Debt Relief
Drowning in Debt? Griffin, Georgia Law Firm Can Help
Dutton & Dutton Law Firm, LLC Provides Clients With Debt Relief Options
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many Georgians to struggle with debt due to illness, job loss, or family obligations. Debt relief can ease the mental and financial burden of overwhelming debt, but to weigh all your options, you need the assistance of an experienced attorney. Debra Dutton of Dutton & Dutton Law Firm, LLC in Griffin, Georgia, assists residents of the Northern District of Georgia with the following forms of debt relief
A bankruptcy filing immediately stops the collection of all creditors, even IRS debt collection. This legal protection is called the automatic stay. The automatic stay created by a bankruptcy filing bars the commencement or continuation of most legal proceedings: such as lawsuits, judgments, garnishments, and FIFA. The filing of a bankruptcy case, under any chapter, triggers an injunction against the continuance of any action by any creditor against the debtor or the debtor’s property. The automatic stay prohibits; foreclosures, garnishment or levies, beginning or continuing lawsuits, and collection or harassing phone calls. At the end of the proceedings, some or all of the debts may be discharged. At Dutton & Dutton, we do not just assist individuals in filing for bankruptcy; we help answer questions about where to go after that life-changing experience. We stop foreclosures, repossessions, lawsuits, garnishments, and harassing phone calls. We offer peace of mind and a better night’s sleep.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Also known as liquidation, Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows debtors to discharge all or part of their debt. State law allows debtors to exempt real, personal, and intangible property from the bankruptcy estate, meaning that certain assets (specified values for a home, car, and other belongings) will be protected from liquidation and distribution to creditors.
To be eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will be required to pass a means test to prove that your income is less than the median income for your family size in Georgia. You must also receive credit counseling from a state-approved credit counseling agency.
Debt Settlement
While debt settlement might lower your credit score, it remains a popular option to pay off unsecured debt because it helps consumers avoid bankruptcy and allows some people to pay back less than the total balance owed. A typical debt settlement program pays off one creditor at a time and can last up to three years.
A competent debt relief attorney can make this complicated process simple and straightforward. Attorney Debra Dutton will streamline the debt relief process for you by providing you with all your options, reviewing your financial circumstances, and making recommendations suitable to your unique situation.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy, also known as reorganization or debt consolidation, requires debtors to complete a repayment program over three to five years. During the Chapter 13 process, the attorney and debtor sets up a monthly repayment plan based on a debtor’s income, expenses, and amount of debt claimed. In Chapter 13, the automatic stay remains in effect for the life of the Chapter 13 plan.
Contact an Experienced Georgia Debt Relief Lawyer
Are you considering personal bankruptcy or some other debt relief and need to weigh your options? For competent legal advice regarding debt relief, contact Dutton & Dutton Law Firm, LLC, and schedule your free initial consultation with a qualified attorney today.