Experienced Efficiency; Compassionate Counsel

At the Law Office of Steven Horak, my commitment to helping Chicagoland workers and families reclaim their financial future is not limited to my employment law practice. When unexpected medical expenses or spiraling debts leave you unable to pay your bills, I can help you consider filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and guide you through the bankruptcy process. With over 30 years of legal experience and my determination to provide you with personal, efficient service, I can simplify the complex decisions and procedures bankruptcy entails, and enable you to move toward debt-free independence with confidence.

Understanding Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings share several common features. In both processes, those seeking debt relief must pass a means test in order to qualify for bankruptcy, which demonstrates that their income is insufficient to meet their debt obligations. If the means test is passed, an attorney can assist with formally filing for bankruptcy. This filing:

• Automatically stays creditors from collecting further debts, unless ruled otherwise by a court
• Can outline which assets (usually personally property) are exempt from future debt collections
• Leads to a 341 hearing, in which creditors may object to the bankruptcy filings

At a 341 hearing, an attorney can help mediate between the individual filing for bankruptcy, any creditors in attendance, and the bankruptcy trustee – who assumes responsibility for the filing individual’s assets. An attorney can also represent the filing individual as the bankruptcy court determines which of their debts must be repaid, and which debts are discharged – that is, eliminated.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is available to individuals, married couples, and businesses who have accrued overwhelming debt and are seeking a fresh start. This is the most common type of bankruptcy filing, in which nonexempt assets are liquidated to repay some debts, while other debts are discharged. The United States Bankruptcy Court states that individuals receive a discharge of at least some of their debts in 99% of Chapter 7 cases.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is available only to individuals, and requires developing and executing a court-ordered plan to repay some or all of an individuals’ debts. Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not entail liquidation, and can allow you to catch up on repaying certain debts by placing them within a planned schedule – which can prevent foreclosure of a home.

Seek A Sustainable, Secure Future

Facing bankruptcy can be frustrating and intimidating – but a proper bankruptcy filing can enable you to reclaim your financial independence, and a skilled bankruptcy attorney can provide essential clarity guidance. At the Law Office of Steven Horak, I am prepared to help you navigate the bankruptcy process while understanding your priorities, answering your questions and working diligently to move you toward a sustainable, secure future. To schedule your free consultation, call 847-877-3120 or send me an email.

 

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code.