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Monroe County Bankruptcy Attorney

Offering Free & Confidential Consultations

If you find yourself struggling with a great amount of debt, bankruptcy may be the best legal option for gaining some financial relief. Going through the bankruptcy process, however, can be a complex and overwhelming procedure to navigate on your own.

At Ryan Legal Services, Inc., our experienced Monroe County bankruptcy attorney is available to assist you in getting your life back on track. With compassion and experience, we can provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate this challenging time and emerge with a brighter financial future.

Interested in learning more? Call today at (251) 241-5234 or send us a message online to learn more about what our bankruptcy attorney in Monroe County can do for you.

Bankruptcy Matters We Can Help With

Bankruptcy is a legal process that can help individuals and businesses facing significant debt. While it can seem intimidating, this process is intended to provide a fresh start. Governed by federal law, bankruptcy offers a range of debt relief options.

Bankruptcy matters we handle include:

Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Chapter 11 bankruptcy (for businesses)
Credit report errors
Fair credit reporting
Debt negotiations
Foreclosure defense

If you're grappling with substantial debt, Ryan Legal Services, Inc., can help. Our firm is well experienced in bankruptcy matters and can guide you through the process. Let us help you take the first step towards a secure financial future.

What Causes Most Bankruptcies?

Filing for bankruptcy is not an easy decision to make, but it's important to remember that you're not alone in this process. Many Americans find themselves in a difficult financial situation that can lead to them seeking bankruptcy. In fact, in the past years hundreds of thousands have filed for bankruptcy.

Common causes of bankruptcy include:

Loss of employment
Divorce
Medical expenses
Unaffordable mortgage
Overspending
Providing others with financial assistance

Our Monroe County bankruptcy lawyer understands the challenges that come with this experience and can provide you with reliable legal advice and guidance. It's crucial to have someone you can trust during this difficult time, and our lawyer is available to help you navigate this complicated process.

What’s the Difference Between Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the two most common types of bankruptcy for individuals and families. While they have distinct purposes and eligibility requirements, they both play significant roles in financial situations.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is also referred to as "liquidation bankruptcy.” This form allows for the discharge of specific debts without repayment and can eliminate unsecured debts like credit card debt or medical bills. However, to qualify for Chapter 7, individuals must undergo a means test. This test evaluates income, expenses, and family size to determine eligibility based on disposable income.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a restructuring or repayment plan. It enables the creation of a customized plan to repay debts, either in full or in part, over a period of three to five years. This type of bankruptcy is beneficial for individuals with a stable income, as they can make regular payments to creditors. Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 does not require a means test, but it does have its own limitations.

It is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney to determine which type of bankruptcy aligns best with your situation. Our team is dedicated to actively listening to your circumstances and guiding you toward the most suitable path.

Why Hire Ryan Legal Services, Inc.?

Filing for bankruptcy can be an overwhelming process, especially if you try to navigate it alone. However, our experienced bankruptcy attorney understands the ins and outs of the process and can help guide you through it.

Clients hire us for the following:

Over 25 years of experience
24/7 availability
Free consultations
Direct communication with our attorney
Personalized service
And much more

With our help, you can gain a better understanding of your rights and feel more confident in the decisions you make, which can have a significant impact on your future financial health. Don't let the complex nature of bankruptcy hold you back. Let us help you find a way forward.

Contact our firm today and call (251) 241-5234 or fill out our form online to request your free consultation.

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FAQs

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 251-241-5234 today!

What are Exemptions?

Most of the exemptions which will apply in a Chapter 7 case are found under Alabama state law. States are all given the option by Congress to decide whether to operate under their own exemption statutes, or under the exemption statutes set out under Title 11 of the U.S. Code ( the “Bankruptcy Code”). There are additional statutes ( “laws”) in both the United States Code and under the Alabama Code.
Whenever there is a statute that provides additional protection for your property over and above the standard list of exemptions, you can claim these exemptions to further protect your property. Failure to timely claim an exemptions can have the effect of a waiver of that exemption. This means it is highly important to provide your lawyer ( “attorney”) with all of the information he or she requests from you concerning your property. The panel trustee is only able to seize and liquidate property to pay creditors which is not subject to a legal exemption under Alabama OR federal law.
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, the Debtor keeps all property. Exemptions are still important to identify and claim in your case, however. Failure to claim all of your exemptions in a Chapter 13 case can result in you being required to pay your creditors more than you would otherwise owe them if all exemptions were claimed.
At Ryan Legal Services, Inc., we are highly knowledgeable and keep up to date with respect to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy exemptions. We represent individual clients in Baldwin, Mobile and Washington Counties.
Kevin Ryan is an experienced bankruptcy lawyer who will be there for you. Call us to set up a free telephone or office consultation. Kevin Ryan is admitted to practice before the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Alabama. http://www.alsb.uscourts.gov
What is a Reaffirmation Agreement?

