Rio Rancho Bankruptcy Attorney
You do not have to endure creditor harassment! Let me help you initiate an “automatic stay” (which immediately stops harassment by creditors, collection agencies, and government entities and can prevent foreclosure and lawsuits) via bankruptcy filing so that you have the peace-of-mind to obtain a fresh start in life.
I am an experienced Albuquerque and Rio Rancho bankruptcy attorney who can assist you in discharging or repaying your debts through bankruptcy—a helpful tool that can get you back on your feet. I provide empathetic and understanding bankruptcy services and will treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. Rely on me to give you the legal advice and support you need to turn your life around.
Filing for Bankruptcy
Since it can be difficult to determine your bankruptcy eligibility, I will help you determine which type of bankruptcy—chapter 7 or chapter 13—you are eligible to file. If your income is lower than or equal to the median average monthly income in New Mexico, you can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your income is more than the median, you must pass a “means test” to determine if you qualify for Chapter 7.
Means Test
The means test helps determine if you have enough disposable income to repay your debts over time as part of a Chapter 13 reorganization bankruptcy plan. To determine whether you pass the means test (and qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy), I will calculate the income you have left over after paying certain allowed expenses and debts. If the income that is left over after these calculations is below a certain amount, you can discharge your debt through Chapter 7. However, if the amount left over is equal to or above a certain amount, you must pay back your creditors through a Chapter 13 repayment plan.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Since chapter 7 bankruptcy is sometimes called “liquidation” bankruptcy, people often worry about losing their property when they file for bankruptcy. In the vast majority of cases, people do not lose any property at all. They have adequate exemptions to protect their house, their car, or their retirement funds. Since filing for bankruptcy can be confusing, you need to speak with a bankruptcy attorney. I will help you determine which statutes (federal or state) serve your best interests during Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and help you make strategic decisions to protect your property and assets.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy differs from Chapter 7 in that you must pay your creditors back over time through a structured repayment plan. The length of your repayment plan will be either 3 or 5 years, depending on your income eligibility. As a result of recent changes to the bankruptcy code, more filers are unable to qualify for Chapter 7 and must propose a 3- or 5-year repayment plan that requires them to pay back some or all of what is owed. I can assist you if you are having difficulty making plan payments by requesting a plan modification or hardship discharge.
Out-of-Office Bankruptcy Services
While not located in Rio Rancho, I am able to easily work with clients in Rio Rancho through flexible telephone meetings, email, fax, and mail. If you would like to work with me to resolve your bankruptcy issues, this is the process we would use:
- We will schedule a telephone appointment.
- After speaking for about 30 minutes by phone, we will mail you an intake packet that gives detailed instructions on the types of documentation you will need to provide.
- You will collect the financial information we request and return it to our office (via fax or mail).
- We will prepare the bankruptcy paperwork and mail it to you.
- You will review the paperwork, sign it, and mail it back.
After the paperwork is signed, you will have to attend one hearing in Albuquerque; either I or one of my associates at the Law Office of Larry Leshin will accompany you to ensure you receive the proper representation you need.
Why Contact the Law Office of Larry Leshin for Bankruptcy Services?
There are numerous advantages to working with the Law Office of Larry Leshin. First, our prices are usually significantly lower than those of attorneys practicing outside of Albuquerque. Attorneys in outlying areas have been known to charge over $2,000 for a simple Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing! Second, most of the experienced bankruptcy lawyers are in Albuquerque. The lawyers outside of Albuquerque may only file a few bankruptcies a year. I file hundreds. I have been doing predominantly bankruptcy work for over 20 years and have filed over 3,000 bankruptcies. In addition, I provide prompt and friendly service, low-cost flat fees, and free initial consultations. At our law office, you will be able to speak directly with me—a skillful bankruptcy attorney who has your best interests at heart.
Bankruptcy Information Center
Chapter 7 - An Overview
Chapter 13 - An Overview
The Difference Between Chapter 7 and 13
The Automatic Stay - How You Are Protected in Bankruptcy
If you are looking for a bankruptcy attorney to
handle your Rio Rancho bankruptcy case,
please call me at 505-255-4859 for a free consultation.