Home / Lawyers / Bankruptcy Lawyers
Bankruptcy Lawyers
Bankruptcy is a federal legal process that helps individuals and businesses address debts they cannot pay. Chapter 7 can discharge many unsecured debts, while Chapter 13 sets up a court-supervised repayment plan over three to five years. Filing triggers an automatic stay that generally pauses collections, foreclosures, and lawsuits. The attorneys below advise on which chapter fits, prepare the required paperwork, and represent filers through the process.
Bankruptcy Lawyers on Justice Lookup
30 attorneys listed below — a sample of the 709 nationwide. Browsing is free.
Browse bankruptcy lawyers by state
Common questions
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
Chapter 7 is a liquidation process that can discharge many unsecured debts relatively quickly, subject to income eligibility and exemptions. Chapter 13 is a reorganization for people with regular income, repaying debts over three to five years under court supervision — often used to catch up on mortgages or car loans.
Will I lose my house or car?
Not necessarily. Exemption laws protect certain property up to specified values, and the details vary by state. In Chapter 13, filers generally keep property while catching up on payments. In Chapter 7, non-exempt assets can be sold, but many filers keep their homes and cars.
What debts cannot be discharged?
Common non-dischargeable debts include most recent taxes, domestic support obligations, most student loans (with narrow exceptions), court fines, and debts from fraud or willful injury. Each category has specific rules.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
A Chapter 7 filing can remain on a credit report for up to 10 years; Chapter 13 for up to 7 years. Many filers begin rebuilding credit soon after discharge, and the practical impact lessens over time as positive history accumulates.