What to Know About Andrew C. Marine's Bankruptcy Law Practice in South Carolina
Andrew C. Marine handles personal and business bankruptcy cases in South Carolina
Andrew C. Marine is a bankruptcy attorney based in South Carolina who represents individuals and businesses filing for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection. His practice focuses on helping clients understand their options when facing overwhelming debt, foreclosure, or creditor actions. If you are considering bankruptcy, knowing what a local attorney does and how they work can help you decide whether to seek representation.
An attorney's role in bankruptcy differs from the role of a bankruptcy trustee or court. A bankruptcy lawyer advises you on which chapter might fit your situation, helps you gather the documents the court requires, and represents your interests throughout the filing process and any hearings that follow. They do not decide whether you are approved — the court and trustee do — but they can explain what the court will look for and help you prepare.
Key Takeaways
- Andrew C. Marine is a South Carolina bankruptcy attorney who works with both individuals and businesses on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.
- A bankruptcy attorney advises you on which chapter fits your situation and helps prepare the documents and information the court requires.
- You can find contact information and details about Marine's practice through the South Carolina Bar directory or by searching for his office directly.
- Many bankruptcy attorneys offer an initial consultation to discuss your situation before you decide whether to hire representation.
What Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy mean
Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation — a trustee may sell non-exempt assets to pay creditors, and most remaining unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) are discharged. You keep exempt property, which usually includes your home (if you are current on the mortgage), a vehicle, household goods, and retirement accounts up to certain limits set by South Carolina law. The process typically takes three to six months.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy sets up a repayment plan lasting three to five years. You keep all your property and pay creditors through the plan according to what you can afford. Chapter 13 is often used when you have a steady income, want to keep your home, or have debts too high for Chapter 7. The court must confirm your plan before payments begin.
An attorney can explain which chapter the court is likely to consider appropriate for your income, debts, and assets. This is not a choice you make alone — the court applies a means test and other rules — but an attorney helps you understand how those rules apply to your specific situation.
How to find and contact Andrew C. Marine
You can locate Andrew C. Marine through the South Carolina Bar's lawyer directory, which lists licensed attorneys by name, location, and practice area. Search the directory at the South Carolina Bar website to confirm his current contact information, office address, and any disciplinary history. This is the most reliable way to verify an attorney's license and standing.
Many bankruptcy attorneys also maintain websites or can be found through local business directories. When you contact an office, ask whether they offer a consultation and what information you should bring — typically pay stubs, tax returns, a list of debts, and details about your assets and income.
What to expect during a bankruptcy consultation
A consultation is usually your first meeting with an attorney. You describe your financial situation — your income, debts, assets, and what prompted you to consider bankruptcy. The attorney listens, asks clarifying questions, and explains how bankruptcy law might apply to your circumstances. They may discuss which chapter seems most appropriate, what the process involves, and what their fees are.
Bring documents if you have them: recent pay stubs, tax returns from the past two years, a list of all debts with creditor names and amounts owed, and information about property you own. The more complete your picture, the more specific the attorney's explanation can be. If you do not have everything, that is normal — the attorney can tell you what to gather before a second meeting or before filing.
A consultation does not obligate you to hire the attorney. It is a chance to ask questions, understand your options, and decide whether you want representation. Some attorneys charge for a consultation; others offer it free. Ask when you call.
Costs and how bankruptcy attorneys are paid
Bankruptcy attorneys charge in different ways. Some charge a flat fee for handling your entire case, which is common in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. Others charge hourly rates. In Chapter 13, the court must approve the attorney's fee, and it is typically paid through your repayment plan rather than upfront.
Court filing fees are separate from attorney fees. The federal court charges a filing fee for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases; this fee goes to the court, not the attorney. You may also need to pay for credit counseling and financial management courses, which are required by law before and after filing.
When you meet with an attorney, ask for a clear explanation of all costs — what the attorney charges, what the court charges, and what other expenses you might face. Some attorneys offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full fee upfront.
When representation makes a difference
You are not required to hire an attorney to file bankruptcy — you can represent yourself, called filing "pro se." However, bankruptcy law is complex, and mistakes can cost you. An attorney can spot issues that affect which chapter you should use, what property you can protect, and whether creditors might object to your case.
Representation is especially valuable if you own a home you want to keep, have significant assets, are facing foreclosure or a lawsuit, or have complicated income or debt situations. An attorney can also handle creditor communications and represent you at hearings, which reduces stress and protects your rights.
Finding other bankruptcy resources in South Carolina
Beyond an attorney, South Carolina offers other resources. Legal aid organizations in your county may provide free or low-cost help if your income is below a certain level. The U.S. Trustee's office maintains a list of approved credit counseling agencies, which you must use before filing. The South Carolina Bar's website also has information about finding legal help and understanding the bankruptcy process.
Court websites, including the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for South Carolina, publish forms, fee schedules, and general information about how bankruptcy works. These resources are educational and do not replace an attorney's advice, but they can help you understand the landscape before you decide whether to seek representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Andrew C. Marine is the right attorney for my situation?
A consultation is the best way to find out. Discuss your specific circumstances — your debts, income, and what you hope to achieve — and ask whether the attorney has experience with cases like yours. You can also ask for references or check the South Carolina Bar directory for any disciplinary records. Trust your instinct about whether you feel comfortable working with this person.
What is the difference between hiring an attorney and filing bankruptcy on my own?
An attorney guides you through the process, prepares your documents, and represents you at hearings. Filing on your own means you handle all paperwork and court appearances yourself. Mistakes in your filing can result in dismissal, loss of protection, or creditors objecting to your case. An attorney reduces these risks, though it comes at a cost.
Can an attorney stop a foreclosure or wage garnishment?
Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which halts most creditor actions including foreclosure and wage garnishment immediately. An attorney can file your case quickly if you are in urgent danger of losing your home. However, the stay is temporary — the court must then decide whether your case will proceed and whether you can keep your property.
How long does a bankruptcy case take?
Chapter 7 typically takes three to six months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 takes three to five years because you are paying a plan. An attorney can give you a more specific timeline once they understand your situation and which chapter applies.
What happens if I cannot afford an attorney's fees?
Ask about payment plans — many attorneys allow you to pay over time. Contact your local legal aid office to see if you may have access to for free or reduced-cost representation. Some attorneys also negotiate fees based on your ability to pay. The court filing fee can sometimes be waived if your income is very low; ask your attorney about this option.