Practice areas
Bankruptcy
If you need bankruptcy help, the firm will explain all of your options: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, what you may be able to keep, and how filing affects collection actions such as wage garnishments.
Straight answers about your options
If you are in need of bankruptcy help, the first thing you get is an explanation of all of your options. Bankruptcy is a federal court process, and the right choice depends on your income, your property, your debts and what you want to protect.
Neal E. Guttenberg meets with you one on one, by phone, by video or in person, and the firm tries to answer the phone 7 days a week.
Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?
| Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Liquidation of non-exempt property | A court-approved repayment plan |
| Typical length | A few months | Three to five years |
| Property | Exempt property is protected; a trustee may sell the rest | You can often keep property while you pay under the plan |
| Who it fits | People whose income qualifies and who have little non-exempt property | People with regular income who want to catch up on a home or car |
What can I keep?
That is the question most people ask first. Exemptions decide what property is protected in a bankruptcy case, such as some equity in a home, a vehicle, household goods and retirement accounts. We go through your property against the exemptions available to you before you file, so there are no surprises.
Collection calls and garnishments
Filing a case generally triggers the automatic stay, a court order that stops most collection actions, lawsuits and many wage garnishments while the case is open. If wages are already being garnished, contact the office soon.
Other practice areas
The firm also handles Social Security Disability claims and immigration, including marriage-based green cards and family immigration. Its site also lists OSHA matters and other areas of federal practice; ask about your situation when you call.
From the firm’s existing website
Is Filing Bankruptcy Right For You? Bankruptcy is a tool guaranteed by the Constitution to help consumers get a fresh start. It should not be considered embarrassing as it is successfully used by millions of people and companies each and every year ! Bankruptcy can help you and other honest, hard-working people get rid of burdensome debts and get bills under control. It can also do many other things like the following: Stop garnishment. If you are being garnished please see ( wage garnishments this site ) Stop foreclosures. Stop harassing phone calls. Put a stop to collection agency abuse. Prevent utility shut offs. Stop car repossessions. Eliminate some income taxes. Pay back child support. Stop driver’s license suspensions. Stop lawsuits. How to get started. You can start the process toward solving your financial problems and rebuilding the credit rating you deserve by calling us at (203) 599-1119 . Free Consultation We Will cover the following areas Why you are thinking about bankruptcy. Property you own and is that property at risk of being taken by a bankruptcy trustee. Your income. Recent financial transactions Will bankruptcy work for you. The bankruptcy filing process. Necessary information and documents to file bankruptcy What to expect at your bankruptcy hearing ( meeting of creditors 341 meeting ) Fees and costs.
More information from the firm
- All of your options
Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or no bankruptcy at all. We explain each before you decide.
- What can I keep?
Exemptions decide what property you may keep. We go through yours item by item.
- Collection pressure
Filing generally triggers the automatic stay, which pauses most collection actions while the case is open.
FAQ
Bankruptcy questions
Still have questions? Call us any day and ask.
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
Chapter 7 is a liquidation case: a trustee may sell property that is not exempt to pay creditors, and many debts are discharged. Chapter 13 is a repayment plan, usually over three to five years, that can let you keep property while you catch up.
Can bankruptcy stop a wage garnishment?
Filing a bankruptcy case generally triggers the automatic stay, which stops most collection actions, including many wage garnishments, while the case is open. Some debts and actions are treated differently, so it depends on your situation.
Will I lose my house or car?
Not necessarily. Exemptions protect certain property, and Chapter 13 can help some people keep a home or car while they catch up on payments. What you can keep depends on your property, your debts and the exemptions available to you.
Get in touch
Ready to get started?
If you need bankruptcy help, the firm will explain all of your options: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, what you may be able to keep, and how filing affects collection actions such as wage garnishments.