Cook County Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer
The Law Offices of Chad M. Hayward, P.C., has helped thousands of people in Chicago and communities throughout Illinois get the fresh start they need and deserve from debt. Attorney Chad Hayward provides a free initial consultation to discuss your debt relief needs and answer questions you may have about the bankruptcy process, including costs and length of time it takes.
Every bankruptcy is unique to the amount of debt and the types of creditors owed, but generally speaking, the process follows a pattern.
- The bankruptcy means test: As part of the new bankruptcy laws passed in 2005, every individual filing for bankruptcy must submit their financial information to a means test to determine the ration of income to debt. If the income is too high, you will not be eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but you will be eligible for Chapter 13. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your financial situation and determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7. If you decide to hire us to represent you, we will require an affordable retainer and will set up an appropriate payment option for legal fees and court costs.
- Stop creditor harassment: Immediately upon retaining us, you can start telling bill collectors and creditors that you have a lawyer representing you. Simply give them our name and phone number and they are not allowed to contact you directly again. If they do, they are in violation of the federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act and can be sued for violating your rights.
- Filing your claim: We handle everything. We submit your debt and income information to the bankruptcy court in your district. The court will contact your creditors and give them the opportunity to respond to your petition to eliminate your debts. Your creditors will have the right to pursue repossession of any secured property as a result of your filing. Any debts you wish to retain, such as your house or car payment, will be submitted to the court for review. Your creditors will have a limited time to respond to your petition and the bankruptcy judge will make the final determination. During this part of the process, we handle everything. You may be asked to respond to us with further information. You will not be required to face your creditors.
- Meeting of the creditors: This is the only part of the process that will require you to make a court appearance. During this meeting, your creditors may choose to challenge all or part of your petition and request a judge's ruling. Mr. Hayward will be present at the hearing and will speak on your behalf to argue in your favor of eliminating the specific debt. For the large majority of Chapter 7 filers, this hearing is a formality, but you may be required to supply further evidence to the court.
- The final disposition: Typically, the judge will rule to discharge your debt within four months following your court appearance.
Learn more about the Chapter 7 process and getting out of debt by talking to attorney Chad Hayward today.
Free Consultation · Se Habla Español · Credit Cards · Payment Plans May Be Available
If you are ready for a fresh start, we are ready to help. Illinois bankruptcy attorney Chad Hayward represents clients in the Chicago metro region and communities throughout Illinois.
Reach us to schedule an appointment at any one of our local community offices by calling 312-546-4689 or toll free 888-804-8641.
Chicago
Aurora
Joliet
Schaumburg
Palos Heights
Northbrook
Oakbrook
St. Charles
You can also contact us by e-mail with a brief description of your legal problem. We look forward to helping your family get the fresh start from debt you need and deserve.
