Fayetteville Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorneys
Over Three Decades of Experience Backing You Up
At Martin Attorneys, we understand how it feels if you are struggling to keep up with your debts and start to fall behind on your bills. If you are scarred to open your mail or pick up the phone because debt collectors are trying to contact you, then filing for bankruptcy might be the best solution for you. Let our experienced Fayetteville bankruptcy attorneys develop a reorganization plan to help get you back on track.
Because our Fayetteville Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys have decades of combined experience, we have earned an outstanding reputation with bankruptcy trustees and judges throughout Northwest Arkansas. When you choose our firm, you will always receive top-notch quality of representation, and our compassionate legal professionals will work closely with you to build a real relationship as we guide you through each phase of the bankruptcy process.
What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 is the most common form of bankruptcy in the United States. It is the fastest and simplest way to eliminate all or a portion of your unsecured debt through the sale of your nonexempt assets. The entire process can take just 4-6 months to complete.
Once you file your Chapter 7 petition, the court will appoint a bankruptcy trustee to handle your case. The court will also issue an automatic stay, which notifies your creditors that they can no longer engage in debt collection attempts. The automatic stay is an immediate end to all collection calls and letters, as well as procedures like repossession and foreclosure. Your creditors will be advised that they can only go through the bankruptcy court.
Most people who file Chapter 7 have only a few assets but large amounts of unsecured debt, such as credit card debt, medical and dental bills, personal loans, unpaid utility bills. In most cases, the court completely eliminates these unsecured debts. The elimination of debt through bankruptcy is called a debt discharge, and, in Chapter 7, it occurs after the trustee liquidates your nonexempt assets.
Non-Dischargeable Debts
Unfortunately, some debts cannot be discharged through a Chapter 7 filing. These include alimony or child support, student loans, unpaid taxes, personal injury judgments owed, penalties and fines for traffic and other violations, and any debts you failed to list in your filing.
Generally, you cannot discharge any type of secured debt, which is debt with collateral (such as a house or vehicle). To keep the property attached to secured debt in Chapter 7, you must continue to make required payments and catch up on missed payments.
Who Can File Chapter 7?
To qualify for Chapter 7, your earnings generally cannot exceed the median income for an Arkansas household of your size. If your income exceeds this level, you might still qualify, but you will be required to take a “means test.” We can walk you through this test to determine which type of bankruptcy you can use. If you cannot qualify for Chapter 7, or you believe you would lose important assets in the liquidation process, Chapter 13 might be a suitable alternative.
Reach Out to Us for the Help You Need Today
Our firm is here to help you understand the Chapter 7 process, to make this difficult time easier for you and your family, and to guide you through the process as smoothly and painlessly as possible. Let our Fayetteville lawyers use our considerable experience and legal skills to help you end the financial burden you can no longer maintain.
Ready for a fresh start? We are available at (479) 888-2039 for the help you need. Call or contact us online today!
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"They made this whole legal process simple and easy to understand. Their staff was awesome and very friendly."They are great lawyers that really care about helping you. I went and saw them for a couple of matters that I was having trouble with and they helped me out in a very professional manner. They made this whole legal process simple and easy to understand. Their staff was awesome and very friendly. Overall I would definitely recommend them to my friends.
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"Very glad we went in to see them."They will definitely take good care of you. They are there for you not just the money. Very glad we went in to see them.
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"He also did a fantastic job at coaching me through some of the possible situations I would face in the courtroom leaving me feeling confident."I had a case earlier last month. Stephen was wonderful! He was able to support me properly and efficiently. He also did a fantastic job at coaching me through some of the possible situations I would face in the courtroom leaving me feeling confident. Stephen obviously knows what he is doing. I highly recommend him to anyone in the future.
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"I can't thank them enough for helping my family and I get through the tough times we went through."They were very helpful and extremely nice. I can't thank them enough for helping my family and I get through the tough times we went through. The staff was very welcoming and understanding, I really recommend their help if anyone is looking for good lawyers!
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"Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness"
I went to Stephen Fisher at Martin Attorneys, PA with a difficult situation in which I was trying to make an ex-spouse rise to a level of either upholding his commitments of our divorce decree in regards to our children or move on and stop causing emotional damage etc.
Mr. Fisher was extremely compassionate and also very resourceful in helping us all come to the table to find a solution that, while still in the trial period, allows an environment for both parents to flourish and to be given every reason and opportunity to believe that all efforts have been made on both sides of the table to provide the best outcome for those most vulnerable and important – our kids.
I will definitely seek Mr. Fisher’s legal advice for matters in the future and refer friend’s family and strangers to him and his office. 5 Stars all the way! -
"Shea was the first attorney to listen to me thoroughly, take me seriously, show compassion, and speak honestly with me about my case."I am so thankful that attorneys like Shea Crosby exist! Admittedly, I didn't know what I needed or wanted prior to my initial consultation with Shea. I had met or spoke with several other lawyers before meeting her. Each and every time I left feeling defeated, insignificant, or like a dollar sign. Shea was the first attorney to listen to me thoroughly, take me seriously, show compassion, and speak honestly with me about my case. Her level of professionalism continued throughout the entirety of my case, which lasted just shy of ten months. Shea was always easily accessible through text, email, and phone calls. She fought for me, and my family, and she believed in me, even at times when others didn't. At the end of the day, Shea helped me negotiate an agreement which provided me and my family the relief and protections we NEEDED, and WANTED. I am so very grateful for her. It's not often one is sad when their legal proceedings have ended (when they've "won"). But that is exactly how I felt. Shea was my advisor, advocate, and by time it was over, I also considered her a friend. Her real world experience made her not only relatable, but often times my confidant. I highly recommend Shea Crosby to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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"They handled the business at hand and kept me informed along the way. Highly highly recommended to anyone."This office was beyond friendly, extremely diligent, and most importantly kind. They did not nickel and dime me to death. They handled the business at hand and kept me informed along the way. Highly highly recommended to anyone they have so many areas of expertise.
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"They treated us as family and were open/forthcoming within every step of the process."They are wonderful! We adopted our granddaughter with the help of this firm. They treated us as family and were open/forthcoming within every step of the process. Thank you for your kindness and assistance. We will use you again in the future.
