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If you are considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy or Chapter 7 bankruptcy and not sure what your first steps should be, know that you’re not alone. We are here to help. Please contact The Jones Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.

The Jones Law Firm,
Columbus, OHIO
Bankruptcy Law Services

Helping individuals and families regain control of their financial futures

Welcome to The Jones Law Firm! For many families in the Columbus, OHIO area and Franklin County, financial hardship may leave you uneasy and unsure of who you can turn to for your bankruptcy needs. We understand that bankruptcy can be a scary process, especially if you are doing it alone. But you don’t have to.

Located in Columbus, OHIO, The Jones Law Firm is a bankruptcy law firm helping hundreds of individuals and families regain financial control and have a fresh start in life. Offering affordable pricing and payment plans, bankruptcy attorney Michael Kraig and The Jones Law Firm have extensive experience helping people file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

We will guide you every step of the way so that you get the fresh financial start that you deserve. Read more about our mission: “Helping individuals and families regain control of their financial futures.”

Take Back Your Life with
The Jones Law Firm

Clear your debt, protect your assets, and move forward with confidence

Eliminate

  • Harassing creditor calls
  • Foreclosure threats
  • Wage and bank account seizures
  • Vehicle repossession
  • Utility shutoffs
  • IRS actions and lawsuits

Protect

  • Your home and vehicle
  • Your paycheck and future earnings
  • Your household essentials
  • Retirement and insurance funds
  • Social Security benefits
  • Tools you need for work
  • Your health and peace of mind

Discharge

  • Overwhelming credit card debt
  • Payday & personal loans
  • Medical bills
  • Certain tax debts
  • Bad mortgages & timeshares
  • Old judgments and fines
  • Stress, worry, and fear

Schedule a Consultation for The Jones Law Firm

Take the first step toward your fresh financial start—speak with our bankruptcy team today
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(614) 665-1778

OHIO Bankruptcy Services

Our Columbus’s Trusted Bankruptcy Attorney And His Team Specialize In

Our bankruptcy attorney and his team take the stress out of bankruptcy by handling all of the legalities involved in the process.
From preparing and filing the petition to advocating for you before the bankruptcy trustee and the court, we ll provide the
caliber of representation you need to make everything as thorough, convenient, and favorable as possible

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7, often called straight bankruptcy , is a liquidation process designed to help individuals eliminate most unsecured debts quickly and efficiently. For many people, it s the fastest path to a clean slate in most cases, the process takes less than five months from filing to discharge.

What You Keep

Contrary to common fears, filing Chapter 7 does not mean you lose everything. Both the State of OHIO and the federal government offer generous exemptions that protect your home, car, household items, retirement accounts, and more.

When Chapter 7 May Be Right for You

  • You want to eliminate most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans).
  • You have limited income and little or no non exempt property.
  • You want a quick, clean start without a repayment plan.

If it turns out that some of your assets aren’t fully exempt, we’ll explore Chapter 13 bankruptcy as an alternative, so you can keep what matters most while still finding relief from debt.

The Jones Law Firm will carefully review your financial situation, explain every option, and guide you through the process step-by-step.

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Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 is the chapter of the Bankruptcy Code that involves reorganization for individuals. Chapter 13 allows an individual to propose a plan to repay creditors over three to five years. In most cases, Chapter 13 allows you to pay your unsecured creditors (e.g., credit cards, medical debt, personal loans, etc.) only a fraction of what is owed. There are many reasons why Chapter 13 could be the right choice for you. The Jones Law Firm will thoroughly review your options with you before you file.

Eligibility for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Unlike Chapter 7, most individuals qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The following are the only requirements to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy: 

1

You must have a source of income

Chapter 13 requires you to make monthly payments according to a Chapter 13 plan. You need a regular source of income to make these payments.

2

Your total debt balances must be below certain amounts

As of April 1, 2019, the limits are $419,275 for unsecured debt and $1,257,850 for secured debt until 2021. 

As long as you meet these requirements, you should qualify to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
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Why Choose The Jones Law Firm?

Proven experience, personal attention, and a clear path to a fresh financial start
Columbus & Franklin County Bankruptcy Cases Handled with Care
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Five-Star Client Reviews & Success Stories
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Meet Your Legal Team

Dedicated advocates committed to guiding you through every step of the bankruptcy process

Michael Kraig

Michael, a dedicated bankruptcy attorney at The Jones Law Firm in Columbus, Ohio, specializes in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, aiding clients in debt discharge and repayment planning. With a deep understanding of financial distress solutions, he ensures personalized assistance throughout the process, offering a path towards financial freedom.

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Get Out of Debt Now

(614) 665-1778

Real Stories, Real Results

From Client to Advocates, Dedicated Legal Trust

Michael is an extremely knowledgeable attorney whose professional approach to working with clients is unparalleled. I have consulted with Michael on several issues and found his business acumen and responsiveness to be second to none. When you need someone to represent your best interests, Michael and The Jones Law Firm should be your first stop.

ANNE R.

I have known Michael for decades. He has always been passionate about everything he puts his mind to, and opening this firm is no different. After watching him work for years in different facets of bankruptcy law, I saw his determination grow to start his own practice where he could truly help people. One thing I know for certain is that if you place your trust in Michael during a financially difficult time in your life, you will not regret it.

Michelle S.

