Bankruptcy is the legal method for a debtor to discharge or relieve debt. Bankruptcy is a way for people or a business that owe more money than they can pay to either work out a plan to repay the money over time or to have their debt wiped out. While no debtor is guaranteed a total discharge, most debtors who file for bankruptcy are given such relief. One of the primary purposes of the bankruptcy act is to relieve the honest debtor from the weight of oppressive indebtedness and to provide the debtor with a fresh start.

Brenda Hetrick began practicing law in 1995 and the primary focus of the firm is Bankruptcy law. She has extensive experience in this area of law. The office can assist with the following types of bankruptcy matters:

• Creditor and Debtor Chapter 7 and 13 for individuals and businesses
• Petitions
• Motions for relief from stay
• Objections to discharge
• Objections to plans
• Adversary complaints

 Ms. Hetrick currently serves as one of five Bankruptcy Trustees for the Southern District of Alabama.

Mobile Alabama Bankruptcy Lawyer at the Law Firm of Brenda Drendel Hetrick, PC goal is to provide quality big firm legal advice and services in a small firm atmosphere. By meeting with you personally, they will be able to have a better understanding of your pains, frustrations and personal loss so that he can effectively and accurately communicate your case to a jury.

If you any bankruptcy question or are ready to file for bankruptcy, we can help. Whether you wish to bring a claim on behalf of yourself or a loved one, our bankruptcy attorneys in Mobile, Alabama has the expertise necessary for a positive verdict or settlement. Contact Law Firm of Brenda Drendel Hetrick, PC toll free at 866-733-6001 or by completing the contact information form.

What is bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is the legal method for a debtor to discharge or relieve debt. Bankruptcy is a way for people or a business who owe more money than they can pay to either work out a plan to repay the money over time or to have their debt wiped out. While no debtor is guaranteed a total discharge, most debtors who file for bankruptcy are given such relief. One of the primary purposes of the bankruptcy act is to relieve the honest debtor from the weight of oppressive indebtedness and to provide the debtor with a fresh start. Title 11 of the United States Code regulates the filing of a bankruptcy. If the debtor initiates the bankruptcy it is called a voluntary bankruptcy. If the creditor initiates the bankruptcy it is called an involuntary bankruptcy. In an involuntary bankruptcy the debtor has the opportunity to contest the petition. While the debtor is either working out a plan or the trustee is gathering the available assets to sell, the Bankruptcy Code provides that creditors must stop all collection efforts against the debtor. The Bankruptcy Code regulates what chapter you must file under, what bills can be eliminated, how long payments may be extended, what possessions you may keep, and all other details concerning the bankruptcy.

What is the Bankruptcy Code?
The Bankruptcy Code refers to Title 11 of the United States Code. (11 U.S.C. º 101-1330) Federal Law governs bankruptcy.

Where do I get a copy of my states local rules?
Copies can be obtained at the public service counters in the Clerk`s office of the Bankruptcy Court. In addition, many Bankruptcy Courts now have their rules online.

Who can file for bankruptcy?
Any person, partnership, corporation or business trust may file bankruptcy. In addition, charitable or social organizations may also file for bankruptcy. United States citizenship is not a requirement for filing bankruptcy.

Will filing bankruptcy effect my credit rating?
Unfortunately it will. However, most individuals are able to rebuild their credit within a few years. If you are currently contemplating bankruptcy, then it is likely that your current credit rating has already been effected. A discharge of your current debt may provide the opportunity to rebuild your credit with steady, regular payments on a new account.

How long will a bankruptcy show on my credit reports?
The Bankruptcy Court has no jurisdiction over credit reporting agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act, 6 U.S.C. Section 605, is the law that controls credit reporting agencies. The law states that credit reporting agencies may not report a bankruptcy case on a person`s credit report after ten years from the date the bankruptcy case is filed. Other bad credit information is removed after seven years. The larger credit reporting agencies belong to an organization called the Associated Credit Bureaus. The policy of the Associated Credit Bureaus is to remove chapter 11 and chapter 13 cases from the credit report after seven years to encourage debtors to file under these chapters.

Can I file for bankruptcy every few years?
No. Once a discharge is granted, a debtor who filed under chapter 7 or 11 is prohibited from filing for another 6 years.