You may decide that you would like to keep your relationship with certain creditors in a Chapter 7 case. The procedure to maintain certain debts post-bankruptcy is called Reaffirmation. Reaffirmation is accomplished by entering into a written agreement with the creditor using one of a number of Official Bankruptcy Forms. Usually, the debtor and creditor simply re-establish the original terms of the loan. In some cases, the creditor may agree to reduce an interest rate, or modify the original contract terms as an incentive for the debtor to reaffirm the debt.
Reaffirmation of a long term mortgage loan or an auto loan may be something a debtor would want to consider in the context of filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. The terms of the agreement, and whether the agreement would be in the client's best interest is something that a competent lawyer will discuss with a client. Reaffirmation of a mortgage or auto loan will cause the future payments to be reported to the major credit bureaus ( Trans Union, Experian and Equifax). Timely payments will help raise the debtor's credit score after the bankruptcy discharge order is issued in the Chapter 7 bankruptcy case.
A debtor will generally have only forty-five (45) days after the conclusion of the Meeting of Creditors to file the Reaffirmation Agreement. The debtor is required to file Official Bankruptcy Form 8 ( Statement of Intent) with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court that identifies the debtor's intent with respect to secured debts like auto and car loans. A debtor is never required to reaffirm any debt in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case.
At Ryan Legal Services, Inc, we have been representing individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy matters since 1998. We represent individuals in Baldwin, Mobile and Washington Counties.
Kevin Ryan is an experienced bankruptcy lawyer who will be there for you. Call us to set up a free telephone or office consultation.
Should I Transfer Property Pre-Bankruptcy?

There are some cases where a client can meet with a lawyer and make arrangements to change the ownership of property, sell property, or dispose of property prior to filing a bankruptcy case. However, this should never be interpreted as a blank license to indiscriminately transfer assets out of your name. You should never transfer title to any property, or spend any amount of money that is not allocated towards necessary household bills, utilities, and pre-existing secured debt payments prior to consulting with a bankruptcy lawyer. The initial office consultation with a lawyer is dedicated mostly to discussing these issues. A lawyer will always be interested in meeting with you sooner rather than later so that these potential issues can be identified and properly addressed prior to moving forward on your case.
Transfers of property, or spending discretionary funds prior to filing a bankruptcy case can often result in negative consequences when you later file a bankruptcy case. Every bankruptcy case presents different circumstances, and different opportunities to legally protect your property from creditors. The objective in most bankruptcy cases is to protect all or as much of your property while terminating all or most of your debt. This is usually where a bankruptcy case can become too complicated for a person to obtain all of the benefits of a bankruptcy filing by filing a case without hiring a lawyer. The best bankruptcy attorneys set and accomplish goals with their clients to protect the maximum amount of property and obtain a discharge of all or a maximum amount of the client(s)' debt in the least amount of time.
You should not transfer any of your property until you speak with a qualified, experienced bankruptcy attorney. At Ryan Legal Services, Inc., Attorney Kevin Ryan has more than 18 years experience handling complex Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy matters. Call now to schedule a free telephone or office consultation. We are happy to discuss these issues with you personally and confidentially.
Kevin Ryan is an experienced bankruptcy lawyer who will be there for you. Call us to set up a free telephone or office consultation.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

Serving Mobile, AL Since 1998

"Made a bad situation bearable."
Ryan Legal Services, Inc. made a bad situation bearable. They are very considerate and answer any questions you have.

- Brook Wheeler
"Great info and service!"
I was impressed with my call to Ryan Legal Services, Inc. They provided excellent info on handling my situation. I'd definitely refer them to anyone seeking an awesome attorney. Thank you!

- Donna Hoyle
"Very pleasant and straightforward."
Working with Ryan Legal Services, Inc. was very pleasant and straightforward. Thanks to their team, my Chapter 7 case went without a hitch.

- Michael Horne

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