Macon Bankruptcy Lawyer Helping You Find Relief

Financial problems can happen to anyone. A job loss, unexpected medical bills or other life events can quickly lead to overwhelming debt, collection calls and the fear of losing your assets and property. If you are struggling to keep up, you may have more options than you realize.

Since 1976, L. Wayne Gilleland, Attorney at Law, has helped individuals and businesses throughout Macon and Middle Georgia use the protections of the Bankruptcy Code to regain financial stability. Attorney Wayne Gilleland will take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your bankruptcy options and help you determine the solution that best fits your needs.

Bankruptcy Solutions Tailored To Your Needs

Bankruptcy is not one-size-fits-all. Whether your goal is to eliminate unsecured debt or protect your home and business, understanding your bankruptcy options is the first step toward financial relief.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A Fresh Financial Start

If you have significant unsecured debt and limited ability to repay it, filing under Chapter 7 may provide the fresh financial start you need. Depending on your circumstances, it may allow you to:

• Stop creditor collection calls and harassment
• Eliminate qualifying credit card debt and medical bills
• Prevent wage garnishments and other collection efforts through the automatic stay
• Get the fresh financial start you need

For many individuals, Chapter 7 offers an opportunity to eliminate overwhelming debt and move forward with greater financial confidence.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Protect The Assets That Matter Most

If you have fallen behind on mortgage or vehicle payments but have a steady source of income, a Chapter 13 repayment plan may allow you to reorganize your debt while keeping your property. Filing may help you:

• Stop foreclosure proceedings
• Prevent vehicle repossession
• Catch up on missed mortgage or car payments over time
• Consolidate eligible debts into an affordable repayment plan

Chapter 13 may offer a practical path toward regaining control of your finances while keeping the property that matters most.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: Business Reorganization

Businesses may use Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reorganize their debts while continuing to operate. It can also be an option for individuals with substantial debts who exceed the limits for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Attorney Gilleland can explain whether Chapter 11 is the right solution for your financial circumstances.

L. Wayne Gilleland, Attorney at Law is committed to helping you find lasting debt relief. Attorney Gilleland provides clear, straightforward guidance so you can move forward with confidence.

Decades Of Experience You Can Trust

Bankruptcy is an important financial decision, and you deserve experienced legal guidance you can trust. Attorney Gilleland has built a reputation for providing knowledgeable, client-focused representation.

• Established reputation since 1976
• Five decades of bankruptcy law experience
• Thousands of individuals helped through the bankruptcy process
• Personal attention throughout every stage of your case
• Friendly, confidential consultations
• Bankruptcy solutions tailored to each client’s circumstances

Attorney Gilleland’s decades of experience enable him to provide practical legal guidance tailored to your financial situation and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy

If you are considering bankruptcy, you probably have questions about what to expect. Below are answers to some of the questions people ask most often.

What are the steps involved in the bankruptcy process?

The bankruptcy process varies depending on the type of bankruptcy you file, but generally follows these steps:

1. Review your income, assets and debts to determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
2. Complete a court-approved credit counselling course before filing.
3. File your bankruptcy petition and supporting financial documents with the court.
4. Receive the protection of the automatic stay, which may stop most collection activities, including foreclosure and wage garnishment.
5. Attend the required meeting of creditors (also known as the 341 meeting).
6. Complete your Chapter 7 case or Chapter 13 repayment plan before receiving a bankruptcy discharge, if eligible.

Chapter 11 cases follow a different process because they involve reorganising business or high-value personal debts. Attorney Gilleland can explain what to expect based on the type of bankruptcy you are considering.

How long does the bankruptcy process take?

The length of time depends on the type of bankruptcy filed and your individual financial circumstances.

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Typically takes four to six months from filing to discharge.
• Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Involves a repayment plan lasting three to five years before eligible remaining debts are discharged.
• Chapter 11 bankruptcy: Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case and the proposed reorganisation plan.

Unexpected issues, such as creditor objections or incomplete paperwork, may extend the process.

How will filing for bankruptcy affect my credit score?

Many people worry about how bankruptcy will affect their credit score. While it may lower your score initially, it can also provide an opportunity to rebuild your finances by eliminating overwhelming debt. Generally:

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on a credit report for up to 10 years.
• Chapter 13 bankruptcy remains on a credit report for up to seven years.
• Chapter 11 bankruptcy may also affect your credit, although the impact and reporting period depend on the type of filer and the circumstances of the case.

Many people gradually improve their credit by making timely payments and using credit responsibly after bankruptcy.

What assets can I keep if I file for bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy laws include exemptions that may allow you to protect certain property or equity from creditors. The exemptions available to you depend on Georgia law and the type of bankruptcy you file.

For example, under current Georgia law, eligible individuals may protect up to $50,000 of equity in a primary residence, or up to $100,000 for spouses filing jointly.

Depending on your circumstances, other protected property may include:

• Equity in your primary residence
• Equity in a vehicle
• Certain personal property
• Certain wages and benefits

An experienced bankruptcy lawyer can explain which exemptions may apply to your situation and how they could affect your case.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With A Macon Bankruptcy Lawyer

If debt is affecting your financial future or your business, you do not have to face it alone. Attorney Gilleland will review your circumstances, answer your questions and discuss whether bankruptcy may be the right solution for you.

Call 478-207-6901 or reach out online to schedule your confidential consultation. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Evening appointments are available by special arrangement.

L. Wayne Gilleland, Attorney at Law proudly serves clients in Macon and throughout Middle Georgia.

Wayne Gilleland is a debt relief agent. He helps people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.