Bankruptcy

Straight answers from Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyers in Rhode Island

At Kaplan & Associates, we have extensive and specific experience representing debtors filing for protection under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code.

We help you understand your options, protect your rights, and put a stop to the calls from creditors. Before we do anything else, we conduct a full review of your financial situation to determine if there are other options to filing for bankruptcy, such as negotiating with creditors, collecting outstanding debts, or arranging for non-bankruptcy forms of debt relief, such as debt workouts.

If a bankruptcy filing is realistic and necessary, we help determine which form of bankruptcy, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, is appropriate for your particular circumstances.

Protecting debtors in bankruptcy proceedings

In a Chapter 7 proceeding, sometimes called a fresh start bankruptcy, all of a petitioner’s dischargeable debts are eliminated. Certain debts such as student loans, court fines, and child support payments, for example, cannot be discharged. To file under Chapter 7, you need to qualify under a two-part means test calculation that takes into account your expenses, income, and unsecured debt. There is a chance that if you own valuables such as jewelry, sports cars, etc., these may be sold by the court to pay your creditors. Having a bankruptcy attorney fight for your rights can help you protect your property.

If you do not qualify to file under Chapter 7, you may decide to file under Chapter 13, also sometimes called a wage earner plan. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you agree to repay creditors under a payment plan that lasts three to five years. Your lawyer can help negotiate with your creditors to reduce penalty fees and interest rates so that you pay back pennies on the dollar. And in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you belongings are not subject to liquidation.

We understand the bankruptcy laws. We give you straight answers and help you make smart decisions for your financial future.

Contact Kaplan & Associates for a solution to your bankruptcy problem

Call us at 401-272-9000, or contact Kaplan & Associates online to find out how we can help you. Our attorneys serve clients throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, and often serve as local counsel for clients in other states with business or other legal interests in Rhode Island.

Our East Providence, Rhode Island office is convenient to public transportation and has on-site parking. We offer flexible appointment times for the convenience of clients who find it difficult to meet with us during regular business hours. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.