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 […]
What Happens at a Chapter 13 Creditors Meeting in Cook County?
If you are filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Cook County, understanding the meeting of creditors (341 meeting) is crucial. This mandatory hearing is not a courtroom trial but a brief proceeding where the assigned Chapter 13 trustee asks you questions under oath about your finances, debts, and proposed repayment plan. For filers in Cook […]
What Is the Automatic Stay in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Chicago?
When you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition in Chicago, a powerful legal protection called the automatic stay kicks in immediately. Under 11 U.S.C. §362(a), the moment your petition reaches the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, creditors must stop collection calls, wage garnishments, lawsuits, and foreclosure actions. For Chicago residents struggling […]