Massillon & western Stark County
Bankruptcy help for Massillon families
From Massillon, Navarre, Brewster and Beach City to the rest of western Stark County, Lake Legal Services helps people get out from under debt they can't pay. Your first consultation is free.
Close to home
Local help, a short drive away
Our Belden Village office is a short drive from Massillon, and we can also meet by phone or video. We've helped Stark County residents with bankruptcy since 1997, so we know the local courts and how collection cases tend to move here.
Collection lawsuits against Massillon-area residents are often filed in the Massillon Municipal Court. If you've been served, or a judgment has turned into a garnishment, filing bankruptcy stops the case and the garnishment. See how we stop lawsuits and garnishments.
Most people who file Chapter 7 keep everything they own, because Ohio's exemptions protect it. If you're behind on your house or car, Chapter 13 lets you keep it and catch up over three to five years.
Have a court date?
Don't ignore it. Call us before the hearing so we can tell you whether filing makes sense and how quickly it can happen.
How it works
Getting help from Massillon
Call or book online
Tell us what's going on: a garnishment, a lawsuit, a foreclosure, or bills you just can't keep up with. The first consultation is free.
Meet the way that suits you
Come to our Belden Village office, or meet by phone or video from home in Massillon.
We prepare and file your case
We gather your documents, decide with you between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and file with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
Collection stops
Once your case is filed, a court order called the automatic stay stops most collection calls, lawsuits, garnishments and sheriff's sales.
You get your fresh start
We prepare you for the meeting of creditors and stay with you until your case is finished.
Common questions
Questions from Massillon clients
I was served with a lawsuit. What should I do?
Read the papers carefully and note the deadline to respond. Then call us. If bankruptcy is the right choice, filing stops the lawsuit, and in Chapter 7 the debt is usually erased.
Will I lose my house or car?
Usually not. Ohio's exemptions protect a set amount of equity, and Chapter 13 can help you keep property you're behind on. We'll look at your situation at the free consultation.
How long does Chapter 7 take?
Most Chapter 7 cases are finished about four months after filing. See how Chapter 7 works.
Can I meet without driving to Canton?
Yes. We meet by phone or video, and documents can usually be signed electronically.
Ready to talk?
Call for a free consultation. There's no obligation to file.