Bankruptcy Law Firm in Biloxi

If you are considering bankruptcy, you need an experienced and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney to explain your options and help ensure you come out on the other side in the best financial position possible. Along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, the Gardner Law Firm has helped many individuals, families, and small businesses overcome financial hardship and enjoy a fresh start. We work patiently with our clients to understand each individual situation before recommending a bankruptcy filing process.

Is Bankruptcy the Right Option?

You may decide to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. In any case many people think of bankruptcy as a last resort. However, it can be the solution to even the most daunting financial problems, and it is your right under federal law. Many individuals, families, and businesses have experienced similar difficulties, from the threat of foreclosure to wage garnishment, and have taken advantage of the many benefits bankruptcy has to offer, such as:

• A fresh financial start
• Credit card debt discharge
• Medical bill discharge
• Signature loan discharge
• Consolidating debt
• Preventing foreclosure
• Stopping creditor harassment

One of the first benefits you’ll realize after filing for bankruptcy is the “automatic stay,” which prevents creditors from taking action to collect on debts, including calling you, suing you, or sending you letters. Once you are under the protection of the bankruptcy court, you will most likely only have to deal with the court and your designated bankruptcy trustee, rather than the creditors themselves.

Stopping Wage Garnishment with Bankruptcy

Another troubling aspect of overwhelming debt is when your creditors threaten to garnish your wages. The fear of losing a large percentage of your income translates to accepting a diminished standard of living, which can present hardships for your family and small children. While there’s no way to stop wage garnishment to collect on child support, back taxes, or student loans, other creditors can be stopped from directly taking your paycheck. If you are currently having your wages garnished by a credit card company or other consumer debt lender, our Mississippi bankruptcy attorneys will fight to get your full paycheck back!

Repairing Your Credit after Bankruptcy

While it’s true that a bankruptcy filing will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, many people begin improving their credit rating soon after filing for bankruptcy. That’s because many debts are discharged in bankruptcy, and when lenders determine whether or not to lend you money, they examine your debt to income ratio. If you have no debt, you are potentially a good candidate for credit. With diligence and care, a better financial future is possible for you and your family.

Seeking a Fresh Start: Your Guide to Bankruptcy with a Gulfport Bankruptcy Attorney

Facing overwhelming debt can feel like being trapped in a relentless storm. Bills pile up, phone calls from creditors become incessant, and the constant worry about how to make ends meet can cast a long shadow over every aspect of your life. If you’re residing along Mississippi’s beautiful Gulf Coast and find yourself in this daunting position, you’re not alone. Many individuals, families, and even small businesses experience financial hardship, and thankfully, there are legal pathways to help you achieve a fresh start. One such path, often misunderstood, is bankruptcy.

The decision to consider bankruptcy is a significant one, and it’s natural to have questions, concerns, and perhaps even trepidation. This is precisely why having an Gulfport bankruptcy attorney by your side is not just beneficial, but absolutely crucial. 

At the Gardner Law Group, located right here on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, we understand the emotional and financial stress you’re under. We’ve dedicated our practice to guiding clients through the complexities of bankruptcy, helping them understand their options, and ensuring they emerge on the other side in the best possible financial position.

Why You Need a Gulfport Bankruptcy Attorney

The world of bankruptcy law is intricate and constantly evolving. It’s not simply a matter of filling out a few forms; it involves understanding federal and state laws, navigating specific eligibility requirements, and adhering to strict deadlines. Attempting to navigate this process without professional legal guidance can lead to costly mistakes, delays, or even the dismissal of your case.

A Gulfport bankruptcy attorney, like those at the Gardner Law Group, brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to your situation. We can:

• Evaluate Your Financial Situation Comprehensively: We’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your income, assets, debts, and expenses. This allows us to gain a complete picture of your financial landscape and determine the most appropriate course of action.
• Explain All Your Options Clearly: Bankruptcy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are different types of bankruptcy, primarily Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your unique circumstances. We will explain these options in plain language, detailing what each entails, who is eligible, and what the potential outcomes could be for your specific situation.
• Determine Your Eligibility: Before a bankruptcy petition can be filed, strict eligibility criteria must be met. For instance, Chapter 7 requires passing a “means test” to determine if your income is below a certain threshold. We will meticulously assess your eligibility for each chapter and advise you accordingly.
• Protect Your Assets: A common misconception about bankruptcy is that you will lose everything you own. This is often not the case. Both federal and state laws provide for certain exemptions that protect specific assets from liquidation. Our attorneys are well-versed in these exemption laws and will work diligently to protect as much of your property as legally possible.
• Handle Creditor Harassment: Once you retain our services, you can direct all calls from creditors to us. This immediately provides a layer of protection and relief from the constant barrage of collection efforts, allowing you to focus on rebuilding your financial life.
• Prepare and File All Necessary Documentation: The bankruptcy process involves an extensive amount of paperwork. Even a small error can cause significant delays or even lead to your case being dismissed. Our team will meticulously prepare all required petitions, schedules, and statements, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Represent You in Court: While many bankruptcy cases don’t involve extensive court proceedings, you will likely be required to attend a “meeting of creditors” (also known as a 341 meeting). Our attorneys will prepare you for this meeting and accompany you, ensuring your rights are protected and you feel confident throughout the process.
• Guide You Through Post-Bankruptcy Steps: Even after your bankruptcy is discharged, there are important steps to take to rebuild your credit and establish a solid financial future. We can provide guidance and resources to help you navigate this crucial rebuilding phase.

