Denver Bankruptcy Lawyer The Wink Law Firm Can Help You Obtain Debt Relief Through Filing for Bankruptcy
If you’re struggling with debt, you’re probably already feeling overwhelmed. Bill after bill keeps coming, and you can’t keep up. And now creditors are calling you or sending harassing letters, demanding payment right now and losing sympathy for your tough financial situation.
If you can’t find a way to responsibly get out of debt on your own or with the help of a friend or family member, it may be time to consider filing for bankruptcy.
Still, just the word “bankruptcy” may make you feel even more overwhelmed. All the paperwork, all the ramifications to your credit score. Will you now have to walk around with a giant “B” on your shirt? Does filing for bankruptcy connote failure?
The good news is bankruptcy does not mean the end of your financial life or that you’ll never be able to buy a home or car again. In fact, bankruptcy may be the smartest way to get a fresh start.
Thankfully, a good bankruptcy attorney, such as The Wink Law Firm of Denver, Colorado, will be there to help you with all the paperwork and legal tasks so your bankruptcy journey starts off smoothly. They’ll work to help you get the outcome you so desperately want: to be debt free and back on the path toward a better financial future!
Do You Have to Have a Lawyer to File for Bankruptcy?
No. But bankruptcy is hard. There are a lot of forms to fill out, and you may have to go before a judge. Even one minor mistake could lead to your case being thrown out or the judge not giving you the outcome you want. People who file bankruptcy cases on their own have a much lower success rate than the people who hire a bankruptcy attorney.
Bankruptcy attorneys not only make sure all the paperwork and legal proceedings go as well as can be, they also work to help you keep as many of your assets as possible. That’s right – you don’t lose all your assets when you file for bankruptcy. But in order to have the highest likelihood of keeping as many as possible, it’s crucial you hire a bankruptcy lawyer.
Meeting With a Bankruptcy Attorney
When your debt is out of control, it’s a good idea to meet with a bankruptcy attorney as soon as possible. You don’t want your debt to get worse and worse.
The Wink Law Firm, skilled bankruptcy attorneys from Colorado, offer a free initial consultation. They’ll review your case and see if filing for bankruptcy makes sense for you. This will also give you a chance to get to know them and see if they’re the right match for your case.
Completing the Bankruptcy Paperwork
After you’ve hired a bankruptcy lawyer, it’s time to gather documents, such as financial records. These will be used when you file for bankruptcy.
Once you’ve compiled all the documents and signed the forms, the bankruptcy law firm will file your case with the Bankruptcy court.
Completing a Credit Counseling Course and Debtor Education Course
Before filing for bankruptcy, you’ll be required to take an online credit counseling course. It should take about 60-90 minutes.
Similarly, after your 341 Meeting (more on that below), you’ll be required to complete a financial management course. It too can be done online in about 90 minutes.
Attending the 341 Meeting of Creditors
A few weeks after you’ve filed for bankruptcy, you must attend a meeting with a Bankruptcy Trustee to answer any questions. No judge will be present. Creditors also may attend and ask questions, but they rarely do.
If this sounds scary, don’t worry. In the case of Denver bankruptcy attorneys The Wink Law Firm, they’ll also attend the meeting and help if necessary, plus make sure you’re prepared to answer every question with confidence.
Making Payments and Relinquishing Non-Exempt Assets
The Bankruptcy Trustee will likely require you to make some payments toward your debt or give up some of your non-exempt property after the 341 Meeting.
Don’t worry: You won’t end up penniless on the street. You’ll still be able to keep many of your assets, if not most. But this is another area where you really want the services of a skilled bankruptcy attorney, because they’ll help you keep as many of your assets as possible.
Debts Being Discharged
After you’ve completed the courses, paid all the fees, and at least 60 days have passed following the 341 Meeting, any possible debts that can be discharged will be.
Cost of Filing for Bankruptcy
It’s true that there are some costs to filing for bankruptcy. But remember, bankruptcy helps wipe out your debts. These expenses will help you get back on track toward a brighter financial future.
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy (i.e., when most of your debts are discharged): $338 filing fee.
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy (i.e., when some debts are discharged, while the rest are paid in a three- to five-year repayment plan): $313 filing fee.
- Credit Counseling Course fee: $15-$30.
If you decide to hire a bankruptcy attorney – and you should! – fees can vary widely. But in Denver, Colorado, here’s a general range of what to expect:
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy with an attorney: $1,500-$3,000.
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy with an attorney: $4,000-$5,000.
Paying that extra money for a bankruptcy lawyer could be the thing that helps you keep thousands of dollars of assets, plus eliminating thousands in debt.
If You’re Dealing with Overwhelming Debt, Start Bankruptcy Today
Bankruptcy is never an easy choice. And it can feel overwhelming. But it can also be a smart way to get some much-needed debt relief. With a skilled bankruptcy law firm by your side, such as The Wink Law Firm who serve the greater Denver area, your case can turn out much better than it could on your own. Call The Wink Law Firm today at (720) 523-0620 or contact us online to start getting your financial life back on track.