About CleanSlate Match

What CleanSlate Match does

Many people come to us feeling scared, behind, and unsure where to start. Some are dealing with credit-card debt, medical bills, a foreclosure notice, a lawsuit, or wage garnishment. Some are new to the United States or feel more comfortable in another language. Our job is simple: help you take the next step and get connected with a licensed bankruptcy attorney in your area.

CleanSlate Match is a free matching service. You tell us a little basic information, such as your name, phone number, state, preferred language, and a general sense of what is going on. Then we try to match you with a participating attorney who handles consumer bankruptcy matters like Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

If you want to start, you can get matched or read more about how it works.

What CleanSlate Match is not

We want to be very clear about this. CleanSlate Match is not a law firm, not a lawyer, and not your legal representative. Using our service does not create an attorney-client relationship with CleanSlate Match or with any attorney.

We do not file bankruptcy cases, prepare court papers, give legal advice, tax advice, or financial advice, or promise any legal outcome. Information on this site is general educational information only. Bankruptcy law, exemptions, the means test, local court practice, and filing rules vary by state and judicial district and can change over time.

Only a licensed bankruptcy attorney who knows the facts of your situation can advise you about whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another option may fit your case.

How people use the service

Most people use CleanSlate Match when they feel overwhelmed and want to speak with a real attorney without spending days searching. The process is meant to be simple and low-pressure.

1. You share basic contact information and a general description of your situation.
2. We try to connect you with a licensed bankruptcy attorney who serves your area.
3. You decide whether to speak with that attorney and whether to hire them.

You are always free to ask questions, compare options, and confirm the attorney's state bar license before hiring anyone. If you have questions about the service itself, you can contact us.

• Free to use for people looking for help
• No obligation to hire an attorney
• Available for people who may prefer another language

How CleanSlate Match is paid

Our service is free for the person looking for help. You do not pay CleanSlate Match to be matched.

Participating attorneys pay a flat fee to take part in the service. We do not charge you a percentage of any attorney's fee, and we do not take any share of your debt or any money recovered or discharged. That is important to us, and we want it to be clear.

If you choose to hire an attorney, that attorney will explain their own fees, costs, and terms directly to you.

What bankruptcy may and may not do

Bankruptcy can be a real fresh start for some people, but it is not magic and it does not erase every debt in every case. In many cases, filing bankruptcy creates an automatic stay that pauses most collection activity right away, including many lawsuits, wage garnishments, foreclosures, and collection calls. Many people are also able to keep their home or car through exemptions or, in some cases, a Chapter 13 repayment plan.

But some debts usually survive bankruptcy. These often include most student loans, recent income taxes, child support, alimony, most court fines, and debts tied to fraud. Outcomes depend on the exact facts, the chapter filed, and the law in your state and district.

That is why we never promise that bankruptcy will erase all debt or solve every problem. A licensed bankruptcy attorney can review your situation and explain what bankruptcy can and cannot likely do in your case.

Costs, privacy, and what information we ask for

Many consumer bankruptcy attorneys charge a flat fee, plus the court's filing fee and a small required credit-counseling fee. Broadly speaking, Chapter 7 attorney flat fees often fall around $1,000 to $2,500, while Chapter 13 attorney flat fees often fall around $3,000 to $6,000 or more in some areas. Court filing fees are commonly a few hundred dollars. These are general ranges, not quotes, and the real cost depends on the chapter, the complexity of the case, and the district.

We only collect contact information and general intent, such as your name, phone number, optional email, state, preferred language, and a short description of your situation. We do not ask for your Social Security number, bank-account numbers, credit-card numbers, or detailed financial-account information through the matching form.

If you want to move forward, you can get matched for free. When you speak with an attorney, you can ask about fees, timing, experience, language access, and whether they are licensed and in good standing with the state bar.