Divorce and Bankruptcy in Arizona

Helping Families Settle Debt During Divorce Proceedings

Filing for divorce while struggling against severe debt is emotional and exhausting. If you happen to be dealing with both at the same time, reach out to experienced attorneys in Scottsdale at Singer Pistiner, PC. Although our firm is mainly focused on family law matters, with more than 40 years of collective experience, we have seen that in some cases, a failure to communicate on budgeting or financial decisions can put couples at risk for divorce. With any of our Scottsdale divorce and bankruptcy lawyers by your side, we can help you understand the options that are available so that you may make a more informed decision about your situation. 

Ending your marriage is a far-reaching issue that may have more lasting personal implications than bankruptcy, however, understanding both issues before making decisions can be vastly helpful.

Call our Scottsdale law firm at (480) 418-7011 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Let us help you understand your options for bankruptcy and divorce before proceeding with one or the other.

Should I File for Bankruptcy Before or After Divorce in Arizona?

There are different options when it comes to filing for divorce and dealing with debt through bankruptcy. Some solutions may work better than others depending on your unique situation. 

Things to Keep in Mind in Divorce and Bankruptcy

Before you make a decision, below are some factors to consider in your situation.

These Include:

• The extent of your debt
• Your relationship with your spouse
• How much property you own
• The type of bankruptcy you wish to file

Filing for Bankruptcy Before Divorce

If you are on good terms with your spouse, filing for joint bankruptcy via Chapter 7 before filing for divorce is an option. It is cost-effective and quick because it wipes out a large portion of the unsecured debt that was accumulated throughout the course of your marriage all at once. That way, you don't have to worry about splitting up the debts during divorce. It can also help prevent a situation where one spouse gets stuck with the entire debt. 

Filing jointly for Chapter 7 requires the cooperation of both parties during the entire bankruptcy filing, so this is only recommended for those on amicable terms.

Filing for Divorce Before Bankruptcy

Filing for divorce first may be beneficial if you earn significantly less than your spouse and if you are not on good terms. By filing for divorce, it may help you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy as an individual. If you are on amicable terms, it may also qualify the both of you for Chapter 7.

If your income is too high and you cannot qualify for Chapter 7, then filing for bankruptcy after the divorce might be better.

What About Alimony?

If you are worried about owing alimony, then filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy after divorce may be a better choice. Doing this will allow you to get a better picture of how much income you will need in order to pay monthly spousal support. If you include this information when you file, your repayment plan can be structured in a way that accounts for this monthly expense.

The terms of a divorce decree cannot alter a previously established bankruptcy agreement. We can help you understand how one may affect another, or how bankruptcy may affect a child support payment order.

If you are dealing with debt and ending your marriage, do not hesitate to reach out to seasoned family law attorneys in Scottsdale at Singer Pistiner, PC. We have decades of experience and are more than prepared to help you though bankruptcy and divorce in Arizona.

Divorce & Foreclosure

Along with bankruptcy issues, divorce can also precipitate a foreclosure. The opposite can be true, as well, if your house is in foreclosure and you need a divorce. Our firm can advise you on how to deal with either scenario, providing you with options and a trusted advocate upon whom you can rely.

Get help today – call (480) 418-7011. Our Scottsdale attorneys are ready to  guide you through divorce and bankruptcy in Arizona.

When you have family problems that require the help of skilled Scottsdale divorce attorneys, call Singer Pistiner, PC.. We offer decades of experience to give you the compassionate representation you deserve throughout the duration of your legal proceedings. Below, you can read what some of our past clients have to say about our service. With our team on your side, you can count on dedicated representation committed to helping you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation. Call (480) 418-7011 now or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.