At times businesses or individuals may find themselves in unfavorable financial situations for many reasons: management issues, bad investments, overextension of credit, unforeseen extraordinary circumstances, economic downturns, and so on. One viable solution in these circumstances is to file for bankruptcy protection under the Bankruptcy Code. This financial restructuring option is a legitimate tool in today's world and has become a widely-used strategy in the commercial environment.

Earp Cohn P.C. lawyers handle both commercial and consumer bankruptcy cases, counseling our clients both before and after bankruptcy, working with each one individually to find workable solutions. We approach these cases with both bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy solutions in mind. We also handle distressed real estate projects, applying an interdisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of our bankruptcy, real estate, redevelopment, and corporate, business and tax practice groups to help these projects weather the current economic environment.

Whether working with an entire company, a division or business unit of a larger company, or individuals, our lawyers are adept at helping our clients restructure and reach their goals. In addition to serving our primary South Jersey and Greater Philadelphia markets, our attorneys have national expertise, having worked in other areas of the country, such as San Francisco, Boston, Delaware and New York.

Our bankruptcy lawyers have substantial expertise in commercial bankruptcy law as both practicing lawyers and as business professionals prior to their careers in private legal practice. They are involved in many complex commercial bankruptcy matters on both the debtor and creditor sides, including pre-bankruptcy counseling, workout issues, bankruptcy filings, and litigation. Our commercial bankruptcy practice includes:

In addition to our commercial bankruptcy practice, Earp Cohn P.C. attorneys provide a variety of services to individuals considering bankruptcy.

Our consumer bankruptcy attorneys handle Chapter 7 Liquidation actions, which provide a fresh start for individuals by eliminating obligations to certain creditors. Chapter 7 relief is available to individuals as well as partnerships and corporations. While some Chapter 7 proceedings result in debtors surrendering or relinquishing their personal property, our attorneys work diligently for our clients to keep their personal belongings, including their homes and vehicles.

Earp Cohn P.C. also offers services in Chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy filings, which involve adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income repayment. A Chapter 13 filing stops foreclosure actions and allows the individual to "catch up" with the arranged payments in a structured Chapter 13 plan, which can last anywhere from three to five years. Individuals may be required to pay back certain unsecured creditors, such as credit card companies, depending on their financial situation. Our bankruptcy attorneys have the expertise and experience required to fight for our client's best interests and achieve favorable repayment plans.

Earp Cohn P.C. attorneys are well versed in new law, knowledgeable in local rules and regulations, and can provide weekend, evening, and in-home appointments.

The current economic climate has led to an increasing number of financially troubled real estate projects. Our distressed real estate practice combines multiple practice groups to help our clients succeed in today's economic conditions. Our bankruptcy, real estate, redevelopment, litigation, corporate, business and tax practice groups work together for successful outcomes for our clients, whether by restructuring, workouts, identifying advantageous opportunities, or pursing other creative solutions.

The legal issues resulting from distressed real estate extend beyond the scope of real estate or bankruptcy law. These cases also bring up corporate, tax, construction, and employment issues, and may lead to litigation as a result of contracts between the real estate developer and business partners or contractors. Our philosophy is to take a holistic approach, considering all of the legal issues and parties involved, and addressing the full spectrum of our client's needs.

At Earp Cohn P.C., our bankruptcy attorneys have a wealth of experience in bankruptcy, financial restructuring, land use and development, and various real estate transactions with a wide variety of entities. We also have the hands-on market experience working with developers and lenders to take a business-oriented approach and provide cost-effective and efficient solutions for our clients.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

For more information or to set up a consultation, please call us at 856-354-7700, or e-mail any of our bankruptcy lawyers: Shelley Levitan Adler, Chi B. Chung, Donald A. Nogowski, and Richard M. Schlaifer.