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Best Bankruptcy Attorneys for Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 in the United States

Bankruptcy lawyers do their most important work before a case is ever filed. The chapter you choose and the property exemptions your state allows shape what you can keep. The firms below handle personal and small business cases nationwide.

Listed Bankruptcy Lawyers are ranked by one score, applied the same way to every firm. It draws on public signals, including:

  • Client satisfaction and overall online reputation
  • The volume and consistency of client feedback
  • How established the firm is
  • Peer recognition within the legal community and across the web

Rankings are calculated independently from public data. Paid placements don't change a listing's score.

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    Leading Bankruptcy Law Firms for Personal & Small Business Debt

    Screenshot of the Allmand Law Firm, PLLC Website
    8350 N Central Expy Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75206, USA

    Allmand Law Firm is a Dallas bankruptcy firm with more than 20 years of practice in Texas. It calls itself the state's largest consumer bankruptcy practice. It also has offices in Hurst, Houston, and San Antonio.

    Attorney Reed Allmand is board-certified in consumer bankruptcy law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His team files Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. They also work to stop foreclosures, wage garnishments, repossessions, and evictions.

    The first meeting is a free session, held in person or by phone.

    Screenshot of the Benenati Law Firm Website
    2702 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

    Benenati Law Firm describes itself as Central Florida's largest bankruptcy filer. The Orlando bankruptcy firm also has an office in Kissimmee. Together they serve Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Polk, and Volusia counties.

    Managing partner Walter F. Benenati and his team file Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases for people and businesses. The firm also defends clients against garnishments, foreclosures, and debt lawsuits. It handles debts tied to timeshares, solar panel loans, and student loans.

    Consultations are free on weekdays and Saturdays. Payment plans are available.

    Screenshot of the Westgate Law Website

    Westgate Law files Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for Los Angeles County residents. Its offices are in Paramount and Montebello. Founder Justin Harelik has filed more than 7,000 bankruptcy cases. He has also met with more than 20,000 people about their debt.

    Senior attorney Matthew A. Rosenthal focuses on consumer protection. He handles collection harassment, debt defense, and repossession cases. The firm also explains bankruptcy alternatives when filing isn't the right fit.

    Consultations are free, and cases can be handled by phone and filed electronically. Staff speaks Spanish.

    Screenshot of the Frego & Associates Website
    23843 Joy Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127, USA

    Frego & Associates has filed more than 40,000 bankruptcies across Michigan. The Dearborn Heights bankruptcy firm says it has been the state's largest filer for over 20 years. Attorney James P. Frego II leads the practice.

    Other offices are in Warren, Flint, Saginaw, and Ypsilanti near Ann Arbor. The lawyers file Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases and defend homeowners against foreclosure. They also take action against creditors who violate a bankruptcy discharge.

    Consultations are free. After the case, clients get a free credit review and help repairing their credit.

    Screenshot of the LifeBack Law Firm, P.A. Website

    LifeBack Law Firm has represented debtors in Minnesota and North Dakota since 1972. Its St. Cloud bankruptcy office is one of more than a dozen. Others include Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Fargo, and Bismarck.

    The attorneys file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases and help with student loan forgiveness. Consultations are free and can happen by phone, video, or in person. The whole process can also be done remotely.

    After filing, clients can join a free 90-day program to rebuild credit. It includes judgment removal, credit dispute forms, and budgeting resources.

    Screenshot of the The Kent Law Firm Website

    The Kent Law Firm is a father-and-son bankruptcy practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Attorneys Howard J. Kent and Robert M. Kent lead the firm, which has more than 40 years of experience.

    They file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases and work to stop foreclosures, lawsuits, and creditor calls. Clients also get guidance on rebuilding credit after bankruptcy.

    The firm offers discounted legal services for seniors and military veterans. Weekend appointments are available when needed.

    Screenshot of the The Lane Law Firm Website

    The Lane Law Firm is a Houston-based team of business bankruptcy attorneys who also fight denied insurance claims. It has offices in Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin and takes cases across Texas.

    On the debt side, the firm helps owners with business debt relief and merchant cash advance (MCA) debt. In one case, it cut more than $760,000 in MCA debt for a candy warehouse. It also files personal bankruptcy cases.

    For denied property and commercial insurance claims, clients pay nothing unless the firm wins. The team works with CPAs, contractors, and roofers. Staff speak Spanish.

