Why File for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

In this article, I will discuss filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Utah. Bankruptcy refers to the legal procedure in the U.S. that enables individuals and businesses to eliminate or repay debts under the protection of the federal bankruptcy court.

A Brief History of Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy did not exist in ancient times because individuals who could not pay their debts were forced into indentured servitude. For many today, being at the mercy of their creditors is another form of indentured servitude. However, in modern times, bankruptcy law enables individuals to get out of debt or to restructure their debt in a way that enables them to pay their creditors. Bankruptcy has also become a way for businesses to reorganize and keep afloat in hard economic times. Different countries have different laws concerning bankruptcy. Some countries do not have bankruptcy laws while others only have laws that pertain to businesses. The U.S. has a federal law which helps people who have too much debt.

While the broader economic climate from the mortgage crisis to global economics affects us all, some have been harder hit than others. Debt can accumulate if you’re out of work for an extended period of time or incur high medical expenses. Although we hear that economic times are improving, that is not true for everyone.

In 2014, there was an average of 75,000 bankruptcy filings per month. About a million individuals and businesses filed for bankruptcy in the United States.

Filing for bankruptcy may be a good option if you have accumulated debt because you have lost your job, or you face foreclosure on your home or repossession of your car. Bankruptcy can be the best way to get back on your feet and start fresh and debt free. With the help of the bankruptcy process, you may be able to better manage monthly bill payments. And you may decrease the interest rate on those bills or eliminate them altogether.

Why File for Bankruptcy?

In the U.S. today, individuals file for bankruptcy because they: (1) can’t pay their debt and have very little income or property, or (2) are behind in making payments on their debt and want to keep their property, such as a home or car. Bankruptcy law has become a way for individuals to get out of debt or to restructure their debt in a way that enables them to pay their creditors. Other forms of bankruptcy filings can also help a business reorganize and keep afloat in tough economic times.

Bankruptcy laws may seem complicated at first, but they can be broken down into manageable pieces. The goal here is for you to understand whether or not it makes sense for you to file for bankruptcy. And to what to expect if you go forward. Filing for bankruptcy is a big step and if you’re thinking about filing, care should be taken to make sure you will not be worse off by filing.

Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Utah

One of the advantages of hiring a Utah Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer and filing is that creditors are required, by law, to halt any efforts on their part to repossess items or otherwise demand payments from the debtor. Furthermore, opting for Chapter 13 bankruptcy can, in certain circumstances, put a stop to or put a hold on foreclosure proceedings. Chapter 13 bankruptcy also gives homeowners the opportunity to repay their past due mortgage payments over a 3 or 5 year period through a court-ordered payment plan.

In addition, if the debtor’s home has no equity (the first mortgage balance exceeds the current fair market value of the home), the debtor may have the ability to remove the second mortgage in Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceeding (a lien strip). Removing the second mortgage is typically done through an adversarial proceeding in the bankruptcy court. If the homeowner is successful the proceeding, the court will order that the second mortgage is removed from the property. Upon removing the second mortgage, the debt will be treated like any other unsecured debt.

End Up Paying Less

Generally, through a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, my clients often end up paying back less than they owe. While secured loans — loans that are guaranteed by the pledge of an asset such as a car or a house —must be paid back in full, unsecured loans, such as credit card debt, may be eligible for a significant reduction of the amount owed. Only through the bankruptcy court process can a debtor legally compel a creditor to accept a reduction in the total sum of the amount due. For that reason, it is especially useful to have a legal representative assist you with your filing so that you can maximize your chances for a beneficial outcome. In addition, all creditors must comply with the terms of the court-ordered Chapter 13 plan.

Contact Ryan E. Simpson

Please call me today at (801) 432-8682 to discuss your specific situation and how Bankruptcy may be right for you.

Things To Do in Salt Lake City, Utah

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Natural History Museum of Utah

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4.6 ()

Liberty Park

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4.5 ()

Hogle Zoo

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4.7 ()

Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens

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4.8 ()

Red Butte Garden

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4.6 ()

Clark Planetarium

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4.3 ()

Gilgal Sculpture Garden

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This Is The Place Heritage Park

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4.6 ()

Pioneer Memorial Museum

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4.8 ()

Temple Square

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Utah State Capitol

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Salt Lake Utah Temple

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Memory Grove Park

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4.5 ()

Discovery Gateway Children's Museum

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Sugar House Park

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The Leonardo

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4.6 ()

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

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Salt Lake City Public Library

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International Peace Gardens

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Beehive House

Reviews for Ascent Law LLC Salt Lake City, Utah

John Logan

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We've gotten divorce and child custody work from Ascent Law since the beginning because of my ex. We love this divorce firm! Staff is gentle, friendly and skilled. Tanya knows her stuff. Nicole is good and Ryan is fun. Really, all the staff here are careful, kind and flexible. They always answer all my questions, explain what they're doing and provide great legal services. I personally think they are the best for divorce in Utah.

Jacqueline Hunting

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I have had an excellent experience with Ascent Law, Michael Reed is an absolutely incredible attorney. He is 100% honest and straight forward through the entire legal process of things, he also has a wonderful approach to helping better understand certain agreements, rights, and legal standing of matters, to where it was easy to know whats going on the entire process. I appreciate the competency, genuine effort put forth, and assistance I received from Ascent and attorney Michael Reed, and I will be calling these guys if ever I have the need again for their legal assistance! 5star review Wonderful attorneys!

Anthony Ziegler

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This review is well deserved for Ryan and Josh. New clients should know they are worth the 5 star rating we give them. We needed 2 sessions from them because of the complexity of the matter, but they are both very passionate about his helping others in need.  My sister needed bankruptcy and I needed divorce.  Sometimes they go hand in hand but a large shout out to this team - also Nicole is one of the sweetest people you ever did meet - she offered me warm cookies!

Thomas Parkin

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Mike Anderson and his colleagues & staff are knowledgeable, attentive and caring. In a difficult and complex case that eventually went to trial, Mike was the voice of reason and the confidence I needed. His courtroom abilities are amazing and I felt his defense of me was incredible. His quick thinking and expertise allowed for a positive result when I felt the World was crumbling. His compassion, after the case, has helped me return to a good life. I trust Mike and his staff. They are friendly and very good at what they do.

Yeran Merry

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I worked with Attorney Alex and Paralegal Ami in my divorce case. I got to know the team very well over the course of two years. I cannot think of a better team to have worked with. Ami and Alex are not only exceptional law professions who are very knowledgeable and thorough, they are also the best human beings who empathize with the emotions I was experiencing. Alex was conscious of my budget and worked efficiently to try to reduce unnecessary legal expenses. My case also involved some dealings with a foreign country that Alex and his team had previously dealt with.  They did an amazing job addressing cultural barriers in a very respectful manner and did not fall short in quality of work or in standards when dealing with some of these new challenges. Ami deserves a medal for being extremely professional, calming, and compassionate when it is needed most.  When you need family law attorneys, call this firm. I now feel I can move forward with grace and dignity.