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Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd. provides business of helping Illinois citizens navigate the often harsh and intimidating legal waters of personal injury, workers compensation and bankruptcy in Charleston, IL.
I came to Smith, Pappas & Jones after a workplace accident that left me facing surgery and permanent disability and I was provided excellent service from the entire time for the whole process. Rodney was the attorney on my case and he clearly demonstrated both a deep technical understanding of his field and decades of experience within it in every conversation. The entire front staff was also consistently warm, helpful, and there to answer every quick question I had along the way. I absolutely would recommend them to anyone else in need of help!
CJ
Cathy Johnson
Sep 26, 2020
5.0
Very understanding and kind. Easy to work with and worked quickly.
SH
Stacy Hallett
Jan 12, 2020
5.0
Ik a lawyer there n she's awesome she gets things done n DNT mess around she's very nice n respectful n answers ur questions honestly n DNT play games w u or tell u wat u wanna hear she says it how it is
Frequently Asked Questions About Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd.
Can I keep my home/vehicle if I file for bankruptcy?
In most cases, you can retain your home and vehicle. However, if the equity in these assets exceeds Illinois' protection limits, you may need to repay some creditors over a 3-5 year period.
Can bankruptcy stop the foreclosure of my home?
Filing for chapter 13 bankruptcy can halt foreclosure proceedings at any point before the sheriff's sale. This allows you to propose a plan to repay mortgage arrears and associated fees over a 3-5 year timeframe.
What if there is certain debt I'd like to keep?
Retaining unsecured debts like credit cards is not permitted. For secured debts such as mortgages or vehicle loans, a reaffirmation process exists. The court may allow reaffirmation if you can demonstrate your budget accommodates the payments. Recently, the Southern District of Illinois implemented a new procedure requiring a hearing to evaluate reaffirmation requests.
What if I co-signed for a debt with a family member?
Your co-signer will remain responsible for the debt. If the debt is secured by property like a home or vehicle, the co-signer can typically keep the property as long as they continue to meet the payment obligations.
Should I transfer, sell, or give away any titles, deeds, or other valuable property prior to bankruptcy?
It's not advisable to transfer assets before bankruptcy. If you do, ensure it's for fair market value. Be aware that transfers, especially to friends or family, may be scrutinized. In Illinois, trustees can reclaim property transferred for less than fair value within the past 4 years. Additionally, property protections only apply to assets in your possession, so transferring property could worsen your bankruptcy situation.
What is Workers' Compensation?
Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical coverage and wage replacement for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
Who is eligible for Workers' Compensation?
Most employees are eligible for workers' compensation from their first day of employment. However, independent contractors and volunteers are generally not covered under this program.
What types of injuries are covered?
Workers' compensation covers injuries or illnesses that occur as a direct result of job duties or workplace conditions. This includes acute injuries, repetitive stress injuries, and occupational diseases.
How do I file a Workers' Compensation claim?
To file a workers' compensation claim, promptly report the injury to your employer, seek appropriate medical care, and complete the necessary claim forms provided by your employer or the relevant state agency.
Do I need to pay for medical treatment?
You are not responsible for paying medical expenses related to approved workplace injuries. These costs are covered by the workers' compensation insurance.
Can I keep my home or vehicle if I file for bankruptcy with Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd.?
Most likely yes, but if you have more equity in your home or vehicle than Illinois protections allow, you may need to pay creditors over 36–60 months.
Does filing for bankruptcy stop the foreclosure of my home?
Yes, by filing chapter 13 bankruptcy before the sheriff's sale, you can stop foreclosure and pay mortgage arrears over three to five years.
Can I keep certain debts if I file for bankruptcy?
Unsecured debts like credit cards generally cannot be kept; for secured debts like mortgages, reaffirmation may be possible after court examination.
If I co-signed a debt with a family member, what happens to the liability after bankruptcy?
The co-signer remains liable, and if the debt is secured by property, the co-signer can keep the property by staying current on payments.
Should I transfer or sell property before filing for bankruptcy with Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd.?
No; transfers for less than fair market value within four years can be reversed, and transferring property can worsen your bankruptcy situation.
What payment options does Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd. accept?
They accept cash and checks as payment methods.
What are the regular business hours for Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd.?
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturdays by appointment only; closed on Sundays.
Does Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd. offer online appointments and wheelchair accessibility?
Yes, they offer online appointments and have wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms.
What nearby places can I visit before or after my appointment at Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd.?
You might enjoy visiting South Side Cafe for meals, The Body Club for fitness, or the Jackson Avenue Coffeehouse for coffee.
How can nearby legal services like James M Grant Law or Brainard Law Offices LLC assist me along with Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd.?
These nearby firms offer complementary legal services such as wills, trusts, probate, and general litigation which may be helpful depending on your legal needs.
Are there any community services or government offices near Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd. that clients might find useful?
Yes, the Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission and CASA of East Central Illinois offer community and social services nearby.
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