Filing Bankruptcy in Ohio during the Covid-19 Outbreak

By: Kathy Granger, Attorney at Law

With the uncertainty of the state of affairs during the Covid-19 outbreak, many have wondered if they are to file bankruptcy. In Ohio, the bankruptcy courts are open. Clients are still able to file with Granger Law Firm and obtain the automatic stay to prevent collection from their creditors.

Attorney Appointments in Delaware, Ohio

Currently, our office is conducting appointments in person and over the telephone. Facetime appointments may also be available. For any appointment conducted in the office, the attorney and client will sit 6 feet apart and will wear masks. Appointments are being staggered to avoid more than one client in the waiting room at any time. Also additional cleaning and disinfecting is being done between each appointment. Documents may be submitted to Granger Law Firm online.

Bankruptcy Hearings in Ohio

A typical bankruptcy hearing would require the client to go to downtown Columbus and complete a 15 minute hearing in front of a bankruptcy trustee. Due to the Coovid-19 outbreak, the court is conducting these meetings via phone until November 1st. The court provides a phone number and a code for each hearing. The client will call from their home and be patched into the hearing room to conduct the meeting. An Attorney from Granger Law Firm will also be present via phone at this hearing.

The CARES Act

The CARES Act was passed to provide some relief for those in Bankruptcy. It stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The CARES Act provides that some Debtors in Chapter 13 cases can extend their bankruptcy past the allowable 60 month time frame, in order to delay or lower current payments. Clients must be able to prove to the Court that they have suffered an economic hardship due to Covid-19. Additionally the CARES Act states that Bankruptcy Trustees will not be able to intercept stimulus checks for the benefit of creditors.

Regardless of your current situation, Granger Law Firm is able to provide financial relief to bankruptcy clients in Ohio. Please contact us today.