I don’t know how to say what an awesome job Michael did for me in my bankruptcy process. I went into the process blindly not knowing what to expect. He explained the process to me in lay terms so I was able to understand the process and my options. He took me through everything, explaining the pluses and minuses of bankruptcy. I never once felt I was in a “cold” attorney’s office where I was just a number/case. I could feel his passion for the legal process as well as his compassion for me.

MARCY W.
CALL US NOW (614) 665-1778

Frequently Asked Questions?

What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves debt reorganization for individuals. Chapter 13 filings allow an individual to propose a plan to repay creditors over three to five years. In most cases, you will be able to pay unsecured creditors (e.g., credit cards, medical debt, personal loans, etc.) only a fraction of what is owed.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation and is sometimes called “straight” bankruptcy. For most people, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing is a fairly simple and quick proceeding. In most cases, it takes less than five months after filing for an individual to receive a discharge of debts.

Almost anyone can file a bankruptcy case. Sometimes a person may not qualify for a certain bankruptcy (e.g., Chapter 7), but they may still qualify for another (e.g., Chapter 13). The Jones Law Firm can help you determine which chapter, if any, you qualify for.

Yes. If you are married, you may file a joint bankruptcy case with your spouse. You also have the option of filing alone without your spouse. There are certain unique considerations involved with filing a joint bankruptcy case, and The Jones Law Firm can make sure you are fully informed about all of your options.

This depends on the kind of bankruptcy you file. Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases usually last only a few months. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy can last up to five years. When you file bankruptcy, The Jones Law Firm will let you know how long you can expect your case to last.

When done correctly, bankruptcy should minimally impact life in Ohio. It is important to remember that you filed bankruptcy for a reason and while there may be steps you need to take, the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term inconveniences.

Yes, you can file for bankruptcy if you have previously filed. However, there are some limitations. If you file for Chapter 7, you will need to wait eight years to file another Chapter 7 or four years to file a Chapter 13. If you file Chapter 13, you will need to wait six years to file a Chapter 7 or two years to file another Chapter 13. Keep in mind that you always have the option of filing Chapter 13 — you just may not be eligible for a discharge if you have filed a previous case. If you have filed a previous bankruptcy case, The Jones Law Firm can tell you exactly how long you will need to wait to file again and what options may be available in the meantime.

Usually, no. When you file Chapter 7, the trustee may take possession of and sell any non-exempt assets. The good news is that the State of Ohio and the federal government provide generous exemptions that usually fully protect assets such as your house, your car, your household goods, and your retirement accounts. The Jones Law Firm will fully analyze your situation and determine if you may have any non-exempt assets. If you do have non-exempt assets, you may have the option of filing Chapter 13 and protecting those assets.

Yes. You could file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and catch up on all of the delinquent payments over three to five years. However, in some cases, repossession may occur if you do not file for bankruptcy in a timely manner.

Yes. However, the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Procedures are very complex and there are numerous pitfalls a person could encounter. It is very difficult and extremely rare for a person to successfully file and prosecute a bankruptcy case without the help of an experienced attorney. There are numerous mistakes that can occur that simply cannot be fixed once the bankruptcy case is filed. Bankruptcy attorney Michael Kraig and The Jones Law Firm have extensive experience representing individuals in bankruptcy. Let us help you, and we will guide you every step of the way.

In most cases, the only time you go to court is to attend your meeting of creditors. This meeting is conducted by your trustee (not a judge) and usually lasts less than 15 minutes. Sometimes, it is necessary for a Chapter 13 debtor to appear at a court hearing. While this is relatively rare, it is not something to be nervous about. Bankruptcy attorney Michael Kraig and The Jones Law Firm have extensive experience in bankruptcy court and will zealously advocate on your behalf. We will make sure you completely understand what is happening in your case and what each proceeding will involve.

While a bankruptcy filing will appear on your credit report for up to 10 years, you can immediately start rebuilding your credit after you receive your discharge. The more time that passes, the less important the bankruptcy filing is on your credit report. Plus, every month you have a late payment or other negative credit activity, it is reflected on your credit report. When you receive your bankruptcy discharge, most of that negative credit reporting ends immediately. Think of it like ripping off a Band-Aid — you will be well on your way to rebuilding your credit!

The automatic stay is the United States bankruptcy provision which temporarily prevents creditors, government entities, and collection agencies from pursuing debtors for the finances owed. This includes wage garnishment, foreclosure, repossession, eviction, and utility disconnection.

The federal Bankruptcy Code prohibits employers from negatively discriminating against an employee based solely on the fact that the employee filed bankruptcy, including firing or demoting an employee. If you feel an employer has discriminated against you because you filed bankruptcy, call us immediately.

Bankruptcy is considered a public record in Ohio. However, to access someone’s bankruptcy case, there are steps that need to be taken within your courthouse to find it out. But this fear should not stop you from filing bankruptcy as discrimination for filing for bankruptcy is illegal in Ohio.

While bankruptcy can do a lot of things, there are some aspects of your financial life it cannot remedy. Bankruptcy cannot:

  • Eliminate debts related to fraud.
  • Eliminate nondischargeable debts.
  • Discharge some taxes.
  • Discharge support payments.
  • Discharge liens.

The Jones Law Firm offers very competitive rates. Please read about bankruptcy Costs and Fees or contact The Jones Law Firm for a free consultation.

Yes. The Jones Law Firm is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and we offer evening and weekend appointments by request. We also offer evening appointments by request. Contact The Jones Law Firm for your free consultation today. Or call us now at 614-665-1840.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

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Free Consultation

(614) 665-1778