Canton Bankruptcy Attorney

Trusted Filer of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Canton, Ohio

Bankruptcy is not a process that most people want to deal with, and you need an experienced, compassionate attorney to assist you. The process can go wrong in many ways, but the most common way to screw up is by not using an attorney or by choosing the wrong one.

Bankruptcy can be an effective first step in getting back on your feet after financial collapse. However, bankruptcies an be impossible to dismiss, once filed, so you should consult a bankruptcy attorney before filing to make sure the process is right for you.

While you want to use a specialist, this is not enough because bankruptcy attorneys are only trained in bankruptcy and don’t specialize in other options. So you need an attorney that is certified for consumer bankruptcy and debt arbitration.

Richard West is both a board certified consumer bankruptcy specialist, and a certified debt arbitrator. He can help you to weigh your options, so you’ll understand the pros and cons each option.

That way, you can be confident you’ve made the right choice.

Over 30,000 Families Served

Since1986, We have been the authority for debt relief and credit recovery.

Your Case Will Be Approved

You can depend on us. We're one of the oldest Debt Relief firms in the State of Ohio.

Over 30 Years Fighting Credit Card Predators

Need a bankruptcy attorney in Canton, OH? We’re the team to call.

We understand that this isn’t your first option when it comes to personal finance- but we assure you that bankruptcy should not be considered a “last resort”.

If you need a medical procedure, like surgery, why would you try to remedy it with items from the drugstore? If you need bankruptcy protection, don’t waste your time with ineffective debt management plans.

The Canton Ohio bankruptcy attorney can help you make a decision by comparing your options and learning about the benefits of each option.

This might come as a surprise, but Chapter 13 bankruptcy shows more upsides than Chapter 7 Bankruptcy! So don’t settle for an attorney who doesn’t take the time to explain your options in both types of filings; you could end up with thousands saved.

Richard West Law Office

(330) 333-5771

By Filing for Bankruptcy Relief in Canton You Can

Wipe Out Debt, Keep Your Property & Rebuild Your Credit

Are you a Canton, Ohio resident who is burdened with debt? Start here for an explanation on Bankruptcy options.

Chapter 7

Chapter 13 NON-Bankruptcy Options

THE COST OF AN ATTORNEY

Sources of debt in Canton

How we can Help

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Personal Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is one of the most popular bankruptcy procedures, and it can provide relief for you if you are struggling with debt. The benefits of filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy include: releasing all unsecured debts, being able to keep your assets and starting over with a clean slate without any debt!

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, any unsecured debts that you have will be wiped out. What does this mean? It means that all debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills and personal loans will legally disappear. Your credit report will show a zero balance for these debts.

You can keep secured debts, like your house and car in chapter 7 bankruptcy. This means that you will continue to make your payments on these debts.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers people a fresh start when they file, and you can get new credit cards in order to rebuild good credit.

There are many misconceptions about Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Many people believe that they will lose all of their assets and never be able to own a home or car ever again; this is not true! This process is designed to relieve debt rather than taking your property.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Personal Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

With Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you can:

Eliminate most of your unsecured debts.

Save a home from foreclosure or your car from repossession.

Emotional benefits:

You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re taking responsibilty and paying what yoiu are able to on your debts, making your best effort.

You’ll be able to sleep better at night not worrying about how you’re going to pay off your debt.

You can feel better because you will be more in control of your finances.

You’ll be able to focus more on your career and other aspects of life.

Chapter 13 is an option if you have regular income and some disposable income after expenses like housing, food, utilities, insurance etc are paid.

The repayment plan only needs to last 3 or 5 years and you will will not be obligated to repay any unsecured debts you owe when you file your case.

Most creditors will not object to your Chapter 13 plan, as they get paid in full or more than the amount owed. This allows you to keep your home, cars and other assets. – In most cases, filing for bankruptcy costs less than 1/4 of what it would cost to pay all your debts off over 3-5 years. Sometimes even as little as 1% gets paid!

Chapter 13 is one of the most powerful tools in consumer protection law today.

Debt Settlement & Debt Negotiation

Debt settlement is a dangerous game. Really dangerous.

