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Category: Bankruptcy
Legal Requirements for Emergency Bankruptcy Filings

On Behalf of O’Brien Law Firm, LLC

Posted on: June 18, 2024

If you are in debt, financial difficulties may exacerbate your debt problems and leave you with no choice but to file for bankruptcy. In the heat of the moment, you may be tempted to file for emergency bankruptcy to get immediate reprieve. While an emergency bankruptcy filing may help, it is often a complex process with demanding requirements.

What Is an Emergency Bankruptcy Filing?

Emergency bankruptcy is a type of bankruptcy that allows for immediate reprieve from debts. It differs from normal bankruptcy filings in that the debtor only has to file the minimum required files to get the court to grant a stay order halting collections from creditors. In normal bankruptcy filings, one has to follow the entire process laid out in law, which can take months.

Requirements for an Emergency Bankruptcy Filing

Although the exact number of documents may vary depending on the specific court, below are the minimum documents you need to present when filing for emergency bankruptcy:

  • A core bankruptcy petition. Everyone filing for bankruptcy has to complete the Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (Form 101). While filing for emergency bankruptcy, you only need to fill in the core information. This typically includes personal information and an indication of the Chapter of bankruptcy you wish to file for (7 or 13).
  • Creditor information. You need to provide a detailed and comprehensive list of all your creditors, including their names, addresses, and amounts you owe them.
  • Social Security Number Disclosure. In most cases, an SSN Disclosure, also known as Form B121, is also required when filing for bankruptcy. The form is meant to verify your identity and credit report.
  • Proof of credit counseling completion. Some courts also require a certificate showing you completed a credit counseling program at a government-accredited center.

Notably, the above documents will help you get creditors off your back. However, you still need to provide additional documents and information on your finances within the specified period to avoid invalidation of your filing.

Looking for an Experienced Attorney? 

At O’Brien Law Firm in Southaven, MS, we can help you file for emergency bankruptcy. Call us today to book a free consultation with our bankruptcy lawyers. 

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Can You File for Bankruptcy After You Lose Your Job?

On Behalf of O’Brien Law Firm, LLC

Posted on: May 20, 2024

Losing a job is one of the most devastating things that can happen to anyone. Some people are able to find a job within a few months and avoid financial ruin. But what if you remain unemployed for six months or more? Worse still, what if you were already in a financial predicament before you were laid off? In such a case, you may consider filing for bankruptcy to get some relief from your creditors.

What Filing for Bankruptcy Entails

Bankruptcy procedures are primarily regulated by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. However, most states have their laws to supplement the federal code and outline the specific guidelines to follow while filing for bankruptcy. That said, there are two main forms of bankruptcy you can file for:

  • Chapter 7: This chapter allows you to “discharge” or void liability for most of your unsecured debt. However, the court may order the sale of some or most of your assets to pay back some creditors, particularly if you have collateralized debts.
  • Chapter 13: This chapter typically buys you some time and enables you to defer your debt repayments to the future, usually over a 3–5-year period. If you have unsecured debts, you will still need to pay them within the plan period. Depending on your income, however, the court may only order you to pay some of the debt and discharge the remaining portion after you complete the plan.

Which Type of Bankruptcy Is Better?

The type of bankruptcy you will be able to file for when unemployed will depend on your financial situation and how much you are willing to lose. If you have little to no income, it may be much easier to file Chapter 7. However, you stand to lose some of your assets and also take a substantive hit on your credit score.

Chapter 13 has stricter requirements as it requires you to have a regular source of income to honor your repayment plan. However, it allows you to keep most of your assets, and the effect on your credit scores will be relatively minor.

Consult an Expert

Bankruptcy laws are quite complex, and it may be frustrating to navigate through the complexities while dealing with a personal financial crisis. Fortunately, our attorneys at O’Brien Law Firm in Southaven, MS, are here to help. Talk to us today!

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Are There Limitations For Repeat Bankruptcy Filings?

On Behalf of O’Brien Law Firm, LLC

Posted on: April 23, 2024

Nobody ever dreams of going bankrupt, but during hard times, filing for bankruptcy can provide a much-needed fresh start. But what if you’ve already filed for bankruptcy before? Can you do it again?

As it is, the law doesn’t prevent anyone from filing for bankruptcy multiple times. However, the Federal Bankruptcy Code does put in place safeguards to prevent and discourage frivolous filings. Essentially, you can file for bankruptcy as many times as you want, but you have to wait for the stipulated amount of time before subsequent filings.

What the Law Says

The Bankruptcy Code provides debtors with different options for bankruptcy filings, with each option having its own limitations. Here’s a general breakdown of the available options:

  • Chapter 7: This chapter allows you to cancel most of your unsecured debts. If you file for bankruptcy under this option, you will have to wait eight years to file another debt discharge. Alternatively, you can file for a Chapter 13 discharge after four years.
  • Chapter 13: A filing under this chapter allows you to create a repayment plan to repay all or part of your debts over a 3–5-year period. If you start with this option, you will have to wait for six years to file a chapter 7 or two years to file for another chapter 13. Nonetheless, the waiting time can be reduced depending on how well you pay your debts. For instance, if you pay all your unsecured debts fully, the waiting period may be waived. If you pay 70% of the debt, the waiting period may be reduced from six years to four years.

