The Law Offices of Sidney L. Alegre offers professional and compassionate counsel in Bankruptcy proceedings 

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, the federal bankruptcy laws can help stop the harassing phone calls and letters and give you a fresh financial start. In most circumstances, you can permanently rid yourself of certain debts while protecting major assets, such as your home, your vehicles and your retirement accounts. To properly educate yourself about Bankruptcy options you will want to consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. 

There are two main forms of consumer bankruptcy, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 

If filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are allowed to discharge certain debts permanently. When we file for your protection under Chapter 7, your creditors must stop any further attempts to collect the debt from you because the court issues an automatic stay during the bankruptcy pendency. 

It is important to contact us to learn about your options in bankruptcy.  We will discuss alternatives with you, so that you can make an informed decision about whether bankruptcy is in your best interest. If you choose to move forward, we will help you determine whether you are eligible to file under Chapter 7; if not, we may be able to assist you in filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 13. 

If you are eligible for liquidation under Chapter 7, we will make certain that you understand which obligations, such as income tax debts, student loans, and support arrearages, might not be dischargeable in bankruptcy. We will explain how you can likely keep your principal residence, vehicles and retirement accounts. We prepare and file all documents necessary to initiate your Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding and provide any information requested by creditors, the Bankruptcy Trustee, or the Bankruptcy Court. We also act as your representative in meetings and hearings. 

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

If you are ineligible for the discharge of debts under Chapter 7 or you prefer to repay your creditors over time Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be an option.  In a Chapter 13 proceeding, you agree to repay your creditors in whole or in part over a three to five year period.  Filing a petition invokes the automatic stay, meaning your creditors are prohibited from contacting you during the bankruptcy period. Chapter 13 may even allow you to remove a second mortgage on your home.

We will handle all matters involved in the Chapter 13 proceeding;

• Preparing and filing the initial petition, as well as providing any documents requested by creditors, the Bankruptcy Trustee or the Bankruptcy Court.

• We will help you prepare a repayment plan for the approval of the court. Rely on our experience when establishing a feasible repayment plan that complies with the bankruptcy laws.

• We will act as your advocate in all proceedings or meetings with creditors, the Trustee, or the Court. Our representation lasts throughout the repayment plan period.

• We will provide you with a list of approved credit counseling agencies to fulfill the counseling required under the bankruptcy laws.

Law Offices of Sidney L. Alegre brings over 10 years of experience in bankruptcy law to those in need. We focus our efforts on building long-term relationships with our clients, we take the time to get to know you and carefully listen to your concerns so that we can help you implement solutions that meet your needs.