​THE cullman bANKRUPTCY attorney DIFFERENCE

  • ​The Cullman Bankruptcy Lawyer and staff are knowledgeable and treat you with respect and have helped thousands of people in Cullman, Alabama and all over North Alabama overcome their financial problems and get the Fresh Start they need.

  • Member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. The only national organization dedicated to serving the needs of consumer bankruptcy attorneys and protecting the rights of consumer debtors in bankruptcy.
 
  • A local Cullman Bankruptcy Lawyer that grew up in Cullman County, went to school in Cullman with a law firm that is BBB Accredited with an A+ Rating.
 
  • Wrote The Alabama Bankruptcy Book for individuals considering bankruptcy which is provided for FREE by clicking here.
 
  • At Collins Law Offices P.C. we not only help you get rid of your debt, we help you come back from it. We wrote a book about how you can do that too. Click here for a FREE copy of Rebuilding Your Life After Bankruptcy.
 
  • All of our bankruptcy clients receive free credit education to teach you how to rebuild your credit.
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  • Your credit score will be transformed, often in 12 or 24 months - AFTER FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY.
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  • The Cullman Bankruptcy Attorney offers Free Consultation with an attorney to review your financial situation and create a solution to take back control of your debt.

What our clients are saying:

Get Started Now - Click Below to Schedule Appointment and Complete Bankruptcy Questionnaire Online
WHY WAIT? GET THE ANSWERS YOU NEED NOW WITH NO OBLIGATION OR STRINGS ATTACHED
At your free consultation, you will not be judged or talked down to because of your situation.  Instead, you will be treated with dignity and with an understanding of the circumstances.

During your free consultation bankruptcy lawyers will review your assets, debts, income, and expenses and determine the best solution for your specific financial condition.

If bankruptcy is an option, the bankruptcy lawyer, during the free consultation, will go over the bankruptcy preparation, filing, completion of the case with you. The bankruptcy attorney will analyze your circumstances and assist you in deciding which chapter of bankruptcy is the best choice for your situation. Finally, during the free consultation, the bankruptcy lawyer will discuss the expected fees and costs.

​CULLMAN AND ALL OF NORTH ALABAMA
​CHAPTER 7 & 13 BANKRUPTCY LAWYER​


When you need bankruptcy services, call Collins Law Offices, P.C., for a free consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer today! You'll be glad you did because we have all of your North Alabama debt relief needs covered and our attention to detail allows us to create winning strategies that are tailor-made just for YOU.

Our bankruptcy attorneys take pride in developing mutually beneficial relationships with our clients by ensuring that each client understands every aspect of his or her case or legal issue. Our team takes the time not only to help guide you through the bankruptcy process but to also ensure that there's no confusion about what is to be expected throughout the case. We do this in a respectful, but informal manner. We strive make the process as easy as possible on you while also being thorough and informative, which is one reason we won't have you feeling like an outsider when it comes to your finances.
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Cullman, ALabama and North Alabama Chapter 7 Bankruptcy


Sometimes things happen in our life beyond our control that we did not expect or plan on. Many times we incur debt based on our current situation, but now the situation has changed for the worse.

Maybe you are drowning in debt and it feels like an insurmountable mountain over which you can't climb no matter how much effort or determination that you put into climbing, clawing your way up those steep slopes of worry? The emotional toll of out-of-control debt can be a destroyer of lives. It has destroyed marriages, families, friendships, businesses, and people's health and welfare.

If this sounds anything at all familiar, then take a breath because we have some good news for you: You're not alone! It's time to stop letting overwhelming debts drag down our quality of life one difficult day after another; there really IS an out from under such crushing worries - bankruptcy relief may be just what the doctor ordered...

Chapter 7 is the most popular type of bankruptcy and it can help you discharge credit card debt, medical debts, auto loans, mortgage debt. There is a means test you must pass to qualify for Chapter 7. It compares your household income to the median household income of the same size family in Alabama.  Normally, unless your income is extremely high you will end up qualifying.

