$100 CONSULTATION — FRESH START LAW FIRM
Alabama Bankruptcy Attorney
Fresh Start Real Relief
Drowning in debt isn’t a character flaw — it’s a financial crisis that can happen to anyone. Medical bills, job loss, divorce, a business that didn’t work out. Bankruptcy is a legal tool designed to give good people a fresh start. Our team of attorneys has helped hundreds of Northwest Alabama families use it.
ALABAMA BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY
Debt Is Not a Life Sentence
Federal bankruptcy law exists precisely because society recognized that people sometimes face debt they genuinely cannot repay — and that permanent financial ruin serves no one. Bankruptcy gives you a legal mechanism to either eliminate most of your debt entirely (Chapter 7) or restructure it into a manageable repayment plan (Chapter 13).
We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama, which handles cases for clients across Northwest Alabama. Hearings are held in Tuscaloosa and Jasper — We handle the entire process so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama, which handles cases for clients across Northwest Alabama. Hearings are held in Tuscaloosa and Jasper — We handle the entire process so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
We’ll tell you your options. Call Now!
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 — Which Is Right for You?
| FACTOR | CHAPTER 7 | CHAPTER 13 |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Eliminates most unsecured debt entirely | Restructures debt into 3–5 year repayment plan |
| Who qualifies | Must pass the means test (income below Alabama median or disposable income threshold) | Must have regular income; secured debt under ~$1.4M, unsecured under ~$465K |
| Timeline | 3–6 months from filing to discharge | 3–5 years of payments, then discharge |
| Keep your home? | Maybe — depends on equity and Alabama exemptions | Yes — if you make plan payments including mortgage arrears |
| Keep your car? | Maybe — if equity is within exemption limits | Yes — restructure car loan into plan |
| Debts eliminated | Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, most old tax debt | Same, plus catches up mortgage/car arrears |
| Credit report | Stays 10 years | Stays 7 years |
| Best for | Lower income; primarily unsecured debt; no significant assets to protect | Regular income; behind on mortgage/car; assets to protect; higher income |
What Bankruptcy Can and Cannot Do
✓ Bankruptcy Can Eliminate
- Credit card debt and medical and bills
- Personal loans and payday loans
- Utility arrears
- Most old income tax debt (if 3+ years old)
- Deficiency balances after repossession
- Lease obligations and business debts
✗ Bankruptcy Cannot Eliminate
- Child support and alimony
- Recent income taxes (within 3 years)
- Student loans (with rare hardship exceptions)
- Criminal fines and restitution
- Debts from fraud or intentional misconduct
- DUI injury judgments
🛡 THE AUTOMATIC STAY — IMMEDIATE RELIEF
The moment you file for bankruptcy, an AUTOMATIC STAY goes into effect. This immediately stops all collection actions — creditor calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank levies, and foreclosure proceedings. If you’re facing a garnishment or foreclosure, call me today — filing can stop it fast.
The moment you file for bankruptcy, an AUTOMATIC STAY goes into effect. This immediately stops all collection actions — creditor calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank levies, and foreclosure proceedings. If you’re facing a garnishment or foreclosure, call me today — filing can stop it fast.
Ready to talk?
Call Us Now!
Myths About Bankruptcy
- “I’ll lose everything.” — False. Alabama’s bankruptcy exemptions protect your home equity (up to $15,500), vehicle (up to $7,750), household goods, retirement accounts and more. Most Chapter 7 filers lose nothing.
- “It ruins my credit forever.” — False. Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 7–10 years, but most clients begin rebuilding credit within 1–2 years of discharge. Continuing to drown in debt you can’t pay does more lasting damage.
- “Everyone will know.” — Practically speaking, no. While bankruptcy filings are public records, no one actively searches them except lenders. Your employer will not be notified.
- “I make too much money.” — Chapter 7 has an income threshold, but Chapter 13 is available regardless of income. Call me and I’ll run the numbers.
- “I should be able to handle this myself.” — Bankruptcy law is complex. Filing errors, missed exemptions and improperly valued assets can cost you assets you could have kept, or result in dismissal. The cost of an attorney is typically far less than the mistakes made without one.
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