Bankruptcy — Chapter 7 & 13
Chicago bankruptcy attorney
If debt is keeping you up at night, bankruptcy can give you a fresh start. It can stop garnishments, lawsuits, and the loss of your home or car. We explain everything in plain English, with no pressure.
✔ Bilingual attorney · ✔ 20+ years of experience · ✔ Chicago & all suburbs
What is bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is one of the most powerful tools the law gives someone with money trouble. It's a legal process that can wipe out many of your debts or give you a fair plan to catch up. But it's a serious decision, and the law is complicated — so it's important to talk with an attorney who takes the time to review your case and tell you the truth.
The automatic stay: your immediate shield
The moment your bankruptcy is filed, something powerful called the automatic stay kicks in. By law, it forces almost all creditors to stop immediately. It can:
- Stop collection calls
- Stop a wage garnishment
- Stop a lawsuit against you
- Halt a foreclosure sale of your home
- Prevent your car from being repossessed
Two main paths
Chapter 7
Wipes out many debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) and usually finishes in a few months. Best if you have few assets and lower income.
See Chapter 7 →Chapter 13
A 3-to-5-year payment plan to catch up. Great for saving your home or car and stopping a foreclosure.
See Chapter 13 →Not sure which is right for you? Don't worry — we'll figure it out together in your free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does bankruptcy stop collection calls?
Yes. As soon as your case is filed, a federal law called the 'automatic stay' forces creditors to stop calling, suing, or taking money from your paycheck.
Will I lose everything I own?
Almost never. The law protects many things — your home, your car, your furniture — up to certain limits. In your free consultation we tell you exactly what's protected in your case.
Does bankruptcy ruin my credit forever?
No. Many people start rebuilding their credit soon after, because they're no longer weighed down by the old debts that were dragging their score down every month.