Wilmoth Law Firm

Springdale Bankruptcy Lawyers

Springdale Bankruptcy Lawyers

Financial hardship doesn’t define your future—it’s simply a hurdle we help you clear. At Wilmoth Law Firm, we understand that the residents of Springdale work hard, from the processing plants to the booming downtown corridor. When medical bills, job loss, or high-interest debt become overwhelming, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a local advocate who knows the Northwest Arkansas (NWA) legal landscape inside and out.

Why Choose Wilmoth Law Firm?

Filing for bankruptcy is a federal process, but the nuances are local. Whether you are dealing with a local bank or a national lender, our firm provides the “small town” attention you deserve with “big city” legal experience.

  • Deep NWA Roots: We understand the local economy and the specific challenges facing Springdale families and small business owners.
  • A Personalized Approach: We don’t believe in “bankruptcy mills.” Your case is handled by experienced attorneys, not just paralegals.
  • Immediate Relief: From the moment we file your petition, the Automatic Stay goes into effect, stopping creditors from calling, garnishing your wages, or pursuing foreclosure.

Our Core Bankruptcy Services at Wilmoth Law Firm

Chapter 7: The "Fresh Start" Liquidation

Chapter 7 is the most common form of bankruptcy for individuals. It is designed to wipe out unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans.

  • The Timeline: Typically completed in 3 to 6 months.
  • The Goal: To discharge debt completely so you can start over.
  • The Arkansas Exemptions: We utilize specific state and federal exemptions to ensure you keep your home, car, and essential personal property.

Chapter 13: The Reorganization Plan

If you have a steady income but have fallen behind on mortgage or car payments, Chapter 13 allows you to catch up over a 3-to-5-year period.

  • Save Your Home: This is the primary tool to stop a foreclosure sale in Washington or Benton County.
  • Consolidate Debt: Combine your debts into one manageable monthly payment.
  • Manage Non-Dischargeable Debt: Pay back taxes or domestic support obligations under the protection of the court.

Bankruptcy Information for Springdale Residents

Navigating the legal system in Northwest Arkansas requires knowing where to go and what to expect.

Where Your Case Is Heard

While Springdale is split between Washington and Benton Counties, all bankruptcy cases for our region are filed through the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

  • Fayetteville Divisional Office: 35 E. Mountain Street, Room 316, Fayetteville, AR 72701 (Note: This office handles the “Meeting of Creditors” for Springdale filers).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will I lose my house or my car?

In the vast majority of our Springdale cases, no. Arkansas offers generous exemptions. If you are current on your payments, you can usually keep your home and vehicle through a “Reaffirmation Agreement.” If you are behind, a Chapter 13 plan can help you keep them.

Does everyone in Springdale find out I filed?

Bankruptcy is a public record, but it is not published in the local newspaper like it was decades ago. Unless someone specifically goes looking for your filing in the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system, it generally remains private.

How does the “Means Test” work in Arkansas?

To qualify for Chapter 7, your income must be compared to the median income for a household of your size in Arkansas. If you earn above the median, we perform a complex calculation of allowed expenses to see if you still qualify.

Can I discharge my student loans?

While traditionally difficult, recent changes in Department of Justice guidelines have made it more feasible to discharge student loans if you can prove “undue hardship.” We can evaluate your specific situation during your consultation.

What is the “341 Meeting”?

This is the Meeting of Creditors. It sounds intimidating, but it is usually a short, 10-minute meeting with a Trustee (not a judge) to verify the information in your petition. Our attorneys will be by your side the entire time.

Take the First Step Toward a New Beginning – Contact Our Springdale Bankruptcy Lawyers at Wilmoth Law Firm

Don’t spend another night worrying about the phone ringing or the mail arriving. Let our Springdale bankruptcy lawyers at Wilmoth Law Firm help you reclaim your financial life. Call 479-443-8080 or complete our online form for a free consultation. We have an office in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Our Practice Areas

Personal Injury & Motor Accidents

Trucking Accidents

Workers’ Compensation

Civil
Litigation

Criminal Law

Family Law