Bankruptcy

Learn How Bankruptcy Can Help

Most people never thought they would have to file for bankruptcy. But life can be unpredictable. A divorce can mean a drastic drop in income. Medical bills can go far beyond what your insurance will pay and eliminate your savings. You may lose a job. Whatever the reason, bankruptcy is part of our legal system because people need a way to start over.

We advise clients in Will County and Chicagoland areas. Your bankruptcy lawyer is a phone call away 815.729-9220 or 773.455.7332 or email

Bankruptcy - An Overview

Bankruptcy is a legal vehicle that provides relief to individuals and businesses in serious financial trouble and protects their creditors to the extent possible. Generally, the bankruptcy process assesses the debtor's assets and liabilities and provides a structure within which the debtor is allowed to keep some, and in most cases, all property and ordered to satisfy as many eligible debts as possible, according to an order of priority established by law. Remaining debts are discharged, except those of certain types, like domestic support orders, debt obtained by fraud and most tax debt.

The traditional stigma of bankruptcy has faded and been replaced by the view that it is a fresh start after a time of trouble. Most bankruptcy debtors have experienced unexpected and extreme financial shock, such as that caused by sudden events such as job loss, business failure, death, divorce or illness.

In such cases, filing bankruptcy may be the right answer. If you are facing serious financial challenges, it is very important to seek the counsel of an experienced bankruptcy attorney, such as one from Hamilton & Antonsen, Ltd., to help you to assess your legal options.

Consumer Bankruptcy

When an individual falls desperately behind in his or her debt payments, one option may be to declare bankruptcy, a legal proceeding in a federal bankruptcy court that relieves the debtor of some or all of his or her debts. While bankruptcy may not be the best option for everyone, in the right situations, it can provide people with a fresh start. The experienced lawyers at Hamilton & Antonsen, Ltd. can advise you as to whether bankruptcy may be the right move for you.

Credit Counseling Requirement in Bankruptcy

In 2005, Congress passed and the president signed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA), a bankruptcy reform law. One of the new requirements BAPCPA imposes on a new bankruptcy debtor is to receive credit counseling from an approved credit counseling agency before the bankruptcy filing. A lawyer experienced in consumer credit and bankruptcy law can help educate debtors about these new counseling requirements.

Surviving the Emotional Effects of Bankruptcy

No matter what circumstances ultimately led to filing bankruptcy, both the practical and the emotional impact on the debtor will be enormous. Confronting the emotional and psychological issues surrounding bankruptcy and reaching an understanding and acceptance of the situation are essential to rebuilding and maintaining a successful financial life. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can guide a debtor through the complicated legal, financial and emotional maze of bankruptcy and steer him or her in the right direction for the future.

Please contact us for your free consultation.  We can be reached by phone or email.  815.729-9220 or 773.455.7332.