Over 15 Years of Helping Clients Find a Path to Financial Renewal
When the weight of debt feels unbearable, understanding your legal options is the first step toward a new beginning. At Hands Law, we offer individuals and families in the Rock Hill area a straightforward path through financial distress. Our legal guidance is built on a foundation of genuine empathy and client-centered advocacy, making the process of filing for bankruptcy more manageable. We are here to listen to your story and help you find a clear path forward.
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your financial situation. Call us at (704) 459-7410 or reach out online to take the first step.
A Partnership Built on Accessibility & Empathy
Your legal representation should be a partnership built on trust and understanding. Our firm's history is rooted in a founder's personal experience with financial injustice, which instilled in us a commitment to providing compassionate legal representation.
To honor our commitment to a client-centric service model, we offer a range of modern conveniences designed to serve you effectively:
Virtual Consultations. You can discuss your legal needs from the comfort of your home, reducing the burden of travel.
Remote Case Management. We can manage the entire legal process without the need for an in-person visit to our Charlotte office for every interaction.
Flexible Payment Options. We offer payment plans to help alleviate the financial strain of obtaining legal representation.
“Exceptional Legacy Planning for a Secure Future”
“Charles and his team were patient and diligent, guiding our family through years of planning. Thanks to him, we now have a comprehensive legacy plan in place.”
Patrick S.
“Personalized, Professional Service from Start to Finish”
“Attorney Charles provided thorough, knowledgeable guidance. From greeting us at the door to answering every question, he made our experience exceptional.”
Linda F.
“Clear, Simple, and Excellent Legal Service”
“Charlie Hands delivers excellence with a clear, straightforward approach. For any legal needs, Hands Law is the firm to trust for top-notch representation.”
Derek G.
“Seamless Experience with a Friendly Team”
“Hands Law made the legal process smooth and stress-free. Big thanks to Mr. Hands and his staff. Highly recommended for anyone seeking legal help!”
Latoya J.
“Seamless Bankruptcy Process”
“Hands Law made bankruptcy stress-free, guiding me through challenges with timely responses and expert solutions. Thanks to them, I’m starting fresh financially!”
Kap B.
“Exceptional Estate Planning with a Personal Touch”
“Charlie Hands is the best in family estate planning! His kindness and clear explanations made everything easy to understand. Highly recommend his services!”
Andrea V.
“Guidance and Expertise You Can Trust”
“Hands Law provided us with the knowledge and patience we needed for guardianship and estate planning. We now feel confident and prepared for the future.”
Chrystalle C.
“Protection and Support When You Need It Most”
“Thanks to Hands Law Firm, my identity theft situation was resolved swiftly. Their personal support and guidance helped protect my family from a potential disaster!”
Do you offer legal services in languages other than English?
Yes. We are committed to serving a diverse community. Our team includes a bilingual paralegal who provides legal support in both English and Spanish.
What should I bring or prepare for my initial consultation?
To help us provide the most effective guidance, we ask that you gather as many financial documents as possible before our meeting. This may include recent pay stubs, bills, and statements from creditors.
How can your firm help me if I have a foreclosure or repossession pending?
Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that can immediately halt most collection efforts. Our legal team can act quickly to secure this protection for you.
What if my spouse and I are both in debt?
During a consultation, we can discuss the financial circumstances of both you and your spouse to determine the most effective legal strategy to address your combined debt.
We provide legal support in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication and personalized representation for every client.
Dedicated Advocacy for Every Client
No matter the complexity of your case, we fight for your rights with tenacity, dedication, and professionalism.
Proven Expertise, Compassionate Approach
With years of experience and a deep commitment to client well-being, we combine legal proficiency with a compassionate touch.
Navigating the Chapter 7 Process
For those in Rock Hill who are struggling with a high volume of unsecured debt, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be an opportunity to pursue a fresh financial beginning. We work to guide you through this process and represent your interests.
When you choose to work with Hands Law for a Chapter 7 consultation, we provide assistance with each key stage of the process:
Determining Eligibility. We begin by discussing your financial situation and history to determine if you meet the requirements for a Chapter 7 filing. This includes an analysis of the "means test," which compares your household income to the median income in South Carolina.
Preparing Your Case. We assist you in gathering and organizing all the necessary financial documentation, including your income statements, a list of your creditors, and a detailed list of your assets and liabilities. This preparation ensures your bankruptcy petition is accurate and complete when submitted to the court.
Securing Immediate Relief. Once your petition is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, an automatic stay goes into effect. This immediate action halts most collection efforts and provides significant relief from creditor harassment, wage garnishments, and foreclosure actions.
Preparing for the Creditors' Meeting. We then prepare you for the meeting of creditors, a brief and typically straightforward process. We stand by your side to answer questions from the trustee on your behalf, providing peace of mind and clarity during this stage.
Your Structured Path Through Chapter 13
Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a different solution for individuals with a consistent income who need to reorganize their debts rather than liquidating them. At Hands Law, we help our clients in Rock Hill structure a Chapter 13 repayment plan that is tailored to their specific financial capacity and life circumstances.
Filing for Chapter 13 involves several crucial stages, and our legal team provides comprehensive support throughout:
Crafting a Repayment Plan. We work closely with you to create a realistic three- to five-year repayment plan that details how you will pay back a portion of your debts over time.
Filing with the Court. We handle the preparation and filing of all legal documents with the court, ensuring all information is accurate and submitted on time.
Advocacy at Hearings. We are present with you at the meeting of creditors and any other court appearances, serving as your legal advocate to communicate with the bankruptcy trustee and your creditors.
Ongoing Guidance. As your case progresses, we provide continuous guidance and address any challenges that may arise with the repayment plan, helping you maintain stability through the duration of your plan.
Addressing Student Loan Debt in Bankruptcy
Student loan debt presents specific challenges within the bankruptcy system, often creating a significant financial burden. While student loans are not typically discharged in a standard Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case, there are legal avenues to address them.
The pathway to discharging student loans in bankruptcy involves a separate legal action called an "adversary proceeding." Our role is to help you build a compelling case based on the legal standard of "undue hardship," a three-part test that courts often apply. This requires a comprehensive presentation of your financial circumstances, and we assist you by:
Building Your Case for “Undue Hardship.” We help you gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate your inability to maintain a minimal standard of living if you are forced to repay your loans.
Demonstrating Persistence & Good Faith. We assist in presenting your case to show that your financial situation is unlikely to improve and that you have made a genuine effort to repay the loans.
Navigating the Legal Process. We prepare and file the separate legal action required to address student loans in bankruptcy, and we represent you in court to present your case.
Considering All Potential Outcomes. Even if a full discharge is not granted, we provide counsel on how a bankruptcy filing can offer a temporary stay of collection efforts, or how the court might grant a partial discharge or modify your loan terms to create a more manageable repayment plan.
Let Us Help You Find Your Path to Financial Stability
Filing for bankruptcy is not a sign of failure; it can be a strategic move to regain control of your financial life. We are here to provide the support and guidance you need. We can help you determine if bankruptcy is the right choice for your situation, and if so, we will represent you through each step of the process. Our goal is to help you achieve a new financial beginning, free from the burden of unmanageable debt.
Contact us online or call (704) 459-7410to arrange a consultation today. Together, we can work toward a plan that puts you on a path to financial stability.
