Western Massachusetts Divorce During Bankruptcy
Westfield, Stockbridge, Lee, Greenfield and Amherst
Many people wonder whether it's a good idea to file for bankruptcy when contemplating or going through a divorce. At The Massachusetts Family Law Group, our legal team advises clients about the pros and cons of either discharging debts or reorganizing debts under Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code.
Our attorneys help clients determine their options. There is no prepackaged solution to financial problems; each case is different. Some of our clients are interested in bankruptcy because they know that divorce will result in financial disaster. Others already have serious financial problems; in fact, these problems are often the reasons that divorce is taking place.
Questions About Bankruptcy
Determining the right thing to do involves many calculations. Do you have a lot of joint debt? Have you filed for divorce yet? Can you work together well enough to file a joint bankruptcy? Do you simply suspect that your spouse is planning to file for bankruptcy after the divorce is finalized? If the divorce process has already started, filing for bankruptcy can affect child support and alimony. Is your ex-spouse still in the picture, or has he or she disappeared? Our lawyers dig deep to weigh our clients' options and advise them about the best courses of action under their specific circumstances.
Bankruptcy Issues in Divorce
We answer questions every day about bankruptcy during divorce:
- Child support: You cannot avoid paying child support by filing for bankruptcy. If you owe a large amount of back child support, filing Chapter 13 may allow you to reorganize your debts and pay off the arrearages.
- Credit cards: If you have been ordered to pay off a joint credit card debt, you cannot get out of this by filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
- Alimony: You cannot get out of alimony, but you can temporarily reduce your monthly payments by filing Chapter 13 and stretching out the payment period.
With so Many Choices, Why Choose Us?
There are many bankruptcy lawyers in Western Massachusetts; there are also many divorce and family law attorneys. However, there are very few who have the knowledge of business, Massachusetts divorce law and federal bankruptcy law combined with an in-depth understanding of the preferences and procedures of each probate and family court in Western Massachusetts.
We know that divorce and financial problems often go hand in hand. Potential clients should know that our law firm is dedicated to seeking the best solution for a client. If protecting your future requires bankruptcy, we know how to get you on track to make a fresh start.
Contact Our Springfield Bankruptcy and Divorce Attorneys
When divorce is combined with the realities of difficult economic times, more and more men and women consider bankruptcy. There's a lot of overlap between what happens in a divorce and in a debt-relief situation. They both deal with assets and debts, incomes and expenses.
Filing for bankruptcy first will affect the divorce, and filing for a divorce first will affect the bankruptcy. Sometimes the difference in how you come out in the end is huge.
The appropriate order and your overall game plan very much depend on your own unique situation. If you do not know where to turn next, contact our Western Massachusetts attorneys for a no-obligation consultation. Call (800) 941-DIVORCE, or use our online form to setup an appointment at any of our local offices.
