Almost anyone is eligible to file for bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code. Figuring out what type of bankruptcy a debtor qualifies for is determined by several factors. The most common type of consumer bankruptcy filing is Chapter 7. If your income is less than the median, or average, income for a comparable household in Virginia, you are eligible to file for Chapter 7. For those whose income exceeds the state’s median income, you may still be able to qualify for Chapter 7 through additional qualifying criteria called the “means test”, which involves an in-depth analysis of your income and reasonable monthly expenses. However, if you are unable to pass the “means test” and your income is greater than the average income in Virginia, you may qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Our attorneys will analyze your unique situation, and help you find the best solution that provides financial freedom for you and your family.

We understand that having financial stress and worry is a difficult time, so we do everything we can to make the process as fast and comfortable as possible. In a typical Chapter 7 case, a debtor will typically receive an order of discharge within 3-4 months from the filing date. In a Chapter 13 case, payments are usually made over a five-year period (60 months) before a debtor will receive an order discharging him from his debts, although some plans are completed in as little as three years (36 months). There are some instances where the timeframe forcompleting a bankruptcy case will be longer in complex filings.

Our attorneys have successfully helped thousands of clients throughout Virginia receive a discharge of their debt under the bankruptcy code. The overwhelming feeling from most clients is a sense of great relief. They are excited about their fresh start and the new financial future that is ahead of them. After completing the bankruptcy process clients can take control of their finances, make good financial decisions, and try to avoid any of the circumstances that caused their financial hardships.