Richmond, VA Bankruptcy Attorneys

There are two primary types of bankruptcy:

1. Chapter 7. Also known as a liquidation bankruptcy, Chapter 7 allows for the discharge of unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. In exchange, non-exempt assets may be sold to creditors.
2. Chapter 13. For individuals who do not qualify for Chapter 7, filing under Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan that typically lasts three to five years. This route is often used to stop foreclosure and catch up on car or mortgage payments.

Each bankruptcy type has its own benefits and limitations, making it crucial to consult a knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyer about your specific situation. Our attorneys can carefully review your case and financial goals to determine an appropriate path forward.

Yes. After filing for bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay, which immediately stops most creditors from taking actions against you, such as collection lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure.

Under federal law, you must wait a certain amount of time before filing for bankruptcy again after a previous discharge. The waiting period depends on the type of bankruptcy you previously filed and the chapter you are filing now. These include:

• Eight years for Chapter 7 to Chapter 7.
• Two years for Chapter 13 to Chapter 13.
• Four years for Chapter 7 to Chapter 13.
• Six years for Chapter 13 to Chapter 7.

Understanding the impacts of bankruptcy on your credit score is key to making informed choices for your financial future. While filing for bankruptcy will likely cause an initial drop in your credit score, it also gives you the opportunity to begin rebuilding your credit.

Many individuals see improvement within a few years after making on-time payments and responsibly managing new credit. Our lawyers have a deep understanding of these impacts to help you move forward with confidence.

Bankruptcy can eliminate most unsecured debts, including credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and overdue utility payments. However, it usually does not eliminate non-dischargeable debts like child support, alimony, taxes, and student loans. Our attorneys can assess your current debt to determine which debts are eligible for discharge and help you decide if bankruptcy is the right solution.

Yes, hospitals can file lawsuits for unpaid medical bills. If they win a judgment, you could face wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens. If you have outstanding medical debt with Johnston-Willis Hospital, don’t hesitate to contact Boleman Law Firm, P.C. for personalized guidance. Our attorneys can evaluate your financial situation, explain your legal options for debt relief, and determine if bankruptcy is the right solution to eliminate your medical debt.

Yes. Federal law requires all individual debtors to complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider within 180 days of filing for bankruptcy. Our firm can help you enroll and submit your certificate of completion with your petition.

While it may be tempting to cut financial corners by forgoing legal representation, working with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer is paramount to achieving a favorable outcome. Below are some invaluable ways that our attorneys can assist you:

• Filing paperwork. Bankruptcy involves detailed forms and strict deadlines. We can help you complete the required paperwork correctly and on time to prevent delays and dismissals.
• Asset protection. We can help you choose the appropriate chapter, submit the necessary documentation, and identify potential exemptions to protect your hard-earned assets.
• Handling creditor disputes. Our firm can handle disputes and respond to objections from creditors or the bankruptcy trustee to reduce stress, surprises, and potential liability.
• Legal guidance. We can represent you at the 341 meeting and advise you in subsequent hearings to prevent mistakes and errors that may delay or jeopardize your case.