Special Projects
Bankruptcy
Filing consumer bankruptcy is a serious matter that will affect your current financial situation and your credit for years to come. It is important to obtain as much information as possible about whether to file for bankruptcy, which chapter best suits your situation and when is the best time to file. A bankruptcy attorney will need information about many aspects of your current financial situation, your financial history, as well as your needs and goals for the next several years.
MVLS can assist clients in two ways:
1) We offer a self help bankruptcy class every other month, from 9 am - 11 am at the MVLS office, One North Charles Street, Suite 222, Baltimore, MD 21201. In 2010, classes will be held on the following Thursdays:
February 11, April 8, June 10, August 12, October 14 and December 9
Registration is required, and the $30 fee (which covers the cost of materials) should be paid in advance. To register, call 410-547-6537. The trainer will explain the different consumer bankruptcy options (chapters) and will discuss which debts can be forgiven. You will learn the steps for filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and will have an opportunity to ask questions about bankruptcy relating to your personal financial circumstances.
The following attorneys from the law firm of Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger & Hollander LLC have generously volunteered their time to teach the bankruptcy classes: Lawrence Coppel, Susan Klein, and Bradley Swallow.
2) You may need individual representation in your bankruptcy matter. MVLS offers direct representation to eligible clients in Chapter 7 consumer bankruptcy cases. If interested, call the MVLS intake number, 410-547-6537, to find out if you are eligible. Eligible individuals will need to submit all documents required to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy before being matched with a bankruptcy attorney. The court filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $299 and must be paid with your application for legal services. Neither MVLS nor attorney volunteers are able to pay filing fees for clients.
For general information about bankruptcy go to the Maryland Bankruptcy Court’s website at www.mdb.uscourts.gov
Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project
MVLS is part of the statewide foreclosure prevention project. We match volunteer lawyers with eligible low-income Marylanders living in Central Maryland whose homes are in foreclosure. You may request foreclosure assistance by calling our client intake lines, 410-547-6537 or 800-510-0050, Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m
If you have received a default notice or court documents, we will ask you to provide information and documents related to your foreclosure and we will get to work finding an attorney to provide direct representation.
If you live in Montgomery County (301-424-7652), Prince George's County (301-864-8353) or Allegany County (301-722-3390) you will need to contact their local bar at the listed numbers for foreclosure assistance.
ACT NOW, if you are not yet in foreclosure but are in danger of defaulting on your mortgage. Do not wait. Call the Maryland HOPE hotline at 1-877-461-7555 or check their website at www.mdhope.org.