Bankruptcy
View "Bankruptcy Basics" video | Exemptions in Mississippi | Bankruptcy and Your Credit Rating | Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy
  If you are struggling with substantial amounts of debt or harassing phone calls from creditors or lenders, you may wonder if you should file for bankruptcy. The answer to this question will vary for every individual and can only be determined after careful consideration of alternatives to bankruptcy and the different types of bankruptcy protection that may be available depending on your financial situation. Deciding to file for bankruptcy is never an easy decision to make. However, with our assistance, we want to enable you to make the right decision for your situation.
Click here to view our Bankruptcy Information Sheet.
Dealing with Creditor Abuse?
If you are reading this, you are dealing with harassing phone calls and collection letters and wondering what to do. You are not alone. Creditor harassment has become a serious problem in the current economy. Debt collectors sometimes engage is practices that are abusive and improper. If you have been subjected to harassment by your creditors or a collection agency, it is important to know that you have rights. Under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, debt collectors and creditors are prohibited from engaging in behaviors that are threatening or menacing when dealing with consumers. A bankruptcy will put an automatic stay on creditors and prevent them from taking further action to collect debts and will put a stop to their harassment. If creditors continue to attempt to collect money from you after being informed of your bankruptcy filing, they may be held liable for damages. They may also be liable for violating the Fair Debt Collections Practice Act.
So if you file for bankruptcy, besides stopping the harassment by creditors, you may be wondering about some other benefits.
Play Jeffrey G. Pierce Bankruptcy Audio Clip
Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy:
- Your debts such as credit card debt will be "discharged," or removed
- Your home, car and certain other property can't be taken to pay creditors
- You can eliminate or modify "secured debt" like a mortgage or car loan
- An "automatic stay" will protect you from future collections processes such as repossession, foreclosure and utility shut-off. A creditor that violates this can be held in contempt and could be ordered to pay money for damages you've sustained from these actions and for attorney's fees that may arise
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy may save you interest charges on unpaid tax bills
- You'll be protected from discrimination by governmental groups or private employers.
For an explanation of the different types of bankruptcy and for other general information, click on "Bankruptcy information" located on the Resources page.
If you live in Mississippi and need a bankruptcy lawyer, contact Jeffrey G. Pierce at offices in Lucedale and Ocean Springs, MS.
|