It will ruin your FICO score, no matter what the debt settlement company tells you.

The harsh reality is that most people who choose to do a debt settlement program are doomed to failure before they ever start. Here’s why:

First, if you use the services of one of those companies that advertises on television for a few hundred bucks, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Here’s how…

You contact the debt settlement company and tell them you have $10,000 in credit card debt at 12% interest. They tell you their fee is around 10% (actually it’s closer to 15-20%) and that they’ll settle your debts for about 50% of what you owe. In your mind, that’s a pretty good deal. So you go for it.

They often “forget” to tell you that you will pay taxes on any debt forgiven, so you will owe the IRS as a result.

Then they instruct you to stop paying your credit cards and loans.

Sixth, they instruct you to continue making your regular monthly payments to them. These will be deposited into their bank account and eventually go towards settling the debts. That is, if your creditors agree, and some will not.

It’s kind of like a game of chicken isn’t it? Waiting to see who will flinch first, the creditor or the debtor (you).

If you’re still reading this, you may be wondering where I’m going with this.

There are many dangers and uncertain outcomes with debt settlement. It’s not for everyone, and many people will prefer to be protected, and know in advance what will happen to their debts.

Bankruptcy provides this certainty of outcome, and safety provided by Federal Law.

The Cost of A Canton Bankruptcy Attorney

When it comes to bankruptcy lawyers, you get what you pay for. When you pay a little extra to hire the right lawyer you’ll actually save you money in the long run because they provide quality services up front.

The cost of bankruptcy attorneys is always a top consideration in selecting one. However, cheaper services often have additional “add on” fees, which eventually mean an increased price that you need to take into consideration.

Wouldn’t you rather have the best heart surgeon (or other specialty) to fix your problem? That’s why Richard West Law Office offers an affordable law firm with board-certified expertise. Payment plans are customized to your budget and we start working for you right away accepting all of your creditor calls. In some cases, we may even open a file for you with no advance fee paid.

Source of Debt in Canton

Medical

More than one third of families today have some kind of medical bills, and 28% of these have balances over $10,000! If you are having a difficult time paying off your medical bills, then join the club. You are not alone even if you do have insurance!

Student loan

Many young Americans attend college or university and take out a student loan, but because of the high costs, many of them have difficulty paying it off. A recent study showed that more than one third of student loan borrowers have delayed some kind of major life event, such as buying a home or starting a family, due to their debt.

Credit cards

Credit cards are never going away, and, in fact, they’re even easier to get than ever before. However, the ease of getting them also makes it easy for people to find themselves thousands of dollars deep in credit card debt.

Getting a bit too aggressive with balance transfers or taking cash advances on your credit card can have disastrous consequences

Mortgage debt

Home ownership is an American dream, but like most dreams, it’s not always a worry-free experience. The cost of your new home includes more than just the price and monthly mortgage costs–determine if you can afford to make repairs or put away for emergencies now before you buy!

Lawsuits

When it comes to your finances you may be feeling overwhelmed. It’s a terrifying time with debt stacking up and creditors calling at all hours of the day. You spend countless hours each week navigating the collection process, trying find ways to pay them back or negotiate some sort of payment plan in order to spare yourself from overwhelming credit card anxiety.

Then, you get a lawsuit in the mail! You are being sued for collections, or your wages could be garnished if you don’t pay back the debt. It doesn’t matter what kind of lawsuit is against you; it can have a negative impact on all aspects of your finances. When you have been sued, you don’t have much time to react, and failure to file an answer within 28 days will result in a default judgment against you.

Sources of Debt

What They Can Claim

What They Can Cause

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CREDITORS

Your financial future is at stake along with your peace of mind. When you’re deep in debt, there are a lot of emotions involved as well. I’ve gone through it myself and understand from my own struggles how you may be feeling. It’s hard to enjoy life when you feel like your finances are overwhelming every day of your life – that money problems rule your life.

I understand how hard it is and you are not alone! You can forge a new financial future by wiping out your debt, and rebuilding your credit quickly with my powerful credit rebuilding program.

