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Bankruptcy Lawyer – Recover Debt Fast

  • By:Paul A Humbert

If someone owes you money and keeps dodging your calls, you’re not alone and out of options. The frustration is real whether you’re a small business owner chasing unpaid invoices, a landlord dealing with a tenant who skipped town, or a creditor who got left behind in a bankruptcy filing. Time is money, and waiting for someone to “make it right” doesn’t cut it.

This is where hiring a bankruptcy lawyer can make all the difference.

A skilled bankruptcy attorney knows the system inside and out. At the Law Offices of Paul A. Humbert, P.L., we represent individuals and businesses as they confidently navigate the confusing world of bankruptcy. If you are facing foreclosure, garnished wages, or harassing debt collector calls, our experienced bankruptcy attorneys are here to guide you through each step of the process.

We can help you cut through the paperwork, understand your rights as a creditor, and take the proper steps to recover what you’re owed legally. Maybe it means filing a proof of claim in a bankruptcy case. Perhaps it means contesting a discharge or negotiating a settlement. Either way, you’re not just hoping for payment, you’re taking action backed by the law.

And the best part? You don’t have to navigate this maze alone. An experienced lawyer will help you move quickly and strategically, giving you the best shot at recovering your debt, without dragging things out for months or getting buried in legal jargon.

What Is Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is not failure. It is a tool. part of the bankruptcy code, giving individuals and businesses a way out of debt and a map to start anew. Think of it as a reset button. If you qualify, it may stop collections and lawsuits and allow you to catch your breath.

Individuals tend to be afraid to seek bankruptcy because they believe they will lose everything or that there is shame in seeking it. But here’s the reality: bankruptcy is an excellent choice when done properly. It’s not about admitting defeat, it’s about reclaiming power.

There are various forms of bankruptcy, but the two most commonly used among individuals are:

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Also referred to as “liquidation,” this is for people with little income and must eliminate unsecured debt like credit card bills or medical bills. You may lose some non-necessary property, but most Chapter 7 cases are no-asset cases, so you don’t lose anything.

  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: This is a 3- to 5-year payment plan, so you can keep your property while paying off all or part of your debt. It’s the best option if you’d like to avoid a foreclosure or restart delinquent auto or mortgage payments.

We’ll help guide you through whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is best for your situation.

The Bankruptcy Process – What You Can Expect

Bankruptcy isn’t as intimidating as you might think—not when you’re with the right folks. Here’s a plain-spoken overview of what happens:

1. Free Consultation

Every adventure starts with a conversation. During your free consultation, we’ll review your financial situation and determine if bankruptcy is the right choice for you. We’ll inquire, review documents, and give you honest legal advice.

2. Credit Counseling

You are required to take a government-authorized credit counseling course before filing. This is part of the standard bankruptcy filing process, and we will help you register. 

3. Filing The Bankruptcy Petition

This is where the documents begin. We will help you acquire the necessary forms, complete your bankruptcy petition, and file with the United States Bankruptcy Court. Our staff handles everything that needs to be done with the court, so you won’t have to worry about every line item.

4. Trustee Appointment And 341 Meeting

You’ll have a trustee who will oversee your bankruptcy case. You’ll have a “341 Meeting of Creditors,” and you’ll answer basic questions about your finances. Don’t panic, we’ll prepare you for this short court visit.

5. Debt Discharge Or Plan Approval

If you’re in a Chapter 7 case, qualifying debts typically disappear within a matter of months. If you’re in Chapter 13, we’ll help you suggest a Chapter 13 plan that is affordable and reasonable to your creditors.

Why You Shouldn’t File Without an Attorney

We get it, Google makes everything seem DIY-doable. But proceeding without an experienced bankruptcy lawyer can lead to severe headaches and lost time. Pro se filers (people who do it themselves) often struggle with complex forms, miss deadlines, or neglect to claim valuable exemptions that would have saved their property.

With the proper guidance, even a complicated Chapter 7 or challenging Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a breeze. We’ve helped many bankruptcy filers retain their homes, cars, and retirement accounts, assets that could be at risk if they file bankruptcy without a lawyer.

Besides, bankruptcy law is less a matter of forms than it is a matter of understanding the nuances of the bankruptcy code, the local rules of court, and how to navigate the federal courts. That’s where we come in.

What Bankruptcy Can (And Can’t) Do

Let’s be realistic. Bankruptcy is not magic but can achieve remarkable results when used correctly. Here’s what it can do:

  1. Stop Foreclosure: Filing Chapter 13 will halt a foreclosure action and allow a chance to get caught up on payments.

  2. End Harassment: The moment you file, there is an automatic stay. That means no more calls from bill collectors, no more wage garnishments, and no more lawsuits.

  3. Wipe Out Unsecured Debts: Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills.

  4. Protect Your Property: With the correct exemptions, you can protect your property and keep most (if not all) of your possessions.

  5. Give You Breathing Room: Chapter 13’s repayment plan lets you get caught up over time without losing everything.

Now what it won’t do:

  • Discharge student loans (in most cases)
  • Discharge recent taxes or child support
  • Automatically remove liens or secured debts like mortgages

However, the relief from suffocating unsecured debt can free up your finances and give you the peace of mind to begin again.

How Much Do Bankruptcy Lawyers Cost?

It’s a fair question—and one we receive frequently. The cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney will vary based on the chapter of bankruptcy and the complexity of your case. Nevertheless, we do believe in reasonable fees and honesty. We will outline all fees in advance, so there are no surprises.

Remember: An experienced lawyer will save you money in the long run by preventing costly mistakes, maximizing your exemptions, and guiding you around problems that could slow down or ruin your case.

Can I Just Do It Myself (Self-Help or Pro Se)?

You can do it yourself without a lawyer. A few try the self-help route, especially for Chapter 7, but the fact is that bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy have many more moving parts. If you are behind on your house, have a business, or have property you’re trying to keep, you need a bankruptcy lawyer.

Pro se cases are much more likely to be dismissed or delayed. Bankruptcy courts have no patience for mistakes, even if you do your best. So while filing without a lawyer might seem cheaper upfront, it can cost you much more. 

We’re Here To Provide You With A Fresh Beginning

At the Law Offices of Paul A. Humbert, P.L., we don’t just fill out forms; we fight for your future. Whether you’re threatened with foreclosure, drowning in a sea of credit card debt, or simply need a way out of the nightmare, our office is here to help.

We know how overwhelming this can be, and we also know the wonderful feeling of relief from debt. We’ve seen clients walk into our office with no hope and walk out with a plan, a path, and a second chance.

Our law services go beyond bankruptcy; we’re with you for your entire financial journey, from debt settlement, to estate planning, to protecting your assets from creditors.

Call the Law Offices of Paul A. Humbert, P.L., and start your journey towards financial freedom.

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