Trusted Bankruptcy Lawyers Serving Sunbury, PA
Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding provided for in the United States Constitution itself. It breaks the financial chains associated with unmanageable debts, protecting both debtors and creditors in Sunbury. While filing for bankruptcy is a hard decision, it exists because our legal system values your life and financial freedom.
Discuss your bankruptcy options with our compassionate team serving Sunbury and Central Pennsylvania. We work hard to save your business and stop collection calls and foreclosure proceedings.
Overview of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Bankruptcy is a federal, not state, matter requiring assistance from an attorney admitted to the United States Bankruptcy Court in Pennsylvania. Not every law firm can handle bankruptcy petitions. At Mette Law, our experienced federal bankruptcy attorneys begin by analyzing your financial situation to determine if bankruptcy is your best option.
Debts Dischargeable in Bankruptcy
Filing a bankruptcy petition has numerous benefits and can result in the restructuring or discharge of the following debts:
- Student loans (undue hardship)
- Credit cards
- Business debts
- Legal judgments
- Medical bills
- Personal loans
- Utility arrears
- Foreclosure deficiencies
It can also help you keep your home and reduce liabilities. However, it’s not the right option for everyone. Bankruptcy does not discharge certain debts, such as child support arrears, alimony, fines, taxes, and legal judgments related to willful and malicious conduct. It also significantly impacts your credit score. That’s why our experienced bankruptcy lawyers take the time needed to determine whether bankruptcy is right for you.
Choosing the Right Bankruptcy Proceeding
If our dedicated attorneys believe you’d benefit from bankruptcy protections, we can help you determine the right type of bankruptcy petition to file. In most cases, petitioners file for bankruptcy under one of the following chapters:
Chapter 7
Both individuals and businesses can file for liquidation under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Under this chapter, the trustee liquidates (sells) all non-exempt assets and distributes the proceeds to eligible creditors. This gives you a fresh start, but it often results in losing your business, home, vehicle, savings, retirement, and valuable assets.
Chapter 11
This type of bankruptcy, called restructuring, can allow you to keep your assets and continue operating your business. During Chapter 11 proceedings, the court helps you restructure your debts into manageable payments based on income and liabilities. It’s often used by companies that wish to continue operating.
Chapter 13
Like Chapter 11, Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individual wage earners to restructure their debts into manageable payments. You can be able to keep your home and assets while also reducing liabilities and stopping foreclosure. Unlike Chapter 7, this does not discharge your debts. It gives you the time and protection necessary to pay debts in arrears.
Contact a Qualified Bankruptcy Attorney
Bankruptcy is not the end. Let our compassionate legal team at Mette Law analyze your case to determine if it’s your best option. Confidentially discuss your business and personal debts with our legal professionals today by calling 717-232-5000 or contacting us online.