Bankruptcy
GreenPath Financial Wellness | Debt & Consumer Credit Counseling
Since 1961, GreenPath has been helping people regain control of their finances – and their lives. If you want to get out of debt, call 800-550-1961.
The Bureau
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
We aim to make consumer financial markets work for consumers, responsible providers, and the economy as a whole. We protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and take action against companies that break the law. We arm people with the information, steps, and tools that they need to make smart financial decisions.
In a market that works, the prices, risks, and terms of the deal are clear upfront so that consumers can understand their options and comparison shop. Companies all play by the same consumer protection rules and compete fairly on providing quality and service. To achieve this vision, the CFPB works to:
Empower
We create tools, answer common questions, and provide tips that help consumers navigate their financial choices and shop for the deal that works best for them.
Enforce
We take action against predatory companies and practices that violate the law and have already returned billions of dollars to harmed consumers.
Educate
We encourage financial education and capability from childhood through retirement, publish research, and educate financial companies about their responsibilities.
Our core functions
The CFPB was created to provide a single point of accountability for enforcing federal consumer financial laws and protecting consumers in the financial marketplace. Before, that responsibility was divided among several agencies. Today, it’s our primary focus.
Our work includes:
- Rooting out unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices by writing rules, supervising companies, and enforcing the law
- Enforcing laws that outlaw discrimination in consumer finance
- Taking consumer complaints
- Enhancing financial education
- Researching the consumer experience of using financial products
- Monitoring financial markets for new risks to consumers
Bankruptcy Help
TEXAS LawHelp.org
This website lets you find the legal forms that you need, not only for bankruptcy but for other legal issues.
NOLO:
Can’t afford legal fees to file bankruptcy? Click here to find out your options. Many debtors are unable to afford the fees charged by attorneys for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. While many attorneys offer payment plans, they will not file your case until all fees are paid in full. This means that you will not have bankruptcy protection against creditors while you are trying to pay your attorney fees.
TOTAL Bankruptcy: While personal bankruptcy is accessible for most Americans, some think having a low income is a hurdle that may prevent them from filing for bankruptcy. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you are struggling financially, and would like a free bankruptcy consultation, click here to find out your options. Filing for bankruptcy may help individuals to discharge their debts and free themselves from the grasp of creditors. Here are a few bankruptcy tips for people with low incomes who need assistance:
- There are special bankruptcy programs, such as Chapter 7, specially designed for people with lower incomes. Unlike other debt relief options that require repayment plans or lump sum payments, Chapter 7 may help you clear your debt for a relatively low cost if you are eligible.
- Typically, bankruptcy courts require a fee to file for bankruptcy, but this fee can sometimes be waived if you have a low income. Ask your lawyer for more advice on court fee waivers.
- Getting things right the first time can save you money in the long run, so it might be a good idea to consult an attorney before trying to file for bankruptcy yourself. It may be a wise financial choice in the long run.
This site will give you a free evaluation by a participating law firm to discuss your options; the opportunity to choose from more than one law firm (where available); and a bankruptcy attorney to help you through the process.
Bank Rate:
Click here for help with filing for bankruptcy without a fee. First, you can search for a pro bono attorney at probono.abiworld.org. You may be able to get legal help for free. Second, you may be able to file your case on your own if you do some research. It is called a pro se filing and happens all the time if your case isn’t too complex. Third, you could take your next paycheck, pay no one and go directly to your attorney’s office and file.
What is bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is a court proceeding in which a judge and court trustee examine the assets and liabilities of individuals and businesses who can’t pay their bills and decide whether to discharge those debts, so they are no longer legally required to pay them. Bankruptcy laws were written to give people whose finances collapsed, a chance to start over. Whether it was bad decision-making or bad luck, lawmakers could see that in a capitalistic economy, consumers and businesses who failed, need a second chance. Click here for more information.