Affordable bankruptcy in Houston TX to protect your rights under times of financial distress

Bankruptcy is available to distressed consumers and businesses, and gives them a way to repair their balance sheets amidst the challenging economic environment. The US witnessed a total of 34,447 bankruptcy filings in December 2023 alone, which was a 16 percent increase from total 29,654 filings in the month of December 2022. Bankruptcy courts in the country have seen a rise in filings post-pandemic, when many people lost their jobs and businesses plummeted. The US Bankruptcy Code is created to help all such individuals and businesses, and assist them with a fresh financial start when they are not in a position to repay their debts as agreed. Fresh financial start is made possible through affordable bankruptcy Houston TX, either by eliminating all or a portion of outstanding debts, stretching out the monthly payments under the supervision of a court-appointed trustee.

 

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is filed by most individuals who find it almost impossible to repay their debts. Filing for affordable bankruptcy Houston TX though reputable law firms like Recovery Law Group will ensure that your debts are eventually wiped away. Moreover, the specialist bankruptcy lawyers will enforce automatic stay, that will immediately stop most collection efforts by the creditors, and provide you with much-needed peace of mind in times of financial distress. There are absolute priority rules that stipulate the order in which debts are to be repaid. Secured debts take precedence over unsecured debts. You will not stand to lose everything under Chapter 7, there are certain exemptions, and below will not be liquidated or sold even when you are declared bankrupt by the federal court.

 

·        Home equity

·        clothing

·        Tools of trade

·        Pension and retirement accounts

·        Household goods

·        Social security benefits

·        Child support and alimony

·        Jewelry

 

Means Test for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 

To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you need to pass the Means Test. For this, your average monthly income for the past six months prior to filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy should be less than the median income of the size of your family in the state of Texas. However, if you fail to pass the Means Test, your Recovery Law Group’s attorney providing you with affordable bankruptcy Houston TX may suggest you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead. Also known as reorganization bankruptcy, Chapter 13 calls for making monthly payments over a period of three to five years, after which many outstanding debts are erased. 

 

Chapter 13 bankruptcy and the reorganization plan 

Chapter 13 will shield you from lawsuits, wage garnishments, and other tactics of creditors, and you will ultimately be freed of your debts, but certain obligations like heirlooms, collectible stamps, cash, bonds, and stocks, and a second vehicle or a second home cannot be discharged under Chapter 13. A court-approved bankruptcy trustee will submit a plan wherein you will be required to repay your outstanding debts over three to five years. The debts will be repaid in the priority order of tax obligations, alimony, child support, secured debts, and finally secured debts. All debt remaining after the completion of repayment period will be written off or forgiven. For more options on affordable bankruptcy Houston TX, please contact Recovery Law Group.