Is $5,500 the Max Fee for Chapter 13 Lawyers in Chicago?

Yes, $5,500 Is the New Maximum "No-Look" Fee for Chapter 13 Cases in Chicago Starting June 1, 2025, the Northern District of Illinois officially set $5,500 as the maximum flat fee for Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases filed in Chicago and the surrounding areas. This represents a significant increase from previous years, reflecting both inflation and […]

How Chicago’s $15,000 Homestead Exemption Protects Chapter 13 Filers

Your Home May Be Safer Than You Think in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy If you’re facing overwhelming debt while trying to protect your Chicago home, you’re not alone. The Illinois homestead exemption provides crucial protection for Chapter 13 filers, allowing you to keep up to $15,000 in home equity safe from creditors. This protection becomes even […]

How Long Does Lake County Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Take?

Four to Six Months to Financial Freedom: Understanding Chapter 7 Timeline If you’re drowning in debt and considering bankruptcy, you’re probably wondering how long the process will take. The good news is that Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes just 4-6 months from filing to discharge, making it the fastest path to debt relief among bankruptcy […]

What Happens to Joint Debts in Bankruptcy?

Gavel, money on the table

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is generally seen as a way to gain financial relief and a fresh start. However, when debts are held jointly with another person, such as a spouse, family member, or co-signer, the situation becomes more complicated.  Individuals considering Chapter 7 may wonder what happens to these joint debts once the […]

Can You File For Bankruptcy More Than Once?

Man looking at bill

Filing for bankruptcy can offer powerful relief for individuals overwhelmed by debt, but sometimes a question arises: is it possible to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy more than once? The answer is yes, but with strict limitations under federal bankruptcy law.  The Bankruptcy Code establishes specific waiting periods and rules to prevent repeated use of […]