The questions people are nervous to ask

Yes. It is 45 minutes (60 for business owners), in our office, by phone or by video. There is no charge and no obligation, and you will leave knowing your options.

No. Most of the people we help got here through a job loss, medical bills, a divorce or a business that did not work out. Our job is to look at the numbers with you, not at you.

Whatever you have: recent pay stubs, your last two tax returns, a stack or list of bills, mortgage or car loan statements, and any court papers. If you do not have everything, come anyway.

You can file on your own, but mistakes can cost you property or even the discharge. A lawyer checks exemptions, timing and the means test before anything is filed.

Chapter 7 is a fresh start that usually takes about four months and clears many unsecured debts. Chapter 13 is a three to five year repayment plan that can help you catch up on a house or car and keep property.

It is how the law decides whether you can use Chapter 7. It first compares your average income from the last six months to the Wisconsin median for your household size. If you are above it, a second step looks at allowed expenses.

A typical Chapter 7 takes about four months from filing to discharge. A Chapter 13 plan lasts three to five years. Your timeline depends on your case and the court's calendar.

Usually only to one short meeting with the trustee, often held by video. In a simple case you may never see a judge. We prepare you and attend with you.

It depends on how much equity you have and whether you are current on the mortgage. Exemptions protect a set amount of equity, and Chapter 13 can spread out missed payments. We check this before you file.

Often, yes. If the car is protected by an exemption and you keep up the payments, most people keep it. If you are behind, Chapter 13 can help you catch up.

Filing starts the automatic stay, which generally stops most collection calls, lawsuits, garnishments and foreclosure sales while your case is open. There are some exceptions, such as support.

Usually not, unless a garnishment has to be stopped. Bankruptcy filings are public records, but few people look. Federal law generally bars an employer from firing you only because you filed.

Chapter 7 starts at $1,250 and Chapter 13 at $4,500, plus the court filing fee. Your exact fee is in writing after the free consultation, and it does not change unless the case changes.

Yes. For Chapter 7, you can pay in up to five monthly payments before we file. For Chapter 13, as little as $500 is due before filing, and the rest is paid through your plan as the court approves.

The court can let you pay the filing fee in installments. For Chapter 7, it can waive the fee if your household income is below a set level. We help you ask.

Your score usually drops at first, and a filing can stay on your credit report for 7 to 10 years. Many people start rebuilding soon after the discharge, and we give every client a simple rebuilding checklist.

Yes, many people do. Mortgage programs have waiting periods after a bankruptcy, often around two to four years. Landlords look at your whole situation, including your income since.

There are time limits. For example, you generally must wait 8 years between Chapter 7 discharges. Other combinations have their own limits, which we explain if they apply.