Stop the garnishment, the repo man and the lawsuit
Most people call us when collection has already started. The day your Chapter 7 petition is filed, the automatic stay takes effect, and creditors generally have to stop:
- Wage garnishments. Your employer has to stop taking money from your paycheck. If money was garnished in the 90 days before you filed, we may be able to get some of it back. See stopping a wage garnishment.
- Repossessions. A lender can't repossess your car after you file without first asking the court's permission. If your car was already taken, read can bankruptcy get it back?
- Collection lawsuits, including cases pending in North Las Vegas Justice Court.
- Bank levies and collection calls.
The main exception is child support and alimony, which the automatic stay does not stop.
What you keep
Nevada protects up to $15,000 of equity in one vehicle, along with household goods, retirement accounts and, in most cases, your home. Most people who file Chapter 7 keep everything they own. See Can I keep my car?
Your lawyer has sat in the trustee's chair
Every Chapter 7 case is reviewed by a trustee. Brian D. Shapiro has served as a Chapter 7 trustee in Las Vegas for over 15 years, is currently the longest-serving trustee in Las Vegas, and has administered over 15,000 cases. When he represents you, your case is prepared by someone who knows exactly what the trustee will ask. More about Brian.
No office visits
- Your free consultation is by phone or video call.
- You send your documents through our secure client portal.
- The meeting of creditors is held by Zoom, and we prepare you and attend it with you.
What it costs
Most Chapter 7 cases are a $2,500 flat fee with $0 down in attorney fees: nothing before your petition is filed, then $250 a month starting 30 days after filing. The court's $338 filing fee is paid before filing. How $0 down in attorney fees works.
Other areas we serve
We also represent people in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City and Laughlin. We file Chapter 7 cases only, and only in Nevada.
Common questions
Will Chapter 7 stop my wage garnishment?
In most cases, yes. The automatic stay takes effect when your petition is filed, and the creditor has to stop the garnishment. Garnishments for child support or alimony are the main exception.
Can they still repossess my car after I file?
Not without the court's permission. Once you file, the lender has to ask the bankruptcy court to lift the automatic stay before it can repossess.
Will filing stop a lawsuit in North Las Vegas Justice Court?
Generally, yes. The automatic stay stops most pending collection lawsuits. Tell us about any lawsuit or judgment at your consultation.
Do I have to come to an office?
No. Consultations are by phone or video call, documents go through our secure client portal, and the meeting of creditors is held by Zoom.