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Mark A. Pudinski - Frequently Asked Questions

My husband and I would like to get a separation.  Can you help us proceed with that? Certainly.  We know this is a tough time for you.  We’ll take care of the details of filing your legal separation after we work with you on the details.  It shouldn’t take very long to complete at all.
 
My wife and I are divorcing, but we’re not fighting.  Is there any way we can our divorce easy? Absolutely.  Divorce doesn’t have to be a messy procedure if you and your significant other are on mutual terms.  We can work with you as your mediator, to help you split and determine the legal future of your assets.  Things to consider will be your real estate, bank accounts and any other physical assets you may want to split.  Once we’ve come to terms with these, we will draw up the legal documents and file them for you.
 
My ex-husband hasn’t paid his child support in over 2 years!  What can I do? We can help you find him and bring him to justice.  As a primary care provider for your child, you deserve to receive your child support from your ex-husband.  If he is no longer working, we can determine an acceptable time frame for him to begin his payments again, as well as work with the courts to determine any back-payments he will need to pay to you as well.  You’re not alone and we can help you!
 
Where are you located, and what areas do you serve? We are located at 2736 Cox Neck Rd., Chester, Maryland and proudly serve the Kent, Anne Arundel, Queen Anne, Talbott, Cawline and surrounding areas. 
 
I’ve just learned that my ex has been arrested.  Since he/she is the primary care provider of our children, how can I get my children away from him/her? Call us immediately to set up a consultation.  We will need to determine if he/she has indeed been arrested and under what charges.  Once we’ve made that determination, we can start the legal proceedings to modify your previous child custody case.  We will work as hard as we can to get your children back for you.
 
Will bankruptcy take away all of my debts? Bankruptcy is a legal process to give you relief from your debt.  Without all the legal jargon, in some cases, your debt can be forgiven entirely, in others a payment plan will be developed to repay at least a portion of your debt and in others some debt may still remain for you to pay in full.  Business owners and individuals can both participate in either kind of bankruptcy case.  After we consult with you, we can decide with method is best for you or your business.
 
What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? This is generally referred to as a liquidation bankruptcy or personal bankruptcy and is the kind of bankruptcy most people are referring to when they use the term “bankruptcy.”  In this kind of bankruptcy, your situation must pass the Means Test, and then the process can be started.  The Means Test is basically a filter for all bankruptcy cases, to make sure that individuals qualify to file for this particular kind of bankruptcy.  If you are determined to pass the Means Test, we will then proceed with the filing of your bankruptcy, whereby your assets can be liquidated to pay your debts equally among your creditors.  Your debts will then be paid, or discharged*.  We will walk you through the process, so you won’t get discouraged or confused by the paperwork or proceedings, once we’ve determined that this is the best way to relieve your debts.
 
What is Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?
This type of bankruptcy is generally for use by corporations or partnerships or individuals with large amounts of assets and debts and is also called “Reorganization.”  In this kind of bankruptcy proceeding, the business may stay open and the owners/operators may stay in possession of the assets of the business.  This process is often very lengthy and quite expensive, but gives the business many new rights while undergoing the reorganization.
 
What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? This is sometimes referred to as “mini Chapter 11 bankruptcy” and is meant for individuals and small business owners (sole proprietors) who would like to repay their debts, but have fallen on hard financial times.  It’s most like Chapter 11 bankruptcy in that during the proceedings and afterwards, you retain your property and other assets, where as in Chapter 7, these may be liquidated to repay your debts.  Basically, this is a plan to pay your debts, up to 100%, over time (no longer than 36 months).  Once you come in for your consultation, we can decide which Chapter is right for you.