Answers / Bankruptcy and debt
What kind of lawyer do I need for bankruptcy and debt?
If you are facing unmanageable debt, garnishment, foreclosure, or constant collection calls, a bankruptcy attorney can tell you whether bankruptcy (or an alternative) fits your situation and which chapter applies. The two common consumer options are Chapter 7 (discharge of qualifying debts) and Chapter 13 (a repayment plan). If your problem is abusive debt collection rather than the debt itself, a consumer-protection attorney may be the better fit.
What kind of lawyer do I need for bankruptcy and debt?
You need a bankruptcy attorney for filing relief, or a consumer-protection attorney if the core problem is illegal collection practices, debt-collector harassment, or a credit-reporting error. Many bankruptcy lawyers offer a free initial consultation to identify which path fits.
How do I find a lawyer who will take my bankruptcy and debt case?
Find a bankruptcy or consumer-debt attorney licensed in your state who handles consumer (not just business) filings and is accepting cases. Attorney Match matches debt and consumer-protection attorneys to your situation and jurisdiction and drafts an outreach letter for you.
Can I afford a lawyer for bankruptcy and debt?
Bankruptcy attorneys usually charge a flat fee, and Chapter 13 fees can often be paid through the repayment plan itself. Consumer-protection claims (for illegal collection or credit-report errors) are frequently taken on contingency or with fees paid by the violator. Ask about fees and any required filing or course costs upfront.
What happens if no lawyer will take my bankruptcy and debt case?
You can file bankruptcy without a lawyer ("pro se"), and the courts publish forms and instructions, though it is harder to do correctly. Nonprofit credit-counseling agencies, legal aid, and court self-help can also help. For illegal collection, you can complain to the CFPB or your state attorney general at no cost.
Signs you likely need a bankruptcy attorney
- Your wages are being garnished or your accounts levied
- You are facing foreclosure or repossession
- Debt collectors are harassing or suing you
- You cannot keep up with minimum payments
Don’t wait too long
Foreclosure, repossession, and garnishment all run on deadlines, and filing can pause some of them. Get advice before a deadline passes.
Find a bankruptcy attorney who will take your case
Describe your situation and Attorney Match classifies your matter, ranks attorneys whose public profiles fit overwhelming debt and your state, and drafts an outreach letter for each one that you can edit and send yourself. One-time $10 — no subscription, no referral fees, and attorneys never pay to rank.
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Attorney advertising. This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney Match is a technology service, not a law firm, and does not practice law. Matching is not a referral guarantee or an endorsement of any attorney — results vary and no attorney is guaranteed to accept your case. Laws and deadlines differ by state; consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your specific situation.