Southampton Bankruptcy Attorney
Financial pressures can be a major factor leading to the breakup of a marriage. In most cases, however, those pressures do not go away after a divorce. In fact they usually increase, because each spouse is now trying to support a household on less income than the couple had when married.
What can you do then to get financial relief? Should you file for bankruptcy before or after a divorce?
The answers to these questions are highly complex and depend on the specifics of your situation. Only an experienced bankruptcy attorney can provide the advice that is right for you.
At the Law Offices of Michael S. Schwartz, we are now well into our second decade providing debt relief to hard-working people in Pennsylvania. We can review your situation in a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
Contact us to arrange for a no-obligation consultation.
Discharging Debts Before Divorce
It is often better to file for bankruptcy before divorcing, particularly when the couple has a significant amount of jointly held dischargeable debt, such as credit card debt and medical bills. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy does just that – it completely eliminates some types of debts. In addition, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be achieved in as little as six months, before the divorce is finalized. You may be able to achieve debt relief in a shorter time frame than the divorce process.
Attorney Michael S. Schwartz has helped many people in this situation obtain a new financial start. In your case, our firm will work to obtain maximum debt relief so that you can make a successful transition to your new life.
Discharging Debts After Divorce
Some debts cannot be discharged after divorce, such as child support and court-ordered spousal support (alimony). By eliminating other debts however, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy after divorce can provide you with the cash flow you need to pay your non-dischargeable obligations. You may also have the option of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which can roll your remaining debts into a repayment plan.
Our firm can review your situation and recommend the right solution for you. Then the Law Offices of Michael S. Schwartz will work to obtain maximum debt relief for you, while enabling you to retain as many assets as possible.