{"id":1957,"date":"2024-02-16T10:44:23","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T10:44:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/?p=1957"},"modified":"2024-02-24T10:47:27","modified_gmt":"2024-02-24T10:47:27","slug":"chapter-7-eligibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/chapter-7-eligibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I File a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Kansas City, MO?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helping You Manage Debt With a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the complex landscape of financial challenges, many individuals in Missouri are pondering, &#8220;Can I file Chapter 7 in Kansas City, MO?&#8221;. If you&#8217;re seeking clarity on Chapter 7 bankruptcy and its eligibility criteria, you&#8217;re in the right place. Jeppson Law, our reliable law firm, is here to explain the nuances of Chapter 7 and assist you throughout the process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Short Summary<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We offer a quick summary concerning the eligibility of an individual in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapter 7, known as &#8220;liquidation bankruptcy,&#8221; helps individuals and businesses eliminate specific debts through the liquidation of non-exempt assets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qualification involves passing a means test by demonstrating income below the state median.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit counseling from an approved agency is required before filing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consideration of time restrictions between previous bankruptcy filings is also considered.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding which debts, like taxes and child support, may not be dischargeable is important in processing bankruptcy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dischargeable debts include credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, utility bills, collection agency accounts, and certain lease and contractual obligations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-dischargeable debts encompass child support, certain tax debts, student loans (unless proving undue hardship), court-ordered restitution, debts from fraudulent activities, and those not listed in the bankruptcy petition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Processing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves filing a petition triggering an automatic stay, means test assessment, appointment of a trustee, liquidation of non-exempt assets, and eventual debt discharge.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Situations to consider bankruptcy include the inability to make monthly debt payments, facing foreclosure or eviction, being sued or having wages garnished, and struggling with medical debt.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An experienced bankruptcy lawyer is essential in processing Chapter 7, providing personalized guidance, ensuring eligibility through means test understanding, and preventing costly mistakes in legal procedures and paperwork.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\nOur commitment to explaining the intricacies and providing guidance ensures that you can confidently navigate the complexities of Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Don&#8217;t tackle financial challenges alone\u2014allow Jeppson Law to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lead you towards a future free from debt<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapter 7 bankruptcy, commonly known as &#8220;liquidation bankruptcy,&#8221; is a legal procedure enabling individuals and businesses to eliminate specific debts. The main aim of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/chapter-7\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapter 7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to offer a renewed financial beginning through the liquidation of non-exempt assets, repaying creditors, and subsequently discharging remaining eligible debts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Am I Eligible for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cCan I file Chapter 7 in Kansas City, MO?\u201d Absolutely. Your eligibility for Chapter 7 in Missouri depends on specific factors. To qualify, consider the following criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Means Test<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This assessment gauges your income and expenses, ensuring it falls below the state median. Meeting the means test makes you eligible for Chapter 7.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Credit Counseling<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before filing, undergo credit counseling from an approved agency. Jeppson Law can assist you, ensuring you follow all necessary steps.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Previous Bankruptcies<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time restrictions exist between bankruptcy filings. If you&#8217;ve filed before, Jeppson Law assesses your situation and advises on the best course.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debt Type<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain debts, like taxes and child support, may not be dischargeable under Chapter 7. Understanding your debts is crucial, and Jeppson Law can guide you through these complexities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Debts are Covered by a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the bankruptcy type, various debts can be discharged. Here&#8217;s a broad overview of the debts typically covered by Chapter 7 bankruptcy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Credit Card Debt<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most unsecured consumer debts, including credit card balances, can be discharged under Chapter 7.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medical Bills<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unpaid medical expenses, considered unsecured debts, are dischargeable in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Personal Loans<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsecured personal loans, lacking collateral, are eligible for discharge.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Utility Bills<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unpaid utility bills, such as electricity or water bills, are generally dischargeable in Chapter 7.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Collection Agency Accounts<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Debts sold to collection agencies, including charged-off debts, can be discharged.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lease and Contractual Obligations<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain lease and contract obligations, especially if unsecured, can be discharged under Chapter 7.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Debts are Not Covered by a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all debts can be discharged through bankruptcy. Some debts are required to be settled in other ways:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Child Support and Alimony<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Debts linked to child support and alimony cannot be discharged under Chapter 7.