Our Services
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal process that can give you a financial fresh start by discharging or restructuring debt under court supervision. Our referred attorneys help you understand whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is right for you.
The Automatic Stay
When you file for bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay. This order requires most creditors to stop collection activity immediately—including phone calls, letters, lawsuits, wage garnishment, foreclosure, and repossession. The stay gives you breathing room while your case is pending. In some situations, creditors can ask the court for permission to continue collection; our referred attorneys can explain how the stay applies to your debts.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7, also called "liquidation" or "straight bankruptcy," is what many people connect with a bankruptcy case. It discharges qualifying debts and gives you a clean slate.
Eligibility for Chapter 7 depends on the federal "means test," which compares your income to your state's median for your household size. If your income is below the median, you generally qualify. If it's above, the test considers allowed expenses and disposable income. Our referred attorneys can help you determine whether you qualify and what property you may keep under state exemptions.
The automatic stay goes into effect as soon as you file, stopping most collection efforts and giving you immediate relief while your case is processed.
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 has also been called a "Payment Plan Bankruptcy." It is a way of having some or all of your debts paid back over time out of your wages. You get to keep all of your property. The court accepts monthly payments from you for 3 to 5 years, and those payments are used to pay your debts.
The main reason many people choose Chapter 13 is to catch up on past-due mortgage or car payments and keep their home or vehicle, so long as they stay current on the plan. Another benefit in some cases is "stripping" a second mortgage or HELOC if the home is underwater. Chapter 13 has debt limits set by law; our referred attorneys can confirm whether your debts fall within those limits.
If you do not qualify for Chapter 7 under the means test, Chapter 13 is often the alternative, allowing you to repay part or all of your debt over 3–5 years under a court-approved plan.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The right choice depends on your income, assets, types of debt, and goals. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice. Our team can connect you with referred attorneys who will evaluate your situation and recommend whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another option best fits your needs.