If you are struggling with debt, bankruptcy might be the best option for you. However, there is no reason to take such an important step with regards to your financial circumstances without consulting the Cullman Bankruptcy Attorney at Collins Law Offices PC.  We offer a Free Consultation in which we will evaluate your situation in order to provide the best possible advice about the pros and cons of filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy for your particular circumstances.
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At Collins Law Offices, PC, we have helped thousands of people in the Cullman, Hartselle, Decatur, Arab, Warrior, Gardendale, Hanceville, Priceville, Falkville, Jasper, Double Springs and the surrounding counties of Cullman, Morgan, Blount, Marshall, Jefferson, Walker, Winston, and Lawrence areas get out from under the overwhelming burden of debt.

Contact Collins Law Offices, P.C. located in Cullman, to Alabama day and schedule a free consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer by completing the form on this website’s contact page or by calling 256-739-1962.

Cullman, ALabama and North Alabama Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a legal tool that allows debtors to create and follow a realistic debt payment plan. When you file for bankruptcy under either Chapter 13 or under Chapter 7, an order for relief – the "automatic stay" - goes into effect. The automatic stay prevents creditors from harassing you about mortgage debts, credit card bills, auto loans; as well as medical expenses during the period of your personal bankruptcy process and then permanently discharged at the end of your plan. A Chapter 13 can even stop foreclosure of your home and/or repossession of your car, truck, or other vehicle.

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you get ahead of your debt and avoid foreclosure or repossession with a manageable monthly payment. You may be eligible for this type of filing if you have regular income, which will allow the court to create an affordable repayment plan over 3-5 years so that it's easier to manage out-of-control debt.  Your Cullman Bankruptcy Lawyer will be able to discuss your specific situation during your Free Consultation and devise a workable plan for you.
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In the Cullman, Hartselle, Decatur, Arab, Warrior, Gardendale, Hanceville, Priceville, Falkville, Jasper, Double Springs and the surrounding counties of Cullman, Morgan, Blount, Marshall, Jefferson, Walker, Winston, and Lawrence area, if you believe that a Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be best for you, speak right away with an experienced Cullman Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer at the Collins Law Offices, P.C.

Contact Collins Law Offices, P.C. located in Cullman, to Alabama day and schedule a free consultation with one of our bankruptcy lawyers by completing the form on this website’s contact page or by calling 256-739-1962.​

Contact Our Experienced Cullman, AL and
​all of North Alabama Bankruptcy Lawyers Today

The bankruptcy lawyers at Collins Law Offices, P.C., handle your case personally. You aren’t handed over to an assistant, and you never become just another case number. Collins Law Offices, P.C. maintains high professional standards; provides affordable, quality legal services, and works hard to bring your case or legal concern to its best possible resolution. Other firms act as bankruptcy mills and handle a huge volume of cases and often cannot give a particular case the special attention it needs. In those firms, cases are often passed on to junior associates or paralegals who may not be adequately experienced or sufficiently qualified. This is not the case at Collins Law Offices, P.C.
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Contact Collins Law Offices, P.C. located in Cullman, to Alabama day and schedule a free consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer by completing the form on this website’s contact page or by calling 256-739-1962.

A LOCAL Cullman Bankruptcy LAWYER FROM
​COLLINS LAW OFFICES, P.C. can use a Chapter 7  
​or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
to help you with your debt problems.

  • ​ALLOW SLEEP
  • RELIEVE STRESS
  • SAVE MARRIAGE
  • END EMBARRASSMENT
  • RECLAIM YOUR LIFE
  • REBUILD YOUR CREDIT
  • ​STOP LAWSUITS
  • STOP GARNISHMENTS
  • STOP  FORECLOSURES
  • STOP REPOSSESSIONS
  • WIPE OUT CREDIT CARD DEBT
  • STOP HARASSING CALLS

Do You Need To File Bankruptcy?

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Filing for bankruptcy is a heart wrenching decision.  On the one hand you want to do what you promised your creditors you would do, but on the other hand, you have to house, transport, feed, and clothe your family and yourself.  Often, due to job loss, health problems, family issues, or plans that just did not pan out, there is not enough money to go around anymore.

If any of the below has happened or is happening to you, you should, at the very least make an appointment for your FREE CONSULTATION with a bankruptcy lawyer and get the facts about whether bankruptcy can help you or if you have other options.  There is absolutely nothing to lose.

