Thursday, June 25, 2009

ABCs of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is just another way to reduce your debt but to do so while keeping some of your valuable assets. Arizona bankruptcy lawyers can help you handle a chapter 13 bankruptcy and walk you through the process so everything goes as planned as goes as quickly as possible. You might be wondering whether a chapter 13 bankruptcy is something you would be able to go through. And, if you are over your head in debt and don't know what to do but aren't interested in losing your big assets like your home then a chapter 13 bankruptcy is the perfect opportunity. Phoenix, Arizona bankruptcy lawyers will explain to you that by filing this type of bankruptcy you make a plan to pay back your debts over a period of time, which is usually three to five years. The great thing is that you can keep valuable assets that are not covered by exemptions. With a Chapter 13 individuals will be making monthly payments and in some cases biweekly payments so anyone filing for this type of bankruptcy needs a constant source of income.
There is then a confirmation hearing in a court of law. At this meeting the proposed repayment plan will be reviewed and it will be determined whether or not the plan meets the Bankruptcy Code. The biggest difference between Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that in 13 individuals keep their property and assets and make payments based on their income in order to pay off creditors.
With this type of bankruptcy the debtor does not see his debts erased but rather must make appropriate payments until the plan is achieved and a discharge is received. While the debtor is in repayment he will be protected by things such as garnishments, lawsuits, and any other type of action by creditors. More debts are eliminated under the Chapter 13 plan than under the Chapter 7 plan.
You need to evaluate your financial situation and determine which bankruptcy is the best option for you. You will want to talk with a lawyer to get some guidance to ensure you are on the right path and making the best decisions for you. After reviewing your financial situation, your assets, and your income stream you will be able to make the best decision. Make sure all your questions are answered before going ahead, though.

Arizona lawyers are regarded as some of the best lawyers in America

In case you are caught in some legal case in Arizona the best option would be to hire the services of an Arizona lawyer since he would know the court system of the state of Arizona in the best possible manner.
In case you are caught in some bankruptcy case in Arizona as per the law of Arizona you can file for bankruptcy which prevents all the creditors from claiming debt from you until and unless the matter gets sorted out as per the law of Arizona. In order to file for bankruptcy one must collect all financial information related to them and you could file for bankruptcy yourself or through a lawyer. The best option would be to hire for services of a bankruptcy lawyer.
Get in touch with the Arizona State Bar Association's legal referral service to get a referral or research on the internet or search through yellow pages for information on Arizona bankruptcy lawyers
You can even search through various Arizona lawyers' directories to get information on various lawyers by going through their database. You can get information regarding lawyers related to Immigration Law, Family Law, Personal Injury, Bankruptcy, Business Law and Criminal Law.
In case you are caught in some legal issues related to taxes in Arizona opt for the services of Arizona attorney as they have to obtain specialized certificate from the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization therefore you know that you have the got a knowledgeable person to deal with your case.
So in case you reside in the state of Arizona and are looking forward to seek the services of an Arizona lawyer it would be a good option to check up with your friends or relatives or peruse the internet for information related to the lawyer. Keep in mind that lawyers from Arizona are regarded as one of the best lawyers in America.

Arizona Foreclosure

If you're like thousands of other Arizonans, you're in danger of losing your home to a bank foreclosure. Fortunately, many are discovering the solution in what may seem the unlikeliest of places â€" bankruptcy. Losing everything you own is just one of many Arizona bankruptcy myths encountered by Arizona Bankruptcy Now legal counsel over the past 15 years. In fact, with the help of an experienced Arizona bankruptcy lawyer who understands the law, you'll likely keep your home, as well as your vehicle and other prized possessions too!
In most cases, homeowners facing potential Arizona foreclosure have been hard hit by adjustable rate loans. They started out with low payments they can afford, only to see the cost of their monthly mortgage rise beyond their reach. For many, the problem is multiplied by credit card debt and medical bills. Once they've exhausted all their options, hundreds of hardworking Arizonans just like you come to the same conclusion every single month â€" they need the help of an Arizona bankruptcy attorney.
The bankruptcy process can be complicated and stressful. That's why it's imperative you seek the counsel of an experienced bankruptcy attorney who's done it countless times â€" not just anywhere, but here in Arizona where you live, as bankruptcy laws vary by state.
First, your attorney will help you decide which form of bankruptcy may be right for you. Chapter 7 eliminates much of your debt, including credit card and medical bills, freeing up extra money for you to make your monthly mortgage and car payments. Chapter 13 requires you to pay back what you owe over a specified period of time. It may also eliminate more types of debt than Chapter 7. Only an experienced bankruptcy attorney will know which option is best for your unique situation.
When it comes time to file your bankruptcy petition with the court, your lawyer is equally essential as paperwork errors mean revision and resubmission. It is critical to provide the court with a schedule of your assets and liabilities within 15 days of filing the petition. Miss this deadline, and the court dismisses the case.
If you are already in the middle of a bank foreclosure on your home, be sure to file your petition with the court before the foreclosure sale date on your property. That means consulting with an attorney as soon possible to allow enough time for preparation.
When it comes to keeping the home you've worked so hard for, your toughest decision could also be your smartest. Within months of your bankruptcy's completion, you can start rebuilding your credit again. You can get the fresh start that bankruptcy law is intended to provide. To find out which form of bankruptcy may be right for you, contact an experienced bankruptcy lawyer for a free consultation.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Legal Document Preparers: An Alternative to Attorneys?