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Certain Tax Debts<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some tax debts may remain non-dischargeable, especially if recent or associated with fraud.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Student Loans<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, student loan debts are not dischargeable, unless the debtor proves &#8220;undue hardship,&#8221; a high legal standard.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Court-Ordered Restitutions<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fines or restitution ordered by a court in a criminal sentence are generally non-dischargeable.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debts Incurred through Fraud or Misrepresentation<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Debts from fraudulent activities or misrepresentation may not be dischargeable.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debts Not Listed in Bankruptcy Petition<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a debt isn&#8217;t listed in the bankruptcy petition, it may not be discharged.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Do I File a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/chapter-7-steps\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">simplified breakdown of the Chapter 7<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bankruptcy process:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Filing the Petition<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It begins with the debtor filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition with the court, triggering an automatic stay that stops most creditor actions like collection efforts and foreclosure.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Means Test<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapter 7 filers must undergo a means test to check if their income is below the state median, determining their ability to repay debts.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Appointment of Trustee<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The court appoints a trustee upon filing. The trustee reviews the debtor&#8217;s assets, sells non-exempt property, and distributes proceeds to creditors.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Liquidation of Assets<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-exempt assets, varying by state, may be sold to repay creditors. However, many Chapter 7 filers keep exempt assets, preserving essential property.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debt Discharge<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After liquidation, eligible debts are discharged, freeing the debtor from legal obligations. Some debts like child support, alimony, and specific taxes may remain non-dischargeable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Should I File for Bankruptcy?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since bankruptcy can help people reclaim their financial stability, different reasons can be given for filing one, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being unable to make your monthly debt payments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being behind on your mortgage or rent payment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facing foreclosure or eviction.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being sued by creditors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having your wages garnished.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having filed for bankruptcy in the past and are still struggling with debt.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having medical debt that you cannot afford to pay.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Do I Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Kansas City, MO?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the internet offers abundant information, the skills of an experienced attorney are invaluable when tackling the question, &#8220;Can I file Chapter 7 in Kansas City, MO?&#8221; Jeppson Law delivers personalized guidance suited to your unique situation. Here&#8217;s why our assistance is crucial:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Navigating Legal Procedures<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bankruptcy laws are complex and challenging to navigate. Jeppson Law possesses a profound understanding of these laws, ensuring strict adherence to all necessary procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Individualized Assessment<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every financial situation is distinct. Jeppson Law dedicates time to assessing your specific circumstances, providing tailored advice and solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Means Test Guidance<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the means test is pivotal for Chapter 7 eligibility. Jeppson Law offers comprehensive guidance, aiding you in presenting an accurate financial picture.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Preventing Costly Mistakes<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bankruptcy filings entail a multitude of paperwork and legal requirements. Mistakes can be expensive and potentially result in case dismissal. Jeppson Law safeguards you from these pitfalls.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call Our Bankruptcy Lawyer Today!<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Chapter 7 offers a new beginning, it&#8217;s essential to grasp its potential impact on credit scores and future credit access. Seek advice from our experienced bankruptcy lawyer at Jeppson Law in Kansas City, MO, for personalized guidance, ensuring a seamless bankruptcy filing process. We provide free consultations for both Chapter 7 and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/chapter-13\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapter 13 bankruptcies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Break free from the debt spiral<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Contact us now.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Helping You Manage Debt With a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy In the complex landscape of financial challenges, many individuals in Missouri are pondering, &#8220;Can I file Chapter 7 in Kansas City, MO?&#8221;. If you&#8217;re seeking clarity on Chapter 7 bankruptcy and its eligibility criteria, you&#8217;re in the right place. Jeppson Law, our reliable law firm, is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1956,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1957"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1957"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1957\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1958,"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1957\/revisions\/1958"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1957"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1957"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeppsonlawoffice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1957"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}