Understanding Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

While there are other types of bankruptcy (like Chapter 11 for businesses), individuals and families primarily consider Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation): Often referred to as “liquidation bankruptcy,” Chapter 7 is designed to provide a fresh start by discharging most unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. In exchange, a bankruptcy trustee may sell certain non-exempt assets to repay creditors. However, as mentioned earlier, many essential assets are protected by exemptions. This option is typically suitable for individuals with lower incomes and limited assets.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization): Chapter 13, known as “reorganization bankruptcy,” involves creating a repayment plan, typically lasting three to five years, to pay back some or all of your debts. This option is often chosen by individuals with a regular income who want to catch up on missed mortgage payments, car payments, or taxes, or who have assets they wish to protect that would not be exempt in a Chapter 7 filing. Once the repayment plan is successfully completed, any remaining dischargeable debts are eliminated.

Choosing between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 requires careful consideration of your financial situation, goals, and eligibility. Our Gulfport bankruptcy attorneys will patiently work with you to understand the nuances of each and recommend the path that best aligns with your needs and objectives.

Your Fresh Start on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

At the Gardner Law Group, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance. We’ve witnessed firsthand the profound relief and renewed hope our clients experience after successfully navigating the bankruptcy process. Our commitment to you extends beyond simply filing paperwork; we provide compassionate, patient, and effective legal representation.

We work patiently with each client, taking the time to understand your individual situation, your specific concerns, and your long-term financial aspirations. We believe in clear communication, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable with every step of the process. Our goal is not just to help you overcome your current financial hardship but to empower you with the knowledge and tools to enjoy a truly fresh financial start.

If you are considering bankruptcy and are looking for a Gulfport bankruptcy attorney who will prioritize your needs and advocate tirelessly on your behalf, we invite you to contact the Gardner Law Group today. Let us help you navigate the storm and guide you towards a brighter financial future along Mississippi’s beautiful Gulf Coast.

How a Bankruptcy Attorney in Hattiesburg Can Help

Navigating the bankruptcy process in Hattiesburg can be challenging due to the intricate legal requirements and paperwork involved. A bankruptcy attorney in Hattiesburg provides crucial assistance throughout every step.

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment: An attorney will begin by reviewing your financial situation, including your income, expenses, assets, and debts. They will help you understand whether bankruptcy is the right solution for you and, if so, which chapter is most appropriate given your circumstances.
2. Understanding Eligibility: For Chapter 7, the attorney will help you complete the means test to determine if you qualify. For Chapter 13, they will assess your income and ability to create a feasible repayment plan.
3. Preparing and Filing Paperwork: Bankruptcy involves extensive paperwork, including detailed schedules of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. An attorney will ensure all necessary forms are correctly completed and filed with the bankruptcy court, preventing delays or rejections.
4. Stopping Creditor Harassment: Once a bankruptcy petition is filed, an “automatic stay” goes into effect, which immediately stops most collection activities by creditors, including harassing phone calls, lawsuits, foreclosures, and repossessions. Your attorney will communicate with creditors on your behalf.
5. Representing You in Court: You will typically need to attend a “Meeting of Creditors” (also known as a 341 meeting). Your attorney will prepare you for this meeting and represent you, answering questions from the bankruptcy trustee and any creditors who attend.
6. Developing a Repayment Plan (Chapter 13): If you file Chapter 13, your attorney will help you formulate a realistic and effective repayment plan that meets the court’s requirements and is manageable for your financial situation. They will also assist with any modifications to the plan if your circumstances change.
7. Post-Bankruptcy Guidance: After your bankruptcy is discharged or your Chapter 13 plan is completed, your attorney can offer advice on rebuilding your credit and managing your finances for a fresh start.

Contact Us Today & Take the First Step toward a Fresh Start

If you’re thinking about filing for bankruptcy, you may be tempted to try and file the petition on your own (known in the legal world as filing “pro se”).

You might even think that, under the circumstances, it would be financially irresponsible to hire an attorney to handle your petition. However, errors in these documents can lead the court to reject your petition or issue stiff penalties for failing to include all accounts and creditors.

Completion of the initial bankruptcy petition requires some understanding of the rules and laws of bankruptcy court, as well as long-term financial implications of including or excluding various assets. It is critically important that you assign an accurate value to your assets, as well.

If you are facing financial difficulties and mounting debt, the Gardner Law Firm can help restore you to positive financial health. Please contact our attorneys in Biloxi, Pascagoula, or Hattiesburg for a free initial consultation to discuss your options under bankruptcy law.