How CleanSlate Match works

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 role is simple: we collect basic contact details and a general sense of what is going on, then help connect you with a licensed bankruptcy attorney in your area. Bankruptcy rules, including Chapter 7, Chapter 13, the means test, and exemptions, vary by state and judicial district and can change over time, so it is important to speak with a local attorney about your specific situation.

If you are not sure where to begin, you can start with get matched or read a plain-language overview of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

The 4 simple steps

1. Tell us the basics. You share your name, phone number, optional email, state, preferred language, and a general description of your situation.
2. We look for a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you. The goal is to connect you with someone who handles consumer bankruptcy matters in your area.
3. You speak with the attorney or office. This is your chance to ask questions about Chapter 7, Chapter 13, costs, timing, and possible alternatives.
4. You decide what happens next. You stay in control. You can choose to hire the attorney, speak with another one, or decide not to move forward.

We only need contact information and general intent to make a match. We do not ask for a Social Security number, bank-account or credit-card numbers, account balances, or detailed income figures through our matching form.

What the attorney helps you understand

A licensed bankruptcy attorney can review your situation and explain whether bankruptcy may help, what chapter may fit, and what other options may exist. They can also explain what bankruptcy cannot do.

For example, bankruptcy may help stop collection pressure, and once a case is filed, the automatic stay usually pauses most collections, wage garnishments, foreclosure actions, and lawsuits. But not every debt goes away. Some debts usually survive, including most student loans, recent income taxes, child support and alimony, most court fines, and debts tied to fraud. Outcomes depend on the facts of the case.

Many people are deciding between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. A local attorney can explain the difference in plain language and how state exemptions may affect your home, car, wages, and other property. You can also read our general overview of chapters.

• Chapter 7 is often discussed as a faster fresh-start option for people who qualify
• Chapter 13 usually involves a court-approved repayment plan over time
• Whether you qualify and what you can keep depends on state and district rules

What it costs, honestly

Using CleanSlate Match is free for you. Participating attorneys pay a flat fee to take part in the service, but there is no cost to you to get matched.

If you decide to hire an attorney, most consumer bankruptcy lawyers charge a flat fee for the legal work, plus the court filing fee and a small required credit-counseling fee. These are ranges, not quotes, and the real number depends on the chapter, the complexity of the case, and the district.

In many areas, Chapter 7 attorney flat fees often fall somewhere around $1,000 to $2,500, while Chapter 13 attorney fees often fall around $3,000 to $6,000 or more. Court filing fees are separate and are set by the court. You can learn more on our costs page. Always ask the attorney what is included, what is not, and whether payment plans are available.

You stay in control

Talking to an attorney does not force you to file a case. It is a chance to get clear information about your options from someone licensed in your state.

You should feel comfortable asking direct questions: What chapter may fit? What debts might still remain? What are the fees? What documents would be needed? What happens if I am behind on my mortgage or car? A good consultation should feel clear, respectful, and not rushed.

Before hiring any attorney, confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with the state bar. If you want to move forward, you can get matched now and speak with a local bankruptcy attorney about your situation.