Do you need to file for bankruptcy but aren’t sure how? Blake Goodman has you covered. There isn’t a better more experienced bankruptcy lawyer in all of Maui. Through years of time spent in Hawaii, Blake Goodman has made it his goal to help people who are in need of help through a bankruptcy consultation.
The truth about bankruptcy is that we all know the word but far too many people do not know what it actually is. Depictions in fiction have presented it as having everything in life taken away from you and your life is ruined forever. This is not the case.
Bankruptcy, in reality, is a way to help you get back on your feet when life has taken a negative turn for you. When it feels like you can’t possibly pay back what you owe, or your debts are unpayable, that is when people begin to seek bankruptcy.
This does not mean that bankruptcy is a simple process. You can’t just show up to court one day, papers in hand, and declare it. There’s a process that needs to be followed and one that our bankruptcy experts at Blake Goodman can help you with.
While not every bankruptcy case is going to be the exact same there is a general guideline that every case is going to generally follow. They are:
- Consultation
- Bankruptcy Counseling Session
- Filing With The Court
- Liquidation or Repayment
- Debtor Education Course
- Debt Discharge
Some of these guidelines, such as the counseling sessions will be required before you can file or have your debts removed from your name, but once these are complete you will be debt free which is the ultimate goal of bankruptcy. To free you from the debt that is currently ruining your life. Everyone deserves a second chance.
Consultations are FREE
At Blake Goodman we offer a free bankruptcy consultation for anyone that is seeking out a lawyer. The intention of the consultation is so we can learn a little bit about each other. This is an obviously stressful time and you are going to be looking for a lawyer you can trust to help you get through this situation.
Use this bankruptcy consultation to learn what we’re about and about our experience with bankruptcy. We are certain that once you hear what we have to say there is no one you would rather go into a courtroom with.
Once you finish step one of the process we can move into the next which will be all about understanding the specifics of your bankruptcy.
Credit Counseling Sessions
The first required counseling session is to teach you about bankruptcy. You can not file for bankruptcy in court until this is completed. This session is meant to make sure that bankruptcy is really the only option left available to you. It will explore alternatives to bankruptcy and other plans that may prove beneficial to you.
You will also be taught about the bankruptcy process, take a look at your income, and do a full analysis of your debts. If there are better alternatives to bankruptcy then we may look into exploring them here, but if we do decide that bankruptcy is what is best for you then it’s important that you understand how that entire process will work.
After this session has been completed we will focus on getting your paperwork together so we can officially file you for bankruptcy.
Filing for Bankruptcy
The counseling is complete, the paperwork is organized, and you are ready to file with the court. Once you have filed for bankruptcy in the court system a couple of procedures will begin. First, the bankruptcy will be reflected on your credit report. This is standard and will last as long for at least seven years. Second, any legal matters you are going through will be paused until the bankruptcy case has been completed.
After you have officially filed for bankruptcy the next step will vary on how deep into debt you are, your income, and what we are able to earn for you.
Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy will both release you of your debts but how you will be released from that debt will vary by chapter.
Chapter 7
During Chapter 7 bankruptcy you will see your valuable assets liquidized to pay off your debts. This could include extra cars, houses, or extremely valuable jewelry.
Chapter 13
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy your assets may be protected but instead you will see your debts collected into one monthly payment. You will then proceed to pay off your debts in a single payment once a month. Be careful to not miss a payment or your case could be thrown out and you will still owe all of your debts, but individually.
Debtor Education Course
This step can either be finished before or after your assets have been liquidized or your debts have been paid off. The debtor education course is a two step required class that will teach you how to avoid falling into this situation again. It can teach you helpful financial tips that will be helpful to you for the rest of your life.
We also offer a free course to help get your credit score back up to a 720 or higher status within two years following your bankruptcy. Contact us at 808-426-2004 for more information!
You Are Now Free Of Debt
Once all of these previous steps have been completed you will be free of your debts that have been haunting you. This is an opportunity for a fresh start. Go out there, live your life, and take your life back. It will be hard at times but in the end, it will be worth it when you have spent years debt free.
Contact Us
Do you need help filing for bankruptcy? Then contact Blake Goodman for a bankruptcy consultation. You can call our Maui office at 808-426-2004 or use our online contact form.
Not in Maui? Come see our other offices!
At Blake Goodman, we strive to help as many of you as possible. This is why we have offices in not only Maui, but in O’ahu as well. Be sure to check out our other website DebtfreeHawaii.com to read about our other locations.
You may be in need of help for bankruptcy in a place other than Maui and we want to help you. We will do our best to help any residents of this beautiful state. Everyone deserves someone to represent them during bankruptcy.