Ardelean & Dunne, PLLC

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is what is known as “Straight Bankruptcy.” A Chapter 7 filing wipes your slate clean! We can discharge all your unsecured debts for you with a few exceptions such as: certain tax debts, money owed to the government for fines/costs, anything associated with fraud, student loans and child support/alimony obligations. All other debts can be discharged in a Chapter 7 filing. Filing a Chapter 7 case will truly give you a fresh start! You will be able to rebuild your life and no longer worry about your old debts! You can start rebuilding your credit right away! One of the biggest misconceptions about a bankruptcy filing is that the court will take all of your property and sell it for the purposes of paying off your creditors. That is simply not the case! You are allowed certain exemptions in property based on your equity in that particular piece of property. In most cases, you will be able to keep all of your property and get rid of your debts at the same time. Please contact us and set up your consultation to discuss this further.

A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filing can help you to reorganize and pay back your debts on your own pace. Most Chapter 13 filings repay unsecured debts – credit cards, personal loans, medical bills – at 0% interest. And your creditors end up paying our fees. If you fall behind on any of your secured debts, Chapter 13 can help get you current. Should you fall behind on your house or car payment we can put a plan together to save your property. We can save your home from foreclosure! We can save your car from repossession! If you have a foreclosure sale pending, you should speak with us immediately. We can keep you in your house and in many cases even strip a second mortgage payment! If your auto financier is attempting to repossess, call us right away to learn how we can stop them in their tracks. We can even cram-down your car payment to the current value of your car or modify your loan for a lower interest rate. We file most of our Chapter 13 reorganizations for NO MONEY DOWN! You only pay the court’s $281.00 filing fee! Pay back your creditors back at an amount you can afford each month and 0% interest. Plans range from 3 to 5 years.

The emotional impact of a divorce cannot be ignored, particularly when two spouses are at odds over money, property and quality time with children. Ardelean & Dunne, PLLC knows when to push and when to pull back when it comes to disagreements. We encourage clients to find an amicable middle ground and consider the best interests of their children. In certain cases an uncontested divorce may be the best solution. However, we will stand by their side if a highly contested divorce ends up in courtroom litigation. Envisioning what life will look like after your divorce can guide the process when securing a divorce and property settlement agreement. As experienced family law attorneys, we can help you understand the issues and potential challenges you face. We work with a variety of experts to ensure that our clients receive the best advice.

Wills allow individuals to structure who their devisees are and how the property is allocated for when they are gone. Wills are typically not difficult to draft, but it is advisable to meet with an attorney who is familiar with legal language and format so the document is not taken out of the intended context. A General Durable Power of Attorney will allow an appointed person to assist in the financial affairs of an individual needing help. An Heath Care Power of Attorney allows an appointed person to make critical decisions regarding medical care of the subject individual in the event they are unable to make those decisions.

Social Security Disability Benefits Disability benefits are paid to disabled workers and in some cases, their dependent children. A form of disability benefits is available regardless of your age, if you are found disabled under the Social Security’s guidelines. In addition, if you are disabled your family members may qualify for benefits as dependents. Children under 18 (and some disabled adult children) may be also eligible if one parent receives disability benefits or is deceased. Social Security Survivor Benefits Survivor benefits can be paid to the deceased spouse’s widow as full benefits at age 65 or older or reduced benefits at age 60. A disabled widow or widower can begin getting benefits at ages 50 to 60. A widow can claim benefits at any age if she or he takes care of a child who is under 16 or is disabled and receives benefits. Unmarried children under 18 (or up to age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school full time) also can receive survivor benefits. Under certain circumstances, benefits also can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children.