Understanding Bankruptcy in Essex County Massachusetts
Our attorney will explain how bankruptcy can help and will determine whether it is right for your specific circumstances. Filing for bankruptcy in Essex County is a legal and public process, but filings are generally not advertised or publicized unless someone actively searches for them. Bankruptcy—especially Chapter 7—can provide significant debt relief, but some obligations such as student loans, child support, and many tax debts are not dischargeable. While bankruptcy initially affects your credit score, many individuals begin rebuilding credit and even qualify for new loans, including mortgages, within a few years.
Donald J. MacDonald, Esq. Partner
(781) 654-5050
don@colemanmacdonald.com
Common Bankruptcy Questions—A Quick Guide:
What is bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals or businesses to eliminate or restructure their debts when they are unable to pay them.
What types are available?
- Chapter 7 (Liquidation): Discharges most unsecured debts and may involve selling certain non-exempt assets.
- Chapter 13 (Repayment Plan): Allows you to repay debts over a period of three to five years.
How does bankruptcy affect my credit? Bankruptcy appears on your credit report for up to 10 years. However, many people can still obtain new credit, including mortgages, within a few years after filing.
What is the automatic stay? Filing triggers an automatic stay, which temporarily stops most collection activities, including lawsuits, wage garnishments, and harassing creditor calls.
Are bankruptcy filings private? Bankruptcy cases are public records, but they are not widely publicized. Details generally remain private unless someone specifically searches for your filing.
About Chapter 7 Bankruptcy:
- Debt Discharge: Chapter 7 Essex County, Massachusetts, can wipe out most unsecured debts, such as credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans.
- Non-Dischargeable Debts: Some debts cannot be eliminated, including child support, alimony, most student loans, and certain tax debts.
- Means Test: To qualify, you must meet income requirements based on a means test.
- Asset Liquidation: Some non-exempt assets may be sold to repay creditors, but many filers are able to keep most, if not all, of their property by using state or federal exemptions.
Homestead Exemption: Massachusetts law provides a homestead exemption, protecting a portion of the equity in your primary residence from creditors.
Seeking Legal Guidance:
- Why consult an attorney? It’s highly advisable to speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney to assess your unique situation and determine the best course of action.
- Free Initial Consultations: Many attorneys in Essex County offer free consultations to help you explore your debt relief options.
- Court Procedures: The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts has specific guidelines and procedures. An attorney can help you navigate these requirements.
- Finding a Bankruptcy Attorney: You can find qualified bankruptcy lawyers in Essex County through the Massachusetts Bar Association or by searching online for local specialists.
- Help from the Clerk’s Office: While the Clerk’s Office can’t offer legal advice, their staff can provide information about court procedures and filing requirements.
Only an attorney is authorized to give you legal advice regarding a bankruptcy case or proceeding. The Clerk’s Office, the judges, and their staff cannot give.
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What Can You Expect During the Bankruptcy Process?
What to Expect During the Bankruptcy Process
From your first consultation, our bankruptcy attorneys will guide you every step of the way. We’ll help you determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7 or if Chapter 13 is a better option for your needs. We handle every aspect of your case—from filing with the bankruptcy court and gathering necessary documents to submitting everything to the bankruptcy trustee—so you can focus on your future. Throughout the process, you’ll have ongoing guidance and support. Schedule a consultation today to get the facts you need to move forward with confidence. Bankruptcy in East Longmeadow—What You Need to Know
Affordable, Trusted Debt Relief Attorneys Serving Essex County & Beyond
Coleman & MacDonald have been helping clients across the North Shore, Greater Boston, and Essex County for over three decades. Our attorneys provide clear guidance, asset protection, and immediate relief from relentless creditor harassment. We help you achieve a fresh financial start, putting an end to wage garnishments, lawsuits, and other stressful legal actions.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Essex County, MA
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 offers fast relief by eliminating most types of unsecured debt—such as credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, and some overdue taxes. It stops wage garnishments, bank account freezes, lawsuits, and other similar actions. In most cases, you can keep your home and vehicle as long as you remain current on payments.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Chapter 13 provides immediate relief by helping you consolidate your debts into a single, affordable monthly payment plan, letting you pay off your obligations over time. Filing stops lawsuits, garnishments, and bank freezes immediately. Chapter 13 is ideal if you need to catch up on mortgage or car payments to halt foreclosure or repossession and if you have a regular income for the repayment plan. East Longmeadow Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Guidance
Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Right for You?
With Chapter 7, you can discharge most unsecured debts, including medical bills, credit card balances, personal loans, and debts from repossessions. If you’re current on payments, you may be able to keep your home and vehicle. The filing brings swift relief—creditor harassment, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and bank account freezes all stop immediately, giving you a real chance at a fresh financial start.
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Which Debts Can’t Chapter 7 Discharge?
Certain debts are generally non-dischargeable, including most federal and state tax debts, child or spousal support, and student loans. However, by wiping out other eligible debts, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help make your remaining obligations much more manageable, giving you a path to financial stability. Filing for Bankruptcy-What to Know
If you need an experienced Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in Essex County, MA, contact us today to review your options.
