I began practicing bankruptcy law in the late 1970's because there weren't any bankruptcy lawyers in town, at least as far as I knew. Most people pursuing a bankruptcy hired lawyers from Indianapolis or other larger communities. Once I began doing bankruptcy work I enjoyed it immensely for a number of reasons. First, it involves a number of areas of law that I enjoy and feel comfortable with including commercial, financial and real estate issues. Second, I learned how devastating an unplanned financial hardship can be and that I could help people turn their lives around and give them a fresh start. Third, bankruptcy law is practiced in the federal courts where the judges I have faced have all been competent to say the least and have exhibited a lot of common sense.
I have handled bankruptcy cases under Chapters 7, 11 and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code in both the Southern and Northern bankruptcy districts in Indiana. I have been involved in a number of adversary proceedings, which are essentially cases and trials within a bankruptcy, and have appeared before the United States District Court and Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
There are many sites on the internet where you can find a lot of information about bankruptcy and specific issues that may relate to you. Feel free to spend as much time as you want researching questions and answers that apply to you. However, because of hundreds of aspects of bankruptcy law that may apply to your circumstance, there isn't enough space to answer all questions. Free consultations are offered to review your personal or business situation to advise if bankruptcy is an option for you and whether there are other alternatives you can pursue. If you want to meet for a free consultation just call us at 812-330-8611, e-mail me at vstaylor@hughes.net, or submit a request through our contact form.
My basic charge for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $1,000.00. The bankruptcy court requires a filing fee of $335.00. Under the bankruptcy law all fees for this type of bankruptcy need to be paid by the time the case is filed. If you can't qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and are required to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy at least some of your attorney fees can be paid over a period of time.
Federal law requires that I advise you that I am considered a debt relief agency under the United States Bankruptcy Code.