Call The Law Office of Geoffrey A. Planer 704-885-1062

The Law Office of Geoffrey A. Planer
The Law Office of Geoffrey A. Planer
704-885-1062

A Fresh Start And
A Better Tomorrow

Gastonia Lawyer Helping You To Wipe Out Debt With Chapter 7

For those who qualify, one of the biggest benefits of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy is that it is designed to eliminate personal debt through a process that takes as little as a few short months. By contrast, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, establishes a modified payment plan that stretches out over 36 to 60 months.

Rather than restructuring debt and creating new payment plans, Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans and any unsecured debt. It is the most direct route to eliminate debt and getting a fresh financial start and beginning to rebuild for the future.

Your Debt Relief Advocates

The experienced bankruptcy attorneys at The Law Office of Geoffrey A. Planer in Gastonia, North Carolina, can effectively stop creditor harassment and will guide you through the bankruptcy process, including preparing and filing your bankruptcy petition, schedules and statement of financial affairs.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically allows you to keep your assets while eliminating:

While certain debts are typically not dischargeable in Chapter 7 such as some student loans, alimony and child support, criminal fines and restitution, and some taxes, a Chapter 7 case may help you eliminate all other debts thereby allowing you to focus your available resources on these nondischargeable obligations.

We Help You Navigate Through The Bankruptcy Process

Changes to federal bankruptcy laws in 2005 made it more difficult for consumers to meet the eligibility requirements for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Interested parties must qualify using a mathematical means test: Your income and expenses will be examined to see how they are compared to the median income and expenses for a family of your size in your state. If you earn more than the median income, your options include filing Chapter 13. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through this process and explain your bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy options.

Frequently Asked Questions On Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

It is natural to have concerns about the bankruptcy process. Below, our experienced attorneys have provided clear, practical answers to common questions about Chapter 7 bankruptcy in North Carolina.

Can I keep my house and car if I file for Chapter 7 in North Carolina?

In many cases, you can keep essential property like a home or vehicle, but it depends on equity and loan status. North Carolina offers exemptions that may shield:

  • A portion of home equity under the homestead exemption
  • Vehicle equity up to a specific limit
  • Personal property, such as household goods

If payments are current and equity falls within exemption limits, keeping both a house and a car is often possible.

However, falling behind on payments or exceeding exemption caps may put those assets at risk. In such a situation, it is best to have legal guidance. A skilled attorney can evaluate eligibility, apply exemptions correctly and help protect what matters most.

How long does the Chapter 7 process take from start to finish?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy case moves relatively quickly compared to other options. Most cases follow this general timeframe:

  • Filing to creditor meeting: About 30 to 45 days
  • Completion of the financial management course: Within 60 days after the meeting
  • Discharge of debts: Usually within three to six months from filing

While the process is straightforward for many, delays can occur if paperwork is incomplete or creditors raise objections. Understanding the timeline can help you set realistic expectations before filing.

At The Law Office of Geoffrey A. Planer, we can help ensure documents are properly prepared and deadlines are met, helping the case move efficiently toward discharge.

Can Chapter 7 stop a foreclosure or repossession that has already started?

Filing for Chapter 7 triggers an automatic stay, which immediately halts most collection efforts. If collection actions have already begun, timing becomes extremely important. An automatic stay can temporarily stop:

However, this relief is temporary. If payments are not brought current, lenders may request permission to resume foreclosure or repossession. Even so, the automatic stay can provide valuable time to explore options or negotiate solutions.

As experienced lawyers, we can assess the situation, explain realistic outcomes and help determine the best course of action to protect your financial future.

Place Your Bankruptcy In Trusted Hands

It’s understandable why individuals who are struggling with insurmountable debt are tempted to file bankruptcy without professional legal assistance, but that generally is viewed as being penny-wise and pound-foolish.

About one-fourth of all bankruptcies filed without an attorney are dismissed. When this occurs, you risk losing your chance at restarting your financial life, and a bankruptcy filing will still show up on your credit report.

Our free consultation for bankruptcy makes it easy for you to learn whether bankruptcy is the best solution for your financial woes. Call 704-885-1062 or use our contact form to provide more details and schedule a meeting.

In addition to a variety of legal services we offer, we also qualify as a federally designated debt relief agency and are able to help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.