Types of Debts Discharged in Bankruptcy in Canton

Most types of debt are discharged in a bankruptcy case, but not all. Taxes, child support debts, and student loans often cannot be wiped out with the bankruptcy proceedings — but most other of our debts are eligible for discharge. Here are some common debts that you will clear away through your bankruptcy filing.

Credit card debt

One of the top reasons we file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is because our credit card debt has steadily mounted over the years which eventually led us into a tight financial position.

I bet you have probably paid the credit card companies a lot more than you have charged. Most of what you pay is interest, late fees and over-limit fees.

After you wipe out your existing credit card debt, you WILL be able to get new credit cards. Filing for bankruptcy can create the best opportunity to start fresh with good credit.

Medical bills

One of the reasons that people file for bankruptcy is medical debt. Health insurance can be expensive, with a deductible so high that it’s conceivable to have situations where someone end up having to fill out an emergency room admission in order to save their life and then not afford the resulting bills.

Filing bankruptcy on medical debt is common, and even necessary in many cases.

Don’t worry, you will always be able to go the emergency room if need be.

Personal loans

Personal loans often result in impossible debt situations for American individuals. Finance companies like One Main, Mariner, Tracir, and online loan companies make it much easier to become stuck with an insurmountable pile of debt.

Happily, all of these are discharged in bankruptcy.

Cash advance loans

One other common debt we can wipe out in bankruptcy is a cash advance. The interest rates are outrageous.

These loans are forgiven in bankruptcy, even when the applicant affirms that he will not file for bankruptcy. In more than 35 years of practicing law, I have never failed to discharge a cash advance loan.

Foreclosure and repossession deficiencies

If your home is foreclosed or your vehicle is repossessed, the debt will be discharged in bankruptcy. Without filing bankruptcy, creditors are permitted to report that you have this type of debt on your credit report. After you discharge the deficiency, it is listed as a zero balance.

You have the right to get rid of these debts by filing bankruptcy. Some creditors are very aggressive and they will take your money or wipe out your bank account. Filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 can protect you from their tactics.

Rebuild Your Credit

After filing for bankruptcy, Canton Ohio residents often wonder how they can get their credit score back on the up and up. While undergoing a financial hardship garners bad marks in the world of personal finance, it’s not because there is no way to repair your credit score—it’s just that so many people don’t know where to start looking.

As a certified credit counselor, I had to rebuild my own credit rating after going bankrupt. I give you the same plan I used top rebuild my own credit.

Rebuilding after bankruptcy is a process that doesn’t require massive magic, but it does begin with wiping the slate clean to make way for new accounts and the rebuilding process does not take long, if you follow my proven program.

This program enables my clients to rebuild their credit immediately after a bankruptcy discharge, or during an ongoing Chapter 13.

How A Canton Bankruptcy Attorney Can Help.

Trust our 35 years of experience, and proven track record of success.

Being in debt in Canton Ohio is no fun.

If you live in Canton, your case will be filed in the Canton Bankruptcy Court While there are several attorneys in Canton, there is only one board certified consumer bankruptcy specialist, recognized by the Ohio Supreme Court, Richard West, who is certified by the American Board of Certification.

Richard West will go over all your options. He knows that bankruptcy is NOT the best option for everyone. This is the reason he became a certified debt specialist, and has assisted hundreds of families to find non- bankruptcy debt relief programs.

Whether you need to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Canton Ohio, your best chance of quick credit rebuilding is by hiring a lawyer who specializes in that type of problem.

The situation – serious credit challenges after filing for bankruptcy – is not one you can handle on your own.

No matter what, there are going to be lasting and profound effects on your financial situation for many years to come. You need the attention of a qualified debt relief attorney, and I am here to help.

We Service the Following Cities and Communities near Canton, Ohio.

Ready? Get on the Road to Bankruptcy Recovery

We are still open for remote filings in Canton and remote consultations during the pandemic. All consultations are free and there is no catch. We only work with clients who want to work with us. Nothing high-pressure. We look forward to assisting you.

Get A Free Consultation

Call (330) 333-5771

One of Ohio's Top-Rated Bankruptcy Attorneys,
Over 30,000 clients helped since 1986.