MICHAEL GREAR

Bankruptcy=Peace of Mind 

      If you are an honest, hardworking person who is struggling to make ends meet, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may offer you an honorable solution to your financial problems.  For individuals and married couples who live in Kansas or Missouri, there are two types of bankruptcy relief available.  Chapter 7 bankruptcy helps eliminate debt, and Chapter 13 creates a three to five year payment plan so you can pay back debt with less pressure.

      In most situations, either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 will put an immediate stop to bill collector harassments, threatening letters, repossessions, foreclosures, and pending lawsuits.  Clients report that the biggest benefit to bankruptcy filing is the immediate sense of relief from the pressure that comes from living under a budget where more money goes out than comes in.  Bankruptcy is and should be a last resort-if you are at the point where your 'back is against the wall,' then it is time to learn more about how bankruptcy works in Kansas and Missouri.

     Bankruptcy may make it possible for you to:  1) eliminate the legal obligation to pay most or all of your debts.  This called a "discharge" of debts.  It is designed to give you a fresh financial start.  2) Stop foreclosure proceedings on your home and allow you an opportunity to catch up on missed payments.  (Bankruptcy does not, however, automatically eliminate mortgages or other liens on you property without payment.)  3) Prevent repossession of your vehicle or other property, or force the creditor to return property even after it has been repossessed.  4) Stop wage garnishment, debt collection harrassment , and similar creditor actions to collect a debt.  5) Restore or prevent termination of utility service.    

    Bankruptcy cannot cure every financial problem.  Nor is it the right step for every individual.  Bankruptcy does not eliminate the rights of 'secured creditors'.  A 'secured creditor' has taked a mortgage or other lien on property as collateral for a loan.  Common examples are car loans and home mortgages.  You can force a secured creditors to take payments over time in the bankruptcy process and bankruptcy can eliminate your obligation to pay any additional money if your property is taken.  Nevertheless, you generally cannot keep the collateral unless you continue to pay the debt.  Certain debts are rarely dischargible: child support, alimony, student loans, court order restitution, criminal fines, and most taxes.  It is also rarely possible to protect co-signers on your debts.  When a friend or relative has co-signed a loan, a bankruptcy does not eliminate their responsiblity for your debt.  And of course, debts that arise after the filing of the bankruptcy are not eliminated.  

    There are a number of excellent bankruptcy attorneys in Kansas City.  Where we differ is the unparalleled degree of service you will recieve relative to the cost.  I will personally handle each and every aspect of your case from beginning to end.  When you have questions, I will answer them.  I will attend all meetings, and court hearings with you, and brief you before hand to expect.  In addition to our superior service, our rates are truly among the lowest.  I believe you will not find another firm or attorney who will provide the same service for less money.

        So if you are struggling to make ends meet, give me a call.  We can discuss your situation at length and there is no cost or obligation for our initial consultation.   

We are a federally designated debt relief agency pursuant to Title 11 of the US Code.  We provide legal assistance and help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code