Lebanon Attorneys Guide Clients Through the Bankruptcy Process

Warren County lawyers work to discharge or reorganize your debts

When you find yourself in financial trouble, it may seem as if you have no options. You, like most people, may think of bankruptcy as a last resort. In fact, filing bankruptcy is your right, and it is a powerful tool that can help you build your financial future. At Ernst & Associates, our goal is bringing you peace of mind. We help clients in Warren County and Southwest Ohio file Chapter 7 bankruptcy so that they can discharge their debt or guide them through Chapter 13 debt reorganization so that they can catch up and pay their bills. Our attorneys also provide debt analysis and other debt-relief services. We are committed to helping you find solutions to your overwhelming debt, regardless of how you accrued that debt.

Understanding your options when choosing bankruptcy

There are two main types of bankruptcy that are typically filed by individuals or couples. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as “straight bankruptcy,” is a way to immediately discharge debts. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, usually referred to as “debt reorganization,” involves the creation of a payment plan to let you catch up on some of your debts over time. Both types of bankruptcy are designed to reduce your unsecured debts such as medical debts, credit card balances and personal loans. Our attorneys provide you with individualized attention to help you choose between:

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This option works best for those with a lower income. To be eligible for this process, your earnings must be below the amount set out in Ohio’s “means test.” In exchange for discharging all of your unsecured debts, a court may require you to liquidate some of your assets. Many of our clients are able to keep their home and a car while eliminating much of their debt. Our trustworthy attorneys work with you to help you get through this process as easily as possible.
• Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Debt reorganization allows you and your attorney to design a payment plan. You will make one smaller payment each month to cover all of your unsecured debts. When the payment plan ends in three to five years, some of your debts will be discharged. None of your property needs to be liquidated.

No matter which form of bankruptcy you choose, the collection calls stop as soon as we file your case in court.

Providing Warren County clients with real alternatives

Bankruptcy isn’t the right option in all cases. That’s why our firm provides alternatives. We offer credit counseling services to help you decide on the right course of action for you and your family. Our services include:

• Debt analysis. Credit counseling is a mandatory requirement for anyone seeking to enter into bankruptcy. Our attorneys personally help you understand your options and the effects that each course of action could have on your financial future. We help you find court-approved classes so that you can avoid the pitfalls of programs designed by credit card companies to keep you in debt.
• Debt-relief options. We work with lenders to construct loan modifications so that you can continue to make payments and avoid bankruptcy. We also offer foreclosure defense and debt-settlement services.

Our firm uses all available methods to reduce or eliminate your overwhelming debt so that you can rest easy.

Let our Warren County attorneys ease the stress of your financial problems

Bankruptcy is a tool that allows you to responsibly and directly confront your financial issues. Waiting and hiding from debt collectors will not make your debt go away, but bankruptcy can. For compassionate and trustworthy guidance from Lebanon debt-relief attorneys, contact Ernst & Associates by calling 513-268-0738 or contacting us online.