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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyers
Chapter 7 bankruptcy — often called liquidation bankruptcy — can discharge many unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills, usually within a few months. Eligibility depends on income under the means test, and exemption laws determine what property filers keep. A court-appointed trustee reviews the case and may sell non-exempt assets. The attorneys below assess eligibility, prepare the petition and schedules, and represent filers at the meeting of creditors.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyers on Justice Lookup
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Common questions
What is the means test?
A two-part income analysis that determines Chapter 7 eligibility. If your income is below your state’s median for your household size, you generally pass. Above-median filers go through a detailed expense calculation to see if they have disposable income for a Chapter 13 plan instead.
What property can I keep?
Exemptions — which vary by state — protect categories like a portion of home equity, a vehicle up to a value limit, household goods, retirement accounts, and tools of the trade. Most Chapter 7 filers keep everything they own.
Which debts are not discharged in Chapter 7?
Most taxes, domestic support obligations, most student loans, court fines, and debts from fraud, theft, or willful injury generally survive. Secured debts like mortgages remain attached to the property unless you surrender it.
How quickly is a Chapter 7 case finished?
Typical no-asset cases run about three to four months from filing to discharge. Cases with assets for the trustee to administer take longer.