Bankruptcy Lawyers in Concord, North Carolina

When debt starts consuming more of your paycheck than you can reasonably manage, it can seem as though every bill creates another problem. Mortgage payments, vehicle loans, credit cards, medical expenses, and other obligations can make it difficult to see a practical way to regain financial stability. 

Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides a structured opportunity for eligible individuals with regular income to address qualifying debts while protecting certain assets. Bankruptcy lawyers can help you determine whether Chapter 13 fits your financial circumstances.

At Ferguson Hayes Hawkins, PLLC, we help clients evaluate bankruptcy options and address the legal issues that accompany financial hardship. Our firm is one of the most established and versatile law practices in Cabarrus County.

We have experience across bankruptcy, real estate, family law, civil litigation, wills and estates, corporate transactions, and other matters. That breadth allows us to consider how a bankruptcy filing will affect other parts of a client's financial and legal situation.

We have an office in Concord, North Carolina, and serve clients throughout Cabarrus County, Rowan County, Stanly County, and surrounding communities, including Kannapolis, Salisbury, Albemarle, and Harrisburg. If you're struggling with debt and considering Chapter 13, reach out today to discuss your circumstances with our bankruptcy lawyers.

North Carolina Bankruptcy Rules And Chapter 13

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is governed primarily by federal bankruptcy law, but North Carolina law can affect important parts of a bankruptcy case. One significant consideration is the state's exemption system. 

North Carolina generally requires bankruptcy filers who qualify under the applicable rules to use state exemptions rather than federal bankruptcy exemptions to protect certain property. The exemptions can affect which assets are protected during bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 differs from Chapter 7 because it generally involves a repayment plan. Instead of immediately liquidating nonexempt assets, an eligible debtor proposes a plan to make payments over a period of time, typically three to five years. The plan must meet applicable requirements before the bankruptcy court can confirm it.

A Chapter 13 filing can also trigger the automatic stay. Generally, once a bankruptcy petition is filed, the stay prevents many creditors from continuing collection actions, lawsuits, garnishments, foreclosures, and certain other efforts to collect debts. 

This protection provides valuable breathing room while the case proceeds, although important exceptions apply. For homeowners who have fallen behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 offers an opportunity to address certain past-due amounts through the repayment plan while keeping up with current obligations. 

The same principle may apply to certain other secured debts, depending on the circumstances. However, filing bankruptcy doesn't automatically eliminate every debt or guarantee that property will be retained.

Why Choose Ferguson Hayes Hawkins, PLLC?

Deciding whether to file bankruptcy is a significant financial decision. A Chapter 13 case can affect your property, creditors, monthly budget, contracts, and other legal obligations. At Ferguson Hayes Hawkins, PLLC, we help clients examine their circumstances before filing and throughout the bankruptcy process.

Our firm's broad legal experience can be particularly useful when financial problems intersect with other legal concerns. For example, a client considering bankruptcy may also own real estate, operate a business, face litigation, or have family-related financial obligations. 

Because our attorneys handle real estate, family law, civil litigation, wills and estates, and corporate transactions in addition to bankruptcy, we can consider how those issues will relate to the client's financial situation.

Our bankruptcy lawyers assist with various aspects of a Chapter 13 filing. This includes reviewing financial information, discussing available bankruptcy options, preparing required documents, addressing creditor claims, and helping clients understand repayment obligations. We also represent clients in matters that arise during the case.

Clients may have different reasons for considering Chapter 13. One person may be trying to catch up on mortgage payments, while another may be dealing with significant medical bills, credit card debt, or other financial obligations. A business owner may have personal debts connected to broader business concerns.

We take factors like these into account with our legal services. We consider the individual circumstances rather than assuming that one bankruptcy approach is appropriate for everyone.

Our Bankruptcy and Legal Services

Bankruptcy is one of several practice areas offered by Ferguson Hayes Hawkins, PLLC. The firm's services include bankruptcy, real estate, family law, civil litigation, wills and estates, corporate transactions, construction law, business law, and other matters.

Our bankruptcy lawyers provide services tailored to your unique situation. Depending on the client's circumstances, our legal services may include:

• Chapter 13 bankruptcy: We help eligible individuals evaluate and pursue repayment-based bankruptcy relief.

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy: We assist clients considering liquidation bankruptcy and the potential discharge of qualifying debts.

• Chapter 11 bankruptcy: We represent businesses and other eligible parties dealing with reorganization and financial restructuring.

• Real estate matters: We handle transactions and disputes involving residential and commercial property, including landlord and tenant matters and leases.

• Family law: We assist with divorce, child custody, child support, property division, and related matters.

• Civil litigation: We represent clients in disputes that require negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.

• Wills and estates: We provide assistance with estate planning, probate, and estate administration.

• Corporate transactions: We assist businesses with transactions and other corporate legal matters.

These practice areas can be relevant when financial difficulties extend beyond consumer debt. For instance, bankruptcy may involve real estate, business interests, contracts, or litigation. Having access to attorneys who work across these areas allows clients to address related legal concerns through the same firm.

Find Debt Relief With Our Bankruptcy Lawyers

At Ferguson Hayes Hawkins, PLLC, we help clients evaluate bankruptcy options and related legal concerns. From our Concord, North Carolina office, we serve Cabarrus County, Rowan County, Stanly County, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Albemarle, and Harrisburg. Contact us today to discuss your options with our bankruptcy lawyers.