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Bankruptcy

Merrillville Bankruptcy Lawyers Help You Find Financial Relief

Solutions for anyone facing money crises in Lake County and Porter County

Bankruptcy allows honest but unfortunate debtors to discharge debt, so they can get a fresh start, rather than living under crushing debt they have no hope of ever fully repaying. At the Law Office of Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C. in Merrillville, our Indiana bankruptcy attorneys offer protection from creditors, collection agencies, repossession and poor choices that could lead to even worse consequences. Going through bankruptcy might seem intimidating, but over time you’ll rebuild your credit and be able to plan for a financially secure future.

Options for Indiana residents considering bankruptcy

In Indiana, you have several bankruptcy options, including:

  • Chapter 7 — Many people with money troubles use Chapter 7 to discharge debt and make a fresh start. This might require you to turn over assets to the bankruptcy trustee, which sells the property to partially repay your creditors. However, state and federal laws provide significant exemptions that might allow you to retain necessary items. With Chapter 7, you can be free of your nonexempt debts within a few short months.
  • Chapter 13 — Under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan, you can pay back what you owe over three to five years and eliminate your remaining eligible debt. Chapter 13 is often the better option for homeowners and is also recommended for individuals who earn too much to qualify for Chapter 7 discharge.
  • Chapter 11 — This chapter of the Bankruptcy Code allows businesses to restructure debt so they can continue to operate. Chapter 11 used to be more expensive for small businesses, but recent revisions to the law have made it easier for smaller operations to pursue a Chapter 11 reorganization.

Our firm provides individualized guidance so you can choose the most appropriate option for your circumstances. We prepare your filings and counsel you throughout the bankruptcy process, so you can get the protection you’re entitled to under the law.

How to know if you are ready for bankruptcy

Although bankruptcy is a positive step for most debtors, it’s not a step to be taken lightly. Here are a few signs that it’s time to consider bankruptcy:

  • Creditor calls — If you are being harassed by creditors who constantly call asking for payment, you’ll be happy to know that bankruptcy puts an end to harassment with an automatic stay that prohibits creditors from contacting you as part of their collection efforts.
  • Creditors threatening legal action — If one or more creditors are threatening to sue, prompt action might be necessary to avoid litigation. In a lawsuit, you could get stuck with a judgment for debt that exceeds what you really owe. Moreover, once creditors obtain a judgment, they can petition the court for enforcement actions, such as wage garnishment. Filing for bankruptcy stops legal action in its tracks.
  • Medical debt — One of the major reasons debtors file for bankruptcy is medical debt, especially after a long illness or severe injury has left them unable to work. Medical debt is unsecured and is dischargeable through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
  • Divorce — Another leading cause of bankruptcy is divorce. Legal fees and living apart from an ex-spouse can cause harsh financial strain.
  • Debt consolidation — If you owe several creditors, it is sometimes possible to roll all your debts into one at a lower interest rate and a combined lower monthly payment. But if you’ve tried consolidating your debts and are still having trouble making ends meet, it may be time to consider bankruptcy.
  • Loan workouts — If you’re concerned about the effects of falling behind on secured loans, including foreclosure and auto repossession, it’s sometimes possible to work out new terms with your lender. When this strategy fails, bankruptcy may be the only way to avoid losing important assets.

Other issues may be weighing on your mind. Our firm is ready to listen and suggest a debt resolution strategy that’s best for you.

Contact our Indiana bankruptcy attorneys today

The Law Office of Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C. in Merrillville, Indiana provides bankruptcy representation for consumers and small businesses in Lake, Porter, Laporte, Starke and Jasper counties. Contact us online today or call our office at 219-293-8988. Don’t delay — get the new start you deserve.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

Victoria Bain Attorney Photo
Victoria Bain
Associate

About Victoria Bain joined Weiss, Schmidgall & Hires as an associate attorney in 2023. She is a graduate of The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Victoria received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Valparaiso University. During her time in college, she taught classes to incarcerated men at the Westville Correctional Facility,…

Christopher R. Schmidgall Attorney Photo
Christopher R. Schmidgall
Member

For more than ten years, Christopher Schmidgall has protected the lives of people who find themselves caught in the tangled machinery of criminal prosecution. With the skill and determination he’s demonstrated throughout his life, Chris offers them the help they need to get their lives back in order. Not long after graduating from Valparaiso...

Amanda C. Hires Attorney Photo
Amanda C. Hires
Member

Following a remarkably accomplished academic career, Amanda Hires applied her record of success to servicing good people facing difficult situations. She served as a volunteer at the New Orleans Public Defender’s Office and worked intensively with prosecutors and defense attorneys while under the guidance of Judge Sheila Moss at the Lake County Superior Court...

Jessica McPheeters Attorney Photo
Jessica McPheeters
Partner

Jessica McPheeters is an associate attorney with her primary focus being in Estate Planning, Probate, Business Formation and Planning, and other general practice matters. Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics from Ball State University in 2014. Jessica then received her Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law...

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    5.0/5.0

    If you're looking for an expundgment this is the place to call!! The process was quick and affordable!! If it wasn't for the help and care I recieved here I wouldn't have my brand new start in my life today! I passed my first background check and rec...

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    Nykkie Dee

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    Chris and his staff have help my get back on track. When I need guidance on my finances Chris helped me make the best decision. I’m less than 2yrs I was debt free! He is the type of attorney that is always willing to help. My family and friends all...

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    They helped me get my driver's license reinstated. They're affordable reliable and trustworthy. I am very thankful for their help and highly recommend their service.

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    Nikky Robinson-Parks

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    Couldnt be happier with the results attorney Hires accomplished on my behalf. Even over a year after the legal services were completed the office still answered any questions and would provide any paperwork needed.

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