    Screenshot of the Rashid Law Firm Website
    10222 Gulf Fwy Suite B-100, Houston, TX 77034, USA

    Rashid Law Firm has helped clients discharge more than $100 million in debt since 2009. Houston bankruptcy attorney Radi Rashid leads the firm, which has filed over 4,000 bankruptcy cases.

    The practice files Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for individuals and does not take business cases. Clients come from Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Montgomery, and Galveston counties. The firm also handles personal injury and car accident claims.

    The first consultation with an attorney is free. Everything can be done by phone, and Spanish is spoken.

    Screenshot of the The Moak Law Firm PLLC Website
    1820 E Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225, USA

    The Moak Law Firm offers bankruptcy help to Chandler and Phoenix-area residents from its East Valley office. Attorney Pete Moak has practiced in Arizona since 1977. He has taken more than 50 cases to jury trial.

    The firm files Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases and also handles debt settlement and negotiation. For homeowners, foreclosure options include loan modifications, short sales, and deeds in lieu of foreclosure.

    The first consultation is free and confidential. Payment plans are available.

    Screenshot of the Starr & Starr, PLLC Website

    Starr & Starr, PLLC handles personal and business bankruptcy from its Manhattan office. The attorneys are board certified in business bankruptcy law. Together, they have over 60 years of combined experience.

    For individuals, the firm files Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases. For companies, it handles Chapter 7 and 11 filings and assignments for the benefit of creditors. It also defends preference and fraudulent transfer suits.

    The firm represents both debtors and creditors. It handles cases in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the District of New Jersey. Clients come from all five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, and Northern New Jersey.

    Screenshot of the Vaisman Law Office Website
    33 S Wood Ave Suite 600, Iselin, NJ 08830, USA

    Vaisman Law Office helps Middlesex County residents file for bankruptcy. Its office is in Iselin, part of Woodbridge Township. Attorney Edward Vaisman has handled New Jersey bankruptcy cases for more than 15 years.

    He appears in court at least twice a week and knows each bankruptcy trustee in the state. The office files Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. It also helps clients stop bank levies, wage garnishments, and creditor harassment.

    Other issues include DMV surcharges and older tax debts. Consultations are free, and payment plans are flexible.

    Screenshot of the Wadhwani & Shanfeld - Long Beach Bankruptcy Lawyers Website

    Wadhwani & Shanfeld, founded in 2005, has helped more than 30,000 people with debt. Its Long Beach bankruptcy office is one of six in Southern California. The others are in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Ontario, Palmdale, and Lancaster.

    Founding partners Raj Wadhwani and Greg Shanfeld are board-certified bankruptcy specialists through the American Board of Bankruptcy Certification. They file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases and handle debt settlement. Common issues include foreclosure, IRS tax debt, student loans, and second mortgages.

    Clients speak directly with an attorney from the first call. Consultations are free and can be done virtually.

    Screenshot of the The Bankruptcy Law Offices of James Schwitalla, P.A. Website

    The Bankruptcy Law Offices of James Schwitalla, P.A. serve Miami-Dade County, South Florida, and the Florida Keys. Miami bankruptcy attorney James Schwitalla has more than 30 years of experience. He has litigated in bankruptcy court, federal district court, the 11th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

    The firm files Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases and handles bankruptcy litigation. It also represents creditors. Spanish-speaking lawyers are available, and the first consultation is free.

    Clients come from Kendall, Pinecrest, Homestead, Key Largo, Key West, and nearby areas.

    Screenshot of the The Bankruptcy Law Firm, PC Website

    The Bankruptcy Law Firm, PC is a Los Angeles practice led by Kathleen P. March, a former U.S. Bankruptcy Judge. She served a 14-year term in the Central District of California. She is a triple-certified bankruptcy specialist and lead author of the Rutter Group California Bankruptcy Practice Guide.

    The firm represents debtors in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Subchapter V Chapter 11 cases. It also represents creditors in every chapter, including stay motions, adversary proceedings, and appeals. March also consults and testifies as an expert on bankruptcy issues.

    The first consultation is free. The firm takes cases across Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

    Screenshot of the Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates - Pennsylvania Bankruptcy & Criminal Defense Lawyers Website

    Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates represents Bucks County clients in bankruptcy and criminal cases from its Bensalem office. Over more than 40 years, the firm has helped clients get relief in more than 15,000 bankruptcy cases.

    Bankruptcy services include Chapter 7, Chapter 13, emergency filings, and mortgage foreclosure defense. Several criminal defense lawyers are former prosecutors, including former Bucks County assistant district attorneys. The firm also takes Social Security Disability and long-term disability claims.

