Augusta · Dublin · Statesboro
Your questions, answered honestly.
If you are dealing with debt, a foreclosure, a repossession, or a money problem you do not know how to fix, you probably have questions before you are ready to call. Here are straight answers to the ones we hear most. When you want to talk it through, the first conversation is free.
Getting started
Before you call.
Yes. Your first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation. You can sit down with us, lay out what you owe and what is worrying you, and get honest answers before you decide anything.
We have offices in Augusta, Dublin, and Statesboro, and you can meet us at whichever is closest. If getting in is hard, we can start with a phone intake and handle the early steps over the phone. You may still need to come in to sign documents, but we can get the ball rolling without you making a trip first. We answer during business hours, and if you reach us after hours, we return your message the next business day.
A bankruptcy case is a public record, but it is not printed in your local newspaper the way a foreclosure notice is. We do not announce it, and most people in your life will never have a reason to look.
Bring what you can find: recent pay stubs, your most recent tax return, a rough list of who you owe, and any letters from creditors, a lender, or a court. Do not let a missing document stop you from reaching out. We will help you fill in the gaps.
Bankruptcy basics
How bankruptcy actually works.
Chapter 7 wipes out many kinds of debt, usually in a few months. Chapter 13 sets up a court-approved plan to catch up on what you are behind on over three to five years, which is what lets you keep a house or car you have fallen behind on. Which one fits depends on your income and what you are trying to protect.
You can read more about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, or just ask us and we will tell you which makes sense for you.
Most people keep what they have. The law protects a lot of everyday property, your household goods, and often your home and car, as long as you stay current on those payments. We walk through exactly what is protected in your situation before you file anything.
Yes. Subchapter 5 is a simpler, faster kind of reorganization built for small business owners who want to restructure their debt and keep operating.
Yes. The moment your case is filed, the law puts a stop to collection calls, letters, and lawsuits. That breathing room is one of the biggest reasons people tell us they wish they had filed sooner.
You can, but there are extra hurdles if you have filed recently. If you have had more than two cases in the past year, the automatic protection may not start at all. If you had one case in the past year, that protection may last only 30 days, though we can ask the court to extend it, which we do when we file your case. Tell us your full history so we handle it the right way.
It stays on your credit report for a number of years, but many people are surprised how quickly they can start rebuilding once the debt that was dragging them down is gone. We are not credit counselors, but we are glad to point you toward sensible next steps.
Debts & problems
Specific situations.
Yes, if you act in time. Filing stops the sale, and Chapter 13 lets you catch up on what you are behind. But Georgia foreclosure sales are held on the first Tuesday of the month, and once the sale happens it is final and cannot be undone. The sooner you come in, the more we can do.
More on how this works: stopping a foreclosure in Georgia.
Often yes, especially if you move quickly. Filing can stop a repossession, and in some cases help you recover a vehicle that was recently taken. Timing makes a real difference here, so do not wait.
More on this: stopping a car repossession.
We will be honest with you. Student loan debt is difficult to discharge, and chasing that on its own usually is not the right reason to file. What bankruptcy can often do is clear your other debts so your budget has room to handle the student loans. Bring the whole picture and we will talk it through.
These are the kinds of debt bankruptcy handles best. In many cases they can be wiped out completely, which is exactly what gives people their fresh start.
Yes. Filing stops most wage garnishments and pauses debt collection lawsuits. If a creditor has sued you or is taking money out of your paycheck, reach out soon, because there are deadlines that matter.
Some, yes. Things like child support, most recent taxes, and court fines generally stay with you. We will tell you plainly which of your debts bankruptcy can help with and which it cannot, so you know what to expect.
About the firm
Who you are working with.
Yes. Kelly Brashear Kitchens handles family law for the firm, including divorce, custody, and support. You can also read our divorce information articles.
Yes. John P. Claeys handles personal injury and accident cases. If you have been hurt, the consultation is free.
We serve Augusta, Dublin, Statesboro, and the surrounding CSRA. Bankruptcy cases here are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Georgia, and our three offices sit in those same court divisions.
Yes. Angela "Angie" McElroy-Magruder is Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification, a credential most bankruptcy lawyers do not hold.
That depends on your situation, so we go over it with you in person, where there is room to answer every question and no surprises. The first consultation is free, and we will be straight with you about what your case takes.
Confidential
No obligation
Still have a question?
Then let's get you a real answer.
The fastest way to find out where you stand is to ask. One free, confidential conversation, no obligation, and you will know your options. Text is the easiest way to reach us, and we will get right back to you.
P.S. You do not need to understand any of the law to get help. Tell us what is going on in plain words, and let us do the rest.
Three offices, close to home
Find the office nearest you.
Augusta, GA 30901
Dublin, GA 31021
Statesboro, GA 30458
Cannot get in easily? We can start with a phone intake and handle the early steps by phone, and we make appointments available evenings and weekends.
We are here to help
Let's talk it through.
Send a text or give us a call, or use our contact page and we will reach out, in confidence.
Augusta
512 Telfair Street
Augusta, GA 30901
706-724-6000
Dublin
1205 Bellevue Place, Suite A
Dublin, GA 31021
478-275-8311
Statesboro
200 South Main Street
Statesboro, GA 30458
912-764-7000
Office hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Evenings and weekends by appointment. We accept most major credit cards.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. We serve clients throughout Augusta, Dublin, Statesboro and the surrounding CSRA. The information on this page is general and is not legal advice, and contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is different, and outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.