Best Bankruptcy Lawyers Fall River, MA

Fall River, MA Bankruptcy FAQs

• Where do I file for bankruptcy in Fall River, Massachusetts?

  Debtors from Fall River can file their bankruptcy petitions at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts. They can go to the John W. McCormack Post Office and Court House at 5 Post Office Square, Suite 1150, Boston, MA 02109-3945.

• Where can I get bankruptcy forms in Fall River, Massachusetts?

  Debtors from Fall River can get official forms from the website of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts at https://www.mab.uscourts.gov/code-federal-rules-forms-fees.

• What happens to your car when you file for bankruptcy in Fall River?

  It depends. If you do not have a loan on your car, you may get to keep it if it is worth within the $7,500 limit of Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemption laws. If you have a loan in Fall River, you may have to surrender your car if you cannot keep up with the monthly payments. If you can continue paying the loan and the car is still in good condition, you can sign a reaffirmation agreement. There are also certain situations wherein it is best to let go of your car and get a new one after bankruptcy.

• Are there consequences of bankruptcy repeat filings in Fall River?

  Yes, repeat filings can affect the benefits you will get from bankruptcy. For example, the automatic bankruptcy stay could be shortened if you file for bankruptcy within a year after the first one was dismissed. Similarly, you cannot get an automatic stay if you are a debtor involved in two or more bankruptcy filings that were dismissed within the previous year. Therefore, it is important to properly file a bankruptcy case in Fall River on the first attempt and comply with the requirements.

• What can you do to protect your home in Fall River during bankruptcy?

  The value of your home could get protected by Massachusetts homestead laws for up to $500,000. File the Declaration of Homestead for Homes Owned by Natural Persons Form at the local Registry of Deeds office at 441 North Main Street Fall River, MA 02720. If you do not file, you automatically get protected only up to $125,000. Should you need more details about the filing process, call the office at 508-673-2910 or send an email to admin@fallriverdeeds.org.

• What are some bankruptcy mistakes a debtor in Fall River may make prior to filing?

  According to lawyers, debtors make bankruptcy mistakes such as improperly using their credit cards and transferring property to another person prior to filing. Some debts incurred 90 days before filing cannot be discharged. Property transfers negatively impact the debtor because the trustee may undo it and keep the property instead of the debtor having to keep it. Additionally, debtors tend to pay loans from their families and friends first, which can be retrieved by trustees and paid to creditors. They also sometimes do not respond to lawsuits against them, which may still persist even if the Fall River bankruptcy is approved.

• Will you go to jail in Fall River if you cannot pay your bills?

  Not really. If you received a notice from Bristol County Sheriff's Office because a creditor sued you in court, you need to attend the hearing, otherwise, the judge could issue an order for you to go to jail if you do not. The law also offers some protection such as when creditors break the law or your income is eligible for exemption. Filing for bankruptcy in Fall River may be an option if you cannot keep up with debt payments.