Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Chicago & Cook County
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the fastest and most common form of consumer bankruptcy. It allows eligible individuals to discharge most unsecured debts — including credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans — and get a genuine fresh financial start, often within just a few months. Attorney Veronica D. Joyner has guided Chicago-area families through Chapter 7 for more than 20 years.
Chapter 7 Can Help You Eliminate...
What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy in which a court-appointed trustee reviews your assets and, if any non-exempt assets exist, sells them to pay creditors. In practice, most Chapter 7 filers in Illinois have no non-exempt assets and receive a full discharge of their eligible debts without losing any property. The entire process typically takes three to six months from filing to discharge.
The Automatic Stay — Immediate Relief
The moment you file your Chapter 7 petition, the automatic stay goes into effect. This federal court order immediately stops wage garnishment, bank levies, repossession, utility shut-offs, and all creditor collection calls and letters. It gives you breathing room while your case is processed.
The Means Test
To qualify for Chapter 7, you must pass the bankruptcy means test. This test compares your average monthly income over the past six months to the median income for a household of your size in Illinois. If your income is below the median, you automatically qualify. If it is above, additional calculations determine whether you have enough disposable income to fund a Chapter 13 plan instead.
Illinois Bankruptcy Exemptions
Illinois law allows you to protect certain property from the bankruptcy trustee through exemptions. Key exemptions include up to $15,000 in home equity (homestead exemption), up to $2,400 in vehicle equity, personal property exemptions, and full protection for retirement accounts including 401(k)s and IRAs. Attorney Joyner will help you maximize your exemptions and protect as much of your property as possible.
The Chapter 7 Process Step by Step
After filing your petition, the automatic stay immediately stops all collection actions. A trustee is appointed to review your case. You will attend a brief meeting of creditors — typically lasting only a few minutes — at the federal courthouse. If no issues arise, you will receive your discharge eliminating your eligible debts within three to six months of filing.
Serving Chicago and All of Cook County
Joyner Law Office serves clients throughout Chicago and Cook County, including the Loop, North Side, South Side, West Side, and surrounding suburbs. Our office is conveniently located at 120 South State Street in the heart of the Chicago Loop, easily accessible by CTA and Metra. We offer free initial consultations and flexible scheduling. Se Habla Español.
Find out if Chapter 7 is right for you. Call or text for a FREE consultation today.
312-332-9001Se Habla Español
Call or text today to set up a FREE initial consultation.
From your cell: Text Now | Call Now
Facsimile: 312-332-9003
GET DIRECTIONS TO OUR LOOP OFFICE LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
Joyner Law Office120 South State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
