Why You Should Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney: Part 1 of 3 - The Means Test

By: Max Gunderson | Posted: 22nd October 2010

by Max Gunderson

There are many individuals in the Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona metro areas that are at a point where they may want to soon look at declaring bankruptcy as a solution to their current unenviable financial situation. Many of these same individuals are curious why it is imperative that they hire a bankruptcy lawyer when filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Phoenix or Tucson, Arizona.

Hiring a qualified bankruptcy attorney is not required by law, however, there are compelling reasons why you would want to have legal assistance when filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Tucson or Phoenix, Arizona.

Recent changes in federal bankruptcy laws have made filing for Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy more complex. For example, you are now required to take a "means test" when declaring bankruptcy. The bankruptcy Means Test has the purpose of determining whether you are eligible for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges the debt you owe.

Warning: The new bankruptcy means test can be tough and confusing, and if you fill it in incorrectly, it may be determined that you do not qualify for filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This aspect of a bankruptcy filing is so vital that it can be dangerous. If you decide to do it yourself and get the Means Test wrong, you may jeopardize your chance of being released from your debt through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Consult your Arizona bankruptcy attorney as it can be a relief to have the assistance of a qualified Phoenix and Tucson area bankruptcy lawyer if you are considering declaring bankruptcy and have to deal with the required Means Test.

If you have questions about the process of filing bankruptcy in Arizona please contact the affordable bankruptcy lawyers and attorneys near Phoenix and Tucson at the Bornmann Law Group, PLLC (480) 263-1699 or (520) 306-8729. Call us to set up a free initial consultation, discuss your legal options and filing Bankruptcy in Arizona. With locations in Phoenix, Chandler, Tucson, and Flagstaff we are an Arizona debt relief agency and help people file for bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code. Don’t lose everything. Get a "Fresh Start" today. Visit our website at http://www.bankruptcy-az.com for more information or email us at bornmannlawgroup@gmail.com.
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Tags: chapter 13 bankruptcy, chapter 7 bankruptcy, filing chapter 7, filing bankruptcy, bankruptcy filing, declaring bankruptcy, phoenix arizona, legal options, means test, metro areas, free initial consultation, bankruptcy lawyers, bankruptcy attorney, bankruptcy lawyer, law group