Top Opelika, AL Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You
805 Geneva Street, Opelika, AL 36801
When you need Bankruptcy help in Opelika, contact Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, P.C., an established Alabama law firm.
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
Visit our free Bankruptcy Resource Center.
What Is Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows an individual or a business (the debtor) to get a fresh financial start by forgiving debts that the debtor cannot repay while allowing creditors to obtain some repayment through liquidation of the debtor’s assets. Federal bankruptcy courts manage cases according to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Bankruptcy law includes several types of bankruptcy. Chapter 7, chapter 11, and chapter 13 bankruptcies are the most common.- Individuals typically file Chapter 7 bankruptcy to clear their unsecured debt, such as credit card balances and medical bills. The debtor must liquidate nonexempt assets, such as a second home, stocks, and bonds, to repay some of their unsecured debt. The remaining unsecured debt is typically discharged. The debtor is not required to liquidate exempt assets, such as household goods, clothing, and a personal vehicle (up to a particular value).
- Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows a business to reorganize and remain in business to become profitable. This type of bankruptcy allows the business to continue its activities while working on a debt repayment plan under court supervision.
Are There Any Bankruptcy Lawyers Near Me In Opelika, AL?
Finding the right fit for your case may seem daunting, but many attorneys in your area are ready to help advocate for clients like you. The LawInfo directory can help you find verified bankruptcy lawyers in Opelika. It can significantly benefit you to consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney early in your case.What Can an Alabama Bankruptcy Lawyer Do For Me?
Filing for bankruptcy is a complex process requiring a thorough knowledge of state and federal bankruptcy laws so you can decide what chapter to file under and which exemptions to claim, among other things. A bankruptcy lawyer will help guide you through this stressful and time-consuming process. Some of the ways a bankruptcy lawyer may be able to help you include:- Explaining and guiding you through the bankruptcy process,
- Analyzing your financial situation,
- Evaluating your assets and obligations,
- Advising you regarding which exemptions to claim,
- Preparing and reviewing your bankruptcy petition,
- Attending meetings with your creditors (341 meetings),
- Following up with your creditors to stop any post-filing collection efforts,
- Representing you in any litigation that may arise out of the bankruptcy, and
- Attending hearings on your behalf.
How Much Does a Bankruptcy Attorney in Opelika Cost?
Bankruptcy lawyers charge from $200/hr to $400/hr depending on the issue, the attorney’s skill, and location. In complex cases, rates can exceed $1,000/hr.When Should I Hire a Lawyer?
It is in your best interest to get legal help early in addressing your situation. There are times when quickly hiring a lawyer is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. Having a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents may also be a good idea. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a severe injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.What Are the Top Questions Should I Ask a Bankruptcy Lawyer?
- What is the usual process to resolve my case?
- How long will it take to resolve this?
- What are the likely outcomes of a case like mine?
- What should I expect during bankruptcy?
How Will A Bankruptcy Charge Me?
A reputable attorney will be very upfront about how they will charge you. The three most common fee structures that attorneys use to charge for their services are:- Bill by the hour
- Contingent fee agreement
- Flat fee agreement
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.
Tips on Approaching an Initial Attorney Consultation
- Use the consultation as a means of gaining a better understanding of your legal situation.
- Ask the attorney how many cases similar to yours he/she has handled. An attorney’s experience and knowledge can speak to their expertise (or lack of) in addressing your situation.
- Your attorney should be able to articulate roughly how long a case like yours will take to resolve and what sort of procedures to expect.
- Determine how comfortable you are working with the lawyer and/or law firm.
Tips on Hiring an Experienced Lawyer with Bankruptcy Cases
The more experienced a lawyer is in legal practice, the more likely he/she will be able to bring about a successful resolution to your issue. Since experience matters, lawyers who’ve been practicing law for many years (with a successful track record) tend to be in high demand. You should look for information about a lawyer’s experience and ask questions during the initial meeting. It’s a very good idea to ask the lawyer how many years he/she has been practicing law and the expected outcome of your case.
Common legal terms explained
Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.