Bankruptcy Lawyer in Chicago, IL

A bankruptcy lawyer in Chicago helps individuals and businesses overwhelmed by debt find relief through the federal bankruptcy system. Whether you qualify for Chapter 7 (liquidation) or Chapter 13 (repayment plan), an experienced Chicago bankruptcy attorney will guide you through the process — stopping creditor harassment, wage garnishments, and potential foreclosure with the automatic stay.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy (liquidation)
Chapter 13 bankruptcy (repayment plan)
Means test analysis and filing
Automatic stay and creditor harassment
Wage garnishment and bank levy defense
Debt discharge and asset exemptions
Bankruptcy alternatives and debt negotiation

How Much Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost in Chicago?

Bankruptcy lawyer fees vary by chapter. Chapter 7: $1,000–$3,500 (flat fee). Chapter 13: $2,500–$6,000 (often included in repayment plan). Court filing fees: $338 (Ch. 7) or $313 (Ch. 13). Many offer free consultations and payment plans.

Typical fee structure: Flat fee: $1,000 – $6,000 (varies by chapter)

Average settlement/outcome: N/A (debt relief)

⚠️ Act Before It Gets Worse: If you're facing wage garnishment, foreclosure, repossession, or creditor lawsuits in Illinois, filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that immediately stops most collection actions. The sooner you act, the more options you have.

Chicago Area Courts — Bankruptcy Lawyer Cases

Cases in Chicago are typically heard in the following courts. Your attorney will advise on the correct venue for your case.

📍 Richard J. Daley Center (Cook County)

50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 · 📞 (312) 603-5030 · Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm

📍 US District Court — Northern Illinois

219 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604 · 📞 (312) 435-5670 · Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions — Bankruptcy Lawyer in Chicago

❓ How much does a bankruptcy lawyer cost?

Chapter 7: $1,000–$3,500. Chapter 13: $2,500–$6,000 (often rolled into repayment plan). Court filing fees are additional. Free consultations are standard.

❓ Will I lose everything in bankruptcy?

No. Exemption laws protect essential assets — your home, car, retirement accounts, and personal property up to certain limits. Most Chapter 7 filers keep all their property.

❓ What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?

Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt in 3–4 months. Chapter 13 sets up a 3–5 year repayment plan. Income level determines which you qualify for.

❓ How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

Chapter 7: 10 years. Chapter 13: 7 years. However, many people begin rebuilding credit immediately and see significant improvement within 1–2 years.

❓ Can bankruptcy stop foreclosure?

Yes — filing triggers an automatic stay that temporarily halts foreclosure. Chapter 13 can help you catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3–5 years.

❓ Do I qualify for Chapter 7?

You must pass the means test, which compares your income to your state's median. If your income is below the median, you typically qualify for Chapter 7.

Serving All Chicago Areas

We connect clients throughout Chicago with top-rated bankruptcy lawyers, including Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, Logan Square, River North, Wicker Park, South Loop, and surrounding communities.

Serving ZIP codes: 60601 · 60602 · 60603 · 60604 · 60605 · 60606 · 60607 · 60608 · 60610 · 60611 · 60614 · 60647 · 60657

Lincoln Park Hyde Park Logan Square River North Wicker Park South Loop Bucktown Pilsen

Bankruptcy Lawyers in Chicago, IL

Top Bankruptcy Lawyers Near Chicago, IL

What Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Chicago Do?