Find the Right Bankruptcy Attorney
A fresh start is closer than you think. Compare attorneys across 25 states. Free consultation available.
States
25
Zip Codes
21,428
US Coverage
65%
Fee Structure
Chapter
When Do You Need a Bankruptcy Attorney?
If you're facing a lawsuit, wage garnishment, foreclosure, or repossession, filing bankruptcy can trigger an automatic stay that halts all collection actions immediately. Waiting until the last minute limits your options and can cost you assets you could have protected.
Your debts significantly exceed your ability to pay and minimum payments barely cover interest
You're facing wage garnishment, bank levies, or lawsuits from creditors
Your home is in foreclosure and you want to explore options to keep it
Medical bills from an illness or accident have created an impossible debt burden
You're choosing between paying rent/mortgage and paying creditors each month
A business failure has left you with personal guarantees and crushing debt
Need a Bankruptcy Attorney in your area?
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Types of Bankruptcy Cases We Cover
How to Choose the Right Bankruptcy Attorney
Board certification or significant experience in bankruptcy law — this is a technical area with strict procedural rules
Clear explanation of whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is right for your specific situation
Upfront disclosure of all fees, court costs, and credit counseling requirements
Familiarity with your local bankruptcy court's specific judges, trustees, and practices
Honest assessment of which debts can and cannot be discharged (student loans, recent taxes, child support are generally non-dischargeable)
Willingness to discuss alternatives to bankruptcy like debt negotiation or consolidation
What to Expect When You Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney
Free consultation to review your debts, income, assets, and determine which chapter is appropriate
Required credit counseling course (completed online in about 2 hours before filing)
Your attorney prepares and files the petition, schedules, and required documentation
Automatic stay takes effect immediately upon filing — all collection actions stop
Meeting of creditors (341 hearing): a brief, usually procedural meeting with the bankruptcy trustee
Discharge of eligible debts (Chapter 7: ~3-4 months after filing; Chapter 13: after completing the payment plan)
Typical timeline: Chapter 7 cases typically take 3 to 6 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 involves a 3- to 5-year repayment plan. The entire process from initial consultation through filing usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to prepare.
How Much Does a Bankruptcy Attorney Cost?
Chapter 7 attorneys typically charge a flat fee ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 depending on case complexity and location. Chapter 13 attorney fees are usually paid through your repayment plan. Most offer payment plans for the retainer.
Typical Cost Range
Chapter 7: $1,000-$3,500 flat fee plus ~$338 court filing fee. Chapter 13: $2,500-$6,000, usually paid through the repayment plan.
Statute of Limitations
There's no deadline to file bankruptcy, but timing matters. You must wait 8 years between Chapter 7 filings or 2 years between Chapter 13 filings. Filing before certain events (like a lawsuit judgment or foreclosure sale) gives you more options. Filing too soon after large purchases or balance transfers can create problems.
Red Flags to Watch For
Promises to 'wipe out all your debts' without explaining non-dischargeable obligations
Files your case without thoroughly reviewing your assets, income, and recent financial transactions
Charges unusually low fees and handles an extremely high volume of cases — assembly-line practices often result in errors
Fails to discuss alternatives to bankruptcy that might be more appropriate for your situation
Know Your Rights
Federal law gives you the right to a fresh financial start through bankruptcy. Once you file, creditors must immediately stop all collection efforts, including calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings. You have the right to keep exempt property and rebuild your financial life.
Highest Competition Markets
- 1. Acton, CA$110
- 2. Adelanto, CA$110
- 3. Agoura Hills, CA$110
- 4. Aguanga, CA$110
- 5. Alhambra, CA$110
- 6. Aliso Viejo, CA$110
- 7. Altadena, CA$110
- 8. Amboy, CA$110
- 9. Anaheim, CA$110
- 10. Angelus Oaks, CA$110
Most Affordable Markets
- 1. Abernant, AL$25.2
- 2. Adger, AL$25.2
- 3. Akron, AL$25.2
- 4. Aliceville, AL$25.2
- 5. Bankston, AL$25.2
- 6. Beaverton, AL$25.2
- 7. Belk, AL$25.2
- 8. Berry, AL$25.2
- 9. Brent, AL$25.2
- 10. Brookwood, AL$25.2
Find Bankruptcy Attorneys by State
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Bankruptcy: Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I lose everything if I file bankruptcy?
- No. Every state has exemption laws that protect essential property. Most people who file Chapter 7 keep their home, car, retirement accounts, and personal belongings. The specific exemptions vary by state — some are very generous. Your attorney will review your assets and tell you exactly what's protected before you file.
- How badly will bankruptcy hurt my credit?
- Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 7 years (Chapter 13) or 10 years (Chapter 7). However, if your credit is already damaged by missed payments and collections, bankruptcy may actually help you rebuild faster since it eliminates the underlying debt. Many people qualify for credit cards within a year and car loans within 2 years of discharge.
- What's the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
- Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts in 3 to 6 months but requires passing a means test (your income must be below your state's median). Chapter 13 reorganizes your debts into a 3- to 5-year repayment plan — it's better if you have regular income and want to keep property you'd lose in Chapter 7, or if you earn too much for Chapter 7.
- Can bankruptcy stop a foreclosure?
- Yes. Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that immediately halts foreclosure proceedings. Chapter 13 can help you catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3 to 5 years while keeping your home. Chapter 7 can delay foreclosure but won't help you keep the house long-term unless you can resume payments.
- Which debts can't be discharged in bankruptcy?
- Student loans (with rare exceptions for undue hardship), most tax debts less than 3 years old, child support and alimony, court-ordered restitution, and debts from fraud or DUI injuries generally cannot be discharged. Recent luxury purchases and cash advances may also be excluded.
- What is the average cost for bankruptcy lawyers?
- Chapter 7 attorneys typically charge a flat fee ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 depending on case complexity and location. Chapter 13 attorney fees are usually paid through your repayment plan. Most offer payment plans for the retainer.
- How many states have bankruptcy lawyers on our platform?
- We track bankruptcy lawyers coverage across 25 states and 21,428 zip codes, helping you find an attorney near you.