Are you dealing with any of the following? 
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  • Are you behind on payments on your house and/or car and being threatened with foreclosure and/or repossession?
  • Are you using credit cards frequently to supplement your income with cash advances or purchases of necessities such as groceries and payments of utility bills?
  • Has your house been foreclosed on or have you had a vehicle repossessed?
  • Do you have more than one credit card maxed out or nearly maxed out?
  • Do you have more than $10,000 of debt with credit card companies and/or finance companies?
  • Have you frequently been using payday loans and/or check cashing lenders to make it through the next week or two?
  • Have you been sued by a creditor and/or are you currently or soon to be garnished?
  • Are you getting numerous calls and letters daily from creditors harassing you or debt collection agencies?
  • Are you borrowing from one lender to make the payment to another lender, i.e., are your robbing Peter to pay Paul?
  • Have you had your license suspended for causing an auto accident where you were not insured?
  • Do you have large outstanding medical bills that insurance did not pay and you cannot negotiate a payment you can afford?

If your answer to any of these questions is “Yes”, then call, click or come see a bankruptcy attorney at the Collins Law Offices, P.C..  Meet with a lawyer.  There are no strings attached.  This does not necessarily mean you have to file bankruptcy or should file bankruptcy, but it does mean you need some legal advice.  We may be able to suggest some alternatives to bankruptcy.  At the very least we can help you formulate a plan whether through a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, collection lawsuit defense, or debt settlement that can put your mind at ease and let you move forward.

Contact Collins Law Offices, P.C. located in Cullman, to Alabama day and schedule a free consultation with one of our bankruptcy lawyers by completing the form on this website’s contact page or by calling 256-739-1962.

Bankruptcy myths

Myth 1: Everyone will know you have filed for bankruptcy.

False. Other than your creditors, persons you tell, and your bankruptcy lawyer, it is very unlikely others will know of your bankruptcy. Although bankruptcies are public records, they are not very easily accessible by the general public. One exception would be that if you are filing a Chapter 13 the trustee may require the plan payment to be payroll deducted which of course would inform your employer of the bankruptcy. To my knowledge at this time no local papers are reporting bankruptcies. 

Myth 2: You will loose everything you have.

False. Most people are able to keep the property they want to keep. Alabama allows you certain exemptions for equity in your real estate and personal property. If you exceed those exemptions, you most likely can file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, pay some money to your creditors and still keep your property.

If you are worried about this seek advice from one of our bankruptcy lawyers at Collins Law Offices, PC. We offer free consultations for our possible bankruptcy clients at our local office in Cullman, AL.

Myth 3: You will never get credit again.

False. You will probably be surprised at how quickly you will be able to build up your credit. There is a difference between being able to get credit and your credit score. Most likely, if you’re looking at filing for bankruptcy your credit ability is not good anyway. Even if you have been able to make all of your payments on time, your debt load is probably way to high in ratio to your income. Filing bankruptcy lifts this debt load and will prevent you from filing bankruptcy again for awhile. These are positives to a lender. Remember to be extremely careful when obtaining debt in the future. You do not want to have to file bankruptcy again.

In addition, as part of the services we provide at Collins Law Offices, PC, our bankruptcy lawyer will enroll you in a program that teaches you how to rebuild your credit and get your life back after your bankruptcy filing.

Myth 4: If you're married, both you and your spouse have to file for bankruptcy.

False. There is no requirement that both spouses have to file bankruptcy. I frequently file bankruptcy for just one spouse. However, there are often situations, especially when joint debt is involved, where it is highly recommended that both spouses file. If there are no joint debts, then one spouse filing will not affect the other spouse’s credit.

One of the things we, as your bankruptcy lawyer, will analyze during your free consultation with one of our bankruptcy lawyers at Collins Law Offices, PC, is whether or not it would be helpful to you and your family for your spouse to file bankruptcy.  If it is beneficial for only one of you to file, then that is what we will do.  If only one person filing still leaves your spouse, and therefore your household, with debt too burdensome to pay we will need to file for both you and your spouse.

Myth 5: You’re a bad person for filing bankruptcy.

False. In my years of practicing bankruptcy I have seen almost no signs of fraud or abuse from the people with whom I’ve talked. Most people are doing the best they can and although they may have not planned as well as they could have, are thrown into bankruptcy by loss of employment, health problems, divorce, or some other sort of change in circumstances. These are situations where people need a fresh start.

