Bankruptcy Attorneys for Akron, Canton, Wooster and New Philadelphia
We are Attorney John R. Bates, experienced and nationally known bankruptcy attorney and Attorney James F. Hausen, experienced bankruptcy attorney. Together we have a combined 55 years of legal experience. We do only consumer bankruptcies and have filed thousands of them for residents of Northeast Ohio.
Bankruptcy News & Resources
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What You Should Know About Bankruptcy if You’re Self-Employed
Whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the one thing that is universal is that you will have to prove your income. For people who work as an employee and get a W-2 that is not too hard. However, for independent contractors or the self-employed, proving your income may be a little trickier.
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Determining the Date a Bankruptcy Discharge Took Effect
If you recently went through a bankruptcy, and you need to know the date of your bankruptcy discharge, read about a few different things you can do to find it.
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Can I Have A Credit Card Authorized User Under Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Learn about the differences between a joint account vs. an authorized user as well as the implications that Chapter 7 bankruptcy can have on either type of account.
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Appearing in Court for a Bankruptcy 341 Meeting
Some people are apprehensive about having to appear at the bankruptcy court. Learn more about the 341 meeting so that you can allay your fears.
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Is VA Disability Included As Disposable Income on the Means Test?
Find out if you need to include VA Disability payments on the means test.
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Tips on How to Settle Your Medical Bills
Dealing with illness and injury can be stressful and debilitating. The frustrations are made worse by unexpected medical bills.
Why Choose Us?
We offer free initial consultations by phone or in person and in the evening (by phone) if you prefer.
Our fees are highly competitive and we offer special fee arrangements in appropriate cases. Call and we will be happy to tell you what your case would cost. You can retain us with only a small payment and you can make payments on the rest of the fee before the case is filed. YOU choose the amount and timing of the payments.
If you change your mind about filing before your case is filed, we will retain only the money you paid us that has been earned and will provide you with a complete accounting. The rest will be promptly refunded to you. To file your case, we require you to come to our office only once (to review and sign the papers to be filed). Many attorneys require three or more visits. Of course, you can visit us in person more often if you wish.
After your bankruptcy is over, we will continue to answer questions about your bankruptcy even years later at no extra charge. You can always call on us.
We offer an unusually high level of expertise in chapter 13 bankruptcies, having two employees (attorney and paralegal) who are experienced former employees of the Chapter 13 Trustee. This is an important advantage you will not find in other firms.
We do not try to sell you on bankruptcy. We explain your options and help you make the right decision. If you file, your case will be filed in the federal bankruptcy court, not in your local county court. And we promise you prompt, polite, professional service.
Since the 2005 bankruptcy code changes, it has become more difficult for Akron, New Philadelphia, Wooster and residents all over Northeast Ohio to file for bankruptcy. More people today are attempting to file on their own with do-it-yourself kits and end up regretting the decision of not hiring a locally experienced bankruptcy attorney. There are various types of bankruptcies which is why it is so essential to choose the right bankruptcy lawyer who will provide the kind of experience you need to handle your particular case and determine the proper bankruptcy type that would suit you best. John R. Bates and James F. Hausen can educate you about what protection you need for your unique circumstances and work with you to reach the best solution.