Gwinnett County Bankruptcy Process Lawyer

Understanding the Bankruptcy Process

Many people are misinformed about the bankruptcy process. With so many personal bankruptcy misconceptions out there, it is important for anyone struggling with debt to understand what bankruptcy can and cannot do.

Read the following for preliminary information about the bankruptcy process. Then, contact the law office of George R. Belche in Lawrenceville, Georgia, to set up an informational consultation about bankruptcy.

Beginning the Bankruptcy Process

Our firm has helped hundreds of people through the bankruptcy process. We encourage you to schedule a free initial consultation where we can explain your debt relief options which may include Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If together we decide that bankruptcy is your best option, you can retain George R. Belche as your bankruptcy attorney. Then, the bankruptcy process will proceed as follows:

  • Gathering documents. We will need documentation of your income, expenses, debts, communications with creditors, and more.
  • Means test. To determine if you are eligible to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will need to take a means test.
  • Preparing your case. Once we have all the information necessary to file your case, we will prepare the filing paperwork.
  • Filing your case. Once you sign the paperwork, you will have filed for bankruptcy and you will immediately get relief from creditor actions.
  • Automatic stay. When the bankruptcy petition is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect, prohibiting any collection actions by creditors.
  • 341 hearing. After bankruptcy has been filed, you will be required to attend a 341 hearing of creditors. This usually is held 20 to 40 days after filing. A bankruptcy trustee will preside over the hearing, and creditors may or may not be in attendance.
  • Discharging of debt. Approximately four to six months after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, debt is discharged. For those filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the repayment plan begins at this point, lasting between three and five years.

For more information about the bankruptcy process, please contact a lawyer in Gwinnett County, Georgia. We offer a free consultation.

"We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code."