Get Real Debt Relief With a Bankruptcy Attorney On Your Side
Overwhelming debt doesn't have to define your future. Our network of experienced bankruptcy attorneys can help you find the right path forward — Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 — with a free consultation and no upfront fees.
How to Find a Bankruptcy Attorney — 3 Simple Steps
Our attorney matching process connects you with the right bankruptcy lawyer for your situation — fast, free, and with no obligation.
Answer a Few Questions
Tell us about your debt situation, the type of bankruptcy you are considering, your employment status, and whether you are behind on any secured debts.
Get Matched with an Attorney
Our network of licensed bankruptcy attorneys reviews your details and matches you with a qualified lawyer in your state experienced in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.
Free Consultation
Your matched attorney contacts you for a free no-obligation consultation to review your debts, explain your options, and map out the best path to financial relief.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 — Which Is Right for You?
The two primary types of personal bankruptcy serve very different situations. A bankruptcy attorney will determine which chapter fits your income, assets, and goals.
Chapter 7 — Liquidation
- Discharges most unsecured debts in 3–6 months
- Best for people with limited income and few assets
- Must pass the bankruptcy means test to qualify
- Stops wage garnishment immediately via automatic stay
- Credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans discharged
- No repayment plan required — one-time liquidation process
Chapter 13 — Reorganization
- Reorganizes debt into a 3–5 year repayment plan
- Lets you catch up on mortgage arrears and keep your home
- Protects co-signers and non-exempt assets from liquidation
- Available to those who do not pass the Chapter 7 means test
- Allows cramdown of certain secured debts to fair market value
- Discharges remaining eligible debts after plan completion
Not sure which chapter applies to you? A bankruptcy attorney will run the means test and review your assets to determine the best path forward — free of charge during your initial consultation.
Bankruptcy Legal Help, Built Around You
We connect you with bankruptcy attorneys who understand your situation and are ready to fight for your financial future — with no upfront cost and no risk to get started.
Licensed in Your State
We match you with a bankruptcy attorney licensed and practicing in your state, ensuring they know your local court rules, exemptions, and trustee preferences.
Immediate Creditor Protection
Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that immediately stops wage garnishments, foreclosures, repossessions, and collection calls the moment your case is filed.
Free Initial Consultation
Your matched attorney will review your debts, income, and assets during a free no-obligation consultation and explain exactly which bankruptcy options are available to you.
Confidential & No Obligation
Everything you share is confidential. Getting matched costs nothing, and you are never obligated to move forward. Our only goal is to connect you with the right legal help.
Who Can Get Help Through BankruptcySupportCenter.com?
Whether you are buried in credit card debt, facing foreclosure, or dealing with wage garnishment — a bankruptcy attorney can help you find a legal path forward.
We help people dealing with…
- Overwhelming credit card debt
- Medical bills and hospital debt
- Wage garnishment from creditors
- Home foreclosure or mortgage arrears
- Repossession threats on a vehicle
- Personal loan or payday loan debt
Why working with a bankruptcy attorney matters
- Attorneys know which assets are exempt in your state
- A filing immediately triggers the automatic stay
- Attorneys negotiate with trustees on your behalf
- They identify which debts can and cannot be discharged
- They guide you through every step of the legal process
What You Need to Know About Filing for Bankruptcy
A plain-language guide to bankruptcy law, the filing process, and what to expect when you work with a bankruptcy attorney.
What is bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals overwhelmed by debt to either discharge most of what they owe (Chapter 7) or restructure it into a manageable repayment plan (Chapter 13). It is a federal legal remedy governed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and administered through federal bankruptcy courts. Filing for bankruptcy is not a failure — it is a legal right designed to give people a fresh financial start.
What is the automatic stay?
The moment you file for bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay — an immediate legal order that stops virtually all collection actions against you. Wage garnishments stop. Foreclosure proceedings pause. Repossession attempts halt. Collection calls must cease. The automatic stay gives you breathing room while your case is processed and your options are evaluated.
What debts survive bankruptcy?
Not all debts can be wiped out in bankruptcy. Dischargeable debts typically include credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, and certain utility arrears. Debts that generally survive bankruptcy include student loans (with limited hardship exceptions), child support and alimony obligations, recent income tax debts, and fines owed to government agencies. A bankruptcy attorney will help you understand which of your specific debts are dischargeable.