    Consultations are free and can be done by phone. Other offices cover Philadelphia, Montgomery, Lehigh, and Dauphin counties, plus Burlington, Mercer, and Middlesex counties in New Jersey.

    Screenshot of the RHM Law LLP Website
    510 W. Sixth Street, Suite 1220, Los Angeles, CA, 90014, United States

    RHM Law LLP has filed or overseen more than 7,500 bankruptcy cases over 20-plus years. The downtown Los Angeles bankruptcy firm also has an office in Encino. Matt D. Resnik, Roksana D. Moradi-Brovia, and M. Jonathan Hayes are certified bankruptcy specialists in California.

    The firm handles Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases. It also files Chapter 20 cases, meaning a Chapter 7 followed by a Chapter 13. It also helps with IRS tax debt, wage garnishments, repossessions, and appeals.

    The first 30 minutes of a consultation are free. Same-day appointments are available in English, Spanish, and Farsi.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does a bankruptcy lawyer cost?

    It depends on the chapter. Many attorneys charge a flat fee for Chapter 7, usually paid before filing. In Chapter 13, you often pay part of the fee through your repayment plan. Court filing fees and two required courses cost extra.

    What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?

    One wipes out debt, the other repays part of it. Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debts, like credit cards and medical bills. Chapter 13 sets up a repayment plan lasting three to five years. It often lets you keep a house and catch up on missed mortgage payments.

    Who qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

    The means test decides. It compares your household income to your state's median for a household of your size. If you earn more, you may still qualify once expenses are counted. Otherwise, Chapter 13 is usually the option.

    How long does bankruptcy take?

    A few months for Chapter 7. A simple Chapter 7 case usually reaches a discharge about three to four months after filing. Chapter 13 lasts as long as your plan, which runs three to five years. Missing documents or disputed assets can delay the process.

    Does filing stop collection calls and lawsuits?

    Yes, in most cases. Filing triggers the automatic stay, which halts most collection efforts right away. Creditors can ask the court to lift it. People who filed a recent case that was dismissed may get less protection.

    What debts can't bankruptcy erase?

    Some debts survive. Child support, alimony, and most recent tax debts stay with you. Student loans survive unless you prove undue hardship in a separate court action. Criminal fines and debts tied to fraud usually remain too.

    How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

    Seven to 10 years. A Chapter 7 filing stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. A Chapter 13 filing drops off after seven years. Many people start rebuilding credit well before then.

    Can you file for bankruptcy more than once?

    Yes, with waiting periods. A second Chapter 7 discharge requires eight years between the two filing dates. After a Chapter 7, you can file Chapter 13 four years later.

    Types of Bankruptcy Cases

    Chapter 7 Liquidation. This is the quickest route to a fresh start for people with mostly unsecured debt. A trustee can sell property that no exemption protects. Many filers lose nothing at all.

    Chapter 13 Repayment Plans. Chapter 13 fits people with steady income who are behind on a mortgage or car loan. It also works for filers who earn too much for Chapter 7.

    Chapter 11 and Subchapter V. Businesses use Chapter 11 to restructure debt and keep operating. Subchapter V is a streamlined version built for small businesses.

    Chapter 12. Family farmers and fishermen use this chapter to repay debts over time. It works like Chapter 13, with terms that fit seasonal income.

    Creditor Representation. Some bankruptcy attorneys work for creditors, not debtors. They file claims and challenge repayment plans that shortchange their clients.

    Bankruptcy Litigation. Disputes inside a case go through adversary proceedings. Common examples include claims that a debt came from fraud or that a debtor hid assets.

    How to Choose a Bankruptcy Lawyer

    Match the firm to your chapter. Many consumer firms file only Chapter 7 and 13 cases. If you own a business, look for experience with Chapter 11 or Subchapter V.

    Look for board certification. The American Board of Bankruptcy Certification and some state bars certify bankruptcy specialists. It takes an exam and peer references, though no state requires it to practice.

    Pick someone who knows your local court. Each federal district has its own local rules and trustees. A lawyer who files there often knows what the trustee will ask.

    Ask who will handle your case. High-volume firms often pass much of the work to paralegals. Find out which attorney will review your forms and attend the meeting of creditors.

    Get the fee terms in writing. Ask what the fee covers and what costs extra. Amendments, motions, and adversary proceedings are often billed separately.