Top Columbia, SC Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You

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 Columbia 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.

How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney can often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. You should seek out an attorney whose practice focuses on the area of law most relevant to your issue.

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.

How will an attorney charge me?

A reputable attorney will be very upfront about how he/she 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

Depending on your specific legal situation, it's possible that only one type of fee structure is available. For instance, criminal defense attorneys almost always bill by the hour. In a flat fee arrangement, an attorney accepts a one-time payment to help you resolve your issue. With a contingent fee agreement, the client pays little to nothing upfront and the attorney receives a percentage of the money recovered if you win your case.