Real Bankruptcy Help In The Dayton, Ohio, Area

Individual consumers, families hurt by lost jobs and business owners victimized by a sluggish economy often fall into financial distress through no fault of their own.

An expensive contested divorce, health care costs connected to a disabling personal injury accident, credit card debt, student loan debt — these are just a few prime examples of how finances can get away from you and make a personal bankruptcy filing necessary.

In Dayton, Ohio and surrounding areas, we are the skillful and helpful bankruptcy lawyers who work hard to put your crises behind you. We are Kennel Zeigler LLC.

• ♦ We listen carefully to you, at a time in your life when you need to be listened to.
• ♦ We customize a legal debt relief strategy that’s tailored to your unique situation.
• ♦ We give you the facts you need about Chapter 7 “fresh start” bankruptcy and Chapter 13 reorganization bankruptcy; about ways to legally discharge credit card debt and medical debt; about how to keep certain possessions during a bankruptcy filing; and about ways to avoid stressful creditor harassment, car repossession, wage garnishment and foreclosure on your home.
• ♦ We explode the myths about bankruptcy and divorce, and about consumer bankruptcy in general since laws changed in 2006.
• ♦ We point the way to your brighter future, your life after bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy FAQs

Can you tell me the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Those who qualify for Chapter 7 “fresh start” bankruptcy protection receive immediate debt relief. For example, medical debt and credit card debt are discharged (eliminated). Chapter 13 reorganizes debt and offers a comfortable three- to five-year repayment plan.

Do I have to give up my home or car in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Not necessarily. There are many exemptions in place for Chapter 7 bankruptcy that allow you to keep assets such as your house, your car and personal items such as family heirlooms. As your personal injury attorneys, our goal is to maximize these exemptions, so you can keep as many of your assets as legally possible.

I’ve heard about the “automatic stay.” What is it?

The automatic stay in consumer bankruptcy instantly stops obstacles such as motor vehicle repossession efforts by a creditor, the threat of mortgage foreclosure, court-ordered wage garnishment and creditor harassment in general. Getting rid of these distractions helps the filer focus on repaying debt and repairing credit.

What causes the kind of financial distress that results in a bankruptcy, anyway?

Many bankruptcy candidates find themselves on shaky financial footing through no fault of their own. An expensive divorce, health care costs after a serious illness or injury, credit card debt, loss of a job — any number of factors can contribute to the need to file for bankruptcy.

I’m suddenly out of work, and I have fallen far behind on mortgage payments. Is there a way I can avoid foreclosure and keep possession of my home?

Foreclosure defense is an important subset of any bankruptcy practice. Your attorney can explain options like a short sale of the property, negotiation of a loan modification with a creditor, a lien stripping or bankruptcy filing that buys you time to defend your rights.

Can I represent myself and put together my own bankruptcy filing, to save some money?

Debt relief is not a do-it-yourself proposition. You should have a lawyer speak for you at all times, in detailed documentation and in court if necessary. The bankruptcy plan you emerge with will be customized to suit your specific individual and family situation. These are the kinds of quality legal services that can pave the way to your brighter future. One call or email to our Kennel Zeigler LLC law offices in Dayton, Ohio can get the ball rolling.

Will filing bankruptcy ruin my credit score forever?

After filing for bankruptcy, your credit score will take a negative hit – but it will not last forever, and it may not be as bad as you anticipate.

A bankruptcy will remain on your credit record for 7-10 years depending on the type of bankruptcy you filed. With careful and strategic moves, however, you can rebuild your credit within just a few years. Some of the steps to consider include:

• Monitor your credit score and credit report
• Maintain a secured credit card with regular payments
• Research a credit-builder loan

Ultimately, the impact on your credit score is a minor consequence compared to the high interest rates, debt collections and repossessions you face now. Plus, your credit is already being negatively impacted by late payments, overcharges and other collection actions – so bankruptcy can actually give you a path to better credit than you currently enjoy. Knowing how to improve your credit can help you avoid the negative consequences of filing for bankruptcy. Our Dayton bankruptcy lawyers can help you file for bankruptcy.

Can bankruptcy get rid of student loans?

Yes, although it is not an easy process. Our bankruptcy lawyers in Dayton can strategize a personalized student loan debt repayment plan. Two popular forms of debt relief for student loans are Chapter 7 individual and Chapter 7 reorganization bankruptcy. Both of these plans can address your immediate concerns surrounding student loan repayment and help you recover financially for the future.

What property can I keep if I file for bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is also commonly referred to as liquidation bankruptcy. The reason is that you may have your property sold to pay your creditors. Yet, the majority of filers do not have to worry about losing their property. Some exempt assets include:

• Your primary residence
• Your primary vehicle
• Tools of the trade
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Unemployment benefits
• Workers’ compensation
• Personal injury claims

Our lawyers can help review your assets when you file for bankruptcy in Dayton, Ohio.

Leave Your Money Worries In Our Capable Attorneys’ Hands

Do you have questions about any aspect of consumer bankruptcy? Whether you are a military member in debt, financially strapped owner of a small business or head of household who has just become unemployed and is falling far behind on car and mortgage payments, you can benefit from the guidance waiting for you right now at Kennel Zeigler LLC.

Your initial consultation is absolutely free. This means that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by contacting our law offices. Just call 937-576-9991 or use this website to send an email message. We respond promptly to all emails. The firm maintains regular weekday hours, with extended hours on Thursdays. Weekend appointments are available upon request.

*We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.