Top Opelika, AL Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You
PO Box 308, Opelika, AL 36803
When you need Bankruptcy help in Opelika, contact Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, P.C., an established Alabama law firm.
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
Bankruptcy Lawyers | Opelika Office
3120 Frederick Road, Suite B, PO Drawer 2268, Opelika, AL 36803
Opelika Bankruptcy Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys In Opelika
Lead Counsel independently verifies Bankruptcy attorneys in Opelika and checks their standing with Alabama bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
Find a Bankruptcy Attorney near Opelika
Are You Considering Bankruptcy?
If you’re overwhelmed with debt and are looking for legal solutions to solve your financial crisis then bankruptcy may be a great option for you. A skilled Opelika bankruptcy lawyer can help determine whether bankruptcy can help eliminate your debt, and get you back on your feet.
Different Types of Bankruptcy Available
Did you know there are various types of bankruptcy that each serve a different purpose and require a different skillset? A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is one type a bankruptcy attorney may decide is the best way for you to liquidate your assets to pay off creditors. This is especially true if you currently have no income.
On the other hand, a Bankruptcy law firm may select a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy as a way for you to keep control of your belongings while paying back your creditors over time.
What is bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows people to get out from under debts that are causing serious financial harm. Through the bankruptcy process, you may be able to get rid of debts like medical bills, credit card bills, and other unsecured debts. Factors such as your income and whether you have assets that you can sell to pay off some of the debts are taken into account when filing for bankruptcy and will determine what happens.What happens when I file for bankruptcy?
When you file for bankruptcy, you will be under a federal bankruptcy court’s supervision and protection. During this time, you, your lawyer, the court, and your creditors will work on a plan for discharging your eligible debts. Collectors will also be unable to repossess property and garnish your wages or bank accounts during this time.How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?
There is no easy answer to this question. The ultimate cost will be a mix of court filing fees and what you owe your attorney for guiding you through the process. What you owe will depend on how complicated your case is and whether there are any prolonged disputes with creditors. Most likely, however, the debt relief that comes with bankruptcy will outweigh any fees.How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, while a Chapter 13 will remain for up to seven years. A bankruptcy filing will also harm your credit score. However, if you need to file for bankruptcy, it’s likely your score is not that high anyway, and your bankruptcy will give you a chance at a fresh start and time to rebuild your credit score.Best Time to Seek Legal Help
No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.
Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer
- What is the usual process to resolve my case? How long will it take to resolve this?
- What are likely outcomes of a case like mine? What should I expect?
An experienced lawyer should be able to communicate a basic “road map” on how to proceed. The lawyer should be able to walk you through the anticipated process, key considerations, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Once you’ve laid out the facts of your situation to the lawyer, he/she should be able to frame expectations and likely scenarios to help you understand your legal issue.
Types of legal fees:
Bill by the hour: Many attorneys bill by the hour. How much an attorney bills you per hour will vary based on a number of factors. For instance, an attorney’s hourly fee may fluctuate based on whether that hour is spent representing you in court or doing research on your case. Attorneys in one practice area may bill you more than attorneys in a different practice area.
Contingent fee: Some lawyers will accept payment via contingent fee. In this arrangement, the lawyer receives a percentage of the total monetary recovery if you win your lawsuit. In sum, the lawyer only gets paid if you win. Contingent fee agreements are limited to specific practice areas in civil law.
Flat fee: For “routine” legal work where the attorney generally knows the amount of time and resources necessary to complete the task, he/she may be willing to bill you a flat fee for services performed.
Common legal terms explained
Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.
Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.