TL;DR (In short): The Law Office of Tammy M. Holcomb helps Fort Stewart military families and Hinesville residents save their homes through Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Stop foreclosure, reorganize debt, and protect military benefits while creating manageable payment plans. Military-friendly bankruptcy attorney.
If you're stationed at Fort Stewart or live in the Hinesville area and are facing foreclosure or overwhelming debt, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you protect your home while reorganizing your finances around military life. At the Law Office of Tammy M. Holcomb, I understand that military families face unique financial challenges – from PCS moves and deployment separations to the ongoing stress of maintaining financial stability while serving our country.
My approach to representing military families goes beyond filing paperwork. I understand how military life affects your finances and work to create solutions that protect both your home and your military career, including considerations for security clearances and deployment schedules.
Your military benefits receive strong protection in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and these benefits can actually help make Chapter 13 payment plans more manageable and predictable than for civilian families.
Protected Military Income:
Base pay and all military allowances (BAH, BAS, etc.)Special pay (hazardous duty, family separation, etc.)TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) contributions and accountsMilitary retirement and pension benefitsVA disability paymentsGI Bill benefits
Chapter 13 Advantages for Military Families:
Steady military income makes payment plans predictableBAH provides stable housing allowance separate from mortgage paymentsAutomatic payroll deduction can ensure plan payment consistencyMilitary legal protections complement bankruptcy protections
Many Fort Stewart service members worry that filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy will affect their security clearance. The truth is that ongoing financial problems pose a much greater clearance risk than the bankruptcy that solves them.
Key clearance points about Chapter 13:
●Taking responsible action to address debt is viewed favorably
●Chapter 13 shows commitment to paying back creditors when possible
●Ongoing financial stress and creditor harassment are bigger clearance risks
●Most service members maintain their clearances through Chapter 13
●The process demonstrates financial responsibility and problem-solving
Reporting requirements: You'll need to report your bankruptcy filing to your security officer, but Chapter 13's reputation as the "responsible" bankruptcy often works in your favor during clearance reviews.
Military families face unique challenges when PCS orders arrive during a Chapter 13 case. The good news is that Chapter 13 plans can often be modified to accommodate military moves and changing circumstances.
PCS considerations:
Plan modifications can adjust payments based on new duty locations
Cost of living adjustments for different geographic areas
BAH changes that affect your available income
Spouse employment changes due to relocation
Court transfers to new jurisdictions when necessary
Strategic timing: Sometimes it makes sense to file Chapter 13 before a PCS move to establish protection, and other times waiting until after the move provides better options. I'll help you determine the best timing for your specific situation.
Chapter 13 payment calculations for military families often work more favorably than for civilians because military income is steady and benefits are protected. Your payment plan will be based on your disposable income after paying reasonable living expenses.
Typical Fort Stewart military Chapter 13 scenarios:
●Junior enlisted with mortgage arrears: $400-800 monthly plan payment
●NCO with multiple debts: $600-1,200 monthly plan payment
●Officer with high debt-to-income ratio: $800-1,500 monthly plan payment
●Dual military couple: Varies widely based on combined income and expenses
Military-specific factors that can reduce payments:
●Deployment-related family expenses
●Military-specific costs (uniforms, professional education, etc.)
●Child care costs during training or deployments
●Travel expenses for family visits during separations
PCS Move Financial Strain: Even with moving allowances, PCS moves can create significant debt from deposits, travel expenses, and temporary dual housing costs. Chapter 13 can reorganize this debt while protecting your home.
Deployment Financial Mismanagement: Sometimes deployment income leads to increased spending or poor financial decisions. Chapter 13 can help reorganize debt while protecting the family home during future deployments.
Spouse Employment Challenges: Military spouses face high unemployment rates and licensing challenges across state lines. Chapter 13 can help manage debt accumulated during spouse employment gaps.
Medical Expenses: Even with TRICARE, military families sometimes face significant medical expenses. Chapter 13 can eliminate medical debt while protecting your home and military benefits.
Step 1: Military-Friendly Consultation We can meet in person, by secure phone, or video to accommodate your duty schedule and security requirements. I'll explain how Chapter 13 works specifically for military families.
Step 2: Document Review with Military Understanding I understand military pay systems (LES statements), allowances, and how deployment income affects bankruptcy calculations.
Step 3: Strategic Filing We'll time your Chapter 13 filing to work best with your military schedule, upcoming deployments, or PCS moves.
Step 4: Plan Confirmation Your payment plan will account for military-specific income and expenses, creating a realistic path to debt resolution while protecting your home.
Step 5: Long-term Success Throughout your 3-5 year plan, I'll help you navigate any military-specific changes like PCS moves, deployments, or changes in military status.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): Military families get additional protections beyond standard bankruptcy law, including potential stays of proceedings and interest rate reductions that can complement Chapter 13 benefits.
Military Spouse Protections: Chapter 13 can protect military spouse employment and business interests that might be affected by frequent moves.
Deployment Protections: Special accommodations can be made for service members deployed during their Chapter 13 case, including modified payment schedules and extended plan terms if necessary.
Military service shouldn't mean financial sacrifice that puts your family's home at risk. Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides powerful protection that works with military life to help you maintain stability for your family.
Call or text me at 678.665.9885 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We'll discuss your specific situation and how Chapter 13 can provide debt relief while protecting both your home and your military career.
