subject: Why You Need an Ohio Bankruptcy Lawyer [print this page] Why You Need an Ohio Bankruptcy Lawyer Why You Need an Ohio Bankruptcy Lawyer
The economic crisis and the resulting financial distress has hit people in most if not all states, and Ohio is no exception. That's why bankruptcy filings are on the rise throughout the country. In Ohio, they've reached one of their highest points since the bankruptcy law overhaul in 2005. But things have changed since then, and if you're considering filing for bankruptcy today, it's all the more important to have an Ohio bankruptcy lawyer on your side. Here are four of the best reasons to hire an Ohio bankruptcy lawyer to help you out.
Pre- and Post-Bankruptcy Planning
Planning is key to a successful bankruptcy filing, but not every debtor can do it on their own. An Ohio bankruptcy lawyer can help you understand the bankruptcy process and prepare for it, from completing the paperwork to setting your goals when you negotiate with creditors. They can also give you tips on rebuilding your credit and finances after filing, or dealing with potential legal actions from your creditors after you're discharged.
Dealing with Creditors
Bankruptcy puts creditors on an automatic stay, meaning they cannot solicit payments or even contact you directly. They can, however, speak to your Ohio bankruptcy lawyer. Your lawyer can handle all correspondence on your behalf so you don't risk breaching the bankruptcy contract or being harassed by unscrupulous creditors. If one of them has a proposal to help you settle the debt, your Ohio bankruptcy lawyer can also do the talking for you.
Defending Your Rights
Both debtors and creditors have certain rights in the bankruptcy process. But how do you know what they are if you're working on your own? An Ohio bankruptcy lawyer is more familiar with the Bankruptcy Code and will explain your rights and responsibilities as a debtor. They can keep certain properties out of your creditors' grasp, negotiate for the best terms, and make sure you're getting fair treatment in the bankruptcy court.
Avoiding Filing Errors
It's easy for the average debtor to make innocent mistakes in filing, but the court isn't too lenient on such errors. Often, when something doesn't add up, the debtor is subjected to heavy questioning and may even be charged with fraudand it doesn't take a bankruptcy lawyer to see that it's a much bigger problem. With an Ohio bankruptcy lawyer, you have a second eye to go over your facts and make sure your facts are straight and consistent.
