Prince George’s County Bankruptcy Lawyers
If you are struggling under the weight of overwhelming debt, facing constant calls from creditors and collection agencies, you’re not alone. Many individuals and families find themselves trapped in financial situations that seem impossible to escape. Creditors’ relentless demands and the threat of lawsuits, wage garnishments, or foreclosure can make daily life stressful and uncertain. Fortunately, there is legal protection available to help you regain control of your finances and start fresh. Filing for bankruptcy can provide this protection, shielding you from creditor actions and allowing you to rebuild your financial future.
A dedicated Prince George’s County bankruptcy lawyer can guide you through the complex bankruptcy process, explain your options, and help protect your rights. At LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, we understand how difficult it is to face financial hardship, and we’re committed to providing compassionate, effective legal assistance every step of the way.
What Is Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a federal legal process designed to help individuals who cannot repay their debts in full. It allows debtors to obtain relief by either eliminating certain debts or restructuring them under court supervision. This process brings order to a chaotic financial situation, offering legal protection from creditor collection efforts such as lawsuits, wage garnishments, or repossessions.
While bankruptcy laws are federal, the process also incorporates Maryland’s specific rules, including exemptions that protect some of your property from being taken to repay creditors. Once you file your bankruptcy petition in court, a bankruptcy trustee is assigned to your case. The trustee’s role is to review your financial information, ensure the process is fair to creditors, and oversee any liquidation of assets if necessary.
Filing for bankruptcy is often seen as a last resort, but it can be a vital tool for putting an end to creditor harassment and providing a fresh start.
Understanding Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Maryland
The most common type of bankruptcy filed by individuals in Maryland is Chapter 7 bankruptcy, sometimes called a “liquidation bankruptcy.” To qualify, you must pass a means test that considers your income, expenses, and family size. This test ensures that Chapter 7 is reserved for those who genuinely cannot afford to pay their debts.
If you qualify and file Chapter 7, your non-exempt assets may be sold by the trustee to repay creditors. However, Maryland provides generous exemptions that allow you to keep many important possessions and assets. Some key exemptions include:
- Homestead Exemption: You can protect up to $21,000 in equity in your home.
- Personal Property Exemption: Up to $12,000 in belongings such as furniture, electronics, and clothing.
- Tools of the Trade: Up to $5,000 in tools or equipment necessary for your occupation.
- Retirement Accounts: Generally protected from creditors, including 401(k)s and IRAs.
- Life Insurance Proceeds: Certain amounts are exempt.
- Unpaid Child Support Owed to You: Also protected.
By using these exemptions, many filers are able to keep their homes, vehicles, and necessary personal property while discharging unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. The end result is a discharge, which means you are no longer legally required to pay the debts included in the bankruptcy.
The Automatic Stay: Immediate Relief from Creditors
One of the most important protections bankruptcy offers is the automatic stay. The moment you file your bankruptcy petition, an automatic stay goes into effect by operation of law. This means creditors must immediately stop all collection activities against you.
No more harassing phone calls. No more threatening letters. No lawsuits or wage garnishments. The automatic stay stops foreclosure proceedings and vehicle repossessions as well, giving you essential breathing room to organize your finances and work through the bankruptcy process without ongoing pressure.
If a creditor violates the automatic stay, you have legal recourse, and they may face penalties. Your lawyer can help enforce this protection so that you can focus on your path to financial recovery.
How Long Does a Maryland Bankruptcy Take?
For most people who file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maryland, the case lasts between three and six months. The process begins when you file your petition and pay the filing fee. Shortly after, you’ll attend a creditors’ meeting (called a “341 meeting”) where the trustee and any creditors can ask you questions about your financial situation.
The trustee will review your paperwork and determine if there are any non-exempt assets that can be sold to repay creditors. In many cases, there are no non-exempt assets, and the case moves quickly toward discharge.
Once the court grants your discharge order, your eligible debts are eliminated, and your case is officially closed. The entire process offers a clean break and allows you to begin rebuilding your credit and financial health.
Do You Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Prince George’s County?
While you can technically file for bankruptcy on your own, it is highly advisable to seek legal counsel. Bankruptcy law is complex, with strict filing requirements, procedural rules, and deadlines. Mistakes or omissions in your paperwork can delay your case, result in the dismissal of your petition, or even deny you a discharge.
An experienced Prince George’s County bankruptcy lawyer can:
- Evaluate your financial situation and advise if bankruptcy is the best option.
- Prepare and file all necessary paperwork accurately and completely.
- Communicate with the bankruptcy trustee and creditors on your behalf.
- Protect your rights and ensure you receive all the exemptions you are entitled to.
- Help you understand the long-term effects of bankruptcy and plan your financial future.
Having an attorney by your side greatly increases the likelihood that your case will proceed smoothly and that you will achieve a successful discharge.
Why Choose LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton?
At LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, we provide more than just legal representation — we offer understanding and support during one of the most stressful times of your life. We take the time to explain your options clearly and work closely with you to develop a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
Our bankruptcy lawyers have helped hundreds of Maryland residents, including those in Prince George’s County, regain control over their finances and start fresh with confidence. We handle your case with respect, honesty, and professionalism to ensure you feel empowered throughout the process.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Bankruptcy Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Today
If you are facing mounting debt, creditor harassment, or financial uncertainty, don’t wait to get help. Our Prince George’s County bankruptcy lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton offer free initial consultations where we will carefully review your financial situation and explain whether bankruptcy is the right solution for you. To schedule your appointment, call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
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.