Bankruptcy Lawyer in Orleans Parish

Personalized Bankruptcy Solutions Tailored for You

At Sisk Law Firm, I understand the complexities and stress associated with financial distress. As your compassionate bankruptcy attorney in Orleans Parish, I am committed to providing personalized legal guidance for individuals in Orleans Parish facing bankruptcy. Whether you're considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, my goal is to help you achieve a fresh financial start with a plan that suits your unique situation. Pursuing bankruptcy can seem overwhelming, but it offers a structured way to reset and reclaim your life.

Understanding the specifics of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 is essential. Chapter 7 typically involves liquidating non-exempt assets to pay creditors, which could lead to a complete discharge of your unsecured debts. However, not everyone qualifies for Chapter 7 based on the means test requirement, which evaluates your income against the median income in Louisiana. In contrast, Chapter 13 allows for debt reorganization with a repayment plan spanning three to five years, offering you the ability to keep important assets like your home and car while catching up on arrears.

Struggling with debt? Our bankruptcy lawyer in Orleans Parish can help you get back on track. Call (504) 499-5919 or reach out online to start your financial recovery.

Why Choose Me as Your Bankruptcy Attorney in Orleans Parish?

• Direct, One-on-One Service: As a solo practitioner, I handle every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive the personalized attention you deserve. My focus is not just on meeting legal requirements but on understanding the emotional and financial strain you're under.
• Extensive Experience: Since 2012, I've resolved thousands of debt-related issues, giving me a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in bankruptcy law. This experience helps me foresee potential challenges and proactively address them, smoothing out the process for you.
• Local Focus: My practice serves Metairie, Jefferson Parish, and surrounding areas, providing solutions tailored to the local legal and economic landscape. My knowledge of the Orleans Parish court system and its nuances can significantly benefit your case, as local procedures may subtly differ from those in other parishes.
• Free Consultation & Flexible Payments: I offer an initial free consultation and convenient payment options to make your journey to financial freedom less stressful. This initial meeting helps us both to gauge your situation and decide on the best path forward, financially and personally.

The Bankruptcy Process: What You Can Expect

Understanding the bankruptcy process is crucial. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:

1. Initial Consultation: We begin with a free consultation to evaluate your financial circumstances and determine the best course of action. This consultation is designed to be a judgment-free zone where we can openly discuss your financial struggles and hopes for recovery.
2. Preparation & Filing: I assist in preparing the necessary documents and filing the appropriate chapter of bankruptcy with the Orleans Parish courts. This includes gathering paperwork like income statements, debt lists, and asset inventories, which are critical for accurately presenting your financial picture.
3. Automatic Stay: Once filed, collections, foreclosures, and repossessions are temporarily halted, providing you with immediate relief. This stay acts as a powerful tool to stop creditor harassment and gives you breathing room to focus on restructuring your finances.
4. Court Proceedings: I will represent you in meetings and hearings, ensuring that your rights are protected and your voice is heard. It's important to attend these proceedings well-prepared, as they play a crucial role in the success of your bankruptcy filing.
5. Discharge & Fresh Start: The goal is to obtain a discharge of your debts, allowing you to rebuild your financial future. Achieving this discharge isn't just a legal outcome; it's an opportunity to create a new foundational approach to personal finance, free from the burdens of unmanageable debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy serve different financial situations. Chapter 7, often called liquidation bankruptcy, discharges unsecured debts like credit card bills and medical expenses. It's suitable for individuals with limited income and insufficient assets to repay their debts. Chapter 13, on the other hand, is a reorganization bankruptcy that lets you retain your assets while repaying creditors over a three to five-year period. It's ideal for those with a steady income who need time to pay off their debts. During our consultation, I will assess your financial position to determine which option best suits your needs. Importantly, both options provide legal protection from creditors, offering a necessary pause to develop a sustainable financial recovery plan.

How Does Filing for Bankruptcy Affect My Credit Score?

Filing for bankruptcy will impact your credit score initially; however, it also offers a path to improve your financial standing over time. Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for up to ten years, while Chapter 13 remains for seven years. Although this can affect your ability to obtain new credit temporarily, many individuals find that their score improves post-bankruptcy due to better management of their finances. As your trusted bankruptcy attorney in Orleans Parish, I'll guide you on strategies to rebuild your credit and regain your financial independence. Numerous credit counseling agencies in Orleans Parish can also assist in creating a sound financial plan, helping you make informed decisions to enhance your creditworthiness incrementally.

What Debts Can Be Discharged in Bankruptcy?

In bankruptcy, most unsecured debts can be discharged, significantly easing the burden on your financial situation. This includes credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and utility arrears. However, certain obligations remain non-dischargeable, such as student loans, child support, and alimony. Tax debts may also persist unless specific conditions are met. During our conversations, we'll review your debts to understand what can be discharged under Orleans Parish procedures. My goal is to maximize your relief and help you move forward with confidence. Utilizing local exemptions like the Louisiana Homestead Exemption can significantly impact your ability to retain essential assets, ensuring you remain housed as you navigate this financial transition.

What Should I Avoid Doing Before Filing for Bankruptcy?

Before filing for bankruptcy, there are several actions you should avoid to prevent complicating your case. Refrain from using credit cards for luxury purchases or taking on new loans, as these can be scrutinized by the court. Avoid transferring property to friends or family, as these transactions may be deemed fraudulent. Additionally, don't ignore any summons or legal actions against you. At our initial consultation, I'll provide comprehensive advice on how to prepare, ensuring that your bankruptcy filing is smooth and stress-free. Be mindful of making preferential payments to a single creditor, as the court may perceive it as unfair distribution. These actions could ultimately hinder your bankruptcy application or delay proceedings.

How Can I Prepare for My Bankruptcy Consultation?

To make the most of your consultation, gather relevant financial documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a list of assets and liabilities. Be prepared to discuss your income, expenses, and any legal actions or threats of foreclosure you may be facing. By presenting a clear picture of your financial situation, I can offer the most effective legal strategy tailored to your needs. At Sisk Law Firm, our process is transparent, ensuring that you have a solid understanding of what to expect moving forward. This preparatory work not only streamlines our discussions but also empowers you to make informed decisions about your financial future, highlighting areas where immediate adjustments can offer relief.

Take the First Step Toward Financial Freedom

Dealing with overwhelming debt can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact me today at (504) 499-5919 for a free, no-obligation consultation. At Sisk Law Firm, you’ll receive the personalized attention and professional guidance you need to navigate bankruptcy successfully. Together, we will craft a solution tailored to your unique needs, enabling you to move forward with confidence and peace of mind. Don’t wait to regain control of your financial future. The sooner we start, the sooner we can stabilize your financial situation, allowing you to regain the life you aspire to have, free of debt-related stress.

Contact us today online or call (504) 499-5919 for personalized debt relief and a free consultation with our bankruptcy lawyer in Orleans Parish.