Belleville: 613-966-8060 | Cobourg: 905-372-2237 | Kingston: 613-548-7070 | Trenton: 613-394-0707
Personal Bankruptcy Solutions in Belleville and Surrounding Areas
Navigating the intricacies of financial uncertainty can be overwhelming, but seeking expert guidance is often the first step to regaining control. F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc. specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for people facing bankruptcy in Belleville, all of which are tailored to the unique needs of each individual and business.
Our mission at F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc. is to empower our clients with the knowledge, tools and strategies they need to rebuild a secure financial future. Leveraging years of experience, we've established ourselves as a trusted ally for countless residents and businesses. If you're facing financial difficulties, know that you're not alone and that with the right guidance, it will get better. Contact our lawyers today.
What Is Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a legal process administered by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee and governed by a federal statute called the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA). It provides immediate relief to an overburdened debtor by halting all legal actions available to your creditors.
Filing for bankruptcy is a difficult decision. It will include all debts of $25 or more; however, certain debts will survive bankruptcy pursuant to Sec 178 of BIA. Bankruptcy will also hinder your ability to obtain credit in the future. For a first-time bankrupt, the credit bureau will have a record of your bankruptcy for 7 years and will list you as an R9.
The cost of filing for bankruptcy will depend on your net monthly family income, the size of your family, and your assets. A free consultation with an F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc advisor will determine the precise cost and will help you understand each of the fees.
What Happens When You File for Bankruptcy in Belleville?
When you file for bankruptcy in Belleville, a series of events and processes is set into motion, often aimed at resolving or alleviating financial distress. The specifics can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the particular type of bankruptcy filed, but the general steps and consequences are as follows:
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Filing the petition: The bankruptcy process begins with the debtor filing an Assignment for the General Benefit of Creditors- A voluntary filing with the Bankruptcy court placing one-self in bankruptcy. This can be done by the debtor or, in some cases, by creditors.
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Automatic stay: Once filed, an automatic stay is put into place. This immediately stops most creditors from seeking to collect debts from the debtor, at least temporarily. This means no more harassing phone calls, wage garnishments, or lawsuits related to debt.
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Appointment of trustee: In most cases, a trustee is appointed to oversee the bankruptcy case. This trustee will be responsible for reviewing the debtor's assets and liabilities and making determinations on how to proceed.
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Meeting of creditors: A meeting is typically held where creditors can ask the debtor questions about their finances and property. It's a chance for the trustee and creditors to review the debtor's situation more closely.
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Future credit: While obtaining credit immediately after bankruptcy can be challenging, it's not impossible. Over time, as one rebuilds their credit, they may become eligible for loans and credit cards, often at higher interest rates.
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Public record: Bankruptcy filings are public records. This means that others can learn about an individual's or entity's bankruptcy if they seek this information.
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in Belleville, consult with our bankruptcy attorney first. We will assist you by going over all the necessary compliances. We can also help you with other legal concerns.
Do I qualify for bankruptcy?
To qualify for bankruptcy, you must:
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Owe at least $1,000
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Be unable to make payments as they come due
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Owe more than the fair market value of all your assets (i.e., your home, car, etc.)
How do I start the process?
To start the process, you should meet with an F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc advisor for an assessment of your financial situation, a discussion of your concerns with the possible options, and a review of your rights and responsibilities. If you decide to proceed with bankruptcy Belleville, the trustee will prepare all the legal documents for your signature and file them with the Official Receiver of the office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy.
The Process of Bankruptcy in Belleville, Kingston, Trenton, and Cobourg
What to Expect
Personal bankruptcy can seem like an overwhelming process. However, if bankruptcy Belleville is the right solution for you, your trustee will be with you through each step of the way:
Step 1:
Contact a trustee such as F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc.
Step 2:
Meet with an F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc representative for a free and private meeting to talk about your situation and your options.
Step 3:
Your F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc representative will prepare all the legal documents for your signature.
Step 4:
F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc will file the documents with the Official Receiver, and you will formally be declared bankrupt. From this point on, a stay of proceeding will be in place and the F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc representative will deal directly with your creditors.
Step 5:
If necessary, you and your F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc representative will attend a meeting with your creditors to talk about the terms of your bankruptcy.
Step 6:
In some cases, the Official Receiver may examine you under oath to discuss the causes and terms of your bankruptcy.
Step 7:
Within 10 and 60 days after you file for bankruptcy, you will attend your first counselling session to learn about subjects such as money management, shopping habits, and early warning signs.
Step 8:
After the first session has been completed and at least 30 days have elapsed and within 210 days of your date of bankruptcy, you will attend your second counselling session to learn about the reasons for your bankruptcy and talk about how to regain control over your finances.
Step 9:
Nine months after you file for bankruptcy, you are eligible for an automatic discharge. Once you are discharged, you will no longer be legally responsible for most of your debts.
Downloadable forms are available from F. J. Zielski & Associates Inc to present to your advisor. The forms will provide the information needed to assess your situation so a decision can be made. Schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Belleville, Kingston, or Trenton. You can also call our direct line Cobourg for advice.
Consider Your Options
Refinance your home or apply for a loan to cover ALL your debt.
Set up a monthly payment at a fixed interest rate.
Your debt stays the same, and you may risk running up your credit card balances again.
A debt management plan consolidates unsecured debt into one monthly payment. All creditors must agree as each card gets paid off, and the account is closed. Once all your debts are paid in full, you complete the program.
R7 rating for 2 years after completion.
R9 rating for 6 years (14 years if it is your second bankruptcy).
Pay back a portion of your debt over 5 years and keep your assets. Pay ALL your unsecured debt in one monthly payment you CAN afford. Binding all creditors if the majority of debt is approved.
“The most common means of undoing debt.”