Free Consultation – Call (413)-224-2286. Coleman McDonald is a bankruptcy law firm serving Essex County and the North Andover, MA area, with office locations in East Longmeadow, Saugus, and Essex County. Our experienced bankruptcy attorneys are not just knowledgeable, but also dedicated to providing caring and effective legal support. We have helped many clients in Essex County and throughout Essex County find relief from debts. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
Retain the Leading Bankruptcy Attorneys in Essex County, MA
At Coleman & MacDonald, we recognize that financial challenges can be overwhelming and complicated. That’s why we provide a full spectrum of bankruptcy services tailored to your individual needs. Our team can help you avoid foreclosure, secure loan modifications, stop tax levies and wage garnishments, prevent car repossessions, and in many cases, reduce your car payments or “strip off” second mortgages that are completely underwater.
Filing for bankruptcy with our firm can help you:
- Discharge or reduce qualifying debts*
- Protect exempt assets like your home, car, and retirement savings*
- Stop foreclosure proceedings and prevent evictions
- Put an end to lawsuits and creditor harassment
- Gain crucial time to reorganize your finances
- Restore your peace of mind and finally get restful sleep again
*Please note: according to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Your ability to keep certain assets or discharge specific debts depends on your unique circumstances. We highly recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your options and make confident, informed choices about your financial future. Expert Advice from a Peabody Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer
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About Essex County, MA
Essex County, Massachusetts, is a vibrant region located in the northeastern part of the state, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and just north of Boston. Known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and diverse communities, Essex County offers residents and visitors a unique blend of urban convenience and classic New England charm.
Historical and Cultural Significance Essex County is one of the oldest counties in the United States, with a storied past dating back to the 1600s. It is home to the famous port city of Salem—renowned for its 17th century witch trials—and the picturesque towns of Newburyport, Gloucester, and Marblehead. The region features a wealth of historically significant sites, museums, and preserved architecture from the Colonial, Federal, and Victorian eras.
Economic Diversity The county’s economy is diverse, with thriving sectors in healthcare, education, technology, manufacturing, and tourism. Major employers include local hospitals, universities, tech companies, and regional retail centers. Many residents also commute to Boston and Cambridge, taking advantage of Essex County’s proximity to the greater Boston metro area.
Communities and Lifestyle Essex County encompasses a mix of bustling cities like Lynn, Peabody, and Lawrence, as well as scenic coastal and rural towns such as Ipswich, Beverly, and Manchester-by-the-Sea. It is known for its excellent schools, recreational amenities, public parks, and vibrant local arts and food scenes.
Cities and Towns in Essex County, MA (with ZIP Codes)
Municipality | Primary ZIP Code(s) |
|---|---|
Amesbury | 01913 |
Andover | 01810, 01812, 05501 |
Beverly | 01915, 01965 (Prides Crossing) |
Boxford | 01921 |
Danvers | 01923 |
Essex | 01929 |
Georgetown | 01833 |
Gloucester | 01930, 01931, 01966 (Rockport) |
Groveland | 01834 |
Hamilton | 01936 |
Haverhill | 01830, 01832, 01835 |
Ipswich | 01938 |
Lawrence | 01840, 01841, 01842, 01843 |
Lynn | 01901, 01902, 01904, 01905, 01910 |
Lynnfield | 01940 |
Manchester-by-the-Sea | 01944 |
Marblehead | 01945 |
Merrimac | 01860 |
Methuen | 01844 |
Middleton | 01949 |
Nahant | 01908 |
Newbury | 01951, 01922 (Byfield/part) |
Newburyport | 01950 |
North Andover | 01845 |
Peabody | 01960, 01961 |
Rockport | 01966 |
Rowley | 01969 |
Salem | 01970, 01971 |
Salisbury | 01952 |
Saugus* | 01906 |
Swampscott | 01907 |
Topsfield | 01983 |
Wenham | 01984 |
West Newbury | 01985 |
*While Saugus is in Essex County, for some governmental functions it may also be associated with neighboring counties.
Suburbs and Neighborhoods
Many communities above are considered suburbs of Boston or major residential centers within the North Shore region.
Quick Reference: Larger Cities in Essex County
- Lynn: 01901, 01902, 01904, 01905, 01910
- Lawrence: 01840, 01841, 01842, 01843
- Haverhill: 01830, 01832, 01835
- Methuen: 01844
- Salem: 01970, 01971
- Peabody: 01960, 01961
- Beverly: 01915
Bankruptcy Filings on the Rise in Massachusetts
According to the United States Courts, Massachusetts experienced a notable increase in bankruptcy filings, with a total of 4,823 cases filed in the 12-month period ending March 31, 2025. This represents a 13.1% increase over the previous year. Of these filings, 3,112 were Chapter 7 cases, 105 were Chapter 11 cases, and 1,605 were Chapter 13 cases.
Key Statistics:
- Overall Increase: Bankruptcy filings in Massachusetts rose by 13.1% for the year ending March 31, 2025.
- By Chapter:
- Chapter 7: 3,112 cases
- Chapter 11: 105 cases
- Chapter 13: 1,605 cases
- Year-over-Year Comparison:
- The 2025 total (4,823 filings) marks an 18.8% increase from the 4,060 filings in 2024.
- The 2024 total (4,060 filings) was itself a 21.6% rise compared to 3,869 bankruptcy cases filed in 2023.
These statistics highlight a significant upward trend in bankruptcy filings across Massachusetts.
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