Chapter 7

Explore comprehensive resources related to Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a crucial legal process for individuals seeking debt relief. Visitors will find informative articles, video interviews with experienced bankruptcy attorneys, and glossary definitions that clarify complex legal terms. This category serves as a valuable guide for those looking to understand their options and navigate the intricacies of bankruptcy law effectively.

39 posts

Can I Keep My Car If I File for Bankruptcy with a Lawyer?

September 21, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Yes—most filers can keep their car in bankruptcy if they stay current on payments or protect the vehicle’s equity with exemptions. A lawyer can help you choose Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 and use tools like reaffirmation, redemption, or a repayment plan to avoid repossession. This article explains the rules, options, and key factors that […]

Bankruptcy Law Chapter 13

Will Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishments with a Lawyer’s Intervention?

September 12, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Yes—filing bankruptcy stops most wage garnishments immediately in 1–2 days once the case is filed due to the automatic stay. A bankruptcy lawyer can file fast, notify the employer/creditor, and use exemptions to protect wages, though child support and some taxes may continue. This article explains how Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 affects garnishments, timing, […]

Banking/Finance/Securities Bankruptcy Attorney

Will Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishments with a Lawyer’s Intervention?

September 8, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Yes—filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that usually stops wage garnishments immediately (often within 24 hours). A bankruptcy lawyer can file quickly, notify the creditor and payroll, and pursue exemptions or discharge to prevent future garnishment. This article explains how Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 affect garnishments and what exceptions may apply. When facing wage […]

Bankruptcy Attorney Chapter 13

What Is an Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy and How Does a Lawyer Secure It?

September 4, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

An automatic stay takes effect immediately upon filing bankruptcy, stopping most collections such as lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, and foreclosure actions. A bankruptcy lawyer secures it by filing the petition correctly, notifying creditors, and seeking court orders to address violations or extend stay coverage when needed. This article explains how the stay works, key exceptions, and […]

Banking/Finance/Securities Bankruptcy Law

How Frequently Can One File for Bankruptcy With a Lawyer’s Help?

August 26, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

You can file for bankruptcy multiple times, but discharge timing rules apply—typically 8 years between Chapter 7 discharges and 2 years between Chapter 13 discharges. Other waiting periods can apply when switching chapters, and repeat filings may limit the automatic stay. This article explains repeat-filing rules and how a bankruptcy lawyer helps plan the best […]

Bankruptcy Attorney Chapter 13

Is It Possible to File for Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer?

August 22, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Yes—individuals can file bankruptcy without a lawyer in all 50 states (pro se), but error rates are higher and can lead to dismissal or lost protections. Even simple cases require strict forms, deadlines, credit counseling, and a meeting of creditors. This article explains how DIY filing works, common pitfalls, and when hiring counsel is the […]

Bankruptcy Attorney Bankruptcy Law

What Is the Means Test in Bankruptcy and How Does a Lawyer Assist With It?

August 18, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

The bankruptcy means test compares your last six months of income to your state’s median and, if you’re above it, applies allowed expense deductions to determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7 or must consider Chapter 13. Passing it generally requires showing insufficient “disposable income” under the Bankruptcy Code’s formula. This article explains how the […]

Bankruptcy Attorney Bankruptcy Law

How Do I File for Bankruptcy?

August 16, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

To file for bankruptcy, you typically complete 6–8 core steps, starting with credit counseling and ending with a court discharge. You’ll choose Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, gather required financial documents, file with the bankruptcy court, and attend the 341 meeting of creditors. This article explains bankruptcy types, paperwork, costs, timelines, and what to expect. […]

Bankruptcy Attorney Bankruptcy Law

How Does Filing for Bankruptcy Affect My Credit Score?

August 10, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Filing for bankruptcy typically drops your credit score by 130–240 points and remains on your credit report for 7–10 years (Chapter 13 vs. Chapter 7). The impact depends on your starting score, debt history, and post-filing credit behavior. This article explains the credit effects, bankruptcy types, timelines, and recovery steps. Filing for bankruptcy is a […]

Bankruptcy Law Chapter 13

What is the Timeline for the Bankruptcy Process with a Lawyer?

August 2, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

With a lawyer, most Chapter 7 bankruptcies finish in about 3–6 months, while Chapter 13 plans typically run 3–5 years. Your exact timeline depends on how quickly documents are gathered, court scheduling, and whether any objections or asset issues arise. This article breaks down each stage of the bankruptcy process—from pre-filing preparation and the automatic […]

Bankruptcy Attorney Chapter 13

How Can a Bankruptcy Lawyer Help Protect My Property?

July 29, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

A bankruptcy lawyer can protect key property in most cases by using state or federal exemptions and the automatic stay that stops collections immediately upon filing. They evaluate what you can keep, handle creditor challenges, and structure the case to reduce risk of liquidation. This article explains how bankruptcy affects assets and the strategies lawyers […]

Bankruptcy Attorney Bankruptcy Law

How Do I File for Bankruptcy with Proper Legal Advice?

July 27, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

To file for bankruptcy with proper legal advice, you typically complete a credit counseling course, choose the right chapter (most often Chapter 7 or Chapter 13), gather financial records, and submit a petition with required schedules to the bankruptcy court. A qualified bankruptcy attorney can help you protect exempt assets, avoid common filing mistakes, and […]

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