How does bankruptcy affect my credit?
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays for 7 years. While this does affect your credit score initially, many people find their scores begin recovering within 12–24 months of discharge as they rebuild with responsible credit habits. For many people, the long-term benefit of debt relief far outweighs the short-term credit impact.
Can I keep my house and car?
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can almost always keep your home and vehicle as long as you continue making payments and cure any arrears through the repayment plan. In Chapter 7, you may be able to keep exempt property depending on your state’s exemption laws — which vary significantly. Many states allow you to exempt your primary vehicle and home equity up to a certain value. Your bankruptcy attorney will explain exactly what you can protect.
What is the means test?
The means test is the qualification tool used to determine whether you are eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It compares your average monthly income over the past six months to your state’s median income for a household of your size. If your income is below the median, you generally qualify for Chapter 7 automatically. If it is above, a more detailed calculation of your expenses and disposable income is used to determine eligibility. A bankruptcy attorney will run this test for you free of charge.
Situations That Require Immediate Bankruptcy Action
Certain creditor actions can be stopped immediately by filing for bankruptcy. If any of the following apply to you, do not wait — every day of delay can cost you.
✓ Bankruptcy Can Immediately Stop…
- Wage garnishment from employers
- Home foreclosure proceedings
- Vehicle repossession by lenders
- Bank account levies and freezes
- Utility shutoffs and eviction proceedings
- Creditor lawsuits and judgment enforcement
✗ Don't Wait If You Are…
- A creditor has filed a lawsuit against you
- Your wages are already being garnished
- You have received a foreclosure notice
- A vehicle repossession has been attempted
- Your bank account has been frozen or levied
The automatic stay only works before these actions are finalized. Filing bankruptcy before a garnishment starts, a foreclosure sale completes, or a judgment is entered can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Get matched with a bankruptcy attorney today.
Real Stories from Real Clients
“I was drowning in credit card debt and facing wage garnishment. BankruptcySupportCenter.com matched me with an attorney in my state who filed Chapter 7 for me. The automatic stay stopped the garnishment immediately, and within four months my debts were discharged. I wish I had done this sooner.”— Maria L., Chapter 7 Client · Phoenix, AZ
Bankruptcy Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know about Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and finding the right bankruptcy attorney for your situation.
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation process that discharges most unsecured debts within 3–6 months. It is best for people with limited income and few assets. Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves a 3–5 year repayment plan that lets you catch up on mortgage arrears and keep property. A bankruptcy attorney will run the means test to determine which chapter fits your situation.
How do I find a bankruptcy attorney near me?
BankruptcySupportCenter.com matches you with a licensed bankruptcy attorney in your state in minutes. Simply answer a few questions about your debt situation, and we connect you with an attorney experienced in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for a free consultation.
What is the automatic stay in bankruptcy?
An automatic stay is a court order that immediately stops most collection actions against you the moment you file for bankruptcy. It halts wage garnishments, foreclosures, repossessions, collection calls, and lawsuits. The automatic stay gives you breathing room while your case is processed.
What debts can be discharged in bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy can discharge many unsecured debts including credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, and utility arrears. Debts that generally cannot be discharged include student loans (with limited exceptions), child support, alimony, recent tax debts, and fines owed to government agencies.
How much does a bankruptcy attorney cost?
Attorney fees vary by case complexity and location, but many bankruptcy attorneys offer payment plans. Through BankruptcySupportCenter.com, your initial consultation is completely free with no upfront fees to get matched. Your matched attorney will discuss fee arrangements during the consultation.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays for 7 years. However, many people find their credit score begins recovering within 12–24 months of discharge as they rebuild with responsible credit habits.
Can I keep my house and car if I file for bankruptcy?
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can keep your home and car as long as you continue making payments and catch up on arrears through the repayment plan. In Chapter 7, you may be able to keep exempt property depending on your state’s exemption laws. A bankruptcy attorney will explain what you can protect in your specific state.
Do I qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must pass the means test, which compares your income to your state’s median income. If your income is below the median, you generally qualify. If it is above, additional calculations determine eligibility. A bankruptcy attorney will run the means test for free during your consultation.
Find Your Bankruptcy Attorney Today
Answer a few short questions and get matched with a licensed bankruptcy attorney in your state — free consultation, no upfront cost, no obligation.