Anne Arundel County Bankruptcy Lawyers

If you’re struggling with overwhelming debt, bankruptcy can provide a powerful legal solution to help you regain control of your finances and start fresh. At LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, we assist residents of Anne Arundel County by explaining all available bankruptcy options and guiding you through the entire process with clear advice and dedicated representation. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, protect your rights, and secure a more stable financial future.

What Is Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a federal legal process designed to help individuals and businesses manage or eliminate debts when repayment becomes impossible. It provides protection from creditors, stops collection efforts such as wage garnishments and foreclosures, and offers a structured path toward financial recovery. Filing for bankruptcy does not erase all your debts, but it can discharge many types of unsecured obligations and create manageable payment plans for others.

Bankruptcy is not a sign of failure—it is a legal tool intended to give people overwhelmed by debt a second chance. The process is governed by federal law and handled in U.S. bankruptcy courts, including those serving Maryland residents.

Common Bankruptcy Options for Individuals in Anne Arundel County

There are different types of bankruptcy available depending on your unique financial situation. The most common option for individuals in Maryland is Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is often called “liquidation bankruptcy.”

Chapter 7 allows eligible filers to quickly discharge many unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and utility debts. This type of bankruptcy usually takes four to six months from filing to discharge, making it an effective solution for those with limited income and few assets to protect.

Other bankruptcy options may be available if Chapter 7 is not suitable. Choosing the right type of bankruptcy depends on many factors, including your income, assets, types of debt, and financial goals. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate your circumstances and help you select the best option for your needs.

How an Anne Arundel County Bankruptcy Lawyer Can Help

Filing for bankruptcy involves complex legal requirements and paperwork, which can be overwhelming without professional guidance. An experienced Anne Arundel County bankruptcy lawyer will:

  • Explain all your bankruptcy options and help you understand what each one means.
  • Assist you in completing mandatory pre-filing credit counseling and post-filing debtor education courses.
  • Gather and organize the financial documentation necessary for filing your petition with the court.
  • Represent you at the required meeting of creditors and communicate with the trustee and creditors on your behalf.
  • Help you protect assets using Maryland’s exemption laws.
  • Negotiate reaffirmation agreements if you wish to keep secured property like your car or home.
  • Guide you through the entire bankruptcy process to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits.

Bankruptcy can:

  • Stop creditor calls, wage garnishments, and foreclosure actions immediately.
  • Discharge or reduce unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans.
  • Protect certain assets through exemptions defined by Maryland law.
  • Provide a clear process to resolve your financial challenges and regain peace of mind.

The Bankruptcy Process

The bankruptcy process generally follows these key steps:

  • Credit Counseling: Before filing, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider, which helps you evaluate alternatives to bankruptcy and understand its consequences.
  • Filing the Petition: Your attorney files the bankruptcy petition with the court along with detailed schedules of your debts, assets, income, and expenses.
  • Automatic Stay: Once filed, an automatic stay goes into effect, immediately stopping most collection actions against you. This legal protection prevents foreclosure, garnishments, and lawsuits while your case is active.
  • 341 Meeting of Creditors: Within about 20 to 45 days, you’ll attend a meeting with your trustee and any creditors who choose to appear. You will answer questions under oath about your financial affairs.
  • Debtor Education: You must complete a debtor education course before receiving your bankruptcy discharge. This course helps you develop better financial habits moving forward.
  • Discharge: The court issues a discharge order that eliminates qualifying debts, relieving you of personal liability and giving you a fresh start.

Our experienced attorneys will help you prepare for each stage and provide representation to protect your interests.

Maryland Bankruptcy Exemptions

Maryland law offers generous exemptions designed to protect your essential property during bankruptcy. These exemptions help ensure that you keep what you need to rebuild your financial life, such as:

  • Up to $6,000 for property of any kind.
  • Up to $5,000 for personal property such as clothing, work tools, and household items.
  • A homestead exemption protecting up to $31,575 in equity of your primary residence.
  • Complete protection for income sources like Social Security, veterans’ benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, public assistance, and qualified retirement accounts.

Most Maryland filers are able to protect their homes, cars, and personal belongings under these exemption rules.

Why Work With LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton?

With decades of experience serving Maryland residents, LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton offers:

  • Personalized legal solutions tailored to your unique financial circumstances.
  • Clear, compassionate communication throughout your case.
  • Strong advocacy to protect your rights and interests.

We understand how difficult financial struggles can be, and we’re committed to helping you find the best path forward.

Contact Our Anne Arundel County Bankruptcy Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton for a Free Consultation

If debt is causing stress or financial hardship, don’t wait to get help. Contact our Anne Arundel County bankruptcy lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton today by calling 800-547-4LAW (4529) or reaching out online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you explore your options and take the first step toward financial freedom.

We have offices in Baltimore and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.