Exceptions to the Rule

Like any law, the Bankruptcy Code allows for some exceptions and considerations where the waiting period between bankruptcy filings can be reduced or waived altogether. For instance, if you experience an unforeseen financial hardship after your last filing, a judge may allow for repeat filings sooner than stipulated.

Speak to an Attorney Today!

Don’t navigate the complexities of repeat bankruptcy filings on your own. Contact O’Brien Law Firm in Southaven, MS, today and let us help you explore your options and kickstart your journey to a debt-free future.

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The Future of Bankruptcy Law in the Age of Cryptocurrencies

On Behalf of O’Brien Law Firm, LLC

Posted on: March 25, 2024

The evolution of finance is continuous, and the emergence of cryptocurrencies has added a complex layer to the world of monetary transactions. In this digital age, the interplay between bankruptcy law and cryptocurrencies presents new challenges and opportunities for legal frameworks worldwide. As these digital assets gain prominence, it’s crucial to understand how they will shape the future of bankruptcy proceedings.

Cryptocurrencies and Bankruptcy: A Legal Conundrum

One of the primary issues in this domain is the classification of cryptocurrencies. Are they currencies, commodities, or something entirely different? This classification impacts how they are treated in bankruptcy cases. For instance, if treated as currencies, cryptocurrencies could be used to pay off debts. As commodities, they might be liquidated. The volatility of these digital assets further complicates their treatment in bankruptcy cases. Their value can fluctuate wildly, which poses a challenge in determining the debtor’s actual asset worth.

International Considerations

Another aspect to consider is the global nature of cryptocurrencies. They transcend national boundaries, complicating jurisdictional issues in bankruptcy cases. Different countries have varying approaches to cryptocurrencies, and international cooperation becomes essential for handling cross-border bankruptcy cases involving digital assets.

Technology and Transparency

Blockchain, the technology underpinning cryptocurrencies, offers enhanced transparency and traceability. This could revolutionize how assets are tracked in bankruptcy proceedings, potentially making it easier to identify and recover hidden or undisclosed assets.

Innovating Bankruptcy Law Practice

At O’Brien Law Firm, we recognize that the integration of cryptocurrencies in bankruptcy law is not just a trend but a paradigm shift. Our team is at the forefront, continuously updating our knowledge and skills to navigate this complex landscape.

Embrace the Future With O’Brien Law Firm

As we move forward in this new era, O’Brien Law Firm of Southaven, MS, is committed to offering expert legal guidance in the field of bankruptcy law, especially as it intersects with the evolving world of cryptocurrencies. We are here to assist individuals and businesses in understanding and navigating these complexities. Contact us for a consultation, and let us help you stay ahead in this rapidly changing legal landscape.

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Understanding the Role of Bankruptcy in Student Loan Debt

On Behalf of O’Brien Law Firm, LLC

Posted on: February 21, 2024

In the landscape of American finance, student loan debt stands as a formidable challenge for many. As of 2024, the total student loan debt in the U.S. exceeded $1.7 trillion, affecting millions of borrowers. The burden of this debt impacts various aspects of life, from buying a home to starting a family. While there are various strategies to manage and pay off these debts, one often misunderstood option is bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy and Student Loans: A Complex Relationship

Bankruptcy is a legal process allowing individuals or businesses to seek relief from debts they cannot repay. However, when it comes to student loans, bankruptcy works differently. Under the current U.S. Bankruptcy Code, discharging student loan debt through bankruptcy is more challenging than other types of debt. This is because the borrower must prove that repaying the loan would cause “undue hardship,” a condition that is notoriously difficult to demonstrate.

The Undue Hardship Test

The most common standard used to determine undue hardship is the Brunner Test, which requires three conditions to be met: the borrower cannot maintain a minimal standard of living if forced to repay the loan, the hardship will likely continue for a significant portion of the loan repayment period, and the borrower has made good faith efforts to repay the loan. Meeting these criteria can be an uphill battle, but it is not impossible.

Exploring Bankruptcy Options

For those considering bankruptcy for student loans, it’s essential to understand the different types: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, can potentially discharge student loans if undue hardship is proven. Chapter 13, on the other hand, involves a repayment plan and might provide some relief but typically does not lead to discharge.

Your Path to Financial Freedom

At O’Brien Law Firm in Southaven, MS, we understand the complexities of student loan debt and the role bankruptcy can play in your financial strategy. Our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you through the bankruptcy process, offering personalized advice, and helping you explore all your options. Contact O’Brien Law Firm today and take the first step toward regaining your financial freedom.

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