Massachusetts Chapter 7 & 13 Attorney
Over 10 Years of Experience Handling Personal Bankruptcy Matters
If you are struggling financially or cannot meet your monthly obligations, the federal bankruptcy laws can help you stop threatening phone calls and letters and even stop foreclosure, so that you can get a fresh start. You want an experienced attorney to guide you through the bankruptcy process, one who can help you determine whether you should file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, and who will help you keep as much of your property as possible.
At the Law Offices of Monique Boucher Lamb, P.C., we bring over a decade of experience to individuals throughout the North Shore in Massachusetts. Our attorney, Monique Boucher Lamb, was born and raised in Salem, so she has unique knowledge of the area and the people who live here. We have built strong working relationships with other attorneys and with the bankruptcy courts, which allow us to more effectively protect your rights. We understand the emotional and financial challenges that come with personal bankruptcy matters. Contact our office via e-mail or call us at 978-338-4359 to set up a free initial consultation.
Our Personal Bankruptcy Practice
We handle all matters related to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, preparing and submitting all the documents required to initiate and finalize your bankruptcy. We will act as your representative in meetings with creditors, the bankruptcy trustee, and the bankruptcy court. If you decide to file for protection under the bankruptcy laws, we will provide you with the information you need to complete the mandatory credit counseling course before you file.
Once you decide to file, we will carefully review your financial situation with you so that we can help you determine whether you should file under Chapter 7 or under Chapter 13. The bankruptcy laws changed in 2005, making it more difficult to discharge your debts in a Chapter 7 proceeding. You must now submit to a "means test," whereby the bankruptcy court determines whether you have the ability to repay your creditors over a 3 to 5 year period.
We will walk you through the means test, so that we can determine whether you qualify under liquidation of your debt under Chapter 7. If you do, we will make certain you understand which debts can be discharged before you file, so that you don't have unrealistic expectations. Some debts, such as alimony and child support arrearages, cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. Other obligations, such as student loans and taxes, are difficult, though not impossible, to discharge. We will also make certain that any exempt assets, such as principal residence, motor vehicle or retirement assets, are not included in the bankruptcy sale. Under normal circumstances, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be completed in 4-6 months.
If you fail to qualify for Chapter 7 or prefer to repay your creditors, we will help you file for reorganization of your debts under Chapter 13. We will help you prepare proposed repayment plans and will review any proposals that come from your creditors to ensure that they are within your means. If you enter into a repayment plan under Chapter 13, but fail to meet your obligations, you can lose the protection of the bankruptcy law.
To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us via e-mail or call us at 978-338-4359. Our office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and evenings by appointment. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.