Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Based in Lincoln

You will benefit from the automatic stay as soon as you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This court order freezes all pending and ongoing collection actions, including foreclosures, repossessions, wage garnishments, and creditor lawsuits. The automatic stay will typically stay in place until your bankruptcy case is over.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves selling, or “liquidating,” your non-exempt assets to partially repay creditors. Fortunately, many types of assets can be exempted from the liquidation process. 

With proper application of exemptions, you may lose little to nothing. Most basic living needs are exempt from liquidation, but one important consideration is whether you have a home mortgage. If you are behind on your mortgage, you could lose your home under Chapter 7 if your lender will not let you reaffirm your debt. 

In a Nebraska Chapter 7 bankruptcy, exemptions include your:

• Home (up to $60,000 of equity under certain conditions)
• Car (up to $5,000 of equity in a single motor vehicle)
• Furniture, computers, appliances, books, and instruments (up to $3,000 in combined total value)
• Tools of the trade (up to $5,000 in total value)
• Health aids (fully exempt)
• Clothing and wedding rings (fully exempt)
• Wages (75% of earned but unpaid earnings or up to 30 times the federal minimum wage)
• Public benefits and pensions (in many cases, fully exempt)

Nebraska also offers a “wildcard exemption.” In addition to all other exemptions, you can exempt up to $5,000 of combined total value in any type of personal property. Wages and real estate are excluded from the wildcard exemption.

You may not be able to exempt your home in a Nebraska Chapter 7 bankruptcy if you have too much equity in it. Your home may be safe if you are current on the mortgage and do not have much equity. Our team will evaluate your holdings and advise what assets may be vulnerable to liquidation.

Once all exempt property has been liquidated, you will generally be allowed to discharge all remaining unsecured debts. Credit card debt, medical debt, personal loans, and unpaid utility bills will generally be eliminated as a result. You cannot in most cases discharge secured debts, tax debt, or student loan debt.

How Much Does It Cost To File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

The cost of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Nebraska includes several factors. These may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the complexity of your case.

Below are some components that contribute to the overall cost of filing for Chapter 7:

• Filing Fee: There is a filing fee set by the bankruptcy court, which is required for submitting your Chapter 7 petition. Effective December 1, 2020, the filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Nebraska is $338. It is broken down into:
  • Filing fee: $245
  • Administrative fee: $78
  • Trustee surcharge: $15
• Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Courses: Before and after filing for bankruptcy, you are typically required to complete credit counseling and debtor education courses. These courses come with their own fees, which can range from roughly around $20 to $50 per course.
• Attorney Fees: Hiring a Chapter 7 attorney to guide you through the filing process is highly recommended. The fees can vary based on the complexity of your case, the attorney's experience and expertise, and the specific services provided. Discussing the attorney's fee structure during your initial consultation is important. At Lentz Law, PC, LLO, we offer flexible payment options.
• Additional Costs: Depending on your circumstances, there might be additional costs involved. For example, if your case requires additional legal services, such as filing motions or attending hearings, these can incur additional fees. 

If you're considering filing Chapter 7 Nebraska, the cost can vary based on your unique circumstances and the complexity of your case. To get an accurate estimate based on your circumstances, it's best to consult with a Lincoln Chapter 7 lawyer at Lentz Law, PC, LLO. Our team is here to provide the professional guidance you need.

Our attorneys have a deep understanding of bankruptcy law and can answer all of your questions and assist you with any aspect of the process. We offer free consultations, where we can discuss your case, evaluate your financial situation, and offer personalized advice. We take pride in our dedication to client success, and with over 10 years of experience, we are committed to helping individuals like you achieve debt relief and a fresh financial start. We understand the urgency of your situation, which is why we offer same-day appointments and are available to take your calls 24/7. Additionally, we offer flexible payment plans to ensure our services are accessible to those in need. 

Contact us or call (402) 526-5540 to schedule your free consultation. Take the first step towards regaining control of your financial future now!