CleanSlate Match
Get matched with a licensed bankruptcy attorney
If debt is keeping you up at night, you do not have to sort this out alone. Tell us your state, preferred language, and a general sense of what is happening, and we will connect you free with a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you.
What CleanSlate Match does
CleanSlate Match is a free matching service. We are not a law firm, not a lawyer, and we do not file bankruptcy cases or give legal, tax, or financial advice.
Our job is simple: help you take the next step by connecting you with a licensed bankruptcy attorney in your area. That attorney can review your situation, explain your options, and tell you whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another path may make sense.
Bankruptcy rules, exemptions, means test questions, and local procedures can vary by state and judicial district and can change over time. That is why it is important to speak with a licensed attorney where you live.
What we ask for — and what we do not
We keep it simple because many people reach out when they are stressed, behind on bills, or worried about a lawsuit, foreclosure, or wage garnishment.
We ask for contact information and general intent only. That usually means your name, phone number, optional email, state, preferred language, and a short description such as "credit cards and medical bills" or "behind on mortgage payments."
We do not ask for your Social Security number, bank-account numbers, credit-card numbers, or other financial-account details. You can learn more about the process on How It Works.
- Name and best phone number
- Optional email address
- State and preferred language
- General description of the debt problem
What a bankruptcy attorney can help explain
A licensed bankruptcy attorney can explain whether bankruptcy may help stop collection pressure and what debts may or may not be affected. In many cases, once a bankruptcy case is filed, the automatic stay pauses most collections, wage garnishments, foreclosure actions, and lawsuits.
But bankruptcy does not erase every debt, and no honest service should promise that. Some debts usually survive, including most student loans, recent income taxes, child support and alimony, most court fines, and debts tied to fraud. Results depend on the facts of the case.
If you are not sure about Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, start with Chapters. It gives a plain-language overview, but only a lawyer in your state can tell you how the rules may apply to you.
What it may cost if you choose to hire an attorney
The match through CleanSlate Match is always free to you. If you decide to hire a bankruptcy attorney, most consumer bankruptcy lawyers charge a flat fee, plus the court filing fee and a small required credit-counseling fee.
In many areas, Chapter 7 attorney flat fees often fall around $1,000 to $2,500, while Chapter 13 attorney fees are often higher, commonly around $3,000 to $6,000 or more. Court filing fees are separate and are currently a few hundred dollars. The exact amount depends on the chapter, the complexity of the case, and the district. These are general ranges, not quotes or promises.
Some cases cost more because they involve a home, a car, business issues, past filings, lawsuits, tax questions, or unusual assets. You can read a plain-language overview at Costs.
How to use the match wisely
Getting matched is a first step, not a commitment. You can speak with the attorney, ask questions, and decide what to do next.
It is okay to ask direct questions. Ask whether the attorney is licensed in your state, whether they regularly handle consumer bankruptcy cases, what their flat fee includes, what court and course fees are extra, and what documents they may need later.
You should also confirm the attorney's bar license in your state. A good first conversation should feel clear, respectful, and not rushed.
Tell us the basics, and we will connect you free with a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you so you can understand your options clearly and safely.
Common questions
Is CleanSlate Match a law firm?
No. CleanSlate Match is a free matching service, not a law firm and not your lawyer. We connect you with a licensed bankruptcy attorney, but we do not give legal advice or file cases.
Do I have to pay to get matched?
No. The matching service is free for the person seeking help. If you later hire an attorney, that attorney will explain their own flat fee, court costs, and other required case expenses.
Will bankruptcy erase all of my debt?
Not always. Some debts usually are not discharged, including most student loans, recent income taxes, child support and alimony, most court fines, and debts from fraud. A licensed attorney can explain what may happen in your case.
Can bankruptcy stop a garnishment or foreclosure?
Often, yes. When a bankruptcy case is filed, the automatic stay usually stops most collections, garnishments, lawsuits, and foreclosure actions right away. But there are exceptions, and timing matters, so speak with a licensed attorney in your area as soon as you can.
What information do I need to submit here?
Only contact information and general intent: your name, phone number, optional email, state, preferred language, and a short description of the problem. We do not ask for your Social Security number or account numbers.