could potentially sell them to pay your creditors.

Indiana Means Test

Your average household income is determined by averaging your monthly income over the last six calendar months. If you are over the median income limit and your income has declined over the last six months, then waiting one or more months might bring your income under the median level for Indiana. Once you determine your average monthly income you multiply that by 12 to determine your annual income for the purpose of Indiana median income test.

1 Member Household – $41,250.00
2 Member Household – $51,926.00
3 Member Household – $61,021.00
4 Member Household – $71,113.00
5 Member Household – $79,213.00
6 Member Household – $87,313.00
7 Member Household – $95,413.00
8 Member Household – $103,513.00
9 Member Household – $111,613.00
10 Member Household – $119,713.00

No Substantial Property

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not mean you lose all your property or possessions. The bankruptcy law is designed to protect individuals’ cars, homes, bank accounts and other assets up to certain values. In the great majority of bankruptcy cases, consumers are allowed to keep their cars, homes, bank accounts and other household items. The amount of protection is different for each state. If your assets are above the value allowed, the Bankruptcy Court could potentially sell them to pay your creditors.

Depending on which state you live in, you may be entitled to select between State exemptions and Federal exemptions which are different laws that protect different assets in different ways. The safest way to ensure that all your assets are protected is to consult with a lawyer for bankruptcy evaluation.