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Do I Qualify for Bankruptcy in Colorado?

Qualify for Bankruptcy

If you find yourself in a situation where your debts are overwhelming, and you have no clear path to paying them, bankruptcy might be an option.

Bankruptcy protection was established by the federal government to help honest, but unfortunate, debtors obtain debt relief.
If you’re considering bankruptcy as a debt relief option in Colorado, you may worry about whether or not you qualify. Our experienced CO debt relief lawyers have designed this page to give a brief overview of the two most commonly filed personal bankruptcy chapters in Colorado, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and what the qualifications are to file them.
Of course, this is just a general overview of the basic qualifications. Each bankruptcy case is unique, and it’s imperative to contact an experienced Colorado bankruptcy attorney for more information about the specific details of your case. There are multiple forms of bankruptcy available. Choosing the right one for you involves looking at your current financial situation, including assets, income, debts, and whether or not those debts are secured. Depending on your situation, certain forms of bankruptcy may not even be available.
During your no-cost case consultation, one of our skilled legal professionals will go over your financial details and help you decide which debt relief option is best for your individual needs.

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act

In 2005, Congress passed a new law that is referred to as the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA). It makes it harder to file for bankruptcy to keep people from abusing the system. Before the BAPCPA was passed, you could file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 regardless of your income level; rich or poor, middle class or wealthy, Chapter 7 was a safety net for anyone seeking debt relief through bankruptcy. Prior to the BAPCPA, one could still get their bankruptcy denied if they had excessive disposable income and were deemed to be abusing the system.
Since the BAPCPA was enacted in 2005, in order to file for bankruptcy you need to take a means test that will determine your assets and income versus your ability to pay your debts. That means that in order to be able to file for bankruptcy in Colorado you must meet all of the conditions that include passing the means test as well as getting credit counseling.

Another qualification that the BAPCPA changed for debtors looking to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Colorado is the length of time a petitioner has to wait before filing if they have filed for bankruptcy in the past. Essentially, if you received a discharge in your first bankruptcy, then a set amount of time must pass before you can have your debts discharged by the courts again. As of 2005, you can now be denied a discharge if you received a discharge in another Chapter 7 case filed in the last eight years; before BAPCPA, you had to wait six years instead. For more information on the waiting period between bankruptcy filings, see UpSolve.org’s article or contact our Colorado bankruptcy attorneys today.

Do You Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Colorado?

Unpaid Bills on Table with Calculator

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a method of clearing away debts for individuals unable to repay them. Sometimes referred to as “liquidation bankruptcy,” Chapter 7 is the most popular bankruptcy filing in Colorado. Filing a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy eliminates most of your unsecured debt, including credit card debt, medical bills, utility bills, most personal loans, and deficiencies on repossessed vehicles or back-owed rent on your house or apartment.

If you would like to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Colorado you must pass the means test. There are two ways to pass the means test:

  • If your income is below the Colorado median for your household size you are exempt from the test and may file a Chapter 7.
  • If your income is over the Colorado median income for a household your size then you must complete the means test by calculating your income and expense information. This portion of the means test allows you to deduct allowable monthly expenses from your current monthly income to calculate your disposable income. The expenses used are a combination of national and Colorado expenses, and disposable income is the income available after expenses that may be used to repay your debts. If your disposable income is below a specific amount, you may still qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

For a more in-depth look at Chapter 7 bankruptcy qualifications, head over to Debt.org’s Chapter 7 Bankruptcy page, or contact our experienced Colorado Chapter 7 Bankruptcy attorneys today for a no-cost case evaluation.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Qualifications Explained by a Colorado Bankruptcy Lawyer

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

If your income is higher than the Colorado median you will still need to complete the means test calculation to determine if you can pay back a portion of your unsecured debts through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy, also known as a wage-earners bankruptcy, is when a debtor proposes a 3-5 year repayment plan to the creditors offering to pay off all or part of the debts from the debtor’s future income. Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 does not involve liquidation. Usually, a Chapter 13 debtor is permitted to keep all of his property, whether it is exempt or not, as long as the Chapter 13 plan complies with the law.

For more information on Chapter 13 bankruptcy qualifications, see Experian.com’s What are the Requirements for Bankruptcy page, or contact our Colorado debt relief lawyers today for a no-cost case consultation.

How a Colorado Bankruptcy Attorney Can Help You Figure Out if You Qualify for Bankruptcy

Winter Sunrise in Morrison, Colorado

Dealing with overwhelming debt is an issue that many people face. It can happen to people who have secure jobs or are good with their money. Sometimes, you’re only one accident or emergency expense away from severe debt. If you’re dealing with a mountain of crushing debt in Colorado, help is only a phone call or email away.

Our trusted Colorado legal team has helped clients all over the state, including:

  • El Paso County (Colorado Springs)
  • Arapahoe County (Aurora)
  • Larimer County (Fort Collins)
  • Jefferson County (Lakewood)
  • Denver County (Denver)

If you’re unsure whether or not you qualify for bankruptcy in Colorado, you can trust our experienced bankruptcy attorneys to give you the crucial guidance you need as you sort out your options.

Declaring bankruptcy is a choice most individuals hope never to have to make. The process can be complicated and costly, so it should not be taken lightly. Before deciding to file for bankruptcy, contacting a qualified Colorado bankruptcy attorney can help you discover the best way forward. Reach out to our team of experienced legal professionals today for your free case evaluation.