Bankruptcy help for your situation

Start with the problem you are facing

People look into bankruptcy for many different reasons. Some are behind on a mortgage, some are dealing with a wage garnishment, and some are overwhelmed by credit cards, medical bills, or a lawsuit. Many feel embarrassed or afraid. You do not need to feel ashamed for asking questions.

Bankruptcy is a legal process that may help some people stop collection pressure and deal with debt in a more organized way. It does not fix every problem, and it does not erase every debt. But for some households, it can create breathing room and a real path forward.

If you want a simple overview of the main consumer chapters, visit Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 basics. If foreclosure is the urgent issue, see help for people facing foreclosure.

What bankruptcy may help with

In many cases, filing a bankruptcy case creates an automatic stay. That is a legal pause that usually stops most collection actions right away, including many lawsuits, wage garnishments, collection calls, and foreclosure activity. Exactly how it works can depend on the facts of the case and whether someone has filed before.

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the two consumer bankruptcy chapters most people ask about. Chapter 7 is often used when a person cannot afford to repay much debt. Chapter 13 is a repayment plan that can help some people catch up over time, including people trying to save a home or car. Which chapter may fit depends on income, assets, goals, and state-specific rules.

Many people are able to keep important property through exemptions or, in Chapter 13, through a court-approved plan. Because exemptions and procedures vary by state and federal district, only a licensed bankruptcy attorney in your area can tell you how the rules may apply in your case.

What bankruptcy cannot promise

It is important to be honest: bankruptcy does not mean every debt disappears. Some debts usually survive bankruptcy, including most student loans, recent income taxes, child support, alimony, most court fines, and debts tied to fraud. The result depends on the person, the debt, the chapter filed, and the court.

Bankruptcy is also not the right answer for everyone. Some people may have non-bankruptcy options worth discussing first. A lawyer can help compare those options, explain risks, and talk through what you may be able to protect.

Nothing on this page is legal, tax, or financial advice. It is general educational information only. Bankruptcy law, exemptions, and local practice vary by state and judicial district and can change over time.

How CleanSlate Match works

CleanSlate Match is a free matching service. We are not a law firm, not a lawyer, and we do not file bankruptcy cases or create an attorney-client relationship. Our role is to help you connect with a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you who can review your situation.

We only collect basic contact information and general intent, such as your name, phone number, optional email, state, preferred language, and a general description of what is going on. We do not ask for a Social Security number, bank-account numbers, credit-card numbers, or other financial-account details.

If you are ready to talk with someone, you can get matched here. It is always free for the person looking for help.

What it may cost to hire a bankruptcy attorney

Many consumer bankruptcy attorneys charge a flat fee for a standard Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case, plus the court filing fee and a small required credit-counseling cost. These are ranges, not quotes, and the real amount depends on the chapter, the complexity of the case, and the local court district.

In many areas, a straightforward Chapter 7 attorney flat fee may fall roughly in the hundreds to low thousands of dollars, and a Chapter 13 attorney flat fee is often higher because the case usually lasts longer and involves a repayment plan. On top of that, there is a court filing fee and usually a low-cost required credit-counseling course. A local attorney can explain the current fees in your district.

Fees may go up if the case involves unusual assets, prior filings, business issues, lawsuits, tax questions, motions, or other complications. Before hiring anyone, ask for a written fee agreement, ask what is included, and confirm that the attorney is licensed in your state.

A calm next step

If debt is making it hard to think clearly, the next step does not have to be a big one. You can start by learning the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, or, if your home is at risk, reading about bankruptcy and foreclosure.

When you are ready, use CleanSlate Match to get connected, free, with a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you. Ask direct questions, confirm the lawyer's bar license, and get advice based on your state, your court district, and your actual situation.