WHAT DOES LIFE AFTER
BANKRUPTCY LOOK LIKE?
When going through a difficult financial situation, filing for bankruptcy is among the promising options to obtain debt relief and achieve the financial "fresh start" you deserve. However, before you proceed, it is important that you understand what to expect and the long-term impacts of bankruptcy. An experienced Oregon consumer bankruptcy attorney can enlighten you about how bankruptcy can affect your future and help you be better prepared.
With over 20 years of experience assisting Oregonians with their legal needs, Lyndon Ruhnke has the resources and knowledge to guide and assist clients in navigating the complexities of bankruptcy. He's available to discuss your unique financial situation and what to anticipate after filing for bankruptcy. With offices in Gresham, Beaverton, and Portland, Oregon, Lyndon Ruhnke, P.C. proudly serves clients across Oregon.
Creditor Harassment
Creditors and debt collection agencies are permitted under the law to interact reasonably with debtors and recover the money owed to them. This may involve calling and sending you letters at reasonable intervals. Unfortunately, some debt collectors cross the line by using intimidating and deceptive techniques. This is often referred to as creditor harassment.
Creditor harassment involves threatening, deceptive, and unethical tactics by creditors and collection agencies trying to recover debts from consumers. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), it is unlawful for a creditor or debt collector to harass, threaten, oppress, or abuse the debtor or any other person they contact in the collection attempts. Should the debt collector violate the FDCPA, the debtor may be eligible to sue them and recover monetary damages.
Will Filing For Bankruptcy Stop Creditor Harassment?
Yes, filing for bankruptcy should stop creditor harassment. Under U.S. bankruptcy law, once you file for bankruptcy, it activates an "automatic stay" order, and your creditors will receive the filing notice from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
The "automatic stay" order is a federal court injunction that temporarily prevents creditors, collection agencies, and other entities from taking any action to recover debts from you. With the automatic stay order activated, all debt collection efforts must halt immediately.
However, if a creditor ignores the automatic stay order, this may be considered another form of creditor harassment. A skilled consumer bankruptcy attorney can help protect your legal rights and take additional legal action against the non-compliant creditor or debt collection agency.
Do I Need A Bankruptcy Lawyer?
Yes, filing for bankruptcy can be very complex, depending on your individual circumstances and having an attorney assist you is in your best interest. There are often unexpected issues you encounter while in bankruptcy and after your bankruptcy case closes. Therefore, when thinking about filing for bankruptcy, you will want to consult with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney. Mr. Ruhnke can offer detailed guidance on filing and insight on what to expect.
Lyndon Ruhnke is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance and reliable advocacy to individuals and businesses in bankruptcy-related matters. As an experienced bankruptcy attorney, he can:
Review your financial situation and help you understand your available options
Determine what consumer bankruptcy chapter is right for you – Chapter 7 or Chapter 13
Guide you through the filing process and assist you with the necessary documentation
Negotiate with your creditors to set up the best possible arrangement for your unique financial situation
Address any ongoing creditor harassment
Advise you on how to rebuild your credit, avoid common pitfalls, and take necessary precautions to make sure you get the debt relief you need
Contact Lyndon Ruhnke, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. Attorney Lyndon Ruhnke can offer you the comprehensive legal guidance and consumer advocacy you need to navigate important decisions before and after your bankruptcy proceedings. With offices in Gresham, Beaverton, and Portland, Oregon, the firm proudly serves clients across Oregon.