Debt can accumulate quickly, and before you know it, you are beyond any ability to manage it. Debt impacts your credit history as much as it does your quality of life. Creditors and third-party collection agencies can cause serious stress. Fortunately, even when you think a solution does not exist to your debt problem, there very well may be one. Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Missouri is the quickest, easiest, and most affordable way to discharge debts and get a clean slate.
At ADAMS LAW GROUP, our Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in St. Charles County will review your overall finances, debt, and life circumstances to help you determine if filing for bankruptcy is right for you. Then, we will guide you through the process so you never have to worry about deadlines or paperwork. Contact our bankruptcy attorney today at 636-397-4744 to schedule a 100% FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION..
What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a type of bankruptcy that mainly benefits individuals. A Chapter 7 may also assist a business if it has qualifying assets and is liquidating to pay off debt. The court appoints a Trustee to review your assets and determine if any are worth liquidating. Our clients rarely lose any assets. We use exemptions to shield your assets from liquidation. Talk to us to make sure you know how this all works.
Even though Chapter 7 bankruptcies are a means to liquidate assets and pay off debts, these types of bankruptcies are often referred to as “no assets.” Most people who apply for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 do not have assets that would qualify for liquidation. Nonetheless, debts are still discharged, so you get a FRESH START.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is very common. There are a few things to keep in mind. First, not all debts are eligible for bankruptcy. Second, not all individuals or businesses qualify. Spend a few minutes with us, and you will know if Chapter 7 is right for you.
Eligibility for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Qualifying for Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically means being able to pass what is known as the Means Test. The Means Test determines whether you can pay off your debts. To pass the Means Test, your income must not exceed the income limits set by your state.
Income limits depend on the number of earners and people in the household.
In Missouri, to automatically qualify for Chapter 7, the income limit is
- One earner is $57,248
- Two people is $73,751
- Three people is $87,722
- Four people is $101,726
- Each person in excess of four is an additional $9,900
- The income numbers for the Means Test are updated every six months.
If you earn beyond these limits, you may still qualify for a Chapter 7, but we will have to work up your income numbers.
Who Should File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Missouri?
Any person or company can file bankruptcy under Chapter 7 if they
- Live in Missouri
- Have debts that ARE JUST TOO MUCH
- Need a FRESH START
- Facing FORECLOSURE
- Facing REPOSSESSION
- Facing GARNISHMENT
- Satisfy eligibility criteria
Reasons You Should File
Consider Chapter 7 bankruptcy if
- You want a fresh start
- Your credit score is already below 600
- You want a fast process to ELIMINATE DEBTS
- You have a lot of debt, and THE COLLECTORS ARE OVERWHELMING YOU
- You have a lot of debt, and if you do not file you will lose something.
- You cannot keep up with making ends meet at the end of the month
- You will not be able to pay off your debt within five years
- No other debt relief option applies or would provide better protection and benefits
- You do not want a debt repayment plan
Speaking to ADAMS LAW GROUP will provide you with the insight you need to make informed decisions about addressing your debt.
How Much Does It Cost to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Missouri?
The cost to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Missouri consists of the following:
- The Bankruptcy Court's Filing fee
- Attorney fee
- Credit Report
Due Diligence Checklist for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
There are quite a few documents you need when you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Missouri. Here's a list of some of the most common and necessary documents you will need.
- Creditors, including a copy of the most recent statement or underlying document for each creditor
- Cosigners, including their names and addresses
- Current paycheck stub and/or evidence of income received within the last six months
- Tax returns for the last three years
- Divorce decrees and/or domestic court orders related to debt and/or support obligations
- Insurance policies for all insured assets (e.g., residential homes and automobiles)
- Certificates of title to all titled assets (e.g., vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles)
- Deeds to real estate, including cemetery plots
- Recorded mortgages
- Appraisals on any real estate over the last four years
- Lawsuits, judgments, or liens, including tax liens
- Bank or any financial account statements covering the last 12 months
What Happens When I File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Missouri?
After you file for bankruptcy, three important and immediate things happen:
- You are given a case number;
- An automatic stay takes effect, which means creditors must STOP ALL COLLECTIONS and can not take action against you.
Contact ADAMS LAW GROUP Today
Put our 70 years of combined experience to work for you.
At ADAMS LAW GROUP, we know how debt can impact an individual, a family, or a business. We know you may not be able to sleep! If you have difficulty paying bills because of the debt you have accumulated, speak to us TODAY. St. Charles County, Warren County, Lincoln County St. Louis County, and beyond, we will take care of you. Fill out our online form or call us at 636-397-4744. We will schedule a 100% FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION so that you get the answers you need to all your financial questions and begin your FRESH START TODAY.