Harford County Bankruptcy Lawyers
When debt becomes overwhelming and impossible to manage, bankruptcy may provide the fresh financial start you need. Whether you are struggling with credit card bills, medical expenses, or the threat of foreclosure, bankruptcy laws are designed to protect individuals and families from financial collapse. Our Harford County bankruptcy lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are here to help you understand your options and guide you through every step of the process.
Understanding Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals to eliminate or restructure certain debts when repayment is no longer realistic. The most common type of consumer bankruptcy is Chapter 7 bankruptcy, sometimes called “liquidation bankruptcy.” In a Chapter 7 case, many unsecured debts—such as credit card balances, medical bills, and payday loans—can be discharged, giving you the opportunity to move forward without the burden of past-due balances.
What Debts Can Bankruptcy Eliminate?
Bankruptcy can provide relief from a wide range of unsecured debts, including:
- Credit card debt
- Medical bills
- Personal and payday loans
- Utility arrears
However, some debts generally cannot be eliminated, including child support, alimony, most student loans, and certain tax obligations. An experienced lawyer can explain which debts are dischargeable in your case.
Protecting Your Property
A common concern among people considering bankruptcy is whether they will lose their home, car, or other important possessions. Maryland law provides exemptions that allow you to keep essential property, including:
- Equity in your home (protected by Maryland’s homestead exemption).
- A reasonable amount of equity in your vehicle.
- Household goods, clothing, and furnishings.
- Retirement accounts, pensions, and public benefits.
In most cases, individuals who file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy are able to keep the property they need to live and work.
How the Bankruptcy Process Works
Filing for bankruptcy involves several steps, but the process is designed to move quickly and provide relief:
- File a petition and supporting documents with the bankruptcy court.
- Attend a meeting of creditors (also called a “341 meeting”), where a trustee reviews your case.
- Complete required credit counseling and financial management courses.
- Receive a discharge order, which permanently eliminates qualifying debts.
Most Chapter 7 cases are resolved in about four to six months, allowing you to move forward without years of financial uncertainty.
Immediate Protection Through the Automatic Stay
As soon as you file, an automatic stay goes into effect. This powerful legal protection stops most collection efforts immediately, including:
- Wage garnishments
- Foreclosure actions
- Repossessions
- Utility shutoffs
- Creditor calls and lawsuits
The automatic stay provides critical breathing room, giving you relief from constant creditor pressure while your case is pending.
Why Work With an Experienced Harford County Bankruptcy Lawyer?
Bankruptcy laws are complex, with strict paperwork requirements and deadlines. A mistake can cause delays or even dismissal of your case. An experienced lawyer will:
- Maximize the property and income you can protect through exemptions.
- Anticipate and address potential complications before they become problems.
- Guide you smoothly through the process while protecting your best interests.
Get Help From Our Harford County Bankruptcy Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton
At LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, we have been helping Maryland residents overcome financial challenges since 1987. With decades of experience and a thorough knowledge of Maryland’s bankruptcy laws, we are dedicated to helping clients achieve meaningful debt relief and a true financial fresh start. Call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a Harford County bankruptcy lawyer.
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.