Gainesville Bankruptcy Attorney - Call (703) 494-3323

Gainesville Bankruptcy Attorney – Call (703) 494-3323

Get a Bankruptcy Lawyer Near Me

Fisher-Sandler, LLC are Gainesville bankruptcy attorneys who specialize in Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy along with Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and debt relief for individuals and businesses in the Gainesville and all of the Prince William County area.

The Fisher-Sandler, LLC Law offices provide personal service when you need a Gainesville Bankruptcy Lawyer. We have helped thousands of clients obtain a fresh start when it comes to their finances. Bankruptcy provides debt relief and lets you enjoy life once again. Our Gainesville bankruptcy attorneys at Fisher-Sandler have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the bankruptcy process. Take action today! Contact us now to schedule a free consultation. There are also Non-Bankruptcy options available and we can advise what is the best move for you to make right now. You’ll be glad you did.

Don’t file for bankruptcy without consulting us. There is a lot of misinformation out there on filing bankruptcy. Get straight and accurate information on Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy from an experienced, caring and compassionate bankruptcy lawyer who will answer all of your questions. We address any concerns you may have, whether you’re considering filing a bankruptcy petition or in need of debt relief. We know you will find answers to your questions and you will walk out feeling better than when you walked in.

Gainesville Bankruptcy Lawyers – Fisher-Sandler, LLC

The most common type of bankruptcy filing is Chapter 7. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is used by those who don’t have a lot of property or other assets and who aren’t behind on house or car payments. As your local bankruptcy lawyer, we can show you how Chapter 7 allows you to wipe away most of your unsecured debt.

Gainesville Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney

Chapter 13 is another common type of consumer bankruptcy filing. This type of bankruptcy can help you keep your home if you are behind on your mortgage or keep your car if you are behind on your car loan. A payment plan (often for only secured and priority debts) is filed with the court and generally lasts three to five years. After you have made payments for three to five years, the rest of your unsecured debt is discharged (wiped out). As chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyers, we can help you determine which type of bankruptcy is best for your financial situation.

From medical bills to an unexpected job loss and reduced income, debt can easily become overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through this struggle alone. Our bar-certified debt lawyers and bankruptcy attorneys can offer additional resources aside from business or personal bankruptcy protection.

Gainesville Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

To explore your options thoroughly before you make a life-changing decision, you need the guidance and assistance of a highly experienced Gainesville bankruptcy attorney. While bankruptcy is an excellent option, in some circumstances it may not be your best move. Some lawyers may immediately recommend bankruptcy for a client, even when there may be a viable alternative that would have been more beneficial in the long term. When you work with Fisher-Sandler, LLC Law Firm, we will evaluate your circumstances and make an honest, thorough evaluation of your financial situation to determine whether an alternative to bankruptcy makes more sense for you.

Learn more about the debt relief and bankruptcy services we offer:

What Are the Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy?

If you are struggling with unmanageable debt, consider asking a Gainesville bankruptcy attorney about filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Although no one should treat bankruptcy like a one-size-fits-all solution, it can be highly beneficial for those in difficult situations. Deciding what is your best option and plan of attack is something a qualified Gainesville bankruptcy lawyer at Fisher-Sandler can help you decide. If you are considering filing bankruptcy, ask your Gainesville bankruptcy attorney about the following benefits:

The automatic stay will prevent further debt collection efforts
Discharging most, if not all, of your unsecured debts
Preventing the loss of your home to foreclosure
Putting a stop to auto repossession and wage garnishment
Moving forward with a clean slate and a fresh start

What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often called “liquidation” bankruptcy. People usually choose this chapter when they do not have enough income to repay their debts. Most debts in Chapter 7 bankruptcy are eliminated and completely discharged. However, you may have to sell some property in order to repay creditors. You must qualify for Chapter 7 via a Means Test that will determine if your income meets guidelines to file Chapter 7. A bankruptcy attorney can walk you through the Chapter 7 process and help you take the means test.

What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy, often called “reorganization” bankruptcy, may be used to manage debt over a three to five year payment period. If you have enough income to repay most of your debts but need structure in which to do that, Chapter 13 may be an option for you. Your debts may not exceed certain limits; however, most people who do not qualify for Chapter 7 can utilize the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process.

The Bankruptcy Process

The process of filing bankruptcy can be complex. You must submit specific forms and provide a plethora of information to the bankruptcy court. There are court hearings and legal procedures that you must follow. A skilled bankruptcy lawyer can guide you through the process and help you understand your legal options.

Steps in the bankruptcy process include the following:

Step 1: Complete a credit counseling course.

Within 180 days prior to filing for bankruptcy, you must complete a credit counseling course. The U.S. Trustee’s office must approve the course, and it can cost between $25 and $35 for the course. If you cannot afford a credit counseling course, you may qualify for discounts or a free course.

Step 2: File your bankruptcy petition with the federal court.

