Can Chapter 7 Stop Wage Garnishment in Chicago?
How Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Can Stop Wage Garnishment in Chicago If a creditor is taking a chunk of every paycheck, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may offer the fastest path to relief. Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that immediately stops most wage garnishments, giving you room to breathe while the court sorts out your debts. […]
Can Chapter 13 Save a Home From Foreclosure in Cook County?
Protecting Your Home: How Chapter 13 Can Stop Foreclosure in Cook County If you are a Cook County homeowner facing foreclosure, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may offer a powerful legal tool to stop the process and keep your home. Illinois is a judicial foreclosure state, meaning your lender must file a lawsuit and obtain a court […]
More Than 574,000 Bankruptcies Filed in 2025: Is Chapter 13 Right?
Bankruptcy Filings Are Surging: What Chicago Residents Need to Know The numbers tell a striking story. Annual bankruptcy filings totaled 574,314 in the year ending December 2025, compared with 517,308 cases the previous year, representing an 11 percent increase, with non-business filings driving most growth. This marks a roughly 27% increase from 2023 levels. For […]
Can Medical Bills Be Discharged in Cook County Chapter 7?
Yes, medical bills can generally be discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Cook County. Medical debt is classified as unsecured, non-priority debt under the Bankruptcy Code, meaning it does not fall into categories of obligations that survive a Chapter 7 discharge. Unlike certain tax debts, domestic support obligations, and other debts Congress has explicitly excluded […]
What Happens at a Chapter 7 341 Meeting in Chicago?
If you are filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Chicago, one of the most important steps is the 341 meeting of creditors. This brief hearing, typically lasting five to ten minutes, serves as a formal check-in where a bankruptcy trustee verifies your identity and confirms that your bankruptcy papers are accurate and complete. For many […]