At Collins Law Offices, PC, our bankruptcy lawyers and staff will treat you with dignity and respect and show you that you are not alone.

Myth 6: If you’ve filed for bankruptcy before, you cannot file again.

False. You can only file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy once every 8 years. However, you may file a Chapter 13 much earlier, 2 or 4 years after a prior bankruptcy, depending on your prior filing. At Collins Law Offices, PC, during your free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney, we will review your prior filing and determine what best way to proceed in your specific circumstances.

Myth 7: You do not have to pay for the property you owe on and want to keep.

False. If you owe on your house and/or car(s) and you want to keep them you will have to continue to pay for them. In a Chapter 7 you will normally need to be current on your payments in order for the creditor to reaffirm the debt and allow you to keep the property. In a Chapter 13 your plan payments will normally pay for any arrearage (payments you are behind) on your house and the balance owed on your car. However, you will be required to resume your regular monthly house payment the month after you filed your Chapter 13 bankruptcy case. Your other option is usually to surrender the collateral and not have to pay for it.

During your free consultation with your Cullman, AL Bankruptcy Attorney at Collins Law Offices, we can review your debts secured by collateral and determine the best way to keep your car or house if that is what you want to do or surrender one or both of them if you desire to do so.

Myth 8: Even if you file for bankruptcy, creditors will still harass you and your family.

False. Upon filing for bankruptcy an immediate order called the “automatic stay” issues from the bankruptcy court forbidding any and all attempts by creditors to collect a debt owed by you. Once a creditor is informed by you, your bankruptcy attorney or the bankruptcy court that you have actually filed a bankruptcy and have a case number (not just talked to an attorney about bankruptcy), the creditor cannot bother you again. If a creditor continues to violate the “automatic stay”, the creditor can be held in contempt of court and punished by having to pay money.

Our bankruptcy lawyers at Collins Law Offices, PC, in Cullman, AL will protect you from unscrupulous creditors or collectors who violate the bankruptcy laws.  We will file suit in bankruptcy court and seek compensation for the worry and loss of enjoyment of life and money loss caused by a creditor violating the automatic stay.  In addition, if you when, the creditor will have to pay your attorney fees.

Myth 9: You can pick and choose which debts and property to list in your bankruptcy.

False. You are required to list all of your assets and all of your debts when you file bankruptcy. You will be swearing to this under oath at the time of signing your bankruptcy and again at your meeting of creditors. There can be very serious consequences, such as dismissal of your bankruptcy and possibly criminal charges, for intentionally failing to list all of your assets and debts.

Most people are afraid to list certain property or debt because they don’t want to loose the property or discharge the debt. The good news is that you can almost always keep your property and keep paying for it even if you list it. Just do not try to hide anything from your attorney or the bankruptcy court.

When you consult with your Cullman, AL bankruptcy attorney at Collins Law Offices about Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy, we'll talk to you and figure out how best to list your assets and debts and ensure that you maintain the property you want to maintain.

Myth 10: I will feel too guilty to feel any relief if I file a bankruptcy.

Probably false. Most people do feel guilty initially about filing bankruptcy. You promised to pay back a debt and you are breaking that promise. However, consider two things. First, what would happen if you did not file bankruptcy. You would get sued and have your wages garnished by 25% and your bank account garnished entirely. Only one creditor is going to get any money. You are then surely not going to be able to make your house payment or car payment. If you lose your transportation, you may lose your job. Who is this helping? Nobody.

Second, consider that many of these credit card banks and mortgage lenders that you feel guilty about bankrupting against would have already filed for bankruptcy themselves if they had not begged for and been given a more than $700,000,000,000 ($700 billion) bailout. Just look at all of those zero’s.  These high and mighty creditors who try to make you feel horrible with their letters and phone calls would be bankrupt themselves without your and my tax dollars. Where is your bailout? A Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may the answer.

Contact Collins Law Offices, P.C. located in Cullman, to Alabama day and schedule a free consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer by completing the form on this website’s contact page or by calling 256-739-1962.

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Collins Law Offices, PC  helps clients file for bankruptcy protection under the laws of the United States.
​Alabama State Bar Disclaimer: No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.