For many legal matters, especially very complex ones such as criminal cases or difficult lawsuit settlements, a good lawyer is critical. However, people who do not need the advice of an attorney but still want professional, personalized assistance preparing court documents can save money with a licensed legal document preparer. Legal document preparers are trained and approved in several states (Arizona, Florida, Washington, and California, for example) and certified by their respective state supreme courts. An experienced document preparer may write pleadings and motions, prepare most legal documents to court standards, and much more. They may guide clients who cannot afford an attorney--or simply don't want one--through the complete legal process, although they cannot give specific legal advice. Unlike an attorney, by law a legal document preparer may not strategize with a client in regard to their specific case and/or represent their client in a courtroom. But if one is able to represent oneself in court (known in legal language as being "Pro Se") they may literally save thousands of dollars with the full range of services a licensed legal document preparer can provide. In the area of Family Law, for example, a document preparer may write papers for divorce, bankruptcy, child support and child custody issues, court orders, civil litigation, paternity, grandparent rights and other matters. In Business Law they can help you form a corporation or L.L.C., register trademarks and copyrights, and more. Those involved in Civil Law cases can have documents prepared for garnishment, forcible detainers, small claims suits, justice court suits, and legal name changes. After the documents are prepared to the meet the client's needs, as well as meet the standards of the court with jurisdiction, a full service document preparation company can file, record, deliver or serve them, usually for a very reasonable price and minimal court required fees. This kind of service--especially during tough economic times--can give peace of mind when dealing with the sometimes overwhelming complexities of the court system, but without an exorbitant bill when the case is resolved. Many document preparers also provide notary services and Spanish translation. Additionally, the best companies provide paralegal support for attorneys and law firms, giving them a wealth of experience and professional contacts in the legal system, including the ability to refer a client to a skilled attorney should their case require legal advice.

Get Bankruptcy Help from a Bankruptcy Attorney

Times are tough and many people are feeling the pinch with jobs being lost, wages being cut, and generally just being in an economic rut. It is easy when you are going to through such a time to feel all alone, like you are the only person in the world going through this, but rest assured that you are not. If you have been searching for a solution but have not yet found one, you are also not alone. If Phoenix bankruptcy is truly your only option, there are people who can help. This is a path that has been walked down countless times before and there are professionals that are ready and willing to help you through this difficult time.
An Arizona bankruptcy attorney can help you understand the laws that are associated with the next steps that you have to take. Bankruptcy is not something that you should take lightly, and this is why you need to make sure that it is done right. Most people don't know how to navigate through legal waters alone and this is what your attorney is there for.
To hire an attorney you may want to contact other people that you know who have been through this process, as they may be able to recommend a reputable professional for you to work with or they may even be able to tell you who to steer clear of! If you do not know anyone or don't feel comfortable asking, you can look in your local phone books for the names and numbers of local attorneys. Most will be willing to meet with you for free for a short period of time, which will give you an idea of whether or not this is someone you can work with.
It's important to remember that Arizona bankruptcy lawyers are going to cost you money, but most of the are willing to accept monthly payments. Depending on the extent of the work they will have to do on your behalf, they may require a retainer, which is basically a deposit, which can be as much as $1,500 but then this is in your account and debited against as you go along and after this is gone you may have to make another deposit or pay monthly bills. Usually these lawyers are very understanding when you don't have a lot of cash laying around and will work with you to make their services as affordable as possible.
Bankruptcy is a stressful process, but when you are working with someone who knows the systems and can help guide you through all of the decisions, paperwork, and processes it will be a lot less stressful. In the end, the money that you will have to spend on such a lawyer will be well worth the support and guidance that you receive from them.