You must file a petition for bankruptcy along with a filing fee with the federal bankruptcy court in your jurisdiction. You must also submit information about your income, debts, and any assets you own. The bankruptcy court will quickly issue an automatic stay order, which will pause all creditor collection efforts. If you are dealing with a foreclosure or repossession, these will stop. Calls, emails, and other contact from creditors will also be routed to your Gainesville bankruptcy attorney. An automatic stay will not be put into place or will be limited if you have already filed for bankruptcy once or more within the last 12 months.

Step 3: Attend a 341 Meeting of Creditors.

Within 60 days of when you file your bankruptcy petition, you will attend a hearing called the “meeting of the creditors.” This hearing will not take place in a court, but will likely be in a meeting room. Your bankruptcy trustee, attorney, and creditors may appear at the hearing. However, it is rare for creditors to actually attend the meeting of the creditors. Typically, you answer questions from the trustee and review the information that you submitted with your bankruptcy petition.

Step 4: Take a second debt counseling course.

After your meeting of the creditors, you will have to take a second debt counseling course. This will help you understand your current budget and how to manage your debts going forward.

Step 5: The court will confirm your eligibility to file bankruptcy.

The bankruptcy court will review your information along with any challenges presented at the meeting of creditors. If you are filing Chapter 7, the bankruptcy court will ensure you pass the Means Test. If you are filing Chapter 13, the bankruptcy court will review the amount of your secured and unsecured debts and determine if you qualify.

Step 6: The court will manage your debts.

If you are eligible for bankruptcy, the court will handle your debts according to the chapter of bankruptcy that you are requesting. If you are filing Chapter 7, the court may require you to liquidate some of your property to pay your creditors. When filing Chapter 13, you may have to submit a proposed payment plan. In the end, the court will require you to pay the necessary debts and receive a discharge of eligible debts.

What Types of Debt Can Be Discharged?

You can’t discharge all debts through bankruptcy. There are certain types of debt that are “dischargeable” and others that are “nondischargeable.” A knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyer can review your debt and help you understand which types of debt you are dealing with.

You can completely wipe out debts that are dischargeable through bankruptcy. You do not have to repay them at all; moreover, the creditors cannot harass you to collect them. Dischargeable debts include medical bills, credit card debt, personal loans, and utility bills.

Nondischargeable debt cannot be done away with through bankruptcy; however, you may be able to manage these debts through your Chapter 13 repayment plan. Examples of nondischargeable debt include some tax debt, alimony, child support, and student loans.

Alternatives to Bankruptcy

If you are unsure of what to do about your debt, a bankruptcy attorney can inform you of your options. While bankruptcy may not be the right choice for you, a Gainesville bankruptcy lawyer can guide you through your options, which may include debt consolidation, negotiation to decrease debt amounts, restructuring of loans, and more.

Start Your Relief Process Today by Contacting a Gainesville Bankruptcy Attorney

If you feel your debt may be taking over your life, then speak with a highly trained and experienced Gainesville bankruptcy attorney at Fisher-Sandler, LLC today. We service clients throughout the entire Prince William County area. At Fisher-Sandler Law our firm’s number one goal is to help residents get and stay out of debt. Let us help you get through your hardest times.

Gainesville Virginia – About

Gainesville has gone through a lot of changes in the recent past and grown significantly. We can all appreciate the overpasses and new traffic patterns at the intersection of Routes 66 and 29, and we are all enjoying watching Gainesville develop as a community. In spite of all that has changed, Gainesville has a long and interesting history, which reveals stronger ties to the present then many people realize.

Major commercial and residential development has taken place since 2000, resulting in Gainesville having six large shopping centers. The intersection of I-66 and Lee Highway (29 Highway) has the largest shopping center with big box stores, such as Target Supercenter, Lowe’s, Best Buy, DSW, Walgreens, and many other stores and restaurants. Somerset Crossing has a Bank Of America, Wells Fargo, and other shops. Close to US-15 are a Staples, Ross, Wegmans Food Markets, Michael’s, and Harris Teeter. The Promenade at Virginia Gateway was developed by The Peterson Companies, including BJ’s Warehouse, which opened in January 2012, and Regal Theaters which opened in late 2013.

A proposed Haymarket / Gainesville railway station extension for the VRE was scheduled to open in 2022, connecting the region via commuter rail to Fairfax County, Manassas, and Washington, D.C. However the project was voted down by the VRE Operations Board, in favor of expanding services to the existing station in Broad Run.

Sources : Wikipedia , Piedmontlifestyle.com

Other Cities Served in Prince William County:

Woodbridge, Dale City, Lake Ridge, Occoquan, Montclair, Dumfries, Triangle, Quantico, Gainesville, Haymarket
Nokesville, Bull Run, West Gate, Sudley, Buckhall, Loch Lomond, Yorkshire, Bristow, Wellington, Catharpin
Woolsey, Manassas, Manassas Park, Bull Run, Linton Hall, Prince William County

Zip Codes Served:

20143,22026,22193,20155,20169,22192,20136,20112,20111,
22191,22025,20181,22125,22134,20109,22172

Bankruptcy Attorney Gainesville VA