If you’re considering bankruptcy, we can help you determine if it’s the right choice for you and guide you through the process
As a bankruptcy attorney, I help clients with financial problems understand their options and evaluate whether bankruptcy is a choice that would help them. You may be buried under credit card debt, recently separated, or involved in a business that went bad. Whatever the reason, you now find yourself in a situation where there is seemingly no escape. Bankruptcy may be the only way for you to get back on your feet and regain control over your life.
What to Expect: How to get started with the bankruptcy process
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If you think you need to file a bankruptcy, the first step is to make an appointment to speak with our office about your situation and determine if bankruptcy is a good solution for you. We do these meetings either in person or over the phone. You can schedule online now or contact us at 419-462-9212 to schedule.
At the meeting, you will do the following:
- Get to know Andrea and see if you are compatible with one another
- Discuss with Andrea the reason(s) for considering bankruptcy
- Learn about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy and determine eligibility, as well as which Chapter would best serve your interests
- Review Paperwork and Fees needed to file bankruptcy
Your attorney will talk to you about your income, assets and previous bankruptcy filings to determine if a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy would work best for you. If you are above the median income for your household size, then your attorney may need to complete the Means Test to determine if you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
What the heck is the Means Test? If you want to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy but you are above the median income for your household size then your attorney will have to complete the Means Test for you to see if you are eligible for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or if you will have to file a Chapter 13 instead.
The Means Test compares your average income for the last six months to the median income of households of the same size in your area. If you are below or equal to the median income in your area then you “pass” and can file a Chapter 7.
If you are above the median income than you have to fill out the rest of the forms using a combination of real and standardized expenses. If the form shows you have little or no money to make meaningful payments on your debt then you can file a Chapter 7.
If the means test shows you have too much disposable income you will want to consider filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
As of January 2018, the current median income levels for Ohio are:
| Family Size | 1 People | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People* |
| Median Income | $48,596 | $60,834 | $70,529 | $85,294 |
*Add $8,400 for each individual in excess of four.