St. Martinville Bankruptcy Lawyer

Bankruptcy Attorney in St. Martinville, LA

Financial strife can happen to anyone, often when it is not convenient. Whether you are dealing with job loss, a divorce, medical bills, or other mounting expenses, you might be considering reaching out for help dealing with the debt. If you believe filing for bankruptcy may be the right option for you, don’t hesitate to consult a skilled St. Martinville bankruptcy lawyer.

What to Know About Wiley & Jowers

Wiley & Jowers is a bankruptcy law practice based in New Iberia that serves the entire western district of Louisiana. Our professional legal team believes in supporting those who find themselves in hard times by guiding them through every step of the bankruptcy process.

When to Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer in St. Martinville, LA

In the 12 months before June 30, 2025, over 5000 bankruptcy cases were filed in the Western Louisiana District. During this period, 90 bankruptcy filings were reported in St. Martin Parish. This was much lower compared to Ouachita Parish, which saw the most bankruptcy filings at 808.

Bankruptcy is a legal process under federal law that allows businesses and individuals to discharge certain debts, effectively letting them start over. There are many misconceptions about bankruptcy, including that it is something to fear. Rather, it is simply one way to resolve financial difficulties.

You should hire a bankruptcy lawyer if you are in debt and are considering bankruptcy as a possible solution. Some of the different bankruptcy options include:

• Chapter 7. This form of bankruptcy, also referred to as liquidation or straight bankruptcy, involves an individual liquidating non-exempt assets in order to pay off debts. Certain properties have a lien placed on them instead of being liquidated. Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically lasts several months, during which there is an automatic stay on debt collection.
• Chapter 11. This type of bankruptcy is for businesses to reorganize their debt, allowing owners to continue operating and start their business anew. To secure a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the business must submit a reorganization plan and a statement that discloses its assets, debts, and other details. The purpose of this disclosure statement is to assess the effectiveness of the reorganization plan.
• Chapter 13. This bankruptcy variation lets a person repay a portion or all of their debts under the Bankruptcy Court and its supervision and protection. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows for an automatic stay on the individual’s assets, preventing creditors from seizing the properties. Instead, the debt is addressed through a repayment plan that spans several years.

Why You Should Work With a Bankruptcy Attorney

There are several reasons why you should work with an experienced St. Martinville bankruptcy attorney, like lawyer Kathryn Wiley at Wiley & Jowers. Louisiana bankruptcy laws can be challenging and overwhelming to navigate on your own. It is wise to entrust such important legal matters to a professional who can help you avoid mistakes and stay on track.

A bankruptcy case in St. Martinville is most likely to be processed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana. This legal venue is located at 800 Lafayette Street, Suite 1100, Lafayette, LA 70501. For more information about where to file your bankruptcy case and any subsequent proceedings, be sure to consult your attorney.

FAQs About St. Martinville, LA Bankruptcy Laws

What Are the Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy?

The primary benefit of filing for bankruptcy in Louisiana is that it allows many individuals and businesses to regain control of their finances. If you have little to no options to address severe debt, bankruptcy can help to clear it so you can put your income towards other important expenses and bills. Another benefit of bankruptcy is that it often pauses and prevents further collection actions, such as foreclosure, wage garnishment, and calls from creditors.

How Much Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost in Louisiana?

It is difficult to estimate how much a bankruptcy lawyer’s fees may cost in total in Louisiana without reviewing the details of your case. Attorney costs can vary quite a bit depending on the circumstances, with determining factors including the type of bankruptcy, how complex the case is, the experience level of your lawyer, and other details of the filing. For a cost estimate, you can consult your legal counsel.

How Long Does It Take to File for Bankruptcy in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the amount of time it takes to process a bankruptcy filing depends on the individual’s needs, including how long they need to complete the necessary documents. In instances where there is a pending garnishment, repossession, or sheriff sale, it may go into effect quickly due to urgency. Generally, the longer it takes for you to collect the required information and complete the paperwork necessary to file for bankruptcy, the longer the process will take.

What Debts Can Not Be Rid of Through Bankruptcy in LA?

In Louisiana, debts you cannot get rid of through bankruptcy are known as non-dischargeable and include:

• Debts related to embezzlement, larceny, or fraud
• Debts for domestic support obligations like alimony or child support
• Debts for personal injury or wrongful death caused by the debtor’s operation of a motor vehicle or other craft while intoxicated
• Debts from damages caused by malicious or willful misconduct by the debtor
• Debts for certain student loans or other academic obligations

What’s the Difference Between Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy?

The main difference between a Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the source of the money used to settle the debt. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtor’s non-exempt assets are liquidated to pay off as much of their debt as possible. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the debtor’s future income is used to settle as much of their debts as possible, given the circumstances. The individual pays a monthly installment for several years, according to the repayment plan.

Get in Touch With a Qualified St. Martinville Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

When you are in significant debt, remember that you have options. Reach out to our team at Wiley & Jowers today to discuss your bankruptcy options and next steps. We can answer any questions or concerns you may have before beginning your case.