Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Massachusetts
Contact Glenn F. Russell, Jr. for Bankruptcy Assistance
Financial security can change without warning. During difficult times, you need a legal team with deep experience providing practical solutions. At The Law Office of Glenn F. Russell, Jr., our Massachusetts bankruptcy attorney uses a thorough understanding of bankruptcy law to help you move forward with confidence.
Why Trust Our Massachusetts Bankruptcy Services?
- Trusted by Clients Since 2000
- Helped 100s of Individuals & Families Find Relief from Debt
- Experienced & Compassionate Legal Services
- Top Avvo Rating of Superb
- We are also licensed in Connecticut
Start your journey to debt relief. Call 888.400.9318 to schedule a consultation.
How Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Can Solve Your Debt Issues
When overwhelming debt threatens your financial future, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy may provide an effective path to relief and a fresh start. This step can also end persistent creditor calls and give you room to rebuild your finances.
When you file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, the court may require you to liquidate certain property to repay creditors. In return, qualifying debts are discharged, and you are no longer liable for them. However, you can usually keep essential items, such as clothing, a personal vehicle, and basic household goods.
In Fall River and throughout Massachusetts, the bankruptcy process follows federal rules, but state laws determine which property you can keep. Massachusetts exemption laws may allow you to protect your main residence up to a specific value, personal vehicles, and daily necessities. Clients filing in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts—often through the Fall River division—receive guidance about these exemptions and the process. Because every case is unique, we tailor our approach to your circumstances while honoring Massachusetts guidelines.
Understanding Chapter 7 Eligibility and The Means Test
Before you proceed with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must meet income and legal requirements. The means test uses federal criteria to determine if your household income qualifies. If your earnings fall below the Massachusetts median for your household size, you typically automatically pass. Many Fall River residents meet this threshold due to local economic trends. If your income exceeds the state median, the test reviews your financial records in detail. Our legal team helps clients through each step, reviewing all information according to state and federal rules, so you make an informed decision. Connect with a skilled Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney from The Law Office of Glenn F. Russell, Jr. as soon as possible.
What To Expect During The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process In Massachusetts
If you decide to file for Chapter 7, you can expect a clear process. We start by preparing the necessary documents, including a full list of your assets and debts. These documents go to the local U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Fall River. Once filed, an automatic stay stops most collection activities immediately. You will then attend a meeting with a trustee, who will review your information and ask simple questions. Most cases do not require you to appear before a judge. Dischargeable debts are resolved after this review. The process from filing to discharge usually takes four to six months, though timeline and steps can vary depending on your situation. We can discuss each stage early on with clients from Bristol County and neighboring communities to make the journey easier to navigate. Get in touch and reserve a consultation with a seasoned Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer right away.
Alternatives When Chapter 7 Isn't Right for You
Not everyone qualifies for Chapter 7. Other bankruptcy options, such as Chapter 13 bankruptcy, may fit better if Chapter 7 is unavailable. Some people explore debt settlement, credit counseling, or other strategies for repaying or eliminating debt. Not every type of debt—such as child or spousal support—can be discharged in bankruptcy, and those exceptions sometimes impact the best financial strategy moving forward.
Many in Fall River want to weigh every possible approach before choosing bankruptcy. Debt negotiation or structured repayment plans may offer alternatives to a full bankruptcy filing. Massachusetts residents may qualify for specific programs or nonprofit credit counseling, which can help prevent bankruptcy entirely. We dedicate time to reviewing all your available options in light of local legal options, loan terms, and property considerations. Our process helps clients select the most appropriate solution based on Massachusetts law and the realities of the Fall River economy.
At The Law Office of Glenn F. Russell, Jr., we are committed to delivering legal guidance so each client can pursue the most favorable financial outcome. If bankruptcy is not your best choice, we will discuss all available solutions that might help you and your family regain control of your finances.
Discover a Debt-Free Life with Our Legal Guidance
Our goal is to help you achieve a secure financial future. When bankruptcy is the right course for you, The Law Office of Glenn F. Russell, Jr. stands ready to guide you through every step. Freedom from overwhelming debt can open doors to new opportunities and greater well-being. We carefully assess your situation and finances to determine the most effective path for you and your loved ones.
If you are contemplating declaring Chapter 7 Massachusetts bankruptcy, reach out for a consultation with our firm. We know how important it is to establish financial stability for you and your family, so consult our firm as soon as possible to get on the road to financial recovery and peace of mind!
FAQs
How long does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy take?
Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases conclude within four to six months once filed, provided your documents are complete and no disputes arise. The local court's calendar and your case complexity may influence timing.
Will I have to give up all my property if I file Chapter 7 in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts law allows you to keep certain property through exemptions, including your home up to a set value, one personal vehicle, clothing, and household goods. We review all applicable exemptions at the outset to help you maximize what you can keep.
Does filing Chapter 7 affect my credit score?
Yes, Chapter 7 bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for up to ten years. Most people find their credit begins to recover once their dischargeable debt clears, which creates more room for future financial improvement.
Get the support you need from our skilled Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in Massachusetts. Reach out at (888) 400-9318 now to book your initial consultation.
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Our FAQ
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Do I really need a foreclosure lawyer?Absolutely. Should you need foreclosure defense counsel, only an experienced attorney can determine which course of action is best for you. Whereas predatory scam artists try to prey on your financial vulnerability, a skilled foreclosure defense attorney genuinely can look out for the best interest of you and your family. Legal advice must be practical and efficient in order to be effective, so if you need strong legal guidance, trust that The Law Office of Glenn F. Russell, Jr. can offer the counsel needed to successfully navigate the complicated legalities of foreclosure or bankruptcy.
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Third parties are offering to help my foreclosure process. How do I know who to trust?
Perhaps one of the greatest obstacles individuals encounter during the foreclosure process is learning who to trust and who to avoid. Due to the nature of the foreclosure process, descriptions of any homes being foreclosed may be published and accessible as public information. It is a sad truth that there are fraudulent companies that prey on public lists of foreclosing homes and attempt to take advantage of a people's financial vulnerability.
You may be contacted by mortgage brokers, mortgage negotiators, or mortgage holders. You may also be contacted by a Massachusetts bankruptcy attorney or a private financier who offers to help you sort out your finances. These parties may be dependable sources of legal and helpful advice during your foreclosure.
Unfortunately, there are frauds and scam artists who will try to take your home or your money without providing any sort of service. A general word of advice we give to clients to follow is: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid scams with the help of a qualified attorney from our firm!
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What happens at a foreclosure sale?
It doesn't happen all the time, but if you have exhausted all of your legal alternatives and feel as though a foreclosure or short sale is the last resort, you need to know what to expect.
No foreclosure sale is exactly the same, but for the most part, the foreclosure sale process typically involves the following:
- Lenders must first send a notice of a foreclosure to the homeowner. The notice must be sent at least 14 days prior to the foreclosure sale date.
- A foreclosure sale will take place at the date, time, and place specified in the foreclosure notice.
- The foreclosure sale will be conducted by a licensed auctioneer. The auctioneer will read various legal notices, descriptions, and documents pertaining to the property.
- The auctioneer will take bids on the property, take deposit checks, and accept the highest bid to close the foreclosure property sale.
- Parties - including the mortgagor, the purchaser, and the auctioneer - will draft a foreclosure deed, which must be recorded and filed at the Registry of Deeds.
- A grace period - typically 30 days - will be given to allow the purchaser to line up financing.
- A closing will take place, and the new owner will formally take title to the foreclosed property.
All monies paid by the new purchaser will go toward paying real estate taxes, owed mortgages, and payments to creditors or other debts owed on the property. If no one at the foreclosure sale is able to bid a high enough amount to cover the debt of the property, then the balanced owed - called a deficiency - would then be the liability of the old owner.