Mercer Law School launches new bankruptcy program

Mercer Law School has launched a new program to help Central Georgians file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief who otherwise would not be able to afford it.

A straightforward liquidation bankruptcy, Chapter 7 law  enables people to get a fresh financial start by disposing of many types of unsecured debts, typically in a span of three to five months, and can put a stop to foreclosures, evictions, repossessions, and other types of creditor collection efforts. In a Chapter 7 case, people typically pay their attorney the legal fees upfront, which many can’t afford.

Mercer law students are working under the supervision of mentor attorneys to provide no-cost legal assistance to qualified people who could not otherwise afford to pay a lawyer to file their bankruptcy case.

Mercer Professor Ishaq Kundawala, who holds the Southeastern Bankruptcy Law Institute and W. Homer Drake Jr. Endowed Chair in Bankruptcy Law, is overseeing the program.

“This is a serious access to justice issue with many people in our community,” Kundawala said. “Oftentimes people find themselves in situations not of their own making — such as unexpected medical expenses, death of a family member or other circumstances — that prevent them from fulfilling their financial obligations. Our goal is to get our community members the help they desperately need. We want to bridge the gap that exists between people, lawyers and the justice system.”

The program runs through May. To get more information and determine qualifications, interested participants should email [email protected].

Source:  https://den.mercer.edu/mercer-law-school-launches-new-bankruptcy-program/