TL;DR (In short): The Law Office of Tammy M. Holcomb provides Chapter 7 bankruptcy services to Fort Stewart military families and Hinesville residents. Eliminate debt quickly while protecting military benefits. Experienced with military-specific bankruptcy issues and security clearance concerns.
If you're stationed at Fort Stewart or live in the Hinesville area and are struggling with overwhelming debt, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can provide the fresh start you need while protecting your military career. At the Law Office of Tammy M. Holcomb, I understand the unique financial challenges military families face – from PCS moves and deployment expenses to the stress of maintaining a security clearance while dealing with creditor harassment.
My approach to representing military families goes beyond just filing paperwork. I take the time to understand how your service affects your financial situation and work to protect both your immediate debt relief needs and your long-term military career goals.
One of the biggest concerns Fort Stewart service members have about bankruptcy is whether it will affect their security clearance. The truth is that financial problems are more likely to threaten your clearance than the bankruptcy that solves them.
Key points about clearances and Chapter 7:
●Bankruptcy itself is not a disqualifying factor
●Ongoing financial problems and creditor harassment are bigger concerns
●Chapter 7 demonstrates you're taking responsible action to address debt
●Most service members keep their clearances after bankruptcyI can help you understand reporting requirements and timing
The Department of Defense recognizes that financial problems can happen to responsible people, especially given the unique challenges of military life. Taking action to resolve debt through legal means like Chapter 7 is generally viewed more favorably than ignoring financial problems.
When foreclosure tYour military benefits and allowances receive strong protection in bankruptcy:
Fully Protected:
●Base pay and allowances (BAS, BAH, etc.)
●Military retirement and pensions
●TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) accounts
●VA disability payments
●Military life insurance (SGLI)
Special Considerations:
●Deployment pay and combat pay exclusions may help you qualify for Chapter 7
●Family separation allowance and hazardous duty pay are protected
●Re-enlistment bonuses are generally protected as earning
Military families often have unique timing considerations for bankruptcy:
Pre-Deployment: Filing before deployment can eliminate creditor harassment while you're overseas and provide peace of mind for your family.
Post-Deployment: Returning service members often find that deployment income puts them over Chapter 7 limits, but post-deployment income reduction may help them qualify.
PCS Moves: We can coordinate filing timing with PCS moves to ensure your case stays in the most convenient court district.
Training and Schools: Chapter 7's quick timeline works well around military training schedules and professional military education.
Junior Enlisted Financial Emergency: Young soldiers often struggle with initial military pay adjustment, vehicle loans, and unexpected expenses. Chapter 7 can eliminate debt and provide a fresh start early in their military career.
PCS Move Financial Strain: Even with PCS allowances, moves can create unexpected debt from deposits, travel expenses, and dual housing costs. Chapter 7 can eliminate this debt quickly.
Spousal Employment Challenges: Military spouses face unique employment challenges with frequent moves and licensing issues. Chapter 7 can eliminate debt accumulated during employment gaps.
Family Emergency Expenses: When family emergencies require travel or expenses that TRICARE doesn't cover, Chapter 7 can eliminate the resulting debt.
Step 1: Free Consultation We can meet in person, by phone, or by video to accommodate your duty schedule. I'll review your complete financial situation and explain how Chapter 7 works with military benefits and career considerations.
Step 2: Document Gathering I'll help you gather necessary documents, including military-specific forms like LES statements and understanding how deployment income affects qualification.
Step 3: Strategic Filing We'll file your Chapter 7 petition with timing that works best for your military schedule and career goals.
Step 4: Trustee Meeting The 341 meeting can often be scheduled around duty requirements, and I'll prepare you for any military-specific questions.
Step 5: Fresh Start Within 3-4 months, you'll have eliminated qualifying debts and can focus on your military career without creditor harassment.
I've worked with military families throughout my career and understand the unique aspects of military financial life. From understanding how BAH and BAS work to knowing the difference between deployment and training pay, I speak your language and understand your challenges.
Call or text me at 678.665.9885 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We'll discuss your specific situation and how Chapter 7 can provide